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.

Things That Can Void Your Homeowners Insurance

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You buy homeowners insurance to protect your important investment, provide personal liability coverage, and insure your personal property. Homeowners insurance is designed to provide protection for unknown or unforeseen events such as; fire, theft, wind damage, accidents, and more.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies may also cover

  • The dwelling
  • Personal property
  • Loss of use
  • Property away for your home
  • Personal liability
  • Fine art and other collections
  • Coverage for swimming pools

 

Your homeowner’s policy has terms and conditions that outline your and your insurer’s responsibilities. Remember your home insurance protects you and your belongings, so avoid these typical blunders that could result in your policy being canceled or a claim being denied.

  1. Running a Business Out of Your Home. Do you have a home office, work from home full-time, or run a business from your house? If this is the case, certain parts of your home-based office or business may be excluded from your normal homeowner’s insurance coverage. You will need a business insurance policy to cover your business operations. Many insurers, on the other hand, provide an endorsement (additional coverage) for home-based businesses. This will broaden your insurance coverage to include commercial activities. However, not all insurers provide this coverage, and not all business kinds are insured.
  2. Renting out rooms for income. Your policy may also have limitations when it comes to home-sharing services like Airbnb, so check with your insurer before accepting temporary visitors to be sure you’re covered if something goes wrong with your house while it’s being rented.
  3. Criminal or illegal activity. Your insurance policy may be voided if you engage in illegal activities in your home, such as cultivating or manufacturing narcotic substances.
  4. Updating your home without notifying your insurance company. Do you intend to undertake a significant home renovation project? Make sure to notify your insurance company ahead of time. Home renovations may put your insurance company at risk, and your coverage may not cover them. If you have replacement cost coverage, it is important to have the correct, true replacement value, or you may be underinsured.
  5. Not keeping up with home maintenance. Your insurance policy may be voided if you do not perform necessary repairs and upkeep on your home. For instance, if you don’t repair your roof and your ceilings incur water damage, you could not be protected. Check with your insurance to understand what your responsibilities are in terms of house maintenance. Poor care of your home and possessions might lead to undervaluation of your property or even denial of claims. If you fail to make necessary repairs, your insurer may cancel your coverage.
  6. A Vacant home. If you plan on being away from home for an extended period of time, let your agent or insurer know. There are limitations in your policy if your home is vacant or unoccupied.
  7. Change of ownership. If you sell your home to a family member without notifying your insurer, your insurance may be void. If you have added another name to the title of the property, like a spouse, life partner, child, or transferred the title into a family trust, you need to correct the policyholder named on the policy.
  8. Contract workers. Your home insurance does not cover any insurance for liability from contracted workers such as; landscapers, contractors, and home maid services.

If you have home insurance, it will protect you in the event of an accident, theft, or fire. However, failing to notify your insurer about renovations, extended trips, or a home business could result in claim denial. Never use the property for illicit purposes such as unauthorized rentals or criminal activities. Also, it would help if you never made your own modifications without first obtaining permission. It’s possible that if you start a fire, it won’t be covered. Keep your insurer informed of any modifications to your property so that you always have adequate coverage.

Review your insurance and speak with your agent or insurer if you have any questions regarding your coverage

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. Understanding a problem involves asking questions, reviewing agreements, and visiting the facility or business. We believe that a professional agent must do more than 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 work closely with the management team to protect and preserve assets.

 

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 are 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 coverage 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.

What’s In Your Policy?

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Homeowners don’t always review their policies until they have a claim. Only to discover that their coverage isn’t what they expected. That is why it is critical to understand what you are paying for. We believe it is important to understand what you are purchasing. So let’s start with this overview.

Here are a few of the coverage you need to consider. So what’s in your policy?

Are you covered for flood loss? 

Most basic homeowner’s insurance policies exclude flood coverage. A separate flood insurance policy is required, which can be acquired through the National Flood Insurance Program. Your agent can assist you.

Do you know your deductibles? 

You will be responsible for a deductible if your house and goods are harmed in a covered loss. Your agent can tell you the amount if you don’t know.

Do you have ACV or replacement cost coverage?

Actual Cash Value (ACV), which reflects depreciation, and Replacement Cost (RC), which is what it costs to replace the item today, are the two ways claims are settled. Ask your agent if you’re not sure what you have.

Have you considered a personal umbrella policy? 

Umbrella insurance is a type of personal liability insurance that covers claims in excess of regular homeowners, auto, or watercraft policy coverage. Get a quote today.

Our agents will give you great service and the products you require, whether you need to safeguard your car and home, want insurance for the contents of your apartment, or need a general umbrella policy for peace of mind. We take satisfaction in providing personal insurance coverage that safeguards your most valuable possessions. We want to make sure that your insurance coverage covers your most important people and resources.

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.

Type of Commercial Insurance Your Business Might Need

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We live in a constantly changing world, and your business’s insurance coverage must adapt to keep up. To maintain your commercial insurance up to date, you must be able to change and update your insurance program on a regular basis. Your organization may require a number of cutting-edge insurance products developed by the insurance industry.

The type of business insurance you need is decided by the type of business you operate. A roofing company, for example, that works at dangerous heights, has a larger risk than an accounting firm with mostly desk-bound staff.

A Business Owners Policy or BOP covers property and general liability coverage are combined in a business owner’s insurance. It is often less expensive than purchasing each type of coverage separately, and it may be tailored to a company’s specific needs.  Businesses that face the same type and degree of risk are given a package policy. One sort of BOP is available for mid-sized firms, while another is available for small businesses.

Commercial Auto Insurance cover the automobiles owned by a business are covered by commercial auto insurance. Vehicles that transport employees, products, or equipment can be protected. You can protect your work cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks from damage and collisions with business auto insurance.

Cyber Liability is a risk that every business has. According to the Insurance Information Institute, businesses have a greater chance of having a cyber breach than they do of having a fire. Most businesses should consider cyber liability insurance, which is designed to cover the costs of investigations, notification, and credit monitoring for affected individuals, regulatory compliance, defending lawsuits, and payment of any resulting judgments or settlements.

Umbrella Insurance provides additional financial protection for liability claims that exceed the limits of existing policies. These plans include commercial, car, and an employer’s liability insurance.  If you’re considering purchasing an umbrella policy, seek guidance from an insurance representative. It’s possible that it’ll be more expensive than the next form of insurance coverage we’ll look at.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage covers employees If an employee is injured on the job, employers are legally liable to the employee. Workers’ compensation will even cover employees who are involved in auto accidents while away from the worksite, if the accident occurred while on the job.

It’s thrilling and satisfying to run your own small business, but it’s also hazardous. Commercial insurance allows you to focus on your business instead of worrying about the risks it faces.

When you own or run a business, you have a lot to at-risk and much to protect, and having the right business insurance coverage can be crucial to your long-term success. When it comes to protecting your business, fortunately, there are a variety of coverages to choose from. We represent a variety of carriers and are dedicated to assisting you in protecting your company from damage and liability. When you work with the team at the Oakwood Insurance Agency, you will receive personalized advice from an experienced agent who will assist you in developing a plan that includes all of the coverage you may require.

Remote Workers And Cyber Security Risks

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There are more remote workers in American today than at any time in our recent history. Many employers are embracing this trend, but there are new risks to consider. As a result of this distant work environment, a crucial problem arises in new security threats. In our digital age, businesses have had to improve their cybersecurity, yet cybersecurity dangers have increased significantly due to remote labor. Employees who work from home are at a significantly higher risk than those who work in offices.

Ransomware attacks are also a big concern for more than two-thirds (69%) of IT executives, who anticipate that the hybrid workplace will be a target for ransomware. Targeted organizations faced a threat to their business continuity as a result of these attacks.

Sharing a computer and using it for personal purposes are two different things. It may seem self-evident, but sharing a business computer with family or roommates can be a security concern. This should be avoided at all costs, especially if your work result contains sensitive customer information.

Cyber Tips For Remote Workers

  • Keep devices patched and up-to-date.
  • Accommodate the increase of remote VPN workers.
  • Proved employee training.
  • Require passwords to be updated regularly, use PW managers.
  • Use cloud software for file management.
  • Use only secure Wi-Fi.
  • Have good backup systems

Have a good cyber liability insurance plan in place. Cyber liability insurance is a type of insurance that offers a variety of coverage choices to help organizations protect themselves from data breaches and other cyber security risks. It’s not a question of whether, but when your company will be hacked. Policyholders with cyber insurance can also use tools and services to manage and minimize cyber risk both before and after a breach.

For remote employees, cybersecurity necessitates ongoing monitoring. Give us a call if you’re concerned about your present remote security practices. We’ll examine and put safeguards in place that will allow your remote workers to work securely and productively.

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.

Commercial Liability Insurance

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We understand all businesses are unique. Just because you are a small or medium-sized business does not mean you are exempt from litigation. All businesses need General Liability Business Insurance to protect your organization from unforeseen events. General Liability Business Insurance should be the foundation of your insurance program.

General Liability Insurance provides the following coverage:

  • Bodily Injury– Bodily Injury to a third party.
  • Property Damage– Damage to a third party’s property (equipment building etc.).
  • Personal Injury– Injury to the mind or emotions, as opposed to an injury to property.
  • Advertising Liability– Damages arising out of advertising, libel, slander and invasion of privacy.
  • Products & Completed Operations– Liability arising out of the Nonprofits products or business operations and services conducted, excluding Professional services.
  • Premises-Covers liability arising out of injury to third parties while on your premises.
  • Medical Payments- A general liability coverage that reimburses others, without regard to the insured’s liability for bodily injury while on your premises.

General Liability Insurance is designed to cover defense costs as well as judgments. It is an important part of your insurance program that we recommend for your organization.

Call us today for more information on a complete business insurance program. We know there are as many unique insurance needs as we have neighbors who live here! To talk with one of our helpful team members about your insurance needs, contact us today.

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 a focus on competitive products, Oakwood has kept its commitment to service, professionalism, and the highest integrity.

How Insurance Protects Your Financial Future

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Insurance is designed to provide the financial resources you need in the event of an un-expected loos.  This could be form an auto accident, home fire, disability or even a loss of the primary bread winner.

There are many personal insurance solutions and products that can provide the protection you need to help you manage your future financial wellbeing. Your current premiums are intended to help cover you in the future. What if your home was lost in a natural disaster? Will you be able to afford substantial repairs or a full rebuild? The cost of dealing with this catastrophe will be more than you can handle, as well as more than you have charged in insurance premiums.

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need To Protect Your Future?

Life Insurance – Life insurance provides real security for those you care about. Life benefits can provide financial security and resources for your family or loved ones after you are gone. Life insurance can provide funds to; pay off debt, un-paid medical expenses, funeral expenses, future living expenses, college, and more.

Home Insurance – Homeowners insurance is a form of insurance that covers losses and damages to an individual’s residence, along with furnishings and other assets in the home. Homeowners insurance also provides liability coverage against accidents in the home or on the property.

Health insurance – Health insurance is important to have, no matter what your situation is. If you don’t have affordable health insurance through your work, you might be able to qualify for a tax credit to make it affordable on the health insurance exchange.

Auto Insurance – Car or truck insurance is needed if you drive a vehicle. Almost every state mandates some kind of insurance. However, if your vehicle is inexpensive or you are confident in your ability to replace it, you can only need liability coverage.

 

How To Reduce Your Business Insurance Cost

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Saving money on business insurance is not always an easy thing many companies to do. You have many options regarding insurance agents and insurance companies that at times can be confusing. We specialized in the entertainment industry that is all we do. We have a proven track record of providing the right combination of pricing and coverage, along with experience and responsive service.

There are a number of ways to reduce your business insurance cost without jeopardizing coverage. Here are a few

1. Use a broker who knows and understands your industry. Having an understanding of the risks, and what markets best are suited for your risks, can result in lower costs. Have us shop your insurance. We have access to many insurers, this allows us to offer many options.
2. Provide driver’s training- having educated and trained drivers can reduce your business auto insurance cost up to 5%.
3. Have proper safety equipment.
4. Use special markets. There are insurers that specialize in your industry. .
5. Increase deductibles. Insurers often will provide good credits if you increase your deductibles on property or auto physical damage.
6. Reduce your risk, Talk with your insurance agent about how you can help prevent insurance losses. You may be able to reduce your exposure to fires, work-related accidents, disasters or lawsuits. Reducing these risks may lead to fewer claims, which may lower your insurance premium.
7. Keep up to date with current liability trends; liability claims tend to be the most significant claim with most aspects of insurance.

Having insurance premiums reduced by cutting corners is not the ideal way to deal with high insurance premiums. That’s a case of addressing the symptom – not the problem. Lowering premiums by reducing the risks posed and faced by your business is a far healthier solution.