Disaster Preparation Can Save Your Life

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We’ve seen firsthand the devastation wrought by wildfires, earthquakes, and storms.  This reminds us how important it is to prepare for a disaster, such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and even strong winds.  Depending on the type of disaster, you can take a variety of actions; let’s look at some of the most important one. Always follow local, state, and federal authorities’ directions.

Prepare For Wildfires

  • Clear dead plants from around your property. Regularly trim trees to keep branches at least 10 feet away from adjacent trees.
  • Landscape with fire-resistant plants.
  • Use fire-resistant construction materials, particularly on the roof.
  • Use 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch metal mesh to cover all vent openings. Fiberglass or plastic mesh should not be used since they can melt and burn.
  • Deck surfaces within 8 feet of the building shall be made of non-combustible, ignition-resistant materials.
  • Ensure that your address is visible from the road.
  • Follow all local building codes while maintaining driveways.
  • Make sure you have enough garden hoses to cover your entire yard.

Flood Preparedness

  • Make sure you’re familiar with the various evacuation routes.
  • Determine whether you live in a flood plain and, if so, purchase flood insurance.
  • Keep extra water on hand.
  • Non-combustible or other certified materials should be used to construct surfaces within 10 feet of the structure.
  • Check valves should be installed in sewage lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home’s drains.
  • Waterproof your basement and foundation.
  • Install water-detecting pumps in your crawl area and basement.
  • Build flood barriers (levees, beams, and floodwalls) to keep floodwater out of your home.

Earthquake Planning

  • Learn the basics of first aid and CPR.
  • Establish a gathering spot for all members of the family.
  • Locate utility disconnect switches.
  • Make emergency contact lists, organize them on the internet, and save a paper copy.
  • Make a household inventory
  • Request an earthquake insurance quote from your agent.
  • Secure shelves to the walls.
  • Keep bulky or heavy items on the lower shelf.
  • Anchor a water heater to the studs in the wall and fasten it to the floor.

Disaster Safety Tips in General 

  • Have food on hand for everyday needs for at least three days.
  • Have three or four flashlights.
  • Keep a well-stocked first kit.
  • Make a go-bag for each member of the family.
  • Have water for three to five days.
  • Keep cash on hand.
  • Can opener (non-electric).
  • For emergency information, listen to a battery-operated radio or television.
  • Keep an eye on the elderly and disabled, as well as children who may require particular assistance.
  • Stay away from structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
  • Use glow sticks to determine the depth of the water.
  • Have goggles and air masks on hand for any family members within reach.
  • Every six months or so, restock your supplies.
  • Have a relative or friend from out of state act as a communication source.
  • Make sure you have cell phone chargers on hand.
  • Keep a supply of construction supplies on hand in case your home needs to be boarded up.
  • Keep all critical documents in a fireproof safe, including your birth certificate, insurance, birth certificates, and other paperwork.
  • Photograph all of the documents and save them to your phone. Alternatively, you can send copies to your phone.

For your protection and well-being, Oakwood Insurance Agency offers nearly every sort of personal insurance policy you may require. Please find a short but not exhaustive selection of our most frequent personal property, health, and life policies below. An Oakwood Insurance agent will explain our full range of insurance products and services during a personal consultation and create a tailored insurance plan with the right policies for your lifestyle, personal circumstances, and comfort level.

Flood Insurance

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Flooding, which occurs in all 50 states, causes more property damage than any other weather-related catastrophe. You should be aware of any flood vulnerabilities you may have in your home. If you’re unsure, the Red Cross local government or your regional planning and zoning department can assist you.

If it is pouring heavily or has been raining for an extended period of time, listen to the radio or watch weather updates on television for increasing flood risks.

Floods come in a variety of forms. Coastal and river floods are more predictable, occurring over a period of hours or days. A flash flood might appear out of nowhere. Local governments may issue Flash Flood Watches or Flash Flood Warnings, as well as ordinary Flood Watches or Flood Warnings; click on any of the words for more information.

Before a Flood

If you live or have a home in a flood-prone area, flood insurance is a good idea. Flood insurance is not generally included in homeowner’s insurance. That coverage must be purchased as a stand-alone insurance.

Prepare a Flood Disaster Supply Kit and a Personal Evacuation Plan, or update them if necessary.

When there is a Flood Watch in effect,

Move your valuables and stuff to the upper floors of your home. Place these items on top of countertops and tables if you live in a one-story home.

Make sure your car’s fuel tanks are full and that you’re ready to go if an evacuation order is issued.

When A Flood Warning is Issued

Listen to the radio, internet, or watch the news to stay up to date. Prepare to flee if necessary.

If the Flood Warning is for a Flash Flood, get to higher ground right away. Flash floods can quickly turn into raging torrents, leaving you with little time to react. Rivers, creeks, streams, and drainage areas should be avoided.

When There Is A Flood

Do not drive on or across flooded roads or bridges. In a flood, 80 percent of those who die trying to drive where they shouldn’t. A car can be moved, or a person can be knocked down by six inches of fast-moving water.

Be extremely cautious if flooding happens at night. In the lack of light, warning indicators are more difficult to spot; light reflected off a smoother water surface can appear to be wet pavement.

Get to the highest place possible without wading into floodwaters.  If you’re riding a watercraft, go slowly, so you don’t get upset if you hit something; likewise, wakes from fast-moving watercraft might cause property damage.

Following a Flood

Before re-entering your home, inspect it for structural damage. If the damage appears to be severe, stay away from the house until you can take actions to prevent it from collapsing.

Examine your water lines and other plumbing fixtures. Avoid using bathrooms if you suspect there has been any damage.

Wait until local authorities declare it’s safe to consume or wash with tap water. Meanwhile, bring all of the water to a boil.

If water has infiltrated your home or basement, stay away from electric appliances and lines.

Continue to listen to the radio and television for updates on water safety, transportation, and other critical news.

Food in cans or another packaging that has come into touch with floodwater should be thrown away.

For heat or light, avoid utilizing candles, kerosene lamps, or other open flame sources. After a crisis, candles ignite more flames than any other source. If you must use a candle or an open flame lamp, make sure pets, children, and combustibles are kept well away from the flame.

Leave the house if you smell or hear the hiss of leaking gas. Turn off the gas line at the cutoff valve outside your home if possible. From your cell phone or another place, call the utility company.

Take pictures of any goods that have been damaged. If they can’t be saved, put them outdoors, but don’t throw them away until you’ve had an insurance adjuster look at them.

For your protection and well-being, Oakwood Insurance Agency offers nearly every sort of personal insurance policy you may require. Please find a short but not exhaustive selection of our most frequent personal property, health, and life policies below. An Oakwood Insurance agent will explain our full range of insurance products and services during a personal consultation and create a tailored insurance plan with the right policies for your lifestyle, personal circumstances, and comfort level.

The Importance of an Annual Insurance Review

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It is critical that every homeowner or business undertakes an annual insurance review. Regular reviews are equally essential to ensuring that your policy continues to be a good fit for your coverage needs and budget.

In a single year, a lot can happen that can have a significant impact on your insurance costs, coverage options, and limitations, among other things. Among these are the following:

  • Marrying or divorcing
  • Children graduating from high school/empty nest/child off to college
  • Beginning a new job
  • Recruitment of new employees
  • Purchase new commercial equipment
  • Establishing a new enterprise
  • Accepting elderly parents into your home
  • The acquisition or receipt of an ostentatious gift
  • Your immediate family member has died
  • Mortgage repayment

Is this to say that I must immediately contact my insurance agent whenever I purchase new furniture or a family member moves in for six months? Not always. While more significant changes (such as marriage, divorce, or the purchase of a new car) should be reported immediately, items such as upgrading your home entertainment system or upgrading your sound system can be reported during your annual insurance review.

Give us a call today; we are ready to review your coverage.

In 1989, Oakwood’s founder, Bruce L. Sogn, set out to establish a business that would give him the opportunity to serve the community and to fulfill a need in the marketplace. Today as an independent insurance agency, Oakwood does just that.

After researching the insurance industry, he found that by becoming an independent insurance agent, he could offer a comprehensive range of insurance products and services to his clients. By maintaining focus on competitive products, Oakwood has kept its commitment to service, professionalism, and the highest integrity.

Can “Do It Yourself” Projects Jeopardize Your insurance?

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A personal Insurance Update

Many people are remodeling their homes these days.  However, before you jump into a project, you might consider the following home insurance issues.  Most homeowner’s policies are based on a value of your home that fluctuates based on the “like kind and quality” that existed when the policy was first placed.

Many home improvement projects increase your home’s value, and should be added to your current replacement value.

  • If your DIY project requires a permit and you fail to get one, your homeowner’s insurance may be in jeopardy. For example, if you install a wood stove but fail to get a permit and have a licensed contractor complete the work, your insurer would automatically deny any resulting claims most of the time.
  • Your homeowner’s insurance covers third party injuries. It does not cover injury to you or members of your household.
  • Here are a few examples of DIY projects that will have an impact on your insurance: Outdoor living spaces, pools, upgraded kitchens or baths, room additions, and storage sheds.

For your protection and well-being, Oakwood Insurance Agency offers nearly every sort of personal insurance policy you may require. Please find a short but not exhaustive selection of our most frequent personal property, health, and life policies below. An Oakwood Insurance agent will explain our full range of insurance products and services during a personal consultation and create a tailored insurance plan with the right policies for your lifestyle, personal circumstances, and comfort level.

Is Your Home Insured Correctly?

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How much would it cost you to rebuild your home if it was destroyed by a fire? It’s possible that reality is not what you expect. In the case of a covered loss, your homeowner’s policy may not cover the whole cost of rebuilding your house if it isn’t insured to its total replacement cost.

According to recent studies by major insurers, approximately 70% of houses in the United States, or two out of every three, are underinsured by at least 18%. This means that in the event of a total loss, such as a fire, the homeowner may be held liable for a large amount of the reconstruction costs. Working with an insurance professional to negotiate your home value issues will help you avoid misunderstandings and secure fair compensation in the case of a loss.

The market value (appraisal value) tax value of your home is entirely different from how much it would cost to rebuild your home in case it was completely damaged.

Replacement Cost Considerations

There are a number of factors that go into determining your home’s replacement value, including:

  • Type of construction quality
  • Materials used in the construction
  • Size of your home
  • Location
  • Your lot configuration
  • Are there any unique materials, like imported stone, marble, etc.?
  • The overall quality of construction, is your home average construction or high-end?
  • The average cost per square foot for new construction in your area.

The level of homeowner’s insurance you purchase is determined by your specific requirements. Insuring your home or other property for its full replacement value will help you prevent large out-of-pocket payments that could deplete your funds and cause you to change your estate plan. In addition, the contents of the home, other structures on the land, additional living expenditures, liability, and other factors should all be considered. Consult your agent about the right amount of coverage for your home and how to best arrange your policy.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

What’s Trending In Insurance For 2022?

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Changing consumer expectations, employment issues, supply chain issues, political unrest, and remote working will all have an impact on the insurance landscape in the coming year. Let’s look at some of our predictions for the most interesting trends that will emerge in the insurance industry in 2022.

2022 Predictions

  • When it comes to where and how to buy insurance, consumers will have more options than ever before.
  • Cyber-attacks will increase for both individuals and businesses in 2022.
  • Remote work will continue to grow in 2022.
  • More people will start home businesses, requiring a review of personal insurance coverage.
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and linked vehicle technologies are on the rise.
  • COVID-19’s disruption of supply networks is expected to last well into 2022. However, with the reinvention of traditional freight and cargo insurance products, the related business disruptions and frustrations may be alleviated.

Recommended Actions

  • Start the renewal process early with your agent.
  • Collect precise information on your risk with your broker. This will help you stand out in the crowd.
  • Use an agent that desires to build a relationship and provide education on your risk and how best to manage it.
  • For commercial accounts, address loss control advice and talk to your underwriters about your efforts. Underwriters appreciate proactive loss management because it displays a commitment to risk mitigation.

Oakwood is involved with numerous local, state and national insurance associations and communities. The agency encourages employees to devote time to these endeavors. Oakwood’s approach is one of total risk management, encompassing the areas of property & liability insurance, automotive insurance, worker’s compensation, professional liability, individual or group accident & health insurance, life insurance, contract surety bonds, and personal insurance. Oakwood provides an in-depth range of insurance products and services to assist in securing our clients’ future. We are an agency committed to excellence, founded on the principle of integrity.

The best way to solve a problem is to first understand it. To understand a problem involves asking questions, reviewing agreements, and visiting the facility or business. We believe that a professional agent must do more that merely issue insurance on the client’s behalf. Besides determining and placing proper coverage with reputable insurance companies, we seek to educate our clients on coverage and to reduce, or transfer risk to the insuring company, and working closely with management team to protect and preserve assets.

How To Select The Right Insurance Agent For Your Needs

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When it comes to protecting your financial assets like your home or auto, you can’t trust just anyone with your investment. Finding a trustworthy and trained insurance agent/broker could mean the difference between having enough coverage for your property following a catastrophic loss and being stuck with a large repair bill. An insurance agent/broker is a specialist who works on behalf of clients to find the best policy or insurance provider for their needs.

Consider the overall fit, not just the price, as the price can be deceptive. Be careful of someone who sells at low cost, generally, it means poor coverage. The same method you used to choose a doctor or dentist can be applied to choose an insurance broker. You want someone with a pleasant “bedside manner,” as it were.

Understand the differences in agents

Direct Writers vs. Independent Agents: There are two ways to obtain insurance coverage from a company. Direct writers are insurance companies that hire their own salespeople to write exclusively for them; they work for the company that employs them. Independent agents work for the insured rather than the insurance company. They do, however, have contracts with multiple insurance companies and can usually provide you with more options.

Signs It Is Time To Find A New Agent

  • They are responsive to calls and requests
  • You are the one that indicates all conversations
  • Requesting a quote is complicated
  • When a claim occurs they are nowhere to be found

Qualities of a Good Agent

  1. Trustworthy
  2. A good Listener
  3. The desire to teach you rather than sell you
  4. Someone who view insurance as a promise not a product
  5. A good agent will want to develop a relationship with you not just sell you then move on.

How To Start The Process

Testimonials: Yelp, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media platforms can help you determine whether or not a business provides good service. These websites can be useful, but meeting with an agent or broker in person is one of the greatest methods to determine whether or not they will take good care of you.

Personal Recommendations: Consult with your coworkers, people you trust, and your circle of friends. Asking a complete stranger is preferable to relying on advertisements or the yellow pages. People are more likely to refer others with whom they have had a good encounter.

Ask Questions

Consider this like an interview, where you are selecting a person and agency to represent you.

  • How long have they been in operation?
  • What are their certifications if any? Look for agents with advanced designations such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) or Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI).
  • Which companies do they represent?
  • How will the renewal processes work?
  • If you’re going to have a personal account manager?
  • How will they help if a claim occurs?
  • What experience do they have with risks like yours?
  • What they charge for services and/or how they are compensated?
  • Ask them to review your current policies and make recommendations?

Conduct interviews with the contenders to determine which one is the best fit for you. Selecting a broker with strong communication skills will allow you to find an agent who is easy to relate to and who can provide you with information you need to understand your risk and how to best manage it.

Oakwood is involved with numerous local, state, and national insurance associations and communities. The agency encourages employees to devote time to these endeavors. Oakwood’s approach is one of total risk management, encompassing the areas of property & liability insurance, automotive insurance, worker’s compensation, professional liability, individual or group accident & health insurance, life insurance, contract surety bonds, and personal insurance. Oakwood provides an in-depth range of insurance products and services to assist in securing our clients’ future. We are an agency committed to excellence, founded on the principle of integrity.

How To Improve Your Homeowner’s Insurance Without Jeopardizing Coverage

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Homeowner’s insurance costs an average of $1,083 a year in the United States, though the cost varies significantly by state. Insurance companies provide policy discounts in the form of credits or lower premiums for home improvements that may reduce the need to file a claim as well as the amount paid out for claims that do occur. In essence, it is less expensive for insurers to lower premium prices than it is to compensate for damages and losses. Here are a few steps you can take to lower your insurance costs without jeopardizing your coverage

Roofing Upgrades

A new roof is a major — and expensive — investment. A faulty roof, on the other hand, might be very costly. If your roof leaks, you could end up with rotting wood and water damage inside your home. Hail and high-impact storms can breakthrough if it’s weak.

Increase the safety of your house

A smoke detector, lights, burglar alarm, or dead-bolt locks can normally be purchased at a discount of at least 5%. If you install a sophisticated sprinkler or fire detection system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings directly to the police, fire, or other monitoring stations, some companies will reduce your premium by as much as 10 or 15%. These systems are not inexpensive, and not all of them qualify for a discount. Find out what kind of system your insurance recommends, how much the device will cost, and how much you’ll save on premiums before you buy one.

Take advantage of every possible discount.

For everything from paying your annual payment in full up advance to keeping your insurance for more than three years, insurers provide a variety of discounts to homeowners.

Lower your risk

Even if it’s entertaining and fun, possessing something your insurer considers a “attractive nuisance” such as trampolines, certain dog breeds, swimming pools, or playground equipment will raise your homeowner’s insurance cost. Getting rid of these things could save you a lot of money on your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent.

Before you start looking for methods to save money on your insurance, be sure you know what your existing policy covers.

Consider when to file a claim and not file a claim

Even while it may be tempting to file a claim with your insurance company whenever something minor happens, you may be better off in the long run if you pay for these smaller expenses yourself. This is because certain insurance companies may give you a discount if you don’t file a claim for a certain period of time, usually a few years.

Remain to use the same insurer.

If you’ve had your insurance with the same carrier for a long time, you may be eligible for a special discount as a long-term policyholder. If you stay with an insurer for three to five years, your premiums will be reduced by 5%, and if you continue with them for six years or more, your premiums will be reduced by 10%. However, make sure to compare this price to that of other insurance regularly.

Increase the amount of your deductible.

The larger your deductible, the lower your insurance costs are likely to be. According to the Insurance Information Institute, increasing your deductible by $500 to $1,000 might save you up to 25% on your premiums.

In 1989, Oakwood’s founder, Bruce L. Sogn, set out to establish a business that would give him the opportunity to serve the community and to fulfill a need in the marketplace. Today as an independent insurance agency, Oakwood does just that.

After researching the insurance industry, he found that by becoming an independent insurance agent, he could offer a comprehensive range of insurance products and services to his clients. By maintaining focus on competitive products, Oakwood has kept its commitment to service, professionalism, and the highest integrity.

 

How to Manage A Water Damage Loss

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One of the most severe risks to your home is having water where it isn’t supposed to be. Many factors can cause water damage, such as defective plumbing, leaking appliances, or just bad weather. A wise homeowner knows how to monitor for water leaks and other problems, as well as what to do if one occurs.

Problems with Water:

If you have a leak or a pipe problem in your house, it may not always be obvious. That’s why it’s a good idea to evaluate places prone to water damage on a frequent basis. Here are some places where you should conduct regular surveys:

Water can get in via openings like windows and doors if there’s an issue with the seal or the aperture itself.

  • Hoses and places for washing machines and dishwashers
  • All piping and plumbing systems
  • Ice makers
  • Frozen pipes
  • Ice dams in gutters
  • Flooring and carpeting underfoot
  • Attics, crawl spaces, basements, and any other regions that aren’t frequently used
  • Toilets, bathrooms, and shower/bathroom areas
  • Siding and roofing
  • Thermostat for hot water

At least a few times a year or more, take your time and look for leaks or water stains all over your house. In addition, after a severe storm or another weather event, you should always do a comprehensive inspection of your home.

Water Damage Prevention: Checking your home for water damage on a regular basis is a good place to start, but there are other things you can do to prevent serious damage from occurring in the first place. These are some of them:

To uncover potential problems, have your plumbing, appliances, roof, and other important areas professionally assessed. To keep your homes pipes from freezing in the cold, use insulation and other methods.

Investigate straight away if you find a leak or if your water bill is unusually high one month.

Water Damage and Insurance:

If your pipes break or something else goes wrong unexpectedly, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the damage to your home and belongings. Your insurance coverage may not apply if you haven’t taken the time to maintain your water systems, appliances, and other areas where harm could occur. Furthermore, flood damage is usually not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. If you reside in a flood-prone location, speak with your insurance agent about getting a separate flood coverage.

Make sure you know and understand what types of damage and property are covered by your insurance, what your responsibilities as a homeowner are, and that you submit any potential claims as soon as possible.

Don’t disregard water damage no matter what you do. What appears to be a minor issue may be concealing a more serious one. Even if it isn’t, leaving water damage unattended might result in a dangerous condition that will be much more difficult and costly to restore later.

Call or email our team immediately if you have any questions about home insurance.

Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is filled with fun, parties, food, gifts, overeating, and, unfortunately, some risk. One of the fasted growing risks for many people is stolen packages by porch pirates. According to proopertycasualtiy360, over 26 million packages are stolen during the holiday season. Need more bad news?

Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible. There could be covered if you have personal property off-premises insurance. Also, for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc.

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.

Things To Do

  • Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
  • Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
  • These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
  • You can insure your packages.
  • Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
  • Install a security camera.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

  • Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
  • Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
  • Contact the seller. Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
  • File a claim with the shipping company.
  • Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances. We are happy to help you through your claim and help you determine the best course of action.

In 1989, Oakwood’s founder, Bruce L. Sogn, set out to establish a business that would give him the opportunity to serve the community and to fulfill a need in the marketplace. Today as an independent insurance agency, Oakwood does just that.

After researching the insurance industry, he found that by becoming an independent insurance agent, he could offer a comprehensive range of insurance products and services to his clients. By maintaining focus on competitive products, Oakwood has kept its commitment to service, professionalism, and the highest integrity.