Are you covered for sewer back up?

It is that time of year again, temperatures are a cause for concern especially if we don't get enough snow to insulate our septic lines. Every year 100's of homeowners are faced with the devastation of sewer backup. These claims are usually very costly and unsightly. Insurance companies in Alaska have options on their policy's for sewer backup. Some companies charge to add this coverage, some don't cover it at all, and others include this coverage, do you know what you have?

Ways to prevent sewer backup:

Don't poor grease down your drains

Don't poor paint down your drains

Make certain your home has a back flow prevention device

Pump your septic regularly (ask a local septic company)

If your drains are slower than usual, have your septic lines inspected right away

Insulate/heat tape your septic lines

Don't plant trees or plants on or near your septic lines

Don't flush diapers, sanitary napkins, newspaper, or rags

Remove hair build up in drains

Water conservation

Avoid pouring bacteria killing toxins in your drains (bleach, antibacterial soap)

Check to be sure your septic size is adequate (adding onto your home will require a new septic)

Regular use of a garbage disposal is harmful

Avoid driving over septic lines

Change in health?

Has there been a change in your health since taking out a Heath insurance policy or Life insurance? Things like being tobacco free, weight loss, improved medical condition (blood pressure, blood sugar) can lower your insurance premiums significantly. It is common to have to wait a full 12 months from inception of the policy to make changes. Contact your insurance agent for more information.

Do I purchase the extra insurance on a rental car?

Depends on the carrier, if you are with our agency, your policy will pay for the damage to the car (or other damages that you're liable for) with a active auto policy in Alaska with at least liability coverage, {not to exceed the limits on your policy}.

Great news right!? yes and no If there is a claim filled on rental car it is nice to know there is no deductible (liability does not have a deductible) however depending on your longevity with the company, a loss of a discount, loss of deductible reward, loss of safe driving bonus, or even worse a claim surcharge may be as a result.

We do not not pay for loss of use either declared by the rental car company. Loss of use is when the rental car is unable to be rented for the time of repairs... this would be a cost I have seen be anywhere from 100 dollars and up, I have seen customers that have negotiated with the rental companies so this really isn't a huge deal.

Depreciated value is also a new charge Rental car companies are surcharging agaist their customers that we also do not cover.

What is recommend>??? If the car is being rented for a day or two, purchase the Insurance.. it is worth it! If you're renting for an extended period of time, or weeks it may be worth considering waiving the insurance (weigh the pros and cons). Usually the cost of the insurance is as much as the rental. The location may have a determining factor as well, if you renting a car in a heavy trafic area, it may be advisable to purchase the insurance through the company.

ALWAYS inspect the car<> go around the car a minimum of two times and look at ever panel, bumper, door and especially the windshield. Rental car companies are very infamous for sending bills out for dents, or a rock chip (they charge to replace the whole windshield) we have processed many claims that our clients are certain the damage was there prior to renting, however that is very difficult to prove or fight when you are 4,000 or so miles away! So ALWAYS inspect and get a copy of the inspection in hand prior to leaving the rental lot. Customers have taken photos of the rental before leaving, and have gone back to request a car without damage (perhaps ask for this while at the counter).

Renting in Mexico??? all of the above is void.. we only cover rentals in US, Canada.

Calendars are in (available to anyone)

It is that time of year again! Wow time flies! We have the mini calendars and the large ones, please stop in, call or email a017359@allstate.com us if you wish to have your mailed. Thank you for another wonderful year!

Free iPhone apps that are a must!

C.A.R. - {a must have for all iPhone users!} Car Accident ReportC.A.R. is the most advanced accident report application built upon the latest iPhone OS 3.0 technologies. Being involved in a car accident is a very stressful situation. C.A.R. assists you to collect all necessary information through an innovative user interface. You can easily collect people and vehicle information, capture location details, and accumulate witness information through built-in multi-media utilities. All collected information and media assets can be emailed via the iPhone email client.
· Most comprehensive accident report – this application composes all audio, photo, drawing and text in one single email report.
· Customizable email contents for sending accident reports to all drivers, witnesses, injures and insurance company.
· Built-in advanced utilities – camera, voice recorder, text notepad and drawing pad.
· Automatic GPS look up – automatically retrieve current location, such street names, city, state and country.
· Google Map enabled – tag accident location using the embedded Google Map Kit.
· User profile setting – save time by pre-filling information.
· Privacy protection – all information stored within your iPhone.

Digital Locker Protect your personal property.
Protect the things you buy, every day, with help from Digital Locker application. We understand your life is more than the sum of your personal property, and that you value the rewards of your hard work.
Digital Locker TM is a flexible and easy to use application that let's you create an inventory of your items that can be stored right in your pocket. Organize your personal property by room, category or in item lists. Take new pictures, or choose from your existing iPhone library. We make it easy to create and manage an inventory of your personal property, so you'll have the information you need right at your fingertips, should you ever need to make a claim.
This inventory application gives you the tools you need to create a comprehensive catalog of your personal property and much more. You can store your agent contacts, have access to relevant catastrophe information and most importantly, a detailed visual catalog of everything you own.

Motor Club Mobile {if interested in the service plan call the office right away there is a 25% discount right now! ask for the unlimited plan} This must-have application assists users to quickly and easily request roadside assistance sent to their location. The application is designed to support Motor Club members access the benefits of their membership plan. But, you don’t have to be a member to use it.
Nationwide 24/7 roadside service provider network and your phone’s GPS capabilities to direct assistance to your location. Providers are qualified and service satisfaction is assured. Services are prepaid prior to dispatch to there is no need to negotiate on the side of the road.
Benefits to members:- Roadside services are covered up to your plan’s benefit limit- Displays your membership card- Enables quick access to member benefits.

PREPARE BY TOPICS:You can study the laws by topic. All questions are sorted by topic. It also tells you the areas that each topic covers.
✓ Accidents✓ Alertness✓ Attitude✓ Documents✓ Hazard Awareness✓ Motorway Rules✓ Other Types of Vehicle✓ Road and Traffic Signs
DETAILED TEST RESULTS:A summary of the practice test is presented at the end of each test. It shows you the time you took, the score, which questions you answered correctly and where you were wrong, explanation for all questions.

New Discount!

Tired of the pesky mail, own property anywere, have more than two cars?? There is now a 12% discount available. Show proof of your property ownership, enroll in eBill (on your online account ) and have more than two cars listed on your new or existing policy, discount will apply right away for new policy's and existing will update at renewal! For more information please call and hit extention 8 or email a017359@allstate.com

Unlimited Roadside Assistance and Towing

It is that time of year again, we are offering unlimited towing for 25% off!

(unlimited towing, lockout, flat tire repair, jump starts, 1,000 dollars for trip interruption)

They are back!

We got a new shipment in of the recyclable grocery bags (very sturdy and carry a ton of stuff) free to anyone, limit 4 per household. Stop by the office Mon-Fri 9-6

Emergency kit for Winter

It is that time of year when we need to prepare for the unexpected vehicle breakdowns. Please assemble a Emergency kit for every car you own. (teen drivers need to be especially prepared, have them help so they know what's in the kit and know how to use the items).

Some suggestions for emergency winter car kit
Flashlight
Flares or reflective triangle
distress sign
telephone change (quarters)
Fully charged cell phone

Winter clothing (caps, socks, mittens, and boots)
Jumper Cables
Carpet strips, sand or kitty litter for traction, bag of sand
Ice scraper and brush
Blanket
Chocolate candy (best part)

Water

MRE

Toilet paper

Granola bars, other non-perishables

First Aid Kit

Emergency tire sealant

Basic tool kit (pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench)

Pocket knife or scissors

Shovel

Sleeping bag, never know!

Rags

Rope

Lighter and matches

Candle

Duct tape
Tire chains
Hand Warmers

Credit Card Scam

There is a new scam involving credit cards please read the following: (never give your personal info to any emails or callers, always hang up and call your bank or credit card company to see if all is ok on your account)

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want..

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it... This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'.. The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in ?'

When you say 'No', the caller continues with,'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800 -VISA) and ask for Security.'

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?' for more go to http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp

Call us for more information on Identity theft protection.

Report an Accident to DMV online form

This time of year is when we like to remind everyone the laws surrounding auto accidents in the state of Alaska.

The Crash form is required when there is a crash resulting in either an injury or total property damage of $2,000.00 or more. This report is not required if the crash was investigated by a peace officer. http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/accreptapp/index.shtml

For all crashes over $501.00, a Certificate of Insurance must be completed and mailed to DMV within 15 days to avoid cancellation of your drivers license due to the mandatory insurance law.http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/forms/pdfs/466.pdf

for more information: http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/forms/forms.htm

Did you know that your jewelry may not be properly insured?

Many homeowners assume that their jewelry is adequately covered under their homeowner's policy but you may be surprised to learn the facts...While homeowner's policies do cover jewelry, this insurance usually is subject to a much lower limit than the overall contents coverage. This reduced limit is called a "sublimit".

A typical sublimit is $1,000 for loss by theft of jewelry, watches and precious and semiprecious stones. If your jewelry is worth more than the sublimit in your homeowner's policy, you should consider purchasing specific insurance to cover it. The following is a good process to follow:

* Schedule an appointment with us to review your jewelry coverage. Bring as much information about your jewelry portfolio as possible, including any appraisals.

* If your high-valued jewelry has not been appraised within the last 3 years, consider obtaining an appraisal from a reputable jeweler. Insurance companies often require more expensive jewelry to be appraised by a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The Institute's G.G., G.J. or A.J.P. designations at the end of an individuals name indicate that the jeweler has achieved a high level of professionalism with an education backed by a respected nonprofit organization.

* Make sure the appraisal has a description of the diamond's four C's:1. Carat - The "carat" refers to the weight of the diamond. 2. Cut - The quality of the "cut" of the diamond results from the way light enters the stone and is reflected back. "Cut" is also used to refer to the diamond's shape, such as round or pear-shaped. 3. Clarity - The "clarity" refers to the prevalence of minor spots, lines, bubbles, or other natural imperfections within the diamond. 4. Color - The "color" denotes the tint a diamond may possess.

* Remember that the better the appraisal, the fewer problems you will encounter with the insurer if you ever have to make a claim.

* Purchase inland marine coverage that can be added via an endorsement onto your homeowner's policy. This endorsement provides much broader coverage than the limited protection found on the un-endorsed homeowners' policy.

* Consider keeping any valuable jewelry you rarely wear in a safety deposit box at your bank.

* Review your jewelry protection with us at least every 2 years or whenever you sell or purchase high-value jewelry.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.