Jeff Leibowitz "The Insurance Guy"

Catastrophic Consequences

2009-05-29T17:05:00.005-04:00

Not surprisingly, most people are neck-deep in running their own businesses and don't really understand how their insurance works...and that can have catastrophic consequences.

You should have a basic understanding of what you'll be paid if something happens to your business property. If you don't get the money you need to replace it, how will you stay in business?

One way insurance companies pay for damaged or destroyed property is the Actual Cash Value (ACV) method. ACV is calculated as fair market value or cost less depreciation. Now think about that in this example... What's the value of...let's say... a 5 year old stove? Whatever it's worth, it's definitely a lot less than the cost of a new new one, right? A new stove might be $800.00 but the used one may be worth only $400.00.

With an ACV settlement, if the stove is destroyed you'll get $400 from the insurance company. BUT, it will cost you $800 to buy a new one.

Now... that's not necessarily a problem. It's simply a choice. You have other options.

One of them is Replacement Cost... and under this method you essentially get "new for old". When that $400 stove is lost, the insurance company buys you a new one - they replace the lost property - as opposed to compensating you at actual cash value.

Of course, choosing Replacement Cost means higher premiums. After all, the insurance company has more of a risk when insuring replacement cost. And more risk means more premium.

Neith option is right or wrong, it depends on your individual circumstances and your capacity to keep some risk yourself inexchange for lower premiums. There are other options. I just wanted you to understand the basics. And don't forget, the value of your property changes from year to year.

Give me a call if you want to discuss this topic further, or to make sure your property is protected like you want it to be.

Warm Regards,

Jeff Leibowitz
http://www.atlanticagency.com/
(631) 244-7784

Confusing and DANGEROUS Insurance Terms

2009-03-18T11:05:00.008-04:00

We are talking about the various "double speak" that insurance companies use in their policies.

There is a ridiculous amount of junk and pure "BS" in some of the polices we come across. So, we decided to pick one term we have to deal with on a daily basis (as you do, if you own any commercial property at all): the term "Co-Insurance."

Unfortunately, in the office, we often use "insider" terminology out of habit. It becomes confusing AND DANGEROUS for clients if it's not understood properly.

One of the most dangerous concepts in insurance is "co-insurance." I say dangerous because if you do not understand it, you can get burned by your own uninformed decisions.

Long ago, when insurance came to be, an interesting "battle" took place...

Insurance companies determined by taking a little bit of money (premium) from lots of people, they could afford to pay for huge losses of only a few of those people. Based on expected losses they decided how much premium to charge. And an assumption they made was that everybody would insure their property fully.

Bad Assumption! Policyholders quickly realized that most losses are small-rarely a total loss. So, instead of insuring their $500,000 building for $500,000, they insured for less - risking that they wouldn't suffer a total loss. This wrecked the insurance companies' ability to pay losses and be profitable, too.

So, the insurance companies invented "co-insurance" - which basically means: If you don't insure the full value of your property, you're going to share the partial losses.

For example (simplified for illustration purposes), if you have a building worth $1,000,000 and insure it for $800,000, you've insured 80% value. If there's a total loss, you only get $800,000 because that's the coverage limit you chose. That's NOT co-insurance. That's coverage limits.

Co-Insurance comes into play on PARTIAL losses. In this example, if you have a partial loss, say of $100,000, the insurance company will only pay $80,000...because you only insured 80% of the full value and 80% of $100,000 is $80,000. You pay the other $20,000. That's co-insurance...AND, it's in addition to your deductible.

That's a pretty compelling reason to insure to full value!

Now most policies require you to insure at least 90% of value to avoid "co-insurance penalty" at the time of loss. (But, remember your policy will never pay more than the limits of coverage. So, if you insure 90% of value and have a total loss, you're only going to get 90% of the loss from the insurance company - your policy limits).

Wait! There's one last landmine here...

To determine if a co-insurance penalty will apply, the value of your property will be determined at the time of loss - NOT what it is worth when you bought it, NOT what it was worth when you bought your policy, and NOT what you say it's worth.

The insurance company will determine the value of your property at the time the loss occurred. Why is this important?

Let's say you paid $100,000 for your building 5 years ago, and insured it for $100,000 - fully insured, no chance for a co-insurance penalty. Let's say the building is worth $120,000 today, but you didn't increase your insurance.

Now there's a partial loss, the insurance company values your building at $120,000 and says, "A co-insurance penalty applies, because your insured value of $100,000 is less than 90% of the buildings retail value of $120,000." What a nasty surprise!

There are a number of tools to prevent this. "Inflation Guard" Protection and annual reviews are two good ones. The most important thing is for you to have a basic understanding of your exposure.

Ultimately, your insurance decisions at yours. Be an educated consumer and make sure you get what you want. Give me a call if you want to discuss any of your coverage limits.

Take Care,

Jeff Leibowitz
http://www.atlanticagency.com/
(866) 272-8310

Hearty Congratulations to Our 2008 Referral WINNER!

2009-03-18T10:19:00.015-04:00

Yes, a HUGE, hearty congratulations for the Atlantic Agency/DCAP Insurance 2008 Referral Winner...Pearl LaSoya!

Pearl's name was chosen out of 956 entries for the 2008 Grand Prize. Pearl chose to take the $1500.00 AMEX Shopping Spree!

CONGRATULATIONS PEARL!!

Our 2009 Rewards Program has been relaeased...it's bigger and better than ever...and, for those lucky enough to get my newsletter they have already seen what an awesome program it is!!

If you have not seen our New "AWESOME" 2009 Referral Program call me at (866) 272-8310 or email me at insure@atlanticagency.com and I will get one right out to you!

Have a great day..and again, help me congratulate Pearl LaSoya!!

Take Care,

Jeff Leibowitz
www.atlanticagency.com
(866) 272-8310

Been Away A While!

2009-03-18T10:11:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, with the end of the year things that needed to be done (I'm sure we all have them!) and then we started doing Taxes this year there just was not enough time in the day!!

But, I'M BACK and ready to make up for lost time. So sit back and ENJOY!!

Jeff

Do You Know WHY You Need Life Insurance?

2008-10-20T13:47:00.006-04:00

I was talking to a client last week when I learned he and his wife were having their first child.

My client is quite successful, and he immediately wanted to discuss Life Insurance. He's smart for looking out for his wife and new family should the worst happen. Unfortunately, there are many circumstances that call for people to evaluate their options, but they fail to.

Here are some real life examples of why you may need a life insurance policy:

Replace income for your loved ones. If there are people in your life who depend on your income, life insurance can be a safety net for them.
Pay funeral expenses, probate and other estate costs which can add up very quickly.
Cover medical expenses and other debt not covered by your health insurance.
Create an inheritance for your loved ones or dependents. You may not have other assets to pass on, but with a life insurance policy in place there will be something left behind.

With a life insurance policy in place your loved ones ill have one less worry.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about the options available to you, whether you have an existing life insurance plan or not (sometimes lower rates are available) don't hesitate to contact my office at (866) 272-8310 or email me at insure@atlanticagency.com. I would be happy to answer your questions.

Take Care,

Jeff Leibowitz
www.atlanticagency.com
(866) 272-8310

Back to School

2008-09-18T11:19:00.002-04:00

My daughter has settled into her new role as a freshmen at James Madison University. Since she is what they refer to as a "dormer", she is covered under my homeowner's insurance policy automatically.

However, the phone call came the other day that Chelsea (my daughter) and a few of her new friends would like to get an apartment off campus together next year. Oh Boy...That started my mind wandering for a couple of different reasons. Mostly no way can my daughter want to live in an apartment with friends(it's too soon) and the other, she will not be covered under my homeowner insurance policy anymore if she leaves the dorms.

So for all you out there that have children in college, going to college soon or know someone with a niece, nephew or neighbor the question of moving off campus and into a shared apartment is not far off (Chelsea has only been in school for 1 month).

So remember the tip above and pass it along to others because with i-phones, laptops, digital camera's and other electronics-the price to replace their stuff really adds up!

Have a great day!

Jeff Leibowitz, President
(631) 244-7784
www.atlanticagency.com

New York is at Risk During Hurricane Season

2008-08-28T12:39:00.003-04:00

New York is no stranger to flood disasters and peak hurricane season (August-October) brings a heightened risk of flooding to the State. New York's flood history underscores the severity of the State's flood risks. This year marks the 70th year anniversary of "The Long Island Express" one of the most devastating hurricane's in U.S. history.

The hurricane swept up the Northeast coast, dropping 17 inches of rain in a matter of days and creating waves up to 50 feet high. The storm caused $300 million in total damages-equal to billions of dollars. Don't forget about hurricane Ivan in 2004, even though it weakened before reaching the New York area it still caused more than $3 million in flood claims in the state.

Today a category 3 storm similar to "The Long Island Express" would ravage New York's real estate and business infrastructures. Based on the increased flood risk New York faces in the upcoming months, it is critical that you review your homeowners insurance policy and purchase a flood policy if you don't all ready have one. Remember, everyone can purchase flood insurance whether they're in a floodplain or not, including renter's, business owners and homeowners.

If you are unsure about hurricane and flood protection contact me at (866) 272-8310 or email me at insure@atlanticagency.com and I will make sure that you get the best possible protection at a reasonable price.

Take Care,

Jeff Leibowitz
Atlantic Agency/DCAP Insurance
(866) 272-8310
www.atlanticagency.com

Umbrella Insurance

2008-08-07T17:00:00.007-04:00

What's today's eighth most emailed business article from the New York Times?

"An umbrella policy will cover you OVER and ABOVE regular insurance policies. It's like getting a team of attorneys working for you for only pennies on the dollar."

I've taken some "highlights" out of the article:

Here's the nightmare: Your car skids. You crash into a Mercedes with a highly paid business executive at the wheel. He's hurt so badly that he can not return to work. A jury awards him millions of dollars and you have to pay it.

You're wiped out financially. The court takes your savings, goes after your home and for decades requires you to give up part of your salary!

And check out the story that was at the end of the article:

One of Mr. Cox's clients crashed into the rear of a car on a slick highway. A woman and a child were critically injured. After two years of litigation, his client settled the lawsuit for more than $5 million. The client had $15 million in umbrella coverage. The policy paid for the settlement and all legal costs. "Without the Umbrella Coverage, Mr. Cox said they would have been completely wiped out"

Call us today at (866) 272-8310 or email me at insure@atlanticagency.com for a price quote on an Umbrella Policy that will protect you.

Take Care,

Jeff Leibowitz
www.atlanticagency.com
(866) 272-8310

Dog Bites and Losing Your Home

2008-07-23T11:52:00.007-04:00

I remember biking as a kid. My younger sister right behind me on her bike.

The neighbor two houses down had 2 dogs (don't remember the type, but I remember they were big) out while doing yard work. My sister was afraid of dogs so she crossed the street. Being the big brother I had to prove it was okay so I kept riding by.

One of the dogs came walking up to me. I ignored it and kept riding my bike. The dog came up behind me and latched onto my leg, hard!

Every home insurance company wants to know if you have pets and what type. Why? If your dog decides to take a bite out of someone the insurance company is the one who will be defending you in the liability lawsuit.

According to DogBiteLaw.com here are some statistics in the U.S.:

1.) Dogs bite more than 4.7 million people annually
2.) There are over 30 dog attacks per year that result in death
3.) Almost 800,000 bites per year require medical attention
4.) 2,851 letter carriers are bitten each year

While the family pet is generally docile and loving, they do have natural instincts to protect the family and their home. There are some breeds (PitBulls and Rottweilers are two common types) that are considered dangerous and vicious to some insurance companies. If you own these dangerous breeds they won't insure you. If they do, there's an exclusion that completely excludes coverage for animal liability.

If you have a dog, you want to make sure you have a Homeowner Insurance Policy that covers you correctly. You'll also want to seriously consider and Personal Umbrella Policy for extra coverage, because these lawsuits can go into the millions!

Call us today at (866) 272-8310 and we will make sure that you have the right policy that covers you, your family and your pets!

Take Care,

Jeff Leibowitz
http://www.atlanticagency.com/
(866) 272-8310

Home Improvements, Summer and Your Personal Property

2008-06-24T14:53:00.003-04:00

"I plan to do some home improvements this summer to my house. What should I do or how will it affect my insurance?" Steve Corvaia, Centereach, NY

Steve, that's a great question! Here are some general rules as they apply to your insurance but it is always best to check with us - your Insurance Broker - to see if this will affect your homeowner policy.

Do Call and Check When:

You hire a contractor to do the work, make sure you get a certificate of insurance
You add a pool, increasing your liability hazards
You upgrade from a standard kitchen to a custom one
You finish off your basement
You add an office in your home
You put an addition on your home
You add a bathroom to your home

Do Not Call If:

You add replacement windows
You add a fence
You replace the kitchen cupboards
You side the house or replace the gutters

Again, these are general rules of thumb but if you are unsure, always call us to make sure.

Better to know this BEFORE a claim occurs, than after!

37% of all unpaid claims are the results of unreported changes to the insurance company/agent. Communication will always result in the correct course of action to insure proper protection.

Jeff Leibowitz, President
Atlantic Agency/DCAP Insurance
www.atlanticagency.com
Email: insure@atlanticagency.com

Please pass this along to Friends, Co-Workers, Customers..Anyone who could benefit!

Swimming Pool Hazards

2008-06-12T11:56:00.005-04:00

Happy Summer!

Yes, Summer is upon us. For me and my family that means a lot of swimming (not only in our backyard, but swimming in the ocean or the beach.) Each presents it's own Safety Issues.

I think most of us walk around feeling indestructable most of the time. (Bad things only happen to the other guy, right?) Generally I think life is pretty safe as long as you take precautions.

But just in case - here are some tips for swimming safety to help you avoid being the "other guy". These tips apply to adults, teens and children.

Never SWIM ALONE
Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult
Obey posted safety rules. (If you own a pool you should have safety rules posted)
Stay out of the water during thunderstorms. If lightning starts, get out of the water immediatley and seek shelter away from metal objects, large trees and open areas.
Check water depth before diving - jump in feet first if you're not sure how deep the water is.
NEVER DIVE INTO AN ABOVE GROUND POOL!!
Keep wheel toys or balls away from inground pools, so small ones don't accidentially go in
Use inflatable toys and floats with caution, they are not safety devices
A fence, wall or barrier should completely enclose the pool area. Access should be by locked gate or door.

Keep these tips in mind whenever you're swimming or around others who are. A little precaution could save lives.

Finally, call your insurance agent or broker - Yes call us at (866) 272-8310! You can increase your home liability coverage or you can add an extra layer with an umbrellas policy!

Enjoy the water and be safe!

Jeff Leibowitz

http://www.atlanticagency.com/

(866) 272-8310