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Booster Seats Safety Improved in 2012

Fifteen of 17 booster seats introduced in 2012 earn the top rating of BEST BET from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, evidence that more than ever, manufacturers are designing seats to provide good safety belt fit for booster-age children.

The improvements mean that BEST BET boosters now outnumber seats in any of the three other categories for the first time since the Institute released its inaugural booster ratings in 2008. Boosters are supposed to improve how adult lap and shoulder belts fit children so the belts can properly restrain them in crashes. BEST BET boosters correctly position belts on a typical 4-to-8-year-old child in almost any car, minivan or SUV.

“Booster manufacturers have risen to the Institute’s challenge to improve seat design, giving parents more choices than ever when shopping for a booster that will provide a good, safe fit for their children,” says Anne McCartt, Institute senior vice president for research.Read More »Booster Seats Safety Improved in 2012

How to Protect Against Identity Theft in College

By Menachem Wecker In interviews ahead of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which runs through the end of October, cyber security experts—both here and abroad—said identity theft is a serious problem, which may require extra vigilance on college campuses. Identity theft can mean anything from users’ online bank accounts being compromised to their E-mail accounts being hacked and used to mass-distribute spam. “Universities are, by their nature, open, trusting environments. Nobody thinks that they will be subject to an attack, and that isn’t just isolated to students,” says Alan Woodward, a cyber security specialist and visiting professor at the University… Read More »How to Protect Against Identity Theft in College

Study lists top 10 consumer criticisms of insurance companies

For P&C, the top 10 criticisms are: Failure to acknowledge, to pay, or deny claims within specified time frames Using unapproved forms, unfiled rates and/or misapplication of rating factors Failure to cancel policies or non-renew policies in accordance with requirements Failure to provide required compliant disclosures in underwriting processes Failure to process total loss claims properly Failure to provide required compliant disclosures in claims processing Improper documentation of underwriting files Failure to adhere to producer appointment, termination and/or licensing requirements and adjuster licensing requirements Failure to pay correct amount under policy Improper documentation of claim files And, for life and… Read More »Study lists top 10 consumer criticisms of insurance companies

Top 10 States Vehicle Theft List

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported 2011 is on track for another consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts, but California still dominates the top 10 list for areas highest auto theft rates. Seven of the top 10 areas were in California, mostly in the central and northern portion of the state. The report is a reflection of vehicle thefts on a per capita basis, and the authors of the report note that an area with a much smaller population and a moderate number of thefts can, and often does, have a higher theft rate than an area with a much… Read More »Top 10 States Vehicle Theft List

Risk Control: Fire Safety Plan

Introduction

The development of a Fire Safety Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”) will help ensure the optimum use fire prevention and life safety features installed in a building. The complete plan will reflect all the resources available to the building occupants and identify the basic measures that will aid in an orderly and safe evacuation all occupants in an emergency. An effective Plan that enhances the life safety of staff and building occupants requires:
• a commitment by building management and staff to the safety of occupants;
• knowledge of the building and its fire safety protection equipment by supervisory staff;
• a clear understanding by supervisory staff of the fire safety procedures in the Plan and how to implement properly; and
• the cooperation and education of building occupants.

The following information discusses the preparation and implementation of a Fire Safety Plan.Read More »Risk Control: Fire Safety Plan

Costly Lawsuits Fright Wealthy Americans

America’s wealthiest families increasingly worry that their wealth alone makes them a prime target for a high-stakes liability lawsuit in this uncertain time of high unemployment and tepid economic growth, according to a new report. But many wealthy families remain poorly prepared for such lawsuits in spite of their concern. They fail to appreciate the different aspects of their lifestyle that can lead to a lawsuit. They underestimate the cost of the potential damages, and they misunderstand the affordability of effective protection. As a result, wealthy families often lack the proper types and amounts of liability insurance. These are among… Read More »Costly Lawsuits Fright Wealthy Americans

Risk of Injury with Tablet Computers

Remember the story about the carpal tunnel syndrome? Now all workers compensation insurance applications ask whether the workstations are designed ergonomically. The time where the application will be asking one more question about the use of tablet pc devices is probably coming soon, as tablet computer users may run the risk of neck and shoulder pain after prolonged use of the devices, a group of scientists said in a newly published study. The study, commissioned by the U.S. States Department of Environmental Health, the Harvard School of Public Health and Microsoft Corp., among others, examined the effects of media tablet… Read More »Risk of Injury with Tablet Computers

Fire Safety Checklist

This inspection sheet should be completed at home by the entire family.  Inspect each area of your home to make sure no fire hazards exist. We have ___ smoke alarms in our home. The last time we replaced the battery in our smoke alarm was __/__/__.  It must be replaced once a year. We test our smoke alarms monthly. We never use the batteries in the smoke alarms for toys or anything else. We have a home escape plan. Our plan includes two ways out of every room. Our family has a special place to meet outside if there is… Read More »Fire Safety Checklist

CONTRACTS: TURN PAIN TO GAIN

Use contracts to effectively manage working relationships and protect your business interests. If hearing the word “contracts” makes you groan, you’re not alone. Many small business owners – particularly Specialty Trade Contractors – have told us that contracts and their impact on insurance are, to put it bluntly, a pain. But, having contracts in place with customers, subcontractors and suppliers can actually be a relief when questions pop. TOP 5  CONTRACT TIPS CHECKLIST Keep these important tips in mind before you enter into a contract: 1. ALWAYS READ A CONTRACT CAREFULLY – never skip the “fine print” because it may… Read More »CONTRACTS: TURN PAIN TO GAIN

Trust thy agent as thyself?

Do you trust your insurance agent? A new study reveals that most small business owners do trust their insurance agents more than other financial services businesses. The study, under the commission of The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., proved that the trust is the only most important consideration for business owners when choosing an insurance provider. The study showed that small business owners have a higher level of trust in independent agents than they do with professionals in other financial services industries. The majority of small business owners reported that they consider independent agents as being trustworthy. We, at Paperless Insurance Services, are… Read More »Trust thy agent as thyself?