Travel Mistakes I have made -- read this to avoid my misfortunes!

As the holiday’s approach – travel is often in ones future – whether it’s traveling on a freeway to a relatives house or on a plane to some far off destination. We commonly make serious mistakes as we travel – whether during the Holiday’s or as the Europeans would say on Holiday we often make these mistakes:

1. Overpacking

At home, with your complete closet available, there's no reason not to run through work, workout and going to dinner clothes in one day.

But when your life is crammed into a couple bags, your willingness to wear outfits or clothes a second or even third time is OK!

Take it from me who has been called “Pig Pen” for wearing the same shirt, socks, pants and even underwear more than once – when traveling why would you want to pay an extra $25.00 – $50.00 for a second pair of pants when one will do the trick!

So, those socks and underwear you wore on the plane should be good for another go.

According to a recent survey by Travelodge, two-thirds of travelers typically return from a trip with at least six unworn outfits. SO DON”T OVERPACK – save time and money!

2. Not buying something you like as soon as you see it

You think you're gonna circle back to that shop. I am so guilty of doing this --- I cannot tell you how many times I should have just purchased that trinket to remember my trip when I saw it.

You think you'll see a cheaper, better version somewhere else.

You won't.

When you see something you like, just buy it and live without regret.

3. Not checking your phone plan before traveling abroad

What you call "international roaming" your phone carrier calls this "JACKPOT!"

A week of texts from Bermuda or St. Lucia shouldn't cost more and hurt worse than open heart surgery. But it happens all the time to travelers who fail to check their phone plans before departure.

There are quite a few great APPS for your phone to deal with this issue – all are inexpensive and some are free.

4. Taking the "super" shuttle

Wait on the curb for a ride in a sweat-soaked van and risk being the last one dropped off on a nine-hotel run, all in the name of saving a few bucks?

Your time is worth more than that.

I HAVE FALLEN FOR THIS MORE THAN ONCE! In the end – it is easier and faster to pay a couple extra bucks for a cab ride. Who wants to sit in a van as they drop off 15 passengers to 15 different hotels and if you like me mine is always the last one on the run!

5. Thinking you know the perfect time to book a ticket

My wife is super guilty of this move! She is often waiting like a cat to pounce on that low fare to wherever. Sometimes she is dead on and lucky she booked it when she did – other times the fare drops hundreds of dollars and we pay more because of her great planning.

Bottom – line – no one really knows how the airlines work to set fares – so if the price looks good and fits your budget to travel – “book it Dano!”

6. Not changing money at the airport

When traveling internationally, the conventional wisdom is that only amateurs change money at the airport, because the exchange rate for foreign currency will be better in town.

It usually is, but often not by that much.

So you end up spending that American Dollar that is worth more on taxi’s and tips to get to your destination so you can change your money at a slightly higher rate.

I have made this mistake too and even to the point of telling myself not to make this mistake and invariably I do it – often because I want off the plane – and start my vacation.

7. Not buying the full insurance policy

If you actually end up needing the travel insurance you purchased, you're going to want the full coverage. I know – I know – it can be expensive.

Just because you're in a country where the beer is cheap, it doesn't mean the healthcare is.

That bargain insurance policy might pay for your flight home when you crash your motor scooter on a winding road in Bermuda.

BUT –

But it won't cover the $$$ you will pay for stitches nor the trip to the emergency room!

Check your personal insurance before departing to see what it covers and if it does not cover international travel – you might want to consider that full coverage option we all have a tendency to decline!

8. Not printing out reservation details

They're already on your phone and computer, so why bother with hard copies of your hotel name and address?

Because your phone, computer, tablet and other electronics might not work with the local network as soon as you land, especially after crossing oceans.

Now where are you supposed to go?

These are just a few travel tips as we embark on one of the busiest travel months leading up to the holidays. Take it from me – if you make these mistakes there will be nothing Merry about that Holiday travel to see family and friends!

As always – give me a call for any insurance needs – if you think your paying too much you probably are! – 440-527-0304!

WHOA -- WINTER IS COMING ARE YOU READY??

With plenty of snow and cold temperatures predicted for the northern United States this winter, it is important to prepare your home and review your insurance coverage according to the Insurance Institute.

The 2016 Farmers Almanac predicts snowier conditions than normal for the northern and central Great Plains, New England and parts of the Ohio Valley. In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, the winter skies will be stormy and likely to drop a good amount of snow.

Water damage, which can be caused by snowy conditions, and freezing account for almost 22 percent of all homeowners insurance claims and are the third-largest cause of losses, behind only hurricanes and tornadoes. Winter storm related catastrophes in the U.S. caused $2.3 billion in insured losses in 2014, up from $1.9 billion in 2013! From 1994 to 2013 winter storms resulted in about $27 billion in insured U.S. catastrophe losses (in 2013 dollars), or more than $1 billion a year on average, according to Property Claim Services (PCS).

Standard homeowners and renters policies cover winter related damage, such as that caused by burst pipes, ice dams and wind, as well as damage caused by either weight of ice or snow.

Coverage for flooding, including flooding caused by melting snow, is available from FEMA’s national flood Insurance program (NFIP). Melting snow can also overburden sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up into the drains in your home. Backed up sewers can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. Sewer back up coverage can be purchased either as a separate product or as an endorsement to your homeowners or renters policies. I always include this coverage and make my clients tell me to remove it! Check your homeowners policy to make sure you have this included!

Beyond making sure they have the proper insurance coverage, there are also steps homeowners can take to protect their homes before the official start of winter on Monday, December 21, 2015.

Outside Your Home

Clean out gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming, a condition in which water seeps into the house, potentially damaging ceilings and walls.
Install gutter guards to prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break and damage your home or car, or injure someone walking by your property.

Inside your home

Tune up your furnace!  -- It is always a good idea to change the filters and get an expert to inspect and prepare your furnace for the coming winter months!

Reverse your ceiling fans!  --- Yes there are two modes on a ceiling fan -- one for winter and one for summer -- Make sure your ceiling fans are set for winter!

Caulk windows and doors ---  A 6 dollar tube of caulk can save you $100's this winter -- take some time to caulk windows and doors.

Fireplace CLEANED -- if you have one make sure it is professionally cleaned to prevent chimney fires!

These are just a few tips -- as always if you want more information or simply need a quote call me at 440-527-0304!  

STAY WARM MY FRIENDS!

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Make sure your Thanksgiving stays Happy!

If your like my family for Thanksgiving – we always have more food than people! 

The kitchen is the busiest place in the house with almost every appliance working and people in an out! Constant discussion about the weather and who is flying and traveling hoping they arrive safe. 

AND  -- 

Let's not forget the turkey fryer that has become very popular -- please cook that turkey outside regardless of the weather!  

THANKSGIVING IS A WONDERFUL TIME BUT ALSO VERY DANGEROUS!   

Thanksgiving by the numbers:

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
In 2014 nearly four times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day.
In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,730 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak for such fires.
Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
Cooking equipment was involved in almost half (48%) of all reported home fires and civilian and tied with heating equipment for the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

THE LAST THING ANYONE WANTS ON THIS IMPORTANT DAY IS A DISASTER!

SO – Here are some tips to remember either when traveling or doing the cooking!

Fire Prevention

1. Make sure to secure any loose hair or clothing when cooking; long sleeves could trail in a gas flame or burner, catching fire and spreading it to the rest of your home.

2. Use caution with turkey fryers; because people often use them for the first time on Thanksgiving, they pose a distinct fire hazard.

3. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand just in case a fire breaks out, and make sure that you and your family members know how to use it.

4. Stand by your food; don’t leave the kitchen when something is on the stove top.

5. Keep children away from the stove at all times.

Home Security

If you are traveling away for Thanksgiving, it is crucial to keep your home safe from burglars, who will take advantage of your empty home. Follow these tips for maximum safety:

1. Don’t post your plans on social media; burglars can keep track of this and use it to their advantage.

2. Make sure to remove any ladders, decorations or other objects that provide easy access to your windows or any other entrances in your house from the outside.

3. Invest in a home security system, which will alert you if anyone breaks into your home.

4. Don’t leave any signs that you are away; for example, put your lights on a timer, and turn off your phone so that it does not ring off the hook and indicate that you are not there. Have a friend come by to pick up your mail so that it does not pile up out front.

Travel Safety

When traveling to meet family and friends during Thanksgiving, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Be prepared: if you are driving, carry an emergency road kit, and leave yourself extra time in case of bad weather.

2. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t text and drive. It is illegal and you drastically increase your chances of having an accident.

3. If you are flying, try to get to the airport early, because Thanksgiving crowds will cause significant delays.

In the event that unforeseen circumstances have occurred and you require either an automobile or homeowners’ policy consult, please don’t hesitate to Herrholtz Insurance Agency at 440-527-0304!

Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!!  

When Price is the only driver we often can make huge mistakes in Homeowners insurance!

The insurance industry has done a disservice to itself and the consumers. 

 How you might ask? 

 By making insurance all about price. We are so price driven that we often fail to make informed or even reasonable decisions about coverage. Think about these four mistakes around homeowners insurance that I have had one or more people ask me to do! Yes my clients have actually suggested these to decrease the overall cost of homeowners insurance and despite the red flags and warnings from me they are often dismissive of the risk.

Because price is the driver – people will agree or do things that ultimately hurts them if they have to file a claim.

Here are four examples:

Underinsuring your house

Insurance experts say failing to have enough insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding your house if it’s destroyed is the biggest mistake homeowners make. I have had more than one client suggest that they would like to purposely underinsure there house! They say things like “where did that calculation come from, I know or am a contractor and can rebuild this house for “x” amount.  So I have said things like go ask a local real-estate agent, builder, contractor or building association for the average rebuilding cost per square foot in your area or pay for an estimate from various websites

Once you know what it would cost to rebuild, see if your coverage is close to that figure. If it isn’t, increase your protection.

When estimating your rebuilding cost, remember to add in what you’d pay to replace any special features in your house, such as marble floors or high-end woodworking.

To avoid making this calculation every year, ask your insurer about an automatic inflation provision. Of course, this may raise your premium.

You might also consider instead getting extended replacement coverage which means the insurer would pay up to 125 percent of your policy limit to rebuild your home.

The top of the line protection — and the most expensive option — is “guaranteed replacement cost coverage,” where the insurer will pay to rebuild your home no matter what it costs.

Be sure you’re adequately covered for your valuables, including jewelry, art, antiques and computer equipment, too. Don’t overlook buying extra coverage, known as floaters or riders, for jewelry, electronics or art since policies ordinary limit protection for valuables.

Assuming you have flood insurance

This coverage is not part of a standard homeowners contract. If you live near a lake, river, flood plain or the ocean, you should definitely buy it. (You may be required to have flood insurance in order to get a mortgage in certain places.)

But coastal area homes aren’t the only ones that need flood insurance. Inland areas near water can sustain serious flood damage from ground water too.

Flood insurance isn’t hard to get; it’s a federal program that accepts everybody who wants the coverage.

Thinking you have one, flat deductible

You might believe your maximum out-of-pocket cost would be $500, $1,000 or whatever amount you said when you bought your policy. Wrong.

In the case of named storms, like hurricanes or such major weather events as windstorms and earthquakes, the deductible often becomes a percentage of your coverage. I see this often when looking at declarations pages from other insurance companies. Because we are so price driven insurance agents will raise that to a percentage to lower the premium to get the business. Not only is this unfair to the homeowner it makes it difficult for me to explain the higher price.

As an example, if your house is insured for $300,000, but you sustain damage in a windstorm, you could be socked with a $15,000 deductible when you file your claim.

What should you do?

Ask your agent or insurer if your policy has different deductibles, depending on the cause of damage.

Believing you’re covered for sewage backup

Inquire about additional coverage for protection from mold or sewage backup (which is often a problem in large downpours).

The cost of coverage for sewage backup isn’t terribly expensive, about $40 to $50 a year. It’s worth buying. I add it to every policy and literally make the client tell me to take it off. It is such a common claim.

These are just four little examples that could cost you more than the savings on your yearly premium.  Make sure you inquire with your insurance agent and ask these important questions.

Of course you can always call me -- 440-527-0304 or visit our website at http://www.herrholtzinsuranceagency.com/ to get a Free UNBIASED quote!

Knock Knock -- who's there? It's me your age -- and it's about time you thought about Life Insurance!

I felt it this morning – yes I felt my age! It reminds me often that I am no longer 21 years old!
Don't fret about your age; chances are you like me have more than half a century to have fun and live life to the fullest. Better yet, the Social Security Administration says 25% of us will live beyond the age of 90! That brings us to talking about the excellent reasons to get life insurance now.

If you have another 50-plus years ahead of you, why is life insurance a concern? Despite the odds being in your favor, there are some real risks to contemplate. Approximately 10,000 people a year from car accidents. Another 25,000 die of coronary heart disease and 11,000 die of liver disease. Hypertension-related health problems kill over 8,000 men and women in the same age group.
MORBID I know!

The simple fact is that as we age, our health declines. We all know that!
The point here isn't to scare you, but to raise awareness of the fact that while life insurance isn't the most glamorous subject ever, it is one of the most important topics you'll face for the loved ones in your life.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance provides financial security for your family at the time of your death. It will cover funeral expenses and outstanding debts and replace your salary so you can continue to provide for your family even after you are gone. In some cases, life insurance will also cover your long-term care before you pass away – the dreaded nursing home monster that takes all your hard-earned assets!

Of course, anytime is a good time to get life insurance, but there are some especially good reasons to get life insurance as soon as possible after you turn 30.

Some common sense reasons to get life insurance now!

Provide financial security for your spouse, partner, and dependents



One of the most common reasons to get life insurance is to provide for the financial security of your spouse, partner, or children in the event of your unexpected death. Your life insurance payout will help them cover regular living expenses such as utilities, groceries, and education for years to come.

Cover living expenses for your dependents

Whether it's for daycare, school field trips, or medical expenses, your spouse, partner, or children's guardian will appreciate the financial help you leave behind. The cost of clothes and shoes for growing boys and girls adds up. As teens, your kids will pack away a week's worth of groceries in about three hours.

Pay off your debt so others don't have to

Another one of the most common reasons to get life insurance to cover your mortgage, car payments, and other substantial debts. If you and your partner rely on two incomes, or especially if you rely solely on your income to pay a home or car loan, life insurance will prove essential in ensuring your partner can continue to cover those bills.

Stay-at-home parents are breadwinners, too

When there is no paycheck or W-2 form, it's easy to overlook the financial security a stay-at-home parent brings to the family. A stay-at-home mom or dad is also a cook, housekeeper, taxi service, and so much more.


Save your money

Under normal circumstances, the younger you are when you buy life insurance, the less expensive it is. The longer you wait, the greater the premiums will be.  The average cable bill is a lot higher than a life insurance premium.

You may need emergency funds

Some life insurance policies can double as emergency funds. If you find yourself in financial straits, you can borrow from the cash value of your policy. While this lowers the benefits available if something happens to you, it is a short-term solution if you need it.

Take time to research the right life insurance for you. When the day comes, the people you care about will be grateful for your care in planning for their future.

Speaking of planning ahead (for the much distant future, we hope), no one wants to leave their family with financial stress and the burden of debt and funeral expenses.
NO one and I mean NO one wants to talk about this subject however having it will make you sleep easier at night!



Call the Herrholtz Insurance Agency for your free, fast and quick life insurance quote! Done over the phone in less than 10 minutes! 440-527-0304!

Why I am skipping this election!

I have faithfully and dutifully cast a ballot in every election since I was 18.  I have preached as a high school government teacher on how it is our civic and moral duty to vote.  As I reflect on the past individuals I have voted for -- not one of them was my choice candidate.  I normally simply voted "for the lessor of two evils."

Today -- I am taking a stand -- and skipping this election entirely.   For the first time in my life neither candidate deserves my vote.  Neither candidate has earned my trust or faith to lead this country and I cannot cast a ballot for either of them.

This election has been an abomination -- the worst I have ever witnessed.  To call it a circus is being kind.  It lacked any real discussions about policy,  it was simply about each other.  A ruthless attack by both candidates on why the other is unfit to serve.

Trump and Clinton revealed there true character and lack thereof in each of the debates willing to sling the mud of hatred and fear to advance themselves.

I blame the Democratic party leadership for purposely destroying Bernie Sanders and supporting a tainted candidate in Hillary Clinton.  She has a long track record of dishonest and suspect decision-making.

Trump is no better -- He is literally a narcissistic demagogue.  His actions, words and opinions are embarrassing.  I really thought when he first started he would never last -- it was all a publicity stunt to increase the profitability of his name and here he is the Republican nominee?

I wondered how these two got here?  Do they represent us?  Is America that broken?  Are we truly that divided? Have we lost any sense of decorum?

Maybe --

I have endured the daily onslaught of social media with each side posting obvious falsehoods about each candidate.  I have read and heard the mean spirited words we have said to each other over the two candidates.  I have witnessed friendships end -- yes end -- over who they are supporting this election.  I have been guilty of  talking over other people and failing to listen to what they have to say.

Then I realized as I read and heard those mean spirited comments that indeed "yes" sadly Trump and Clinton are us -- we have lost our sense of decorum and respect of others and there opinions.  

We no longer listen to understand and to find common ground -- we simply find opinions and others that affirm our own thinking and ruthlessly and without care destroy them with mean personal attacks on there character or opinion.

It truly saddens me that compromise is a dirty word in politics.  We used to pride ourselves in those people who could forge common bonds to solve problems for the betterment of our communities and this country.  We respected and revered those who could make a passionate argument that swayed and changed the thinking of large groups of people.

One thing is for sure -- Americans are angry -- divided -- and ready for change.  People have lost faith in a system that is supposed to help and advance our country.

More than ever before I believe that until we truly eliminate the MONEY from the political system we will continue to elect those who serve the elites and not the common person.  We will not see the changes we all want because those who make the rules are beholden to those who have given them large campaign donations.  They have successfully and deftly got us to fight with each other and to focus on personalities rather than policy.

We the people have failed, failed each other, failed our communities, failed our children as they have now witnessed this crude and heartless election process.  We failed each other as we no longer listen, respect, and value others opinions.

I was reminded of an Adlai Stevenson quote when he said "Public confidence in the integrity of the Government is indispensable to the faith in Democracy."  Let those words sink in as you think about this election --

For the above reasons -- I am skipping this election and hope that regardless of the outcome on Tuesday that the loser find the capacity and grace to support the winner.  It might be what we all need to happen for us to move forward.

You are about to buy a new house -- What to look for when insuring your American Dream

There’s nothing quite like owning your first home. As you complete small home improvement projects, decorate your new space, and meet your neighbors, you begin to take great pride in having a home to call your own.

To protect your new investment, you’ll want to get homeowners insurance, but the options can be overwhelming—especially since you’ve never done any of this before!

These 5 keys to homeowners insurance will give you a primer on everything you need to know as a first time homeowner. Use what you learn here to ensure your first home is protected.

1. Learn the Lingo

It’s helpful to get a general idea of what different terms mean before you start calling around requesting quotes. Here are a few to get you started:

Deductible - Your deductible is how much you’ll be required to pay out of pocket before your insurance company will start chipping in on your claim.

Premium - Your premium is how much you’ll pay for your insurance on a monthly or annual basis. You’ll want to use this number to ensure your policy will fit in your budget.

Liability coverage - If someone gets injured on your property—even as an uninvited trespasser!—you can be sued for the medical bills. Liability coverage exists to help with the resulting medical and legal expenses.

Personal property coverage - Personal property coverage protects what you own and store in your home, like furniture or technology. There may be limits to how much or what is covered, so ask your insurance provider for details and purchase extended riders if necessary  like personal article floaters.

Riders - These are extensions to your policy for things that aren’t already covered. Examples may include your great grandmother’s wedding ring or valuable artwork, but ask ME for details and whether or not you should get one!

2. Budget Before You Buy and Get a CLUE

There are a lot of costs to consider when buying a home: the down payment, necessary repairs, property taxes, and more. Before you begin viewing homes—and certainly before you ever make a down payment—you need to ensure your budget accounts for all of those additional costs.

Find out how much homeowner's insurance is going to cost you before you put money down on a house. Call around to compare rates from three or more providers. Remember, you’re not looking for the lowest price, but for the best value.

You’ll find that certain factors can affect your premium, including backyard swimming pools or trampolines; the condition, age, and size of the home; and the location of the home—are you at risk for natural disasters? Are you in close proximity to a fire station? 

Call different providers to get an idea of what you’ll be paying on the front end so that the cost doesn’t take you by surprise once the keys are in your hand.

When you’re trying to determine how much your homeowners insurance will cost, start by getting a CLUE. No, that’s not an insult—CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loan Underwriting Exchange—it’s a way to search your home’s history for recent claims and get an idea of how much your premium may cost you!

3. Get More for Less

One of the simplest ways to save on your homeowners insurance is to bundle multiple insurance policies. Combining your homeowners and auto insurance policies can sometimes save you up to 20%. Start by calling your current auto insurance provider to ask about bundling.

Of course, you don’t have to stop at bundling with auto insurance—ask about other bundling opportunities or any additional available discounts. Some providers, for example, offer discounts when you install deadbolt locks or a home security system.

As you look for places to save, don’t get so frugal that you’re willing to skimp on coverage. Remember, you’re looking for the best value, not the lowest price. Make sure the coverage is enough to replace or rebuild your home if it is destroyed by fire or a natural disaster.

4. Find Out What’s Covered

Take time to read the fine print or ask a broker to go over all the details. Never assume that something is covered; some belongings and risks require additional coverage.

For example, highly valuable belongings or antiques aren’t always covered with the rest of your belongings and may require extended riders If your home’s location puts it at risk of flooding, you’ll likely need to purchase separate flood insurance.

Remember that you’ll be relying on your insurance company in times of disaster, so it’s important to choose one you can trust. Once you’ve compared policies for their value and coverage, do a quick search for customer reviews. You’ll want to choose a company with an established reputation for covering valid claims from customers. In a time of great loss, you don’t want to have to beg, plead, or fight for the coverage you’ve paid for.

5. Spend to Save

Have you ever heard the saying “You have to spend money to make money”? Well, as it turns out, you also have to spend money to save money. By spending money on home repairs, you can save in the long run on your home insurance.

Get a home inspection while your home is under contract, and pay to fix any flagged items that the previous owner won’t repair. You want to ensure your plumbing, roof, electrical, and HVAC are all in good condition. Make sure you report your improvements to your home insurance agent to see if it can lower your premium.

Filing a claim, even a valid one, can lead to higher premiums down the road. Look for ways to minimize risk and prevent small or large disasters that could lead you to file a claim. For example, cut off any dead tree limbs that are close to your roof and replace lost or missing shingles before massive damage can occur.

Another way to get better rates is to build up your credit score. Insurance companies see good credit as a sign that you’re less likely to file claims. If you don’t have much credit, you may choose to open a credit card to help. Just be sure to pay it off on time and never exceed your limit, or you’ll only hurt your credit score.

Conclusion

With these 5 keys to homeowners insurance, you’re ready to start shopping for your dream home. Use what you’ve learned to choose a policy that will protect your investment and provide you with peace of mind as you fall in love with your new space.

CALL ME Jim Herrholtz at 440-527-0304 for more information!