Ice Dam Claims with Arbella Insurance - What To Do

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1. Protect the property from further damage
2. Make reasonable and necessary repairs required to protect the property
3. Keep an accurate record of repair expenditures
1. Try to photograph the damage (with your phone, digital camera, etc)
2. Obtain an estimate to repair the damage

note: wait until the water stops coming in before obtaining the estimate



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 If there is interior water damage from an ice dam, Arbella Insurance will pay for reasonable costs incurred to remove snow or ice from the roof to protect the property from further damage. Ice dams can be removed from a home; however the process can place the roof and person removing the ice dam at serious risk. We recommend that customers hire a professional who has the equipment and expertise to do the job safely. Preventative roof maintenance is the responsibility of each property owner, and for this reason, snow or ice removal is not covered under the homeowner's policy.

Arbella will assign all claims to Arbella claim service specialists and they will contact your customers as quickly as possible.

Here is a detailed explanation of ice dams that you may find valuable for prevention or early detection.

note: the above information was brought to you by the claims department of Arbella Mutual Insurance

Winter Home Protection Tips

Massachusetts is several months into its winter season, yet the snow keeps on piling on. With some of the most snow that Massachusetts have seen in years, it's important to keep in mind some tips to keep your home and business safe and protected from the elements. From heavy snow accumulation to water damage and  bursting pipes, there are a range of potential dangers to look out for.

Firstly, heavy snow accumulation can pose a threat both as it builds up and as it melts. 

• Watch out for snow accumulation on the leeward (downwind) side of your roof. Allowing heavy snow to accumulate can lead to roof damage. One of the most common options is to use a snow rake to easily scrape snow off the room from the safety of the ground. If you are unsure of the best practices for your particular roof, consider contacting a roofing contractor for a consultation.
• Make sure to remove snow from basement stairwells, window wells, and walls, as melting snow can lead to flood damage of your building.
• Keep your attic well ventilated to maintain a temperature close to that of the outdoors. If your attic is warmer than the outdoors, snow on your roof can melt and drip down to gutters, where it can refreeze and cause ice dams.

Extreme winter conditions can also lead to water damage. If your building has suffered from water damage as a result of melting snow and ice, make sure to call us at 508-540-2400 to report a claim.

• Make sure the building is safe to enter and/or re-occupy.
• Turn off the electricity and don't use electricity until it is safe to do so.
• Secure the exterior to ensure that additional water damage does not occur. This can mean removing snow around the exterior of your building, boarding up broken windows, making temporary roof repairs, and sealing cracks.

Once it's safe to begin cleanup:

• Disconnect all electronics and move them to a dry and safe location.
• Remove as much standing water from the building as possible. Try using a wet vacuum to suck up the water.
• Remove water-damaged materials.
• Ventilate the building with fans and dehumidifiers.
• If necessary, contact a water removal company.

An ice dam is the accumulation of ice at the edge of a sloped roof, as a result of melting snow on the roof refreezing at the edge of the roof. If enough water or ice builds up, water can seep into your attic or down the inside of your walls and cause water damage.

• As  mentioned above, ensure that your attic is properly ventilated, so that the attic remains at a cooler temperature, preventing snow from melting on the roof.
• Clear gutters of all leaves and debris.
• Ensure that the attic floor is well ventilated to minimize heat rising from residential areas of your building into the attic.

Bursting pipes occur when a pipe freezes and water pressure builds up between the ice blockage and the closed faucet. Pipes in attics, outside walls, and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures and freezing.

• Make sure to properly insulate pipes in the above mentioned vulnerable areas.
• Ensure that outside walls are properly sealed from cracks and holes.

For more information on bursting pipes, read our blog post on preventing frozen pipe bursts.

For other winter-related reading check our posts on tips for driving in the snow and avoiding "slip and fall" claims, but most of all, stay safe this winter season, and call us at 508-540-2400 if you need to report a claim, or are interested in an insurance consultation.

Preventing dryer-related home fires

Every year, thousands of home fires across the country are the cause of thousands of deaths and injuries and billions of dollars worth of damage to homes. What many people don't know is that dryers in residential homes are a major cause of fires, as many dryers are not properly maintained. According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers are the cause of roughly 17,000 home fires, 15 deaths, 360 injuries, and $200 million worth of damage every year. Of those 17,000 fires, about 30% were a result of a failure to clean the dryer. There are several simple steps you can do to ensure that your dryer is properly functioning, which is a crucial step in avoiding dryer-related home fires. Not only will proper maintenance of your dryer prevent home fires, it can also decrease your gas or electric bill, and increase the life of your dryer.

What causes dryer fires?

The root cause of most dryer fires is lint. Lint buildup poses two problems: lint buildup causes the dryer to work overtime, which can cause overheating of the dryer. Second, lint is highly flammable. Overheating combined with highly flammable lint are a perfect recipe for starting a fire.

What can you do to prevent dryer-related fires?

1. Have your dryer installed and periodically serviced by a professional. Once a year, or if you notice that it is taking longer for your clothes to dry, arrange to have your vent system thoroughly cleaned.

2. If installing a new dryer, or constructing a new home, arrange to have a direct vent system to the outside, using rigid venting. Flexible venting and long vent lines are more likely to sag or compromise air flow.

3. Ensure that the air exhaust vent pipe is cleared and that the vent flap is working properly.

4. Clear your lint tray every time before using the dryer.

5. Never dry items that have come in contact with flammable material, such as cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner, and alcohol, regardless if that item has been washed or not.

6. If using a gas dryer, arrange to have your dryer periodically inspected in order to check for faulty gas lines.

7. Keep the dryer area clear of things that can burn.

Practicing these preventative measures can help save your family and home from injury and damage. If you need to report a claim, call our office at 508-540-2400.

Accident Forgiveness

With the introduction of managed competition in Massachusetts, auto insurers Plymouth Rock and Arbella have been able to introduce accident forgiveness to Massachusetts drivers. The exact details of accident forgiveness vary between insurance companies, but the basic concept is universal: drivers, for an extra fee (or sometimes for free for customers that have been loyal to a company), have the option of opting in to accident forgiveness, which insures that a customer's rates will not increase if they are found at fault for an accident. Generally, this only applies to the first at-fault accident during a given term.

Plymouth Rock

With Plymouth Rock's accident forgiveness, a driver with a 99 merit rating can opt in for free if that driver's policy has been in effect for at least four years prior to the renewal policy date. New policyholders can pay a fee to opt in to accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness only applies to the first accident surcharge per policy. It remains in effect for the length of the surcharge, but subsequent accidents are subject to surcharge. It only applies while a driver is insured with Plymouth Rock; the loss is still reported to the Merit Rating Board and is subject to surcharge by another carrier. It does not apply to accidents incurred by inexperience operators.

Arbella

Like Plymouth Rock, Arbella's accident forgiveness is only available to experienced operators with a 99 merit rating. Arbella's accident forgiveness is a flat fee of $45 a year, which entitles the policyholder to waive surcharges as a result of an at-fault accident. Accident forgiveness only applies to the first accident during the policy term; subsequent accidents are subject to surcharges. If a policyholder uses their accident forgiveness endorsement, that policyholder must continue to pay the $45 yearly fee until the policyholder's surcharge points go away.

Call us at 508-540-2400 to learn more, or to enroll for accident forgiveness.

Dangers of Texting While Driving

As technology becomes a more routine part of most people's lives, it brings with it positive and negative effects, including distractions like texting, which inhibit our attention to tasks when we mix the two. While many people like to pin text-happy teens as the culprits of accidents as a result of texting while driving, it's important to know that an adult is at just as great of a risk of being distracted while texting and driving as a teen is. A University of Utah study found that drivers talking on the phone, hands free or not, had the same reaction time as someone with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 - the legal limit for driving. If talking on the phone while driving inhibits a driver's reactions times that much, then just imagine what texting while driving does.

Recent legislation across the country is aiming to tackle this safety issue. Not only is texting and driving dangerous to both you and others, it's also now illegal in many states. On September 30, 2010, the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law went into effect, which bans texting while driving, as well as improper use of a mobile phone while driving. While infractions of the Safe Driving Law are more harsh for junior operators, they can still result in consequences for adult drivers, such as fines, insurance surcharges, and license suspensions, depending on the severity and frequency of infractions.

Still not convinced? Take Arbella's distraction learning challenge and see for yourself how much distractions can inhibit your reactions.

Avoiding "slip and fall" claims

The Center for Disease Control estimates that in the year 2000, slip and fall incidents resulted in injuries totaling $19 billion for adults 65 and older, and this number is expected to rise to $55 billion by 2020. In addition, the average health care cost for an adult 72 years and older suffering from a slip and fall related injury is $19, 440. Costs may include anything from hospital and nursing care, doctors and professional services, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, and changes made to the home to accommodate an injured adult.

On July 26, 2010, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court struck down the "natural accumulation" rule, which previously allowed property owners to claim that they were not liable for injuries resulting from natural accumulation of snow and ice. Juries will no longer have to decide whether or not a slip and fall accident was a result of natural accumulation. Instead, they will have to decide if the property owner acted reasonably in maintaining the property premises. Determining what is reasonable will depend on “…the amount of foot traffic to be anticipated on the property, the magnitude of the risk reasonably feared, and the burden and expense of snow and ice removal.”

With this change in ruling, it is important to keep in mind ways to keep your property safe and ways in which you can avoid slip and fall claims. Here are some tips:

1. Promptly remove snow and ice when it accumulates, and use slip resistant mats in heavy traffic areas.

2. Stay up-to-date with the weather and be prepared to remove snow and ice when inclement weather is expected.

3. Make sure your property has effective drainage in areas like walkways, stairs, and other heavy traffic areas.

4. Use caution signs to alert patrons of high risk areas.

5. Place sand or salt dispensers near areas of high traffic.

6. Perform regular maintenance of parking, walkways, and all other facilities, so as to ensure that your property is not defective.

7. Regularly maintain snow and ice removal equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly.

8. Ensure that you have adequate lighting in areas where foot traffic is anticipated.

9. Safely clear your roof of snow if your roof nears its load capacity.

10. If contracting out a third party for snow removal, ensure that you structure contracts with appropriate indemnity and hold harmless agreements to minimize exposure to loss due to the contractor's employees or actions. Remember to obtain a copy of the contractor's certificate of insurance to ensure that the contractor has adequate coverage in case of a claim.

Don't let a slip and fall claim hurt your business operations. Call us to ensure that you are adequately covered. Should you need to report a claim, check our website or call at 508-540-2400.

Preventing Frozen Pipe Bursts

We might not live in the coldest part of the country, but given the seasonal changes in temperature, Massachusetts residents should be aware of the hazards of frozen pipe bursts, but more importantly, ways in which homeowners can prevent them.

Why do pipes burst?

While a pipe can freeze at any temperature below freezing, pipes tend to freeze when the temperature is at or lower than 20°F. You should be aware of the potential for a pipe to freeze at all times during the winter months, but especially during periods when the temperature drops to 20°F or lower. Pipes that are prone to freezing are those that are outdoors, in low heated areas, exposed to cold air, or which lack insulation. Risky locations include an outside wall, under a sink on an outside wall, or an unheated crawlspace. Once a pipe in a risky location freezes, the pipe rarely bursts in the location of the freeze. Instead, water pressure builds up downstream from the freeze, eventually causing the pipe to burst.

Preventing frozen pipe bursts

One of the best methods for prevention of frozen pipe bursts is to keep pipes well protected, insulated, and heated. If you're building a new home, ensure that you avoid placing pipes in places that are more likely to be exposed to freezing temperatures. In both old and new homes, ensure that exposed pipes are properly insulated. In addition, make sure to insulate and seal any cracks or holes which might expose a pipe to the elements. If you're worried about a short-term pipe freeze, overnight for example, leave a faucet slightly trickling. This won't necessarily prevent a freeze, but should a pipe freeze, it may help alleviate pressure and avoid a pipe burst. If you're going away on vacation, turn the water off in your home and clear all the pipes by letting the water run for several minutes after you have turned the water off. If you have outdoor pipes, for garden hoses, unplug any garden hoses during the off-season, turn off the outside water pipes, and then clear the water out of those outside pipes by allowing the water to run for several minutes.

Freeze alarms and IP thermostats

Another way to avoid frozen pipe bursts is to invest in a freeze alarm or IP thermostat. Freeze alarms and IP thermostats work through an internet connection to alert a homeowner of when their home drops below a certain temperature. Some of the most basic ones will simply call a phone number with an automated message, alerting the owner of the drop in temperature. More advance ones can be remotely controlled, even through a computer or iPhone. IP thermostats can help you save on your homeowner's insurance, and they are ideal for people with multiple homes, allowing them to monitor their home temperature when they're not there.

What if I suspect a frozen pipe?

If water stops flowing or is slower than normal, you may have a frozen pipe. If this is the case, it is essential that you unfreeze the pipe to avoid a burst. To find the frozen pipe, first turn the faucet on where you suspect the frozen pipe is connected to, and allow it to trickle, if possible. Then, follow the pipe that connects to the faucet. Often times a frozen pipe will have frost or ice built up around the outside of the pipe. Remember, likely areas for a frozen pipe include an unheated crawlspace, pipes under outside sinks, and pipes in outside walls. If you find the frozen part of the pipe, there are several ways to heat the pipe. One of the best and most common ways is to use a hair drier on the affected area. You can also use a heat lamp, a portable heater, or electrical pipe heat tape. Avoid using any kind of open flame, as this is a cause of home fires. Remember, when you're de-thawing the area, make sure to thaw from the faucet towards the frozen area, as this will allow thawed water to drip out of the faucet, alleviating pressure.

If you need to report a claim, you can check our website, or call us at (508)-540-2400.

Tips for driving in the snow

The winter season is upon us, and weather forecasts predict snow for tonight and the coming weekend. When driving with impaired road conditions, remember to drive safely, and keep in mind the most basic safety tip is don't drive in snowy conditions. Wait for snow plows to clear and sand the roads before driving. If you absolutely need to drive in snowy conditions, keep in mind some of these tips.

1. Remember, all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles are still at risk of losing traction in the snow. Don't let modern technology give you a false sense of security, as it's still critical to keep in mind basic driving tips, regardless of what kind of vehicle you are driving in.

2. Give yourself at least three times more space for braking than what you normally would.

3. For best visibility, keep your windshield and lights clear and clean. If you're scraping snow off your car, make sure to scrap the snow off your lights, as well as your windows and windshield.

4. Use low gears for better traction.

5. Remember, bridges are exposed to air both above and below; they're not insulated by the soil like traditional roads, so bridges and overpasses freeze quicker than regular roads.

6. If you have anti-lock brakes, stomp on the brakes. You might hear a pulsing or grinding sound, this is normal. If you have standard brakes, use threshold braking: brake up to the point before your tires lose traction. If you do lose traction with standard brakes, ease off the brakes until you regain traction.

7. Steer gently. Remember, turning quickly while in icy conditions increases the likelihood that your front tires will lose traction.

8. If you get stuck, don't spin your tires, as this will only dig your car in deeper. Instead, try clearing the snow from the tires, or placing sand, gravel, kitty litter, or some form of traction under the path of the tires, or try rocking the car.

In the coming winter months, remember to drive safely! If you do need to report a claim, check our report a claim section on our website, or call us at 508-540-2400.

The First 72 Hours

Disaster Planning According to FEMA: A few years ago FEMA released a statement about disaster planning...

You can find it here.

If you don't want to read the entire statement, I will summarize what they recommend you have on hand the first 72 hours.

FEMA states that the first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical as electricity, gas, water and phones may not be working or working properly. FEMA recommends people be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days following a disaster.

What does self-sufficient mean?

Able to live without running water, electricity/gas and telephones.

FEMA recommends keeping the following on hand:

• Food: plenty of NON-PERISHABLE food for each person for at least 72 hours
• Non-Perishable does not mean go out and buy milk and eggs.
• Non-perishable: crackers, peanut butter & fluff, possibly bread (this is perishable, but will usually hold for 1 week), ramen noodles, mac & cheese, rice, pasta & spaghetti sauce, granola bars, dried fruits & nuts, dry cereal, canned goods, chocolate, gatorade mix or bottled gatorade
• Water: each person should have AT LEAST a gallon a day for 72 hours, but if possible, a week. Buy iodine tablets or chlorine bleach to purify water if necessary (unless you purchased bottled water).
• First aid kit: well stocked w/bandages and disinfectants, baby wipes are good to have with this if you don't have running water
• Fire extinguisher: make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it
• Flashlight with extra batteries: keep one near your bed and a few other areas in your house. DO NOT use matches or candles unless you are POSITIVE there are no gas leaks.
• Weather Radios with battery backup. TVs & phones may not be working; the radio may be the only way to know what's going on
• Miscellaneous: blankets, clothes, shoes, CASH.
• Alternative cooking sources: grill or camping stove - will help cook food such as mac & cheese, ramen, etc
• Use crackers, marshmallows and chocolate to cook smores over a grill or camping stove - this will lighten everyone's mood! :)

What do you do if you own a business?

Well, planning & preparation BEFORE the storm is key.

Please see the below link about disaster recovery services offered by Agility Recovery Services.

Link: Agility Recovery Services

Murray & MacDonald Insurance Services has planned & prepared - we have contracted with ARS in the event of a disaster. The below link demonstrates how Agility Recovery Services was there for businesses and their clients during the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina five years ago.

We want our clients to know, we will be there if there is a disaster. People buy INSURANCE to protect their physical assets in the event of a catastrophe or disaster.
We will not close our doors, we will have internet and phone service, we will be here to service our clients.

Hurricane Earl...

You have heard the news... a Hurricane is coming...

 

What does that mean for Cape Codders? Tape the windows, stock up on water, batteries, lanterns, food and games...

 

Many Cape Codders remember Hurricane Bob and the damage he did. I was only 8 years old, but I remember driving around Falmouth with my dad after Bob hit to survey the damage. The Shining Sea Bike Path was destroyed, boats were washed up all over Falmouth, tidal surges flooded homes, houses were damaged, trees were down, power was out... In fact, according to wikipedia Hurricane Bob caused $1 billion in damages in Massachusetts!

 

Here are a few images from Hurricane Bob.

 

Vineyard Haven Flooding at the Five Corners, Martha's Vineyard, MA  

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Menauhant Road Bridge after Hurricane Bob

The beach eroded and sand covered the road.

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The path of Hurricane Bob

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View of Hurricane Bob from above

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Now these images are posted to educate...
It's been almost 20 years since a major storm hit Cape Cod. Many weather reporters and forecasters enjoy the hype of a pending storm, but it's important to heed when there's a hurricane warning. Better safe than sorry.

Red Cross puts out a Hurricane Safety Checklist. It can be found here.

A few tips taken from the checklist:

What to do?

• Fill up with gas
• Put away outdoor furniture
• Have an evacuation plan
• Know that your HOMEOWNER policy DOES NOT cover FLOOD

What to buy?

• Water
• Food
• Flashlight
• Batteries

 What happens after?

• Listen to the radio
• Drive only if necessary
• Keep away from power lines
• Inspect your home for damage

Homeowners INSURANCE Recommendations

• Before the storm, find a copy of your insurance policy and review it
• After the storm, survey the damage to your home
• Is your home liveable?
• Is the damage more than your windstorm/hurricane deductible (typically 1%, 2% or 5% of Coverage A)?
• Prevent further damage (board up a window, cover the roof with wood or a tarp, etc).
• Take pictures of the damage - this is especially helpful when there are many claims. Insurance adjusters won't be able to come right away if there are MANY claims due to a hurricane. Pictures with the date and time are invaluable.
• If the damage is MORE than your windstorm/hurricane deductible, you may need to submit a claim, however know that your local agent might be busy taking many claims. Your local agent may place claims in the order of NEED. If someone can't live in their home, that person will come before someone who wants to have their fence, swimming pool, garage or shed repaired.
• Have the necessary information handy when you call your agent:
• Copy of your policy
• Date damage happened
• Brief description of damage
• Best way an insurance adjuster can reach you (home phone, cell phone, email, etc)
• Offer to email pictures you took of the damage
• Be respectful: of course it is upsetting to have your home and belongings damaged, realize your insurance agent is working for you and is doing their best to take care of your needs as fast as possible.

 

I will end with an old saying about hurricanes...

 

June, too soon.

July, stand by.

August, if you must.

September, REMEMBER!

October, ALL OVER!