Integra Insurance Group News

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:22:19 GMT

Summer has ended, but there’s no need to fret: Fall brings with it crisp, cool days, wonderful colors — and football season!

It also brings with it a few maintenance tasks that Integra Insurance Group recommends to help ensure your home is ready for fall and winter weather in Arizona.

Check out the following information for some general tips from the National Association of Home Builders, and don’t hesitate to 623-322-5955 if you have questions about what your home insurance policy covers.

Exterior maintenance

Gutters: Leaves, pine needles and other material can clog your gutters in the fall, preventing proper drainage and raising the risk of water damage to your walls, foundation, basement or landscaping. Remove all debris from your gutters and consider installing one of the many available gutter guard systems — it could be the last time you have to worry about clogged gutters.
Trees: Weak trees and branches can break and cause damage to your home, car or even someone walking on your property (the latter is a good reason to consider a personal umbrella insurance policy). Watch out for large dead or detached branches, as well as cracks or rotten wood along trunks and major branches. If there are potential hazards, call a professional tree service.
Roof: Damaged or loose shingles, as well as gaps where roofing or siding meets vents and flues, can mean emergency (and expensive) repairs later. Being proactive is the best way to avoid problems — if you see signs of damage, you’ll want to call a professional roofer.
Walls: The exterior walls of your home keep the weather out — so you’ll want to make sure they’re up to the challenge of of a Arizona winter. Look for possible damage or decay on siding and trim, and patch or replace pieces if necessary.

Interior maintenance

Insulation: Check the insulation in your attic, basement and crawl spaces, and insulate pipes in those spaces to protect against freezing.
Pipes: Nobody wants to deal with a frozen pipe, so if you live in a place susceptible to freezing, wrap exposed ones with heating tape every winter and keep your home above 65 degrees. Always check for cracks and leaks. And know where the main water shut-off is in your home so you can act quickly if there is a problem.
Heating: It’s a good idea to have your heating systems (furnace, fireplace, water heater, etc.) serviced every year.

For more information on home maintenance, visit the National Association of Home Builders website at www.nahb.com. A little action on your part now can make fall and winter a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.

For further questions and assistance, please contact our office at 623-322-5955 or go to our website www.iigroupinc.com.

Understanding Identity Theft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:11:10 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Integra Insurance Group to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in Arizona or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place
Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place
Shred papers with personal information
Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need
Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place
Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online
Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate
Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity
Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief
New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim
Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed
Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.
Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks

Keep This Information Handy:

Federal Trade Commission:
1-877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration
Fraud Line: 1-800-269-0271

Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Identity Theft Plan of Action

Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
Call and report to the police. Make several copies of the police report.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (see contact information above to request these forms).
Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver's License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Take the time to educate yourself and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today at 623-322-5955 or go to our website www.iigroupinc.com

Disaster Preparedness, FEMA and More

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:13:08 GMT

If the unthinkable happens, Integra Insurance Group understands that your most valuable assets are more than just items on a balance sheet. That information is critical during a time of catastrophe.

Sites to Check Out
The following sites are additional resources to assist with preparing for and recovering from disaster.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross not only provides disaster relief nationally, but is part of a global humanitarian network, responding to those in need.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA is an independent agency of the federal government, which provides preparedness and response and recovery support to the nation.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA is a federal agency and the primary source of weather data and warnings for the United States.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA is an independent agency of the federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small business concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about FEMA

What if I don't have enough (or any) insurance?
You may qualify for grants from FEMA, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration, or the Farm Service Agency, or you may qualify for tax refunds for items that were not covered by insurance.

How do I get assistance?
Information on tax assistance, grants and loans can be obtained at a Disaster Recovery Center, or by calling FEMA at 1-800-462-9029. After your application is reviewed, the damaged property is inspected to verify the loss, and that will determine the type and extent of assistance that will be provided. Audits are done later to ensure that the aid goes only to those who are eligible and that the funds are used for their intended purposes.

What services are available?
FEMA may be able to provide Disaster Housing for up to 18 months, Low Interest Disaster Loans (from the SBA) to cover uninsured property losses, Disaster Grants to earthquake victims who would be unable to repay a loan, and other services such as crises counseling, unemployment assistance, legal aid, and assistance with income tax implications.

When should I apply?
FEMA encourages earthquake victims to apply for aid as soon as possible. The deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days following the Presidents major disaster declaration.

What assistance is available from the SBA?
The SBA has a Disaster Loan program that helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations fund rebuilding after a disaster. The loans generally have low interest rates and long repayment terms to make SBA recovery more affordable.

What if I need more information?
More information is available by visiting FEMA's website at www.fema.gov, and by visiting the SBA website at www.sba.gov. Additionally, you can also contact the IRS about tax relief by calling 1-800-829-1040, or visiting www.irs.gov.

For more advice on protecting things that matter to you most through Arizona car insurance, home insurance and more, call us at 623-322-5955 or better yet, go to our website www.iigroupinc.com.

Saving Money on Classic Car Insurance in Arizona

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:04:03 GMT

How much you pay for insurance depends on many factors. Following the suggestions below may help you lower the cost of your classic car or collector vehicle insurance:

Before you buy
If you’re thinking of buying a classic car or antique automobile, check with us to inquire what it will cost to insure. Usually expensive vehicles cost more to repair, maintain and insure. www.iigroupinc.com
Insure with one company
The more policies you have with one insurance company, whether it’s for your cars or home, the more substantial savings you may receive. Call us at 623-322-5955 to find out what you might save.
Increase your deductible
Raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses can help you save more on your policy.
Safety saves
A clean driving record can potentially lower your insurance rates.
Manage your account online
Not only will managing your payments online save you time and hassle, but your payment will be made automatically. Think: worry free.
- Have your monthly premium deducted from your checking account (paperless).
- Pay your entire insurance premium in full by check or credit card.

Check with us to find out more about your classic car insurance options.

And ask us about additional coverage options for vehicles and RV's on your auto policy – including rental, roadside assistance, new vehicle replacement and more. Have greater protection and peace of mind knowing that you are better prepared for the unexpected.

To find out more, Integra Insurance Group at 623-322-5955 or go to our website www.iigroupinc.com

Emergency Management Programs

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:44:27 GMT

An Integral Part of Your Overall Business Plan

A comprehensive emergency management program is a necessary part of any business, and Integra Insurance Group wants all businesses in Arizona 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. Integra Insurance Group will be happy to clear up any doubts or questions you have about your Commercial 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 at 623-322-5955 or go to our website www.iigroupinc.com if you have questions about your insurance coverage.

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

Suggestions For Dealing With a Water Emergency

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:56:36 GMT

It’s happened. There’s water everywhere – in your walls, under your carpets and soaking into your belongings. Whether caused by a burst pipe, a broken water heater or flooding, there are things you can do immediately to salvage belongings and limit damage or loss. Here are some suggestions from Integra Insurance Group that will help you, wherever you live, including Arizona.

Stop the water. If the water is coming from inside your home, such as a burst pipe or water heater malfunction, shut off the main water valve immediately. (Make sure everyone in your home knows where the shutoff valve is located.)
Turn off the utilities* – if the situation calls for it. In a serious water event, turning off the power or natural gas might be necessary to ensure your and others personal safety.
Prevent electrocution. Do not use any electrical appliances if the carpet or flooring surfaces are wet. Use a wet vacuum to remove water, but check the manufacturer’s instructions before starting.
Use fans to circulate air and encourage drying. This is especially important in the first 24-48 hours after an indoor flood.
Get water out quickly (and safely). Fast action on your part can prevent further damage, help you save more of your belongings and minimize the time and expense of repairs. Clean up as much water as possible by mopping or blotting with towels.
Get property to a dry location. As much as possible, move belongings to a dry area. Put furniture on blocks or slide a square of aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent the wood stain from bleeding into carpeting.
Remove area rugs from the floor. The dyes in carpets can stain flooring, carpeting or wood floors.
Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. It could cause carpet to shrink.
Launder any clothes or other washables that have been soaked as soon as possible. 10. Wipe excess water from furniture. Open drawers and cabinet doors for faster drying. Spread out books to speed drying and prevent further damage.
Watch for debris and pests. If water is flowing in your house there may be dislodged materials such as nails, or pests such as snakes or vermin.
Report claims as soon as possible. The sooner you report damage, the sooner your insurance company can help you get your home and life back to normal.
Keep track of the time spent cleaning and save receipts for the costs of any rental equipment or payments to professional services. As soon as you can, make a thorough list of items that water damaged-this will help us process your claim faster. Document the damage with photos, video, bills, and receipts. In the meantime, don’t throw out damaged items – especially expensive item

*In the case of a minor water situation there may not be a need to shut off the utilities, and doing so may leave your home without power until the utilities can be turned back on again.

Contact us at 623-322-5955 or go to our website www.iigroupinc.com for more information about preventing water damage in your home.

RV & Motorhome Safety Tips

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:39:12 GMT

Avoid any delays and unexpected problems when you take your RV or motorhome out for what should be a relaxing trip.

Follow some of our suggestions below, and consider investing in some maintenance and safety classes to help ensure happy travels across Arizona and beyond.

Take Care of Your Tires

When you're not traveling the lake, or some other destination, keep your RV/motorhome tires covered to protect them from the sun and weather.
Make sure you check your tire pressure before setting out on the road especially when your tires are cold.
Consult the owner's manual for proper inflation, and never exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the tire's sidewalls for your vehicle.

Weigh Your RV and Tow Vehicle

To know if weight is properly distributed and that you are within legal weight, find a certified platform scale and get weighed. Have the vehicle fully loaded with passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, fresh water and propane tanks to get an accurate weight.

Understand Propane and Gas Systems

Have the propane and gas systems inspected every spring for leaks and proper appliance operating pressure before you head out on vacation. Be sure you know how your RV alerts you to leaks, and know what to do if one occurs.

Here are some easy things to do if you smell gas/propane:

Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights.
Do not touch electrical switches.
Shut off gas supply at the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection.
Open the doors and windows and leave until the smell clears.
Have the gas system checked and repaired by a qualified technician before using again.

Use the Onboard Generator Sparingly

The onboard generator gives you extra power when there's no shore power available, but be wary of carbon monoxide.

Never sleep with the generator running, and before you start the generator, inspect the exhaust system.
Test the carbon monoxide detector, and know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning so you can watch out for it.

Contact Us!

Looking to review your RV insurance?? Make sure you're not overpaying - request an RV insurance quote online at www.iigroupinc.com or call us at 623-322-5955

Have a great summer!

Summer Means More Teens in the Workplace

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:58:02 GMT

Business news often reports that it’s difficult for teenagers to find work here in Arizona, but nonetheless, as summer approaches thousands of teenagers will enter the workforce, many for the first time.

This is an important first-step for teenagers who enter into these jobs each with their own set of expectations. Oftentimes those expectations are related solely to the money they’ll earn and what it can buy, not as their first life-lesson in developing a work ethic they will carry with them into adulthood. They are also inexperienced, most likely lacking in emotional or physical maturity, and don’t always recognize the differences between “right and wrong” in the workplace.

When working with teenagers, business owners, or their managers, find themselves filling the role of teacher, mentor and boss.

It’s very important that business owners have a clear understanding of state labor laws and safety issues that apply to underage workers.

Managers or other staff that may be in a position to supervise teens must also understand all applicable rules or regulations that apply to their role.

Lastly, underage workers need to understand their level of responsibility for their job, their own safety, and the safety of their co-workers.

At Integra Insurance Group we believe that by developing strong, clear policies for employment at your business, you can reduce your risk for potential losses due to employer/employee misunderstandings, accidents on the job and failure to report infractions.

One way to educate your managers and supervisors, as well as provide important worker information to your teenaged employees, is by taking advantage of resources available to you by the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the Arizona labor department.

Here are links to a few of the free resources available to you.

Directory of State Labor Divisions; or go to www.dol.gov and search for “State Labor Offices.”
Visit the Young Workers page at the Department of Labor website to find resources for parents, teen workers, business owners and educators.
Will your teen workers be driving? Don’t miss the Distracted Driving program.

Whatever your insurance needs, be they personal or business, we want to be your #1 choice. Contact us today at 623-322-5955 or go to our website www.iigroupinc.com to schedule an appointment for a complete insurance evaluation.

Living on Shaky Ground in Arizona

Wed, 11 May 2011 17:44:49 GMT

Believe it or not, every state in the U.S. has some degree of risk from earthquakes, including Arizona. 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 Arizona

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
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 insurance do I need?

We can assist you in analyzing your www.iigroupinc.com 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 us directly at 623-322-5955 for assistance. Remember that you can always find the claim department contact information for your insurance company on our website at www.iigroupinc.com .?

Road Back To The Playoffs Just Got Much Tougher For The AZ Cardinals

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:45:54 GMT

I was already impressed with the rookie season that Sam Bradford had for the St Louis Rams, but then word came down yesterday that they had hired the Denver Broncos former head coach Josh McDaniels and that made me even more concerned about my beloved Arizona Cards. With a very vanilla offense Bradford was able to break some of Peyton Manning's rookie records. I can only imagine what he will be able to do with an actual offensive mind. (On a side note, I am not sure what Cleveland was thinking when hiring Shurmur. Decent year, but that was a brutal offense.) This only leads to more problems for the Cardinals since the signing of Jim Harbaugh is about to totally legitimize a team with a ton of talent. Now that they have an actual head coach that is driven by play book and planning rather than raw emotion I can see the Rams and 49ers battling for NFC West Titles for the next few years. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they don't even have their 2011 quarterback on the roster. If they pick him up in the draft it will take him a couple of years to develop and if they go through free agency the chances are they will get someone who is past his prime, i.e. Marc Bulger or Donovan McNabb. The best case is probably a combination of both. Pick one in the draft and one in free agency. Keep in mind though, the higher the draft pick, the more pressure will be on the organization to play that quarterback and it could be another toxic situation. I have been an Arizona Cardinals fan since they moved here to the valley in 1988 and still have those nightmares of all of those bad seasons. I know that we have all enjoyed the ride that they gave us over the past few years and I truly hope that we see those days again soon, but with the current landscape of the NFC West I have a harder time seeing it now then before. Good luck Cards. I will be cheering for you and living out every up and down of next season with you.