Matchett & Ward Insurance Blog

Tornadoes Happen Every Year - Are You Prepared?

Don Matchett — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:27:40 GMT

You don't have to be directly hit by a tornado in Indiana to experience damage. Taking some time to prepare could save you thousands of dollars and hours of clean-up.

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

In an average year, 800 are reported nationwide, but in April of 2011 alone, 875 tornadoes were reported. Oftentimes, homes and businesses close to a tornado are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Check with us to see if your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs.

If you can’t live in your home, see if your policy will pay additional living expenses. We can review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.

Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs. Matchett & Ward recommends you work with an independent building contractor to get a precise estimate, and make sure you chat with us about your business or home’s unique features.

You Can Take Action to Reduce Damage

You can’t make your home or business tornado-proof, but you can take steps that improve the odds of surviving the high winds. Ideally, you may want to call on professionals for the more technical jobs.

Start at the top – your roof. Fix any areas that need repair. If you are planning to replace your roof, select materials that are designed to withstand high winds.
If you are planning to replace your windows, select impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm.
Anchor door frames securely to wall framing. Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long.

If a Tornado is Headed Your Way

If you are in a building, move to an underground shelter, an interior room or a hallway on the lowest floor.
Stay away from windows and corners.
If you’re in your car, get out immediately and find safe shelter or lie flat in a ditch. Do not take shelter under an overpass or bridge.
Flying debris causes most injuries and fatalities, so use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Additional Resources

Check out some of these additional resources or let Matchett & Ward find the right insurance protection for you:

It’s necessary to get the right insurance protection for you. For more information on your policy or if you’d like to ask about additional coverage, please contact us or give us a call at 765-584-1261.

Spring is Coming!

Don Matchett — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:49:28 GMT

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, we're starting to think about spring. (Or at least hoping that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether spring arrives on time, we've got you covered with tips to get you ready for the season.

Get Ready for Spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in Indiana changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (see the full list)

Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition (stay safe doing that!), and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

Beat the Wintertime Blues

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting before spring.

Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.
Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.
Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”
Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.
Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

Contact Us !

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year – sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At Matchett & Ward we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just contact us or give us a call at 765-584-1261. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Prepare for Driving In Bad Weather Before You Hit the Road

Don Matchett — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:01:08 GMT

Rain, fog, sleet, snow, ice and wind… bad weather is the enemy of every driver in Indiana. Matchett & Ward wants you and your employees to be safe. Even if you are satisfied that your vehicle and all of its components are in good operating condition, bad weather demands that you take a few more precautions before hitting the road. At regular intervals, especially during the winter months, check the following items.

Abrasive Material: A bag of kitty litter or similar material will help you get moving under snowy or icy conditions

Battery: Does it need to be charged or replaced? Cold weather puts extra strain on a battery. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Brakes: Are they properly adjusted? Should they be replaced? Good brakes are more important than ever during the winter months. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), make sure it is working.

Chains: Do you carry them? They can be a real help on ice or snow.

Cooling system: Be sure the cooling system is free from leaks. Does it need more anti-freeze? Should it be flushed and refilled?

Defroster: Are the defroster and heater working properly? Make sure they can keep the interior from fogging and the windshield free from ice.

Engine: Have you had a recent tune-up? This is a must in cold weather to prevent slow starts and stalling.

Exhaust System: Check to make sure the muffler and exhaust pipe are free from leaks. Carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can threaten your life.

Lights: Keep all lights clean and working properly (high and low-beam headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional signals).

Restraints: Keep lap and shoulder belts clean and accessible, and be sure to use them. Restraints can keep you behind the wheel and in control if the vehicle suddenly skids.

Tires: Are they properly inflated? Are treads in good condition and wheels aligned and balanced? Consider changing to snow tires.

Windshield Wipers and Washer: Keep wiper blades in good condition and be sure they are set at the proper pressure to sweep snow off the windshield. Keep plenty of windshield washer anti-freeze handy.

Matchett & Ward can provide you with tools for fleet driving training and additional information to help reduce crashes in everyday driving. Just give us a call at 765-584-1261 or contact us today!

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Don Matchett — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:21:05 GMT

Buying a new car is an exciting time - but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

We can't really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you're looking around the lot - and when you're trying to answer the age-old question of "new, or used?"

Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented - with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other - and you probably already know what side you're on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn't seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new - and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO - Choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO - Maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won't need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO - Peace of Mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by "lemon laws" that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON - Cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It's also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it's a new model for the automaker), there won't be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren't necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you'd like.

Used Cars

Don't care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you'll want to be a little more careful. After all, it's hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO - Choices: While you won't necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO - Cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they're purchased. By buying used, you're letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON - Reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of "certified pre-owned" programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don't carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer's warranty is usually transferable to a second owner.
CON - Maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn't need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you'll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn't covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON - History: You'll need to check the car's title history to make sure it hasn't been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it's a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher car insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us before you buy.

Have fun shopping - and we'll see you on the road!

Understanding Identity Theft

Don Matchett — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:43:43 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Matchett & Ward 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 Indiana 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 on identity theft, and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today.

Disaster Preparedness, FEMA and More

Don Matchett — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:29:58 GMT

If the unthinkable happens, Matchett & Ward 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 Indiana car insurance, home insurance and more, contact us today.

Saving Money on Classic Car Insurance in Indiana

Don Matchett — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:19:17 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 in Indiana.

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.
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 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.

Find out if your insurance company accepts online payments.

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

And ask us about additional coverage options for vehicles (auto and RV) 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, contact us for will with your specific Indiana classic car insurance needs.

Summer Means More Teens in the Workplace

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:15:10 GMT

Business news often reports that it’s difficult for teenagers to find work here in Indiana 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.

Matchett & Ward 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 Indiana 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 to schedule an appointment for a complete insurance evaluation.

Indiana’s new Texting While Driving Law effective 7-1-2011

Don Matchett — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:28:00 GMT

At least while driving, it’s time to return to the old days, those days before we had our fancy mobile communication devices. It is time to put our eyes back on the road where they belong. On July 1st Indiana’s new texting while driving law takes effect. It becomes illegal for any driver, except while using a totally hands free device on Indiana roads, to type, send or read a text or any other electronic mail message while operating a moving motor vehicle. The fine for doing so can be up to $500. Why the new law? Indiana drivers are four times more likely to be involved in an accident while texting.

I want to blog about a couple of things in regard to the new Indiana law. First, how will the new law be enforced? By law, the officer is not allowed to confiscate (take and keep) the device. However, will the officer be allowed to look at the messaging area on the device? As we who text know, the device time stamps when any message is sent or received. If the officer is not allowed to check for the time stamp, how will the officer be able to actually prove someone is texting? If asked if they were texting, a driver could respond that they were only “looking down” and not texting. Not sure how this will work unless the officer is allowed to look for the time stamps.

Second, what will an insurance company think about drivers who have a texting violation on their driving record? I think they will deem this as a fairly significant factor in client selection and classification (premium groupings) for coverage. Why? Think about this in comparison to a seat belt infraction. Insurance companies haven’t been critically looking at belt violators. The act of not wearing a seat belt will not, in itself, cause you to be in an accident which could do serious bodily injury and property damage to another person or property. This would not be the case for the distraction of texting where the chances of being involved in an accident, by the act of texting itself, increases by a factor of four. Texting while driving costs insurance companies lots of money – they will take this violation seriously.

The bottom line is this: Texting and driving is a very bad idea. Can the law be enforced – I’m not sure. If you get busted – could you be jeopardizing lower insurance rates – I think you will be. Time for you and me to quit texting and driving and make all our traveling safer! DM

RV & Motorhome Safety Tips

Mon, 09 May 2011 14:44:07 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 Indiana 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 in Indiana 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.

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.