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Click on the topics below to read more about: Boating Safety Made Easy From safety measures to the right insurance, there’s plenty boaters can do to protect themselves and others this season Here’s the good news: The number of boating accidents reported in 2006 declined from 2005, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Here’s the bad: By only two accidents. Want more? The number of people killed in boating accidents rose from 697 to 710, and the number of injuries increased from 3,451 to 3,474. The amount of damage in those accidents, meanwhile, skyrocketed from $38.7 million to $43.7 million. Want some good news? We have it. “With the start of this year’s boating season, there are plenty of simple things boaters can do to protect themselves, their passengers and their property,” said local agent Eric Nier. “From following basic safety measures to re-evaluating their insurance coverage, boaters can enjoy a memorable and fun season while making it safe for everyone.” Safety first Boating safety starts with one of the easiest measures – simply wearing a life jacket, a practice endorsed by Eric Nier Insurance for years. Although the law requires boaters to carry Coast Guard approved life jackets on board their vessels, 90 percent of all boaters who drowned in 2006 were not wearing life jackets. Eric Nier Insurance recommends all captains take the Safe Boaters Pledge this year. In addition to making the wearing of life jackets a rule, the pledge – approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council – recommends the following steps:
Protect yourself with the right insurance Although laws don’t require insurance for boats the same way they do for cars, the numbers make a compelling case for boat insurance. Through October 2007, the national average boat-liability claim was $23,583, and the average physical damage claim was $5,214, according to agency watercraft-line claim files. “Boat insurance can help protect you from unexpected expenses that could reach well into the thousands,” Eric Nier said. “Eric Nier Insurance offers a variety of options that provide security and peace of mind.” Boat insurance should cover physical damage to your boat, motor or trailer; offer medical payment coverage in case someone is injured; and provide liability protection in case someone gets hurt or injured while boating. With a long track record of providing comprehensive and affordable boat insurance, Eric Nier Insurance has the experience, knowledge and options to customize your coverage and help keep costs down. For starters, in some states, take an approved boating safety course and you’ll save 5 percent off your insurance. And if you have other insurance with our agency, your premiums could come down even more. With Allstate, you don’t need exotic riders if you take your boat on a trip – we provide coverage across the U.S. up to 100 nautical miles of the United States and Canada. And while some companies exclude accidents that occur in tournaments or competitions, our policies can provide coverage of boats in fishing tournaments. Our coverage includes wreck removal coverage that helps cover the cost of removing your boat after an accident, and emergency services coverage for those instances when you breakdown and need a tow. Other options include:
Flood Insurance Many believe that flooding only occurs in coastal areas, riverside communities or near large bodies of water. The truth is that residents of low and moderate flood risk areas may also experience flash flooding – especially with recent heavy rains and mountains of winter snow suddenly melting down as temperatures rise. All that water has to go somewhere. Flood insurance is an important item of protection, but few know about the key aspects of this type of coverage until after it’s too late. For starters, flood insurance* is generally not included as part of your homeowners coverage and I talk to my customers about that all the time. Most importantly, the time to consider flood coverage isn’t when the raindrops start falling. In general, a flood policy does not take effect until 30 days after it is purchased. The key is preparation and information. Do you know your area’s level of risk? It’s easy to find out by visiting: www.floodsmart.gov. Being well informed about your insurance coverage options can make all the difference and make you better prepared well in advance of what may be on Mother Nature’s horizon. To learn more about flood insurance, contact Eric Nier at (715) 341 – 3838. *While you can purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent, all flood policies and claims are backed and paid for by the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Know What’s Under Your Roof Before Disaster Strikes Recent severe storms rolling through the Midwest have caused many to think about protecting their valuables from potential storm damage. But catastrophes can happen suddenly and without warning - damaging or destroying your home along with all the contents inside. In the aftermath of such a devastating event, would you know where to begin in picking up the pieces and starting over? Could you list and describe your possessions so they could be replaced? Eric Nier Insurance Agency recommends that all homeowners take the necessary steps and precautions now in case they suffer a loss. “Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, disaster can strike at any time,” said local agent Eric Nier. “Water damage, tornadoes, fire and even a theft can impact Midwest homeowners in an instant and with devastating consequences. An accurate and up-to-date home inventory can help make the recovery process easier on you and your family.” Below are six steps that Eric Nier Insurance Agency recommends you take in preparing a home inventory.
Hopefully it’s something you’ll never have to consult in the wake of a disaster, but having a readily accessible home inventory list can make the difference when taking the first steps toward recovery. What You Need To Know Before You Mow With the snow blower packed away for the winter, it’s the lawnmower that’s now the tool of choice for many in the spring and summer months. Pushing or riding a grass cutter across your lawn may seem routine, but it can be very dangerous for you and those around you if simple precautions aren’t taken to maximize safety. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that each year about 75 people are killed and more than 20,000 are injured on or near riding lawn mowers and are sent to clinics and emergency rooms. “You may not think of it as a household hazard, but a lawn mower can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment around a home if it’s not used properly,” says local agent Eric Nier. “Only a small percentage of injuries are caused by mechanical failure and most are caused by human error.” To help prevent lawnmower accidents and injuries, Eric Nier Insurance Agency recommends the following safety tips:
Boomers with Motorcycles on the Rise – They’re Wealthier Yes, but Healthy and Wise? Download PDF of this article Each spring brings with it all the annual rites of passage – cleaning out the closets, sprucing up the landscaping, and for a growing number of Americans, taking the Harley out for a ride. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, 2005 sales of all types of two-wheeled motorbikes reached more than 1.1 million, a high-water mark not seen in almost thirty years. Fueling the trend are Baby Boomers, along with a more disturbing one - motorcycle fatalities for riders age 40 and older. According to 2005 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, riders age 40 and older accounted for almost half of all motorcycle deaths. The age-group death rate has roughly doubled in ten years, accounting for only 25 percent of total deaths in 1995. Fatalities for younger riders during this same period steadily declined. “Whether you’re an experienced rider or a brand new motorcyclist, safety should always be your top priority before hitting the road,” said local agent Eric Nier.” NHTSA sponsors National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May and recommends the following precautions for all riders:
Eric Nier Insurance Agency’s motorcycle policies are designed with a biker’s needs in mind and Allstate recommends the following coverages:
Eric Nier Insurance Agency also offers several motorcycle insurance discounts. You may save up to 40% off the standard premium if you…
To ensure you’ll enjoy the freedom of riding the open road for many years to come, take some important steps today to protect your safety, your vehicle and your peace of mind. For more information on motorcycle safety and protection, contact agent Eric Nier at 715-341-3838 or 1-800-886-8135. STAY COOL – BUT KEEP AN EYE ON THE POOL As we head into the “dog days” of summer and hotter days ahead, swimming pools will become even more popular with families and friends looking to cool off from the intense summer heat. Unfortunately, swimming pools, large and small, can also be the site of injuries and accidental deaths for children. A pool is a wonderful play area for the whole family, as long as it is kept safe. In addition to the fences required in many communities, pool owners should also consider creating layers of protection around the pool. “This means setting up as many barriers as possible so that children do not get into the pool area when not in use,” says local Insurance agent Eric Nier. “This would include installing door alarms, locks and safety covers to help prevent accidents.” Pool owners should also be aware of the liability they may face should someone become injured in or around the water. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your insurance agent to make sure you carry proper homeowners coverage and that your policy is updated to cover the added value of any improvements or additions to your property. In addition to providing barriers and constant supervision, Eric Nier Insurance Agency and The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers these tips to help prevent accidental drowning deaths:
A Home Repair Headache May Be Hanging Right Over You From un-seasonal warmth to heavy snow, this winter has been packed with plenty of surprises, and it’s not over yet. A cold weather culprit that could become a problem following a snowstorm is ice damming on top of a home. Ice dams develop when heat from a home rises up through a roof covered with several inches of snow and melts the bottom snow layer – creating an icy buildup. “Ice dams are lumps of ice that form on gutters, eaves and valleys, and prevent melting snow from running down,” says agent Eric Nier. “As the snow melts, the water backs up and seeps under shingles or tiles and eventually into your home. Preventing ice dams can be as simple as mounting proper insulation and avoiding improper removal of ice and snow.” To help minimize ice dam formation on your roof and protect your home from winter damage, Allstate Insurance Company offers the following tips:
To learn more about preventing ice dams or receive information on other safety topics, contact Eric Nier at 715-341-3838 or 1-800-886-8135. Tips to Keep your Pipes from Freezing When the temperature falls below 20 degrees and is accompanied by strong winter winds, the potential for pipes freezing dramatically increases. The result is often burst pipes and flooding. “The winter months can be very damaging to your home if you do not plan ahead,” says agent Eric Nier. “By keeping track of the weather forecast and taking some precautions, your house has a better chance of staying dry this winter.” The following tips from Eric Nier Insurance Agency, the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will help to keep your home dry this winter:
During a deep freeze, consider the following steps:
Do You Know The Value Of Your Belongings? If your apartment burns down or is burglarized, would you have money to replace your personal belongings? Most renters don’t realize their landlord’s insurance covers only the building structure and not tenants’ possessions. Plus, how many college students living in off-campus apartments even think about renters insurance? Well, for about the price of a large pizza per month, you can protect all of your valuables. Renters insurance is available to protect personal belongings from fire, theft, vandalism, and damage from faulty plumbing. Renters insurance also covers more than personal belongings. Options are available to cover the renter if a guest is injured while in the apartment or if the policyholder or family member causes damage to another property. There are also options to cover reasonable increases in certain living expenses necessary to maintain your normal standard of living, for up to the amount of time specified in the policy, if a covered loss makes your residence uninhabitable. “Most people need to be educated about the advantages of renters insurance,” says agent Eric Nier. “Renters are surprised to learn just how much they risk losing without proper insurance for both their personal belongings and personal liability. ”Eric Nier Insurance Agency wants you to become familiar with the facts about protecting yourself and your property in a rental situation:
Coverage and discounts are subject to availability and qualifications. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply. For more information on this and other safety topics, or to receive a free copy of Eric Nier Insurance Agency’s Renters Inventory Record, contact Eric Nier at 715-341-3838 or 1-800-886-8135. Don’t Be a Victim or the Cause of Road Rage Road construction delays, soaring gas prices and traffic that seems to never let up are only a few reasons that spark moments of frustration and even aggression in drivers. Aggressive drivers, the ones who tailgate, cut others off, run red lights, honk their horns, yell or make obscene gestures, are a danger to themselves and others. If you are an aggressive driver, or should you come into contact with one, your safety and that of your passengers and others on the road is seriously compromised. Stress from off-the-road situations such as problems at work, the loss of a job, a divorce, or the death of a loved one can trigger road rage, even in a person who normally practices safe driving habits. “Aggressive driving can affect anyone. Even drivers who are usually calm can get angry or frustrated and act out those feelings in dangerous ways,” says local agent Eric Nier. “In addition, poor traffic conditions such as crowded roads and traffic jams can be the ‘last straw’ for a driver who is already stressed or upset.” To protect yourself and others from the hazards of aggressive driving, Eric Nier Insurance Agency recommends the following:
ARE YOU READY FOR SPRING? Throughout the Midwest, residents are ready for a new season! Soon, we will enjoy the first sign of spring – time to spring the clock forward in accordance with Daylight Savings Time. Eric Nier Insurance Agency also encourages homeowners to treat the event as a critical reminder for checking and replacing the batteries in your home’s smoke detectors. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, direct property loss due to fires was an estimated $14.6 billion nationwide in 2007, and fires killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined. “A smoke detector can only save lives if it has working batteries,” said says agent Eric Nier. “Families, including small children, should know what the smoke detector sounds like and what to do if they hear it.” Eric Nier Insurance Agency offers some fire safety basics to discuss and practice at home with all family members:
Make It a Safe Run Over the Snow Snowmobiling has surged as one of the most popular winter recreation activities. When the heavy snow falls, snowmobiles often become the vehicle of choice for maneuvering through snow drifts and over snow-covered fields. But taking the time to make some critical safety checks can make all the difference in your winter fun. “Nothing beats cruising through fresh powder on your sled, until something unexpected happens,” said local agent Eric Nier. “Eric Nier Insurance Agency offers affordable coverage that helps protect you, your passengers and your snowmobile, including: Liability Coverage, Medical Payments Coverage, and Physical Damage Coverage.” Eric Nier Insurance Agency and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend the following safe snowmobiling rules for recreational snowmobiling:
Tips to Avoid Accidents According to the Insurance Information Institute, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 33. A motor vehicle death occurs on average every 12 minutes while an injury occurs every 12 seconds. On average, motor vehicle crashes in the United States result in more than 100 deaths per day. “Motor vehicle safety is of utmost importance and Eric Nier Insurance Agency hopes to raise awareness among local residents with reminders of some basic safe driving tips that will hopefully save lives and prevent accidents from occurring,” said local agent Eric Nier. With March being National Collision Awareness Month, Eric Nier Insurance Agency offers the following driving tips to ensure not only your safety, but the safety of others on the road. 1. Buckle up. Ensure the driver and all passengers are properly buckled up for safety and check to make sure that any child passenger safety seat is properly installed. 2. Don’t drink and drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is an alcohol-related traffic fatality every 31 minutes and an alcohol-related traffic injury every 2 minutes. 3. Minimize distractions. Engaging in any other activity while driving – talking on your cell phone, text messaging, changing a radio station, putting on makeup – is a distraction. 4. Leave a safe distance between your car and others around you. Maintain at least one car length space between your car and the vehicle in front of you for every ten miles per hour of speed. 5. Be aware of road conditions. Ice, snow, fog, rain – all of these weather conditions require extra caution and slower speeds. To learn more about safe driving habits, contact agent Eric Nier at 715-341-3838 or 1-800-886-8135. Are You Prepared for Nature's Powerful Punch? Have you taken time to create a tornado safety plan? It could be one of the most valuable conversations you'll ever have with family members and loved ones. As we transition from colder weather to springtime temperatures, constant climactic changes can generate conditions favorable for triggering a tornado. According to the National Weather Service, around 1,200 tornadoes are reported each year in the U.S. In 2006, tornadoes were responsible for 66 fatalities. Only a small portion of all tornadoes are violent enough to cause death and destruction, but with peak tornado season upon us, it's important to have a tornado safety plan in the event of a severe storm. "We hear a lot about having a home fire escape plan, but you shouldn't forget to also prepare for a potential tornado," says local agent Eric Nier. "The time to start thinking about a tornado isn't when you hear weather warnings and sirens in your neighborhood. Make the time to have a tornado safety plan in place today for you and your family." Eric Nier Insurance Agency and the National Weather Service offer some vital tips for building a tornado safety plan: Home with a basement: Take shelter in the basement and stay away from windows that may shatter and produce flying glass. Try to take cover under something heavy and sturdy, such as a table or a work bench. If those aren't available, cover yourself under a mattress or sleeping bag. Also be aware of where heavy objects such as refrigerators and pianos are on the floors above you and avoid taking shelter beneath those areas. Floors may lose support in a severely damaged home. Home without a basement: Get to the lowest floor and take shelter in a small room such as a bathroom, closet or interior hallway near the center of the home and away from windows. Crouch face down on the floor with your arms covering your head. A mobile home: Leave immediately - you are more likely to be safer away from a mobile home even if the only alternative is to seek shelter somewhere outside. You should head for a designated tornado shelter for your community or identify a nearby, sturdy building where you can gain access in case of emergency. If you must take cover outside, lie flat on low ground away from mobile homes that may produce flying debris in severe storms. Protect your head and try to find a spot away from trees and cars which may become unstable in high winds. Residential or office building: Move away from all windows and take cover in an enclosed area in the center of the building. Interior stairwells are also good areas for protection that also provide access to lower floors. Crouch face down on the floor with your arms covering your head. Avoid taking elevators in the event of a power failure. When at school: Students should follow procedures practiced in school tornado drills. Move to an interior hallway or designated shelter area and crouch face down on the floor with your arms protecting your head. Keep away from windows and stay out of large, open areas like gymnasiums and auditoriums. General Tornado Protection Tips Don't try to outrun a tornado: With tornadoes capable of traveling at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, it's dangerous to try to outrun them. If you are in a car, stop, get out and seek shelter in a strong, sturdy building. If you are in an open area, lie face down and cover your head to protect yourself from flying debris. Keep fresh batteries in radios and flashlights: Radio weather reports help you pay close attention to weather developments and alert you when it's safe to leave your temporary shelter. Flashlights are necessary to navigate through the dark and can help you safely escape from damage and debris that may be around. In the event of a severe weather emergency, it's always important to stay calm and stick to the tornado safety plan designed to protect you and your family. How I Spent My Summer Vacation… Summer is officially underway and if you’re planning on traveling in the next few weeks, you’ll have a lot of company. The Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Statistics reports that in recent years, Americans have taken around 650 million long distance summer trips between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. And the average summer long-distance trip is 284 miles one-way. With all that time away from your home, vacationers may be opening the door to potential thieves who look for telltale signs indicating no one is around. Those looking to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers might also target you and your family while on vacation. “You can help make family trips more enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce the possibility you’ll become an easy target for thieves preying on tourists or your empty home,” says insurance agent Eric Nier. To ensure a safe summer vacation for you and your family, Eric Nier Insurance Agency recommends the following tips: Make sure your home is protected while you're away:
Make sure you don’t pack unnecessary items and that your valuables are protected:
Try to blend in with the crowd and not look too many like tourists:
Don't use your home address on your luggage tags. You don't need to let anyone know where your empty house is located. Consider using your business card instead. Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold: The chilling air and dark night signal that winter’s wrath is knocking on our door and that it’s time to weatherize our homes and automobiles. Early preparation can save consumers time, money, and frustration dealing with a burst pipe, an ice dams, or a dead car battery. “The winter months can be very damaging to your home and car if you don’t plan ahead,” says agent Eric Nier. “By following some simple guidelines and taking some precautions, your home and car have a better chance of surviving the winter intact.” The Checklist Starts at Home
During a deep freeze, consider the following steps:
Burst pipes are just one problem wrought by Old Man Winter. Ice dams, or ridges of ice that form on gutters, eaves and valleys, prevent melting snow from running down, forcing the water under shingles or tiles and into your home. Ice dams develop when heat from a roof covered with at least eight inches of snow moves through the roof and melts the bottom layer of snow. You can prevent ice dams by mounting proper insulation and avoiding improper removal of ice and snow. Here are some additional tips Allstate offers to avoid ice dam formation:
Keep Your Checklist Moving With Your Car The following tips from Eric Nier Insurance Agency will help to prepare your car for the cold weather:
To learn more about preventing burst pipes, ice dams, winterizing your car, and other winter safety tips, contact agent Eric Nier at 715-341-3838 or 1-800-886-8135. .
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