We have all heard that communication can be critical, however, there are many times when a conversation can seem uncomfortable and therefore never happens.  Talking with teens about expectations when getting a driver’s license can fall into that category.  That is why we are providing a customizable parent / teen driving agreement to help initiate dialogue and set a mutual understanding of restrictions.

We strongly encourage you to sit down with your young driver and utilize the form we are providing.

Contact us with any questions or to discuss.

Parent Teen Driving Agreement 1

Due to inclement weather, we will delay opening until Noon.  At that time, we will have limited staff due to rural road conditions.

Please contact me at 309.333.1292 should you have an urgent matter.

Beau

Concealed carry permits bring with them additional responsibility should you ever need to use your firearm in self-defense.  If you are brought into a lawsuit, you are responsible for defense at your own cost which homeonwers and other insurance does not cover.  In light of this expense, West Bend Mutual has established a reimbursement bond at a very reasonable cost of $100 for $50,000 of coverage or $175 for $100,000.

We hope you will never be in the situation to need this bond, but those that do will be glad to have purchased the coverage.

Here is a link to view the brochure: Concealed Carry Bond

Contact Jill at 309-833-1755 to get you set up.

Your hobby may significantly affect your insurance needs. They often require a large investment in tangible property and may even create some legal responsibility to other persons or their property.

Hobbyists: Collectors or Enthusiasts

Hobbies typically involve either collectors or enthusiasts. A collector acquires property that especially attracts him or her. Examples include people who collect stamps, art, coins, autos, antiques, comic books, baskets, dishes, glassware, sports memorabilia, etc. An enthusiast also collects a certain type of property. However, the enthusiast acquires property in order to pursue a given, physical (particularly sporting or artistic) activity. Examples are hunters, musicians, painters, sculptors, cyclists, and enthusiasts of many types, such as fans of model or radio control planes, helicopters, etc.

With collectors, the focus should be placed on the nature of the property being acquired. With enthusiasts, besides attention to the property exposure, there should be equal emphasis on the liability exposure that is inherent in their activity.

Property Coverage Needs Created By Your Hobby

Your special property should be properly insured. Most homeowner policies provide minimal protection for collectible property. Why? Items such as coins, stamps, antiques, guns, etc., are often fragile. Also, such property is very valuable in relation to its size. The value of collectibles kept in one room may be more valuable than all of the rest of your home’s contents. Regular homeowner coverage is not designed to handle high-valued property that is easily destroyed, lost or is vulnerable to theft.

Even when collectible property is eligible for a policy’s full coverage, this may not be enough. You may want your special property to be covered from more causes of loss than your family room couch. It may be worthwhile to buy an endorsement to add additional coverage for your collectibles to your homeowner policy. Depending upon the type and value of your collectibles, you may even have to consider specialty coverage which typically makes consideration for replacement cost and for property that appreciates in value.

Liability Coverage Needs Created By Your Hobby

If your hobby is more hands-on, then be sure you’re protected against any legal liability related to your activity. Ask yourself the following:

• Are there any dangers associated with the hobby?
• Does the hobby involve frequent travel to sites or meets?
• Does the activity attract frequent visitors to your home?
• Do you publish hobbyist newsletters or give advice to others?
• Do you actively sell or trade property on or away from your home?
• Does your activity involve equipment that’s inherently dangerous to others?

Get Serious About Protecting Your Hobby

Fortunately, many aspects of a hobby, especially legal liability, are covered by a homeowners policy. However, your activity may need special or even business coverage (see part 2 of this series). The way you spend your leisure time should be a happy diversion. Don’t let your enjoyment be interrupted by inadequate protection. Discuss your special interest with an insurance professional who has a special interest in meeting your coverage needs.

See part 2 soon.

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2012

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Our agency will be closed Monday, January 20th in observance of the Martin Luther King Holiday.  In the event of an emergency, please contact Beau Ingledue at 309-333-1292.

A new law began January 1st addressing the classification of employees versus independent contractors in the construction industry.  As published in our state association journal; this law imposes substantial penalties, cease and desist orders, and debarment orders against employers found to have misclassified employees as independent contractors.  It also imposes individual liability onto corporate officers and agents that “knowingly permit such employer to misclassify its employees.” This does exempt groups that are “responsible bidders” from having to comply with these new requirements. Opponents have raised concerns that the measure is largely targeted at making it more difficult for non-union contractors to win contracts.

It is more important now than ever to properly determine who is an employee and who is truly an independent contractor.  Here is a link to the IRS determination page.

Your valuables are important to you – and insuring them is equally important to prevent serious loss in the event of damage or theft. Standard homeowners, condominium or renters insurance policies include a limited amount of coverage for jewelry and other items of high value (electronics, firearms, etc…). However, many policies limit the dollar amount of coverage for the theft or loss due to a covered peril of such items. To properly protect certain types of valuables, additional coverage is available through a policy endorsement or floater. Following the holidays is a perfect time to review your items that are valuable and should to be separately insured. If you already have a policy with your items insured, now is also a great time to review your covered items to make sure it is up to date. Oftentimes phones or jewelry is replaced but clients forget to update their policies with the correct items.

The cost of coverage varies upon the item, but typically the fee is nominal. Our personal lines team of professionals can provide you with more information about coverage and an estimate for the cost of scheduling an item.

Before your possessions or precious jewelry becomes lost or stolen, call Purdum Gray Ingledue Beck, Inc. at 888-833-1755 to learn more about the affordable ways we can help you protect the things you have that are valuable.

Due to extreme temperatures and snow drifting forecasted for Monday, January 6^th , our office will be closed.  I apologize for any inconvenience.   If you have an urgent matter during this closure, please contact Beau Ingledue by phone at 309-833-1755 or by email at info@macombinsurance.com.  We will reopen on Tuesday, January 7^th at 7:30AM.

Thank you for your understanding and please stay warm and safe.

Beau