Amity Insurance News

Rick Coba Recognized by Connecticut Magazine

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:57:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: Richard Coba of Amity Insurance Recognized by Connecticut Magazine

Richard Coba of Amity Insurance & Financial Services, LLC, has been awarded recognition by Connecticut Magazine in the “Connecticut 2011 Home/Auto Insurance Professionals” list and by American Registry in the “Registry of Business Excellence.”

Rick is a managing partner with Amity Insurance & Financial Services and has over 27 years experience in the insurance industry. He notes that as an independent agency, Amity Insurance is able to get the best coverage for its clients at competitive prices, by choosing from a carefully selected group of financially strong companies. Its focus is on building long-term relationships with its clients, many of whom have been with them for over 20 years.

Coba commented on his recognition:

“This is quite an honor for me. Since Connecticut Magazine chose only a select number of professionals for their “Connecticut 2011 Home/Auto Insurance Professionals” list, I am especially proud to have made the grade. Being included signals that my constant effort to deliver excellent work has paid off. It is gratifying and exciting to be recognized in this way.”

Emergency Management Programs

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:52:00 GMT

An Integral Part of Your Overall Business Plan

A comprehensive emergency management program is a necessary part of any business, and Amity Insurance & Financial Services wants all businesses in Connecticut to be prepared. According to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), having a plan can help to limit employee or customer injuries, damages to property and help your business return more quickly to normal operations. FEMA makes a strong argument for emergency management planning by defining what constitutes an emergency and identifying the benefits to business.

FEMA’s description of their “Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry” characterizes it as ideal for any business or “…organization where a sizable number of people work or gather.” But, they are quick to point out that even small businesses can benefit from the ideas in this guide. The guide is extensive, so we’re going to give you an overview and we encourage you to access the full guide on the FEMA website for complete details.

The Planning Process

The success of your plan hinges on having leadership, or upper management support in order to get full participation. There are four primary steps involved: establishing a team, identifying capabilities and hazards, developing a plan then implementing.

While you’re going through this process, be sure to conduct an insurance review. Amity Insurance & Financial Services will be happy to clear up any doubts or questions you have about your business insurance coverage.

Emergency Management Considerations

This is the phase where different the functions of emergency management and response are defined. Who’s going to be in charge of direction and control, communications, property protection, or safety? How will you work together or with outside agencies?

Identifying Potential Hazards

Hazards come in many forms – fire, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods. Do you have any hazardous materials at your business? If so, proper containment and safety measures are needed before an emergency and you need to know who to call should those materials pose a danger during an emergency.

Gather Important Information

FEMA offers additional resources focusing disaster mitigation, flood-proofing, and building performance – all available for free. They also offer brochures for work or home, and directories of regional and state emergency management offices.

Start your emergency planning now by utilizing FEMA’s “Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry.” And, by all means, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about your insurance coverage.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Association, Department of Homeland Security (www.fema.gov/business/guide)

Living on Shaky Ground in Orange CT

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:53:00 GMT

Believe it or not, every state in the U.S. has some degree of risk from earthquakes, including Connecticut. If you live in an area susceptible to earthquakes, make sure you speak with us in order to determine whether you are covered, or if you should purchase separate earthquake coverage.

Know If You Have Earthquake Coverage

We'll talk you through your options and discuss home improvements that can make your eligible for an earthquake endorsement or policy. Note that those who are California, Oregon or Washington residents must purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy.

We'll Help You Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

Deductibles and the amount of coverage for earthquake damage vary by state.
Your policy may not cover the entire cost of rebuilding.
Exterior buildings, decks and landscaping are generally not covered.

Take Action to Reduce Damage

To reduce damage inside, think “heads up.” Look at your ceiling and walls to see what might fall.

Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to walls.
Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the building structure.
Anchor water heaters and large appliances to walls using safety cables or straps, and lock the rollers of all appliances and furniture.
Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and breakaway gas shut-off devices or install a main gas shut-off device.
Consider working with a registered design professional or licensed building contractor to reduce potential damage to the structure of your home or business.
Add anchor bolts or steel plates between your home’s structure and foundation.
Brace the inside of your home’s cripple wall with sheathing.
Brace unreinforced chimneys, masonry, concrete walls and foundations.

Protect Yourself If the Ground Starts to Shake in Connecticut

If you're inside

If you’re indoors, stay there.
Move away from windows, skylights, doors and things that could fall.
Duck, cover and hold until the shaking stops.

If you're outside:

Move quickly into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.
Drop to the ground and wait for the shaking to stop.

If you're driving:

Slowly bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road.
Don’t stop on or under bridges, under power lines or near roadway signs.
After the shaking has stopped, continue driving, but watch out for damage to the road.

Home Inventory: Part of your home’s value is inside.

Your furniture and appliances, clothing, sports or hobby equipment, and electronic goods are all regarded as personal property.
Compare the value of your belongings to the “contents” limit listed in your home insurance policy. This helps you make sure you have enough insurance in order to replace your items if they are lost, stolen or destroyed as a result of a covered loss.
An inventory also makes filing a claim easier.

What’s the best way to create my inventory?

The easiest way to take an inventory is to use a video camera. Record and describe items as you walk through your house.
You can also use a regular camera and a home inventory worksheet.

Tips for completing and storing your inventory:

Add brand names and descriptions that are visible, especially on large-ticket items.
Keep any receipts you have with the list to make the claims process easier.
Store your video or photo inventory offsite so you won’t lose it if your house is damaged.
Update your personal property records when you purchase new furnishings and valuables.

How much Connecticut insurance do I need?

We can assist you in analyzing your home insurance needs and help you decide how to effectively protect your personal property.
Discuss full value coverage with us, this will pay for the replacement value of your personal belongings.
A standard policy typically covers personal property only up to its actual cash value, determined by taking the replacement cost and deducting depreciation, which can be substantial.
Remember your home insurance policy covers valuable items such as jewelry, furs, art and antiques, only up to set dollar amounts.
If the cost of replacing the items exceeds these limits, you may want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage.

How do I make a claim?

You can contact your insurance company directly, or call our office for assistance. Remember that you can always find the claim department contact information for your insurance company on our website at www.amityabc.com/service-center/claims.