July 4th Safety Tips

Posted on June 26, 2021 by patamberg

We are approaching our nation’s birthday, July 4th, and we hope everyone has a great day of celebration with friends and family. In 2020 over 5,800 people went to the emergency room as a result of fireworks-related injuries. There were an estimated 13,750 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, and $40 million in direct property damage. This is why it is a good idea to have a free home insurance review and quote, call us today!

Homeowner’s Insurance

If you over-celebrate and do have a loss or damage, please call our office. It is very likely that the claim would be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.

General 4th of July safety

Be a safe swimmer. Water sports and fireworks are two of the biggest pastimes for the Fourth of July celebrations, and these are both linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. Never swim alone, and make sure that kids’ water play is adequately supervised at all times.

Be a safe boater. Never consume alcohol while driving a boat. Set water safety rules for your family and passengers.

Use alcohol responsibly. Alcohol and fireworks can be a hazardous and dangerous combination.

Use sunscreen. At the start of summer, skin is especially tender, so use a high SPF.

Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.

Remember your pet. They are not used to all the fireworks, so keep them inside.

Grill safely. Before you use your grill, make sure all hoses are secure and leak-free. Never grill inside. Keep grill away for al structures.

Fireworks Safety

Never try to make your own fireworks.
Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
Only use legal store-bought fireworks.
Don’t point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others.
Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Always keep matches and lighter fluid far away from fireworks.
Read labels and carefully follow directions.
Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire-resistant.
Don’t attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
Teach children to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch fire.
Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also, keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.

Please call our office today if you need to make any changes in your insurance program. As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

Does Our Sharing Economy Create New Risks?

Posted on June 22, 2021 by patamberg

It seems that in today’s world, we are using sharing our homes and cars with total strangers. The questions that need to be asked are; does this create new risks, and how do I make sure there is proper insurance place.

Many people are using online platforms or other home renting sites to rent out home or find vacating spots. While this may be a great way to find a vacation rental or rent out your home, it could pose issues if you rent out your primary home, condominium, or apartment to others for a fee. It may be wise to read through this, and a related article, before you rent out your primary residence.

Your homeowner’s, renter’s or condominium insurance most likely will not provide coverage if you rent out your residence. So, if the renter damages your property or burns your home down, you will be uninsured under your homeowner’s policy.
The rental sites say they offer some level of insurance, but it is usually secondary to your policy, and most likely will not respond.
Read your lease, community standards, or rental agreement; many of these prohibit sub-leasing.
It may actually be illegal in your city to rent out your residence on a short term basis. Check the zoning laws in your community. If you live in an area with a community association, there may also be regulations to consider.
By placing pictures of your primary home online you may open yourself up to loss of privacy.
Finding the right tenant is crucial to a positive landlord experience, so be sure to screen potential renters carefully. You need to verify employment and income for potential renters, as well as check their credit history, call their former landlords, and have a face to face meeting with them to make sure you are allowing the right people to move in to your home

One final thought, you could also create increased liability if the renter somehow damages your neighbor’s property or injures a third party on your property. Please call our office today if you need to make any changes in your insurance program. As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Florida Home Safety

Posted on June 19, 2021 by patamberg

As you head out this summer for that Griswold family vacation, take a few moments to protect your home so it will be there upon your return. While homeowner’s insurance covers many types of losses, the following facts and safety tips might just help prevent a loss from happening.

Home Burglary facts (Source FBI, Harris Interactive Polls)

23% of burglars get in through the back door.
Homes with security systems have a 30% less chance of being targets.
A majority of convicted burglars say they avoid homes with alarm systems.
20% of homeowners say they leave their doors unlocked.
Burglars will use social media to select targets.
The average cost to replace stolen items is $4,200.
Almost 50% of homeowners do not have a home inventory.
A home is broken into once every 15 seconds.

Home Insurance Vacation Safety Tips

Stop the paper and garbage.
Keep valuables in a locked safe.
Lock up all guns.
Turn off water to the house to prevent damage while you are away.
Tell neighbors about your trip. Have them watch for deliveries.
Don’t take all your credits cards on vacation, only take the ones you may need.
Use automatic lights to give the appearance of someone being at home.
Pay all your bills so that key utilities don’t get turned off.
Inform your credit card companies where you plan on traveling. This information will alert them to any fraud.
Mow the lawn before you go to make it look like you are at home.
Give you itinerary to a family member.
Don’t post vacation pictures on social media sites until your return home.
Have us complete a free home insurance review before you go.

Amberg Insurance Center, Inc. was established in 1974 to serve the growing insurance needs of the many businesses and individuals located in the Charlotte and surrounding counties. We take pride in the quality service provided to our customers, our community concern, and our commitment to the overall development of our employees.

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Fire Up the Grill Safely

Posted on June 12, 2021 by patamberg

A Personal Insurance and Safety Update

In 2020, 19,400 people went to emergency rooms because of barbeque related accidents. Sixteen percent of home structure fires involving a grill were caused during ignition because something flammable was too close to the grill. Twenty percent of all reported grill fires were a result of leaks or breaks. Gas grills account for more home fires overall than do charcoal grills. Emergency rooms see the use of gasoline on a charcoal grill as the most common error associated with burn cases.

You might think you know all you need to know about barbeque safety and grilling, but here are some reminders. We want your grilling experience to be fun and safe for the entire family.

General Grilling Safety

Never barbeque inside, in a garage, on the roof, or on a second story deck.
Never leave your grill unattended.
If you are using a charcoal grill, let the lighter fluid soak into the coals a few minutes before lighting them so that any vapors have time to evaporate. When you do light the coals, stand back.
Do not use lighter fluid on hot coals.
Open the grill lid before you light it
Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
Keep an extinguisher outside or close by.
Make sure you use the grill 10 feet away from your house.
Use the grill close to a water source.
Do not let raw meat sit out too long without being chilled or cooked.
Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
Do not over-indulge in alcohol while barbecuing.

Are You Responsible For Injuries To A Contractor?

Posted on June 6, 2021 by patamberg

Your landscaper falls from your tree while he is pruning it, and the injuries send him to the hospital. His medical bills are about $5,000 and he does not have any insurance. Will your homeowner’s insurance cover you if the worker decides to file a lawsuit?

Most homeowners do not fully understand that they could be liable for damages from a maid, landscaper, or contractor if they are injured on the homeowner’s property. Homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover you for losses to third parties when you are responsible for the injury. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover business operations.

How to make sure you are protected

Make sure all contractors have liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Understand the difference between an employee and contractor.
When it comes to coverage for home workers, every homeowner’s insurance policy is different. Your policy may include a provision that provides limited coverage for minor workers performing lawn mowing or other tasks that require the use of power tools on your property.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy may specifically exclude domestic workers such as nannies or maids.
If you discover that your homeowner’s policy offers limited or no liability coverage for workers, you may consider purchasing additional liability insurance.

Interesting Insurance Facts

Posted on May 19, 2021 by patamberg

Many people think insurance can be a little boring. Well we want to help change that. Here are some interesting insurance facts you may not have thought of.

Starbucks pays more for employee health insurance than it pays for coffee.
Although the concept of insurance can be traced back to ancient civilizations, the first known insurance contract was signed in 1347 in Genoa, Italy.
Did you know a few homeowner policies provide coverage for Kidnap and Ransom?
The most expensive insurance policy in the world belongs to the American director Steven Spielberg, his life was insured for $ 1.2 billion.
Your driving record can predict how long you will live. Research shows people with no tickets or accidents live longer on average regardless of the type of death.
Your home insurance probably covers volcano and meteor damage
If a tree from your property falls and damages your neighbor’s fence, whose insurance do you think pays for the damage? Do you think it would be your insurance or your neighbor’s insurance? It’s your neighbor’s insurance. Why? The reason is that this is considered an Act of God. Unless you were aware the tree was in danger of falling, it’s your neighbor’s insurance that is on the hook.

We are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates. Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available with the lowest rate possible.

Our agency truly values long term relationships with our clients, and are proud to give families, individuals and businesses the personal attention required when it matters most. When claims arise, we realize that it can be very stressful and will do everything possible to assure timely and complete recovery.

Get The Facts About Florida Motorcycle Insurance & Safety

Posted on May 9, 2021 by patamberg

People who ride motorcycles are far more likely to get into accidents and far more likely to get hurt than those who drive cars. According to The US Highway Safety Authority, in 2009, 20.2 cars out of 100,000 ended up in fatal crashes; the rate for motorcycles is 66.7 per 100,000.

Motorcycle Insurance

With motorcycle insurance coverage from Amberg Insurance, you can choose how much and what kind of coverage need, at a reasonable price, too. Options include Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Medical Payments, Roadside Assistance, and more. Protect your bike with the following types of motorcycle insurance coverage:

Florida Motorcycle Safety

Don’t sell your motorcycle, just keep safety in mind. Here are a few ideas to make your riding safe and enjoyable. Before you hit the road complete a safety check:

Check lights and brakes
Check fuel levels
Make sure mirrors are adjusted to your level

While on the road be a defensive driver:

Follow speed limits
Don’t drive impaired
Don’t weave through traffic
Brake smart

Did you know that 47% of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections? Or, that on average, three motorcyclists are killed every day in the U.S. as a result of multi-vehicle crashes at intersections? So, be very alert when approaching and driving through intersections.

Amberg Insurance Inc. was established in 1974 to serve the growing insurance needs of the many businesses and individuals located in the Charlotte and surrounding counties. We take pride in the quality service provided to our customers, our community concern, and our commitment to the overall development of our employees.

Five Things People Should Know About Insurance

Posted on April 20, 2021 by patamberg

Insurance mind map flowchart with marker, business concept for presentations and reports

For many people, insurance can be difficult to understand. Most people know that insurance is needed, but often they do not fully understand what they are buying or if they are properly covered. That is why it is important to have an insurance agent on your side. A good agent will help you determine what your insurance needs are, educate you about your options, and help you understand the specifics of the insurance you are buying.

Here are five things that you need to know as you consider your insurance options.

You cannot add coverage for a claim that has already occurred. For example, if there is flooding in your area, you cannot buy flood insurance during an event.

Coverage gaps can be costly. Having a gap or lapse in coverage can be costly. Always pay your premiums on time, or ask for a grace period from your insurer. You will end up paying more if you have lapses in your policy.

Insurance is not intended to cover everything. Insurance is designed to provide financial recovery after an accident or unforeseen loss. Every policy has exclusions which are important to understand. Remember, insurance is not intended to cover regular maintenance.

An agent can be a valuable resource. A licensed agent can help you find the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service that fits your individual needs. A good agent will be willing to answer any questions you may have and be there for you when a claim occurs.

Do not skimp on liability insurance. The cost of litigation these days underscores the need for everyone to have an adequate amount of liability insurance. The greater your assets are, the greater your need is to have your assets covered. To protect yourself and your family financially, buy enough liability insurance on your auto and home insurance policies to cover above your net worth. We can help you determine how much coverage your individual needs require.

Don’t Be Fooled…Auto Insurance Myths

Posted on April 11, 2021 by patamberg

It seems like you can’t get through a TV show or read a magazine without seeing an auto insurance ad. Big insurance companies spend billions to get your business. But are they really giving you the best coverage designed specifically for you?

Here are a few auto insurance myths we have seen, that you need to know about:

Myth – Buying on line is better. Would you go to a web page to diagnose your illness and then select from a drop down list for your treatment? That is what on-line insurance buying is like. Call an independent agent so we can help design the right combination on coverage and price. We have access to multiple markets, not just one. Cheap insurance seems great until you have a loss.

Myth – Bright colored cars cost more to insure. Wrong. Premiums are based on the type of vehicle you have, it’s value, where you live and other factors.

Myth – One ticket or accident will cause my company to cancel my insurance. Most insurance companies do not penalize you this way. They are more concerned with patterns of driving.

Myth – Older drivers pay more. This is not true. Many of our companies give discounts to older drivers.

Myth – The TV commercial said it was covered. All claims are subject to your individual policy terms and conditions. That is why an independent agent is important. We can provide information about what is covered and what is not.

Myth – Mexico? No problem. If you travel to Mexico we recommend special Mexico coverage.

Myth – If I get hit by someone else, the other party will pay. That is true if they have insurance. Even though many states have mandatory auto insurance requirements, almost one fifth of all drivers don’t have insurance. And if you don’t have the right coverage you will not be covered.

Homeowner’s Insurance May Not Cover Theses

Posted on March 19, 2021 by patamberg

Homeowner’s insurance

Your home will be one of the most significant investments you will ever make, both economically and emotionally. Your family will spend countless hours there, among some of your most prized possessions. In the event of any misfortune, let us give you the peace of mind knowing that you are well protected.

Here are a few things not covered under a standard home insurance policy.

Business Activities

If you run an in-home business, your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the liability arising out of running your business. Homeowner’s insurance will also not cover damaged property owned by the business. We recommend you purchase a business owners policy.

Your Sewer Backed Up

Torrential downpours could cause sewer backups into your drains and basements, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Most sewer backups, however, are not covered under a standard policy, nor are they covered by flood insurance. The good news: You may be able to purchase a separate rider for protection.

Certain Dog Breeds

Certain dog breeds are also sometimes not covered under your homeowner’s liability insurance. While the list varies by insurance carrier, breeds that are large or thought to be aggressive—like pit bulls, Rottweilers and German shepherds may not be covered under your policy.

Flood

All homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage resulting from flood. You will need to obtain coverage through the Federal Flood program.

Wear & Tear

Insurance is designed to cover unexpected accidents. If your carpet is worn out, that does not constitute a covered claim.

ATV, Boats And Other Motorized Equipment

Recreational equipment such as an ATV used in your own backyard is not covered. If you take that same ATV off of your property and sustain a loss it is also not covered under your homeowner’s insurance. These items require separate insurance and we can provide you with options.

Items You Borrow

If you borrow your neighbor’s boat for the day and damage it, your insurance may not the pay for the damage or liability. The same would hold true if you lent your boat to your neighbor. Your boat insurance would be the policy that responds, if you had one.

Amberg Insurance Blog

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