Thursday, November 10, 2011
Roadside Service
Good HandsSM Roadside is free to join and gives every motorist in America free access to Allstate's nationwide, 24/7 network of reliable and reputable towing providers. So whether it's a flat tire, running out of gas or a dead battery, anyone, not just Allstate customers, can call (800) ALLSTATE (800-255-7828) and Allstate's Good HandsSM will be sent out to assist them in a roadside emergency. Consumers pay only when they use the service with a simple, flat-rate - $75 for a tow and $50 for all other services. Call our agency today to set up your free membership.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The best time to review your policy?
The best time to review your policy is right now. Don't wait for a claim to occur and then try to address it. At my agency we contact each client by Voice Broadcast, an automated call from me, as well as either an email or letter. This is in addition to another call if there has been any rate increase and in addition to contact by Allstate Corporate. All this contact is aimed at review of the policy or policies. Knowing what is covered and how it is covered is imperative for the client. The lives of our clients are so busy that sometimes this review never happens but, please, for your sake, take the time to even spend 15 minutes with us.
The uncooperative neighbor
Many of us are faced with exposure to loss that could easily be controlled except for the lack of cooperation from an interested party. Let's take the case of Mr. X, who has a huge dead tree overhanging our client's garage. Our Client, being a reasonable and prudent person, asks Mr. X if he would consider at least trimming back the tree. Our Client even takes it upon themselves to get quotes for him. However, Mr.X is not interested in cooperating. His take is let the insurance companies sort it out. Where damage could be avoided, the uncooperative neighbor simply doesn't care. What happens? Your insurance company handles it subject to your deductible and policy provisions.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Rental Reimbursement Helpful Tips
Driveable Vehicles
If a customer has purchased Rental Reimbursement coverage prior to a claim, and if the insured's vehicle is drivable after a loss, it is important that the insured understands that coverage starts the day the vehicle is taken to the garage for repairs. The number of rental days is based on the repair hours calculated at the time of vehicle inspection, and is displayed on the Allstate repair estimate. The insured's vehicle should not be taken to the shop before all the parts have arrived and the shop is prepared to start the repairs. It is also recommended that repairs start on a Monday, so that exposure to weekend time is minimized. Many shops are not openseven days a week.
Total Loss
When a vehicle is declared a total loss due to a covered loss, it is important that the insured locates the title to the vehicle immediately. The insured should begin the search for a replacement vehicle as soon as the vehicle is declared a total loss. This will allow the insured to purchase the replacement vehicle within a day or two after receiving the settlement check.
Not Driveable, Repairable
When a vehicle is not drivable as a result of a loss, but is repairable, rental will be covered for the estimated repair time of the vehicle, including one to two days for parts to arrive and the time for an Auto Technician to inspect the vehicle
If a customer has purchased Rental Reimbursement coverage prior to a claim, and if the insured's vehicle is drivable after a loss, it is important that the insured understands that coverage starts the day the vehicle is taken to the garage for repairs. The number of rental days is based on the repair hours calculated at the time of vehicle inspection, and is displayed on the Allstate repair estimate. The insured's vehicle should not be taken to the shop before all the parts have arrived and the shop is prepared to start the repairs. It is also recommended that repairs start on a Monday, so that exposure to weekend time is minimized. Many shops are not openseven days a week.
Total Loss
When a vehicle is declared a total loss due to a covered loss, it is important that the insured locates the title to the vehicle immediately. The insured should begin the search for a replacement vehicle as soon as the vehicle is declared a total loss. This will allow the insured to purchase the replacement vehicle within a day or two after receiving the settlement check.
Not Driveable, Repairable
When a vehicle is not drivable as a result of a loss, but is repairable, rental will be covered for the estimated repair time of the vehicle, including one to two days for parts to arrive and the time for an Auto Technician to inspect the vehicle
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
New York State Announcement
ALBANY - The New York State Senate today passed a bill that would prevent insurance fraud by making it a felony to intentionally cause a vehicle collision. The legislation, sponsored by Senator James L. Seward (R-C-I, Oneonta), targets criminals who capitalize on vulnerable motorists in attempts to profit from insurance claims.
“Criminals who stage car accidents recklessly put lives at risk for their own financial gain while at the same time forcing all New Yorkers to spend more on auto insurance,” Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Seward said. “Innocent people should not be made unwitting pawns in a criminal enterprise. This legislation provides a bona fide deterrent to those who commit no-fault fraud, and will improve highway safety and reduce insurance costs for all.”
“Criminals trying to rip off the system by staging auto accidents are also putting innocent lives in jeopardy,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said. “This bill would crack down on the practice by creating tough new criminal penalties for staging car accidents, and it would have the added benefits of reducing fraud, lowering insurance costs and making our streets safer.”
Senator Seward’s bill was prompted by the 2003 death of Alice Ross, a 71-year-old grandmother who was killed as a result of a staged auto accident. Many others have also fallen victim to similar insurance fraud schemes, with women and elderly drivers most often targeted for these accidents because they are less likely to be confrontational after an accident, thereby making it easier for criminals to engage in this activity. In addition to the potential risk of injury or death, there are significant economic impacts to the state, with estimates that no-fault insurance fraud costs insurance companies and their policyholders $1 billion per year.
This bill would establish tough penalties by creating a new crime of staging a motor vehicle accident. A person could be convicted of a class B, C, or D felony depending on prior criminal history, specifics of the staged incident, or if injury or death occurred. The bill would take effect on the first November after enactment.
The bill was sent to the Assembly.
“Criminals who stage car accidents recklessly put lives at risk for their own financial gain while at the same time forcing all New Yorkers to spend more on auto insurance,” Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Seward said. “Innocent people should not be made unwitting pawns in a criminal enterprise. This legislation provides a bona fide deterrent to those who commit no-fault fraud, and will improve highway safety and reduce insurance costs for all.”
“Criminals trying to rip off the system by staging auto accidents are also putting innocent lives in jeopardy,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said. “This bill would crack down on the practice by creating tough new criminal penalties for staging car accidents, and it would have the added benefits of reducing fraud, lowering insurance costs and making our streets safer.”
Senator Seward’s bill was prompted by the 2003 death of Alice Ross, a 71-year-old grandmother who was killed as a result of a staged auto accident. Many others have also fallen victim to similar insurance fraud schemes, with women and elderly drivers most often targeted for these accidents because they are less likely to be confrontational after an accident, thereby making it easier for criminals to engage in this activity. In addition to the potential risk of injury or death, there are significant economic impacts to the state, with estimates that no-fault insurance fraud costs insurance companies and their policyholders $1 billion per year.
This bill would establish tough penalties by creating a new crime of staging a motor vehicle accident. A person could be convicted of a class B, C, or D felony depending on prior criminal history, specifics of the staged incident, or if injury or death occurred. The bill would take effect on the first November after enactment.
The bill was sent to the Assembly.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Updated Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HarryBowersAgency is the Facebook link to my insurance agency page
Allstate Benefits
Allstate Benefits Extends Coverage of Dependent Children to Age 26
As an added benefit for our policy/certificate holders, Allstate Benefits is voluntarily expanding coverage for children to age 26 regardless of student or marital status. We are initiating this change to correspond with medical plan mandates even though our products are not among those required to comply.
Although we are working on the administrative changes necessary to make this elected change with a tentative completion date of mid-July, and all state filings are being submitted; this change is effective immediately. Once the administrative changes are complete and state approvals are given, an addendum to the policy/certificate will be sent to current insureds. Policy and certificate holders with our currently marketed products will receive a letter outlining the enhancement in coverage, and their options moving forward. This change does not waive any other policy provisions, and benefits are subject to all limitations and exclusions, pre-existing conditions and other provisions of the policy.
Harry
As an added benefit for our policy/certificate holders, Allstate Benefits is voluntarily expanding coverage for children to age 26 regardless of student or marital status. We are initiating this change to correspond with medical plan mandates even though our products are not among those required to comply.
Although we are working on the administrative changes necessary to make this elected change with a tentative completion date of mid-July, and all state filings are being submitted; this change is effective immediately. Once the administrative changes are complete and state approvals are given, an addendum to the policy/certificate will be sent to current insureds. Policy and certificate holders with our currently marketed products will receive a letter outlining the enhancement in coverage, and their options moving forward. This change does not waive any other policy provisions, and benefits are subject to all limitations and exclusions, pre-existing conditions and other provisions of the policy.
Harry
Friday, February 4, 2011
Good-For-Life
Allstate has just introduced Good-For-Life, a new life insurance product with an accident feature that returns 1/2 of the premium you paid to you at age 65. Available to be written for ages 20-45, please contact the office for more information. Thanks, Harry
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Workplace Benefits
“Imagine providing additional benefits to your employees at no cost to you. Now, take it one step further and imagine you will also receive a reduction in your FICA taxes.” Call or email us to find out more.
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