An annual review could save you thousands of dollars…

It was August and the “insurance agent” in me was anxious.  Hurricane Irene was headed directly toward Hampton Roads.  I walked around my yard slowly.  Taking in the huge Pines that I loved so dearly.   What was in store for them?  Being a bit of a “tree hugger” I silently thanked them and sent up a little prayer that they would survive the high winds. I gathered up items and stood looking at my home.  I reviewed our insurance in my mind.  My deductible for hurricane was over $3000.  We were not a high risk for flooding, but the nagging thought was still there.  And, what about my policyholders?  How would they weather this storm?  Would they be safe?  Would they be able to reach me if they needed me?

When Chris asked me to write this Blog I had no problem coming up with a topic.  Irene was a hurricane.  The week before we’d had an earthquake.  A few times a year we can expect a Nor’ Easter, and for crying out loud tonight we’re looking at 26 pieces of Satellite falling from the sky.  THE INSURANCE REVIEW is the most important part of what I do as an insurance agent.  I let people know what their policy will cover and just as important, what it won’t cover.  I knew my deductible, but there were thousands of our Hampton Roads neighbors who didn’t find out until the storm was knocking on their door.

Contact your agent today and schedule that review. Of course if you prefer, please feel free to call me and I’ll be happy to review your coverage with you.

 

Nina Ambrose, Agent

State Farm Insurance

757-413-5025

www.NinaAmbrose.com

To Scrape Or Not to Scrape

The Issue of Lead Paint and what home owners need to know when remodeling.

Recently the EPA has issued regulation to contractors in regards to the “disturbing” of lead paint in homes built before 1978.  As we all know, lead paint can be extremely hazardous.  It can affect the development of the central nervous system in unborn children and in children who may ingest paint chips. In adults, even low levels of lead can cause loss of brain cells and hypertension.  When it comes time to remodel your home, there are some things you should consider to ensure the safety of you and your family. 

There are two choices in dealing with lead paint. It can either be covered by a non – lead based paint or a lead paint certified contractor can be hired to remove the paint.  This second option may be necessary if the wood work containing t he lead paint needs to be replaced.  If this is the case, you will need to find an EPA certified contractor.  This means they have taken and passed the course provided by the EPA and paid to be licensed.  As a home owner feel free to ask your contractor to see their lead paint certification license and their training certificate. Don’t be nervous to ask. If they are certified they will be happy to show it to you.

Also your contractor should provide the pamphlet “Renovate Right” which explains exactly what they will be doing in the process of removing the lead paint.  It will also give you tips on how to prepare ahead of time for the renovation.  If you run into questions or concerns, contact the EPA hotline 1800-424 -LEAD.  Remember, your family’s health is worth the extra effort and money to have it done right.

Matthew Good

Good Odd Jobs

www.goododdjobs.com

Every 14 seconds a home is broken into…

We all work very hard for our things. When we leave our homes, it is mostly to go to work. We go to work to make money. We make money to support our loved ones, to fix up our homes, to buy things we want, things our loved ones want. Whatever the case, we all work hard to have nice things in our homes. Some things are replaceable, some things are not replaceable. The point is that most of the things we care about are in our homes. We work hard for all of those things. Wouldn’t it bother you to know that someone is in your home uninvited? Wouldn’t you like to know the instant someone enters your home or tries to enter your home? All the things we care about are in jeopardy at that point.  (See recent break ins in Great Neck Area of Virginia Beach)

Every 14 seconds a home is broken into in the United States. Crime is everywhere. We should all be prepared. For the cost of a candy bar, you can have your home monitored for a day. We all have had some sort of alarm on our cars for 15 to 20 years now. It is safe to say you keep more in your house than in your car, right? Put an alarm system in your house and protect your home. You won’t have to wonder if someone is in your dark home upon arrival when you have an alarm system. There are many uses for an alarm but one thing people forget is that alarms monitor for fire as well as break-ins. A burglar will take some things, but a fire will take everything. The technology is readily available and it only makes sense to protect your homes.

If your system is older than 4 years, you should have it replaced. If you think your neighborhood is too nice to have a break-in, you should think about that. Those are the houses people want to break into. If you have a road into your neighborhood you are accessible to crime. There is no homeowner that is above needing an alarm system. Yes dogs are great and so are guns for protection. Most break-ins happen between 9am-5pm when people are at work and guns won’t shoot themselves (they will get stolen with your other stuff). As for dogs, they should be protected as well. By that, I mean that if there is a house fire a monitored smoke would save their lives. Peace of mind and savings off of your homeowner’s insurance is enough reason alone to get a system installed.

In VA you should never buy a system from someone that isn’t state-licensed. All sales people in the alarm industry must have a VA Dept of Criminal Justice Services ID Badge. No alarm contract should be over 3 years. Never get an alarm without a locked rate and never get an alarm system without a full warranty. Being safe is a good thing. Being prepared is a major part of that. Don’t wait until your home has been invaded to get an alarm system.

Dustin Howard
Life Safety Specialist/Security Sales
Power Home Technologies
Vector Security’s #1 Dealer
www.Powerhometech.com
DHoward@powerhometech.com
securemyhome@msn.com
757-574-7739 (cell)