Marshik Insurance Agency, Inc.

Business Use of My Personal Vehicle:   Will My Insurance Work?
There are over 240 million registered motor vehicles in the U.S., according to the Census
Bureau. At a given time, as many as a third of those clutter American roadways, and it is
estimated that one-fourth of those are being used in the course of work.
Running errands, making deliveries, visiting customers. Even for those whose
employment is not based on driving, it’s fair to say that your vehicle is an essential part
of your employment. This presents an important question: If you are involved in an
accident in the course of employment, are you covered by your personal auto insurance
policy (PAP)?
Like most insurance questions, the answer depends on circumstance. For example, what
kind of car are you driving? Does the car belong to you or someone else? What type of
business are you in?
Consider the language found in the typical PAP. At a glance, many policyholders are
shocked to see that the PAP appears to exclude coverage for the use of any vehicle in the
course of business other than farming or ranching. However, a very broad exception to
this exclusion allows coverage for the business use of a vehicle provided it is one of three
types: 1) a private passenger auto, 2) a pickup or van, or 3) trailer while used with the
aforementioned. This exception suggests that as long as the vehicle is one of these three
types, coverage remains intact after the accident.
But policyholders should proceed with caution, since some PAPs are not as generous. For
example, some versions may be more restrictive towards pickups or vans, possibly
including a gross vehicle weight (GVW) limitation or a clause that restricts coverage to
owned pickups or vans only. Be sure to consult your policy before driving any pickup or
van for work.
Further, policyholders should understand that any coverage permitted for business use of
personal vehicles by the PAP is not intended for these three vehicle categories:
Commercial-type vehicles. The PAP restricts business use to private passenger autos,
pickups and vans. While they can be purchased personally, box trucks, tractor trailers,
shuttle busses and other commercial-type vehicles do not fit this description; such
vehicles require a commercial auto policy.
Furnished or available for regular use. Often called the “company car” exclusion, this
provision is dangerous and must be remedied if the exposure exists. The reason is that a
typical PAP will exclude coverage for a vehicle that is regularly available to the
policyholder but is not specifically insured under the PAP. For example, if you are
furnished a company car as a benefit to your employment, make certain that you are
covered by your employer’s auto insurance policy. If not, specific action is required to
extend coverage under your PAP; it will not do so automatically. The good news is that
this coverage change is usually inexpensive and can be done easily; just be sure to
request the change now, before the accident happens. While the definition of furnished or
available for regular use varies by case, err on the side of caution. Don’t assume that
because you don’t take it home with you each night or that you only drive it occasionally
you’re in the clear. Regardless, a vehicle owned by your employer could be considered
available for your regular use. This exclusion presents a potential gap that is too risky to
ignore; your Trusted Choice® insurance professional can help you take the appropriate
steps to close it.
Vehicles that are the business. A PAP will not cover your vehicle if you use it to carry
people for a fee, such as a taxi, limo or shuttle. The only exception is a share-the-expense
car pool. And if you’re planning to make a few extra bucks delivering pizzas, auto parts,
newspapers or other goods, proceed with caution. Many PAPs also remove coverage for
vehicles that are used to deliver food or other types of property for a fee.
While in most cases the PAP will cover you for business use of a personal vehicle, there
are situations where it will not. Such situations are not uncommon and, if not remedied,
could result in significant financial detriment for you and your family. Consult your
Trusted Choice® insurance professional for advice on how to close potentially
devastating gaps in your PAP today.

Call the Marshik Insurance Agency, your local Trusted Choice agent, at 320-632-2328 with your questions.

Extended Service Options Make the Difference in Choosing an Insurance Agency!

It is important to us to be there when you need us.  With the Marshik Insurance Agency, you can access your insurance information at any time that is convenient to you.  You can review your coverages, or request changes to your covered property or contact information.  You can also create and send Certificates of Insurance and Auto ID cards, as you need them.

The Marshik Insurance Agency has been in business since 1966.  We offer access to many markets for your automobile, homeowners, business, life and health insurance needs.  Our staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient in meeting your insurance needs.  We are a Trusted Choice Agency.

Why Should You Choose Us?

• You have 24/7 access to our agency
• The ability to obtain Certificates of Insurance and Auto ID Cards on demand
• Online access to your policy information for review or to initiate change requests
• Telephone access to your policy information for review or to initiate change requests
• A live person to report your claim or loss any time of the day or night
• Escalation of your emergency claim to an agent who can respond immediately any time of the day or night
• Mobile access to all of these same services from your smartphone

Our service options are designed to meet the needs of today’s consumer.  With online, telephone service, and mobile phone access 24/7, you choose how to interact with our agency, and when it’s convenient to you.  Your insurance information is at your fingertips.  No more waiting for return phone calls or emails.  Don’t settle for any less!

How does it work?   You are provided a login ID and password to keep your information secure.  Your information is available through our website www.marshik.com by accessing the CSR24 Link.  Or access your information through your smartphone with our Mobile App.

The Marshik Insurance Agency is proud to be able to offer you On-Demand Access to your Insurance Information.  Contact us for more details 320-632-2328.  Make us your agency of choice.  We are here when you need us!

Feathering the Nest? Update Your Insurance
Consumers spend billions on their homes. Home improvement projects tallied to a whopping $280 billion in 2005, according to research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. The center forecasts that home renovations will grow at a steady 3.7% rate annually through 2015, after inflation.

What shouldn’t be lost in the excitement of adding a bedroom, finishing a basement or updating the kitchen is your financial security. The risk management and insurance tools available through your Trusted Choice® insurance professional are indispensable when you’re renovating.

Be aware that home renovations add to the risks you’re facing as a homeowner, including injuries to family, contractors and delivery workers; fire, theft, and vandalism; and water damage. What’s more, know that you must protect yourself from financial liability for anything that goes wrong.

It’s imperative that your homeowners and umbrella insurance coverages are set up correctly before, during and after your renovation project. The time and paperwork required may seem a distraction when you’re eager to upgrade an older home, install an energy efficiency retrofit, or renovate a rental property. But it’s every bit as important as buying the building materials or choosing the contractor.

Before renovations start:

Require contractors to provide proof of insurance for workers compensation and liability coverages. Your insurance agent can guide you on how to do this and what to ask the contractor to provide.

Workers compensation insurance pays for medical and rehabilitation expenses (and covers lost wages) if workers are hurt on the job. Workers who are injured in your home can sue you or claim damages from you if the contractor they work for does not have adequate coverage. (By default your homeowners and umbrella liability policies can become their insurance coverage, an unwelcome development for those who pay the premiums and do the claims paperwork.)

If you need to move out during construction, notify your agent so you can be certain that you have proper coverage for a temporary residence such as a hotel or rented home.

Recognize that building code upgrades and market changes may change the standard to which your renovated home is held. For example, home alarm systems have become popular, so you may wish to add one during your renovations. It may add to the renovation cost, but can make your home safer and earn a homeowners insurance discount. Such decisions are generally best considered before the project starts.

During construction:

With the added risks—such as construction accidents, fires due to power tools and open utility lines, and strangers in the house who may be tempted to steal your property or your identity—you may want to consider temporarily increasing homeowners and/or umbrella policy limits and/or changing the deductible.

After the project is finished:

Home improvements can increase the market value and replacement cost of your home. Your agent can guide you to proper insurance coverage levels for homeowners and umbrella policies. At that time, you may want to also ask about guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your homeowners policy.

The renovated or expanded space in your home may fill up with new furniture, exercise equipment, electronics, and appliances. Track those purchases with receipts and a written or electronic home inventory. Additionally, check the coverage in your homeowners policy for personal property (home possessions).

Talk to your Trusted Choice® insurance professional, Marshik Insurance Agency,  to be sure your home is properly insured at all stages of a home renovation project.  Call 320-632-2328 with your questions.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

There are times when man’s best friend becomes his worst nightmare.  While many dog owners cite “security” as the reason they keep canines, less than 1% of those bitten by dogs are unlawful intruders.  A majority of victims – -more than 70%–are children.

Dog attack victims in the US claim over $1 billion in monetary losses each year, and the number is likely to climb.  Costs are rising rapidly; the rate of increase in dog bite injuries requiring medical treatment is 20 times that the number of dogs.

Most dog owners understand the risk but may not realize if and how their home insurance will apply if their trusted hound takes a bite out of the neighbor.

Home insurance companies will often inquire about dogs from the beginning before agreeing whether or not to issue a policy.  They rely on statistical data to determine the probability and severity of attack.  While history proves that some breeds are more likely to strike than others (breeds most often involved in attacks are Pit Bulls, German Shepards, and Rottweilers), dogs of all breeds have proven capable of causing injury.  They will likely want to know such information as how much time the animal spends outside and whether it is properly confined to your property.

It is important that you contact your home insurance company if considering a canine for a roommate.  Failure to disclose information about the animal could cause the home insurance company to cancel your policy–and having a policy cancelled for this reason will make it very difficult for you to find a new policy elsewhere.

If the insurance company knows about your pup and is comfortable with his history of behavior, a policy will be issued.  The good news is that most home insurance policies will cover costs associated with dog bites.  Such costs may fall under the Medical Payments portion of the policy, a specific amount of insurance payable for medical costs regardless of fault.  Costs for which you are legally liable fall under the Personal Liability portion of your policy

In most cases, the owner of a dog can be legally liable for injuries caused by the dog.  Therefore it is important you carefully consider the limits of liability on your home insurance policy.  A dog bite can lead to expensive medical bills and other costs such as lost wages for the victim.  More serious attacks can permanently scar, disfigure or disable a victim, causing considerable hardship, particularly if the victim is a child.

The unpredictable nature of the severity of injury and identity of victim are important reasons why higher limits of liability are essential.  In addition to higher liability limits on your home insurance policy,  ask your Trusted Choice insurance professional about a personal umbrella policy.  This policy can significantly increase the amount of liability insurance available for dog bites and other claims of liability against you or your family.

Contact the Marshik Insurance Agency 320-632-2328 if you have questions about your pet or your home insurance liability limits.

New Years Eve Tips:

This weekend, millions of people will ring in the New Year with friends, family, and loved ones. However, amidst all the festivities, toasts, and celebrating, safety can quickly take a backseat to a good time – especially when alcohol is added to the mix.

Due to an increase in drunk driving, New Years Eve is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which reports that 10,839 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2009.

Whether you’re planning to stand in Times Square to see the ball drop or you’re celebrating by throwing a party for friends, your Trusted Choice independent insurance agent want to ensure you usher in 2012 safely. Don’t let your New Year’s celebration turn tragic, follow these safety tips to ring in the New Year responsibly.

1.  Leave your keys at home. If you’re planning to raise a glass and toast the New Year, do not drink and drive. Choose a designated driver (many states also offer DD services), take public transportation, walk, or call a taxi. Whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. When you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you’re not only endangering yourself and your passengers, you’re putting others on the road in danger.

2.  Be a responsible host. If you’re throwing a New Year’s Eve party, select a designated driver and call a local cab company to provide rides for your guests. You should also stop serving alcohol to guests a couple hours before the party ends, so that guest can sober up. If your party includes underage guests, consider using two different types of cups or different colors in order to distinguish alcoholic beverages from non-alcoholic. If someone underage is caught drinking at your party, as the host you are responsible and could face charges. (You can also read more about social host liability here.)
3.  Don’t walk alone. If you choose to walk home from a New Year’s celebration, take a friend with you. Walking alone makes you a target for robbers and other attackers. You should also avoid areas that aren’t well lit or places with little or no foot traffic.

4.  Be discrete. If you’re not going to be home on New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day, make sure your home is secure by locking all doors and windows, turning on automatic light timers, and arming your security. You also shouldn’t advertise your absence by posting notifications about your departure on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites.
5.  Watch your drink. Never leave your glass or cup unattended. Putting down a drink – even for a minute – gives partygoers with ill intentions a chance to slip something in it. If you need to go to the restroom or step outside, hand your drink to a trusted friend.

If you have any insurance-related questions about your New Year’s celebration or plans, your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent- Marshik Insurance Agency -  is happy to assist you.  The Marshik Insurance Agency and Trusted Choice would like to wish you and your family a happy New Year.

New Years Eve Party Host Liability Tips:

In the midst of the festive and hectic holiday atmosphere, it is easy to forget the serious responsibility involved with hosting a party at your home or business. In many states, individuals and employers hosting holiday parties can be held liable in cases where a guest or third party is injured in an accident related to alcohol consumption at your event. Hosts have been held responsible for medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost time from work, and even wrongful death. Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents recommend that those planning to host holiday parties this year review their homeowners, renter’s or comprehensive general liability (CGL) insurance policy and ensure they have adequate liability coverage if sued and found liable for the actions of a guest who drank at their home or business. While all holiday partygoers and hosts alike should be responsible and know their limits, consumers need to acknowledge that most risks cannot be eliminated entirely. But planning ahead and learning about what’s involved in hosting a reception is the best defense.

 
Liability Coverage Tips:
• If hosting a holiday party, individuals should look to the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance policy to provide them protection if they are sued and found liable for an accident involving a guest who drank at their home.

• Employers need to make sure that their comprehensive general liability (CGL) policy provides them coverage for third-party liquor liability policy before hosting that holiday office party.

• Charging employees for alcoholic beverages in the home or office may not always be the best solution for business parties. It is important for businesses to remember that once they charge a fee for alcohol, they have technically entered the alcohol sales business, even if only for one night. That carries with it requirements for a liquor license and an array of special liability protection needs. It by no means lets these employers off the hook.”

• Purchasing a personal “umbrella” liability policy—that can provide $1 million or more in additional coverage over the limit offered by a standard homeowners or renters policy—may be a prudent move for the frequent party host.  This type of coverage can cost as little as $125 a year.

Party Host Safety Tips:
• Limit guest list to those you know.

• Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.

• Schedule activities or entertainment not involving alcohol. If the party centers around drinking, it is likely that guests will drink more.

• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive home.

• Stop serving alcohol well before the time the party is to end.

• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.

• Review your insurance policy with your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent before the event to ensure proper liability coverage.

• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discretely monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.

• Stay alert yourself, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.

Contact the Marshik Insurance Agency, Little Falls, MN, your local Trusted Choice agent if you have any questions.  320-632-2328

The Holidays are a time for friends, family, and fun.  This year, Marshik Insurance Agency is bringing you the FUN with Risk Placement Services, Inc. annual holiday Trivia Game.  See how many questions you can answer in five minutes.  Enjoy!  (Answers will be provided Monday, December 19, 2011)  Be sure to come back to our website and check it out.   Happy Holidays!

1.  What is the name of the Grinch’s dog?   Max
2.  Who sings “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”?  “Elmo & Patsy”
3.  What does Lucy say she really wants for Christmas?  Real Estate
4.  What does Snoopy do that makes Lucy scream?  Kisses her (licks her face)
5.  What did Chevy Chase plan to buy with his Christmas bonus in National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”?  In ground swimming pool
6.  Which reindeer’s name starts with the letter “B”?   Blitzen
7.  Which ocean is Christmas Island located in?   Indian Ocean
8.  What is the name of Scrooge’s dead business partner?  Jacob Marley
9.  What did Ralphie want for Christmas in “A Christmas Story”?  Red Ryder BB Gun
10. What are the first words Frosty the Snowman says when he comes to life?   Happy Birthday
11. Here is a scrambled-word version of a well known Christmas song: “VLSIRE LBLSE”  What song is it?  Silver Bells
12. In the song, the Grinch is as “cuddly as a _____”?    Cactus
13. What is the biggest selling Christmas song of all time?  White Christmas
14. Why did Joseph and Mary go from Nazareth to Bethlehem?  To be taxed
15. What was the name of the town in “It’s a Wonderful Life?    Bedford Falls

Don’t forget to come back to our site on Monday, December 19, 2011  for the answers?  Have fun with it.  How did you do???

 Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!   See you in 2012

Now that the cold weather has forced us to close up our homes, follow these safety tips to protect yourselves against Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

     CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

     Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.

     If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help and stay at that location until emergency personnel arrive.

     If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Also make sure the exhaust  pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

     During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

     A generator should be used in well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

Brought to you by Marshik Insurance Agency, Little Falls, MN 320-632-2328 and Foremost Insurance Company

Get Deals, Not Steals:  Tips for Shopping Safely Online

Thanksgiving is over, and the holidays are in full swing, which means stores and malls are bustling with holiday shoppers looking for presents to put under the tree. While some people enjoy the adventure of going from store to store in search of that perfect gift, others seek refuge from the holiday crowds by buying their gifts online.While shopping online can be a less stressful and often money-saving alternative, the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home comes with some risks. Cyber attackers and scammers are just waiting to prey on those who don’t properly protect their personal information, such as credit and debit card numbers and bank account information.
If you’re planning to be one of the millions of people who shop online this holiday season avoid the holiday blues by following these cyber shopping safety tips.

• Shop only on secure website. To determine if a site is safe, look at the address box for an “s” in https:// and check the lower right corner of the page for a lock symbol. Both of these things indicate that a site is safe to use for purchases. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for information about a company’s reputation and customer satisfaction rating.
• Use credit, not debit. Credit cards provide additional protection from theft that many debit cards don’t offer. If your credit card information is stolen, you’re only responsible for up to $50 in charges as long as you report the theft within 30 days (reporting time varies by company). If your debit card is stolen, a thief can empty your bank account without your knowledge and it can take a substantial amount of time to recover the stolen money.
• Protect your personal information. Make sure your computer has the most up-to-date spam filters, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware installed to avoid unauthorized access to your computer. You should also read a site’s privacy policy thoroughly before making a purchase to ensure the information you’re providing is secure and won’t be sold to a third-party.
• Keep track of your receipts and credit card statements. When you make a purchase online, save the receipt and a copy of the confirmation page for your records. Check this documentation against your credit card statements to make sure there aren’t any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. Keeping proof of a purchase also helps resolve any issues that may arise with the order.
• Do your online shopping at home. Don’t use unsecured Internet connections available in many coffee shops, libraries, and other public places where your information is not secure. Also, avoid using public computers for online shopping since you don’t have control over the computer’s spyware or malware software.

These tips brought to you by Marshik Insurance Agency and Trusted Choice.  Contact us if you have questions about how your insurance policy covers you if you are a victim of identity theft.  (320) 632-2328.  Have a SAFE and happy holiday.