Insurance Archives - AC Marmo & Sons, Inc.

Are Natural Disasters Covered? Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy

Homeowners often worry about whether their insurance covers natural disasters. The unexpected can happen at any time, and the impact of severe weather can be devastating. That’s why it’s essential to understand what your home insurance policy covers and where additional protection may be needed. In this blog, we’ll explore how standard home insurance policies handle various natural disasters and whether you should consider extra coverage to ensure your home and belongings are fully protected.

The Basics of Home Insurance Coverage

What Does Home Insurance Typically Cover?

Home insurance is designed to protect your home and personal belongings from a range of risks. Most standard policies cover a variety of perils, including:

Fire and Smoke Damage: Damage caused by fire or smoke is typically covered, allowing you to repair or rebuild your home.

Theft and Vandalism: If someone breaks into your home and steals your possessions, your policy can help reimburse you for those losses.

Wind and Hail Damage: Damage from windstorms or hail is usually covered under a standard policy, including damage to your roof, siding, and windows.

Liability Protection: Home insurance also provides liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property and decides to sue you.

However, when it comes to natural disasters, coverage can vary significantly based on the type of disaster and your specific policy. Let’s break down some of the most common natural disasters and how they are typically treated in home insurance policies.

Floods: Not So Easy to Cover

Understanding Flood Insurance
Floods can be incredibly destructive, and unfortunately, they are not covered by standard home insurance policies. This is a crucial point for homeowners to understand. If you live in a flood-prone area or near a body of water, it’s essential to consider obtaining separate flood insurance. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): The NFIP is a federal program that offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and businesses. If you live in a participating community, you can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP.

2. Coverage Limits: Flood insurance policies generally have specific coverage limits for both the structure and personal property. It’s important to review these limits to ensure they meet your needs.

3. Waiting Period: Most flood insurance policies have a waiting period of 30 days before coverage takes effect. Be sure to plan ahead and secure your policy well in advance of any potential flooding.

4. Understand Your Risk: Even if you don’t live in a high-risk flood zone, floods can occur anywhere. Consider your risk level and discuss flood insurance options with your insurance agent.

Earthquakes: A Different Kind of Risk

Earthquake Insurance Explained
Like floods, earthquake damage is typically not covered by standard home insurance policies. If you live in an area prone to seismic activity, you may want to consider purchasing earthquake insurance. Here’s what you should know:

1. Separate Policies: Earthquake insurance is usually sold as a separate policy or endorsement to your standard home insurance. Check with your insurer to see what options are available.

2. Coverage Limits and Deductibles: Earthquake insurance policies often come with higher deductibles than standard home insurance. It’s essential to review your policy terms and understand what is and isn’t covered.

3. Types of Coverage: Earthquake insurance typically covers damage to your home’s structure, personal belongings, and additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate due to damage.

4. Evaluate Your Risk: If you live in a seismic zone, consider the likelihood of an earthquake and the potential damage it could cause. Investing in earthquake insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

Hurricanes: Coverage Can Vary

Navigating Hurricane Coverage
Hurricanes can cause severe damage, so understanding how your home insurance policy handles hurricanes is vital. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Wind Damage Coverage: Most standard home insurance policies cover wind damage caused by hurricanes. This includes damage to your roof, siding, and windows. However, it’s important to review your policy for specific limits and exclusions.

2. Flooding from Hurricanes: While wind damage may be covered, flooding caused by a hurricane is not. If your home is at risk of flooding during a hurricane, you will need a separate flood insurance policy, as mentioned earlier.

3. Hurricane Deductibles: Some states with a high risk of hurricanes may have specific hurricane deductibles. These deductibles can be a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Be sure to understand how your deductible works in the event of a hurricane.

4. Prepare for the Worst: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider taking proactive steps to protect your home, such as reinforcing your roof, installing storm shutters, and securing loose outdoor items.

Tornadoes: What You Need to Know

Tornado Coverage Basics
Tornadoes can strike quickly and cause significant damage to homes. Fortunately, most standard home insurance policies cover tornado damage, but there are key considerations:

1. Wind Damage Coverage: Tornadoes are classified as windstorms, so damage from tornadoes is typically covered under most home insurance policies.

2. Debris Removal: Many policies also cover the cost of debris removal after a tornado, which can help you manage cleanup efforts.

3. Additional Living Expenses: If your home is severely damaged and you need to temporarily relocate, your policy may cover additional living expenses, such as hotel stays and food costs.

4. Review Your Policy: As with any natural disaster, it’s important to review your policy to understand your coverage limits and any exclusions that may apply.

Wildfires: Coverage Considerations

Wildfire Insurance Insights
In areas prone to wildfires, homeowners need to be aware of how their insurance policy handles fire damage. Here are some key points:

1. Fire Damage Coverage: Most standard home insurance policies cover fire damage, including damage caused by wildfires. However, the extent of coverage may vary based on your specific policy and location.

2. Risk Assessment: If you live in a high-risk wildfire area, your insurer may assess your property’s risk and adjust your premium accordingly. Homes in fire-prone areas may face higher premiums due to the increased risk.

3. Mitigation Measures: Taking steps to reduce wildfire risk—such as creating defensible space around your home, using fire-resistant materials, and maintaining a well-kept landscape—can help lower your insurance costs and improve your safety.

4. Review Your Policy: As with other natural disasters, be sure to review your policy to understand your coverage for fire damage and any specific exclusions or limitations.

Additional Coverage Options

Exploring Endorsements and Riders
If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, you may want to consider additional coverage options to enhance your protection. Here are some options to explore:

1. Endorsements: Many insurance companies offer endorsements that can be added to your policy to provide additional coverage for specific risks, such as earthquakes or floods.

2. Riders: Riders are similar to endorsements and can provide additional coverage for personal belongings or specific types of damage. For example, you might consider a rider for valuable items like jewelry or art that may not be fully covered under a standard policy.

3. Comprehensive Coverage: Some insurers offer comprehensive policies that provide broader coverage for natural disasters and other perils. Be sure to discuss your options with your insurance agent to find a policy that meets your needs.

4. Stay Informed: Regularly review your coverage and stay informed about changes in your area’s risk of natural disasters. This will help you make informed decisions about your insurance needs.

Preparing for Natural Disasters

Taking Action Before Disaster Strikes
Preparation is key when it comes to natural disasters. Here are some proactive steps you can take to protect your home and belongings:

1. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan that outlines how to respond in the event of a natural disaster. Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go.

2. Inventory Your Belongings: Keep a detailed inventory of your home’s contents, including photos and receipts. This will help expedite the claims process if you need to file a claim for damaged or lost items.

3. Secure Important Documents: Store important documents, such as insurance policies, identification, and financial records, in a safe place. Consider keeping digital copies in a secure cloud storage service.

4. Stay Informed: Stay informed about weather forecasts and potential natural disasters in your area. Sign up for local alerts and warnings to stay updated on any imminent threats.

Understanding whether natural disasters are covered by your home insurance policy is crucial for protecting your property and peace of mind. While standard policies cover many perils, specific disasters like floods and earthquakes often require additional coverage. By familiarizing yourself with your policy, exploring endorsements, and taking proactive steps, you can ensure that you’re adequately protected against the unexpected.

Home insurance is more than just a policy—it’s a crucial safety net that ensures security and peace of mind during uncertain times. By understanding your coverage needs and staying informed about potential risks in your area, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your home and loved ones. Preparation is key, and having the right insurance in place can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Your home is your sanctuary—let us help you protect it against life’s unpredictable moments.

April 17, 2025/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Insurance, Tips

A.C. Marmo & Sons LOVES Insuring Your Life!

Life is the most precious gift, and at A.C. Marmo & Sons, we love insuring yours! This month, we’re sending heartfelt love and gratitude to each of our loyal clients. Thank you for welcoming us into your families and homes—it’s truly an honor to provide you with the protection and peace of mind you deserve, especially in uncertain times.

Coverage You Can Count On

We take pride in offering a variety of impactful services tailored to your needs. Here are just a few of the coverages we provide:

[Homeowners Insurance]: Safeguard your home with customized plans that provide reliable protection when you need it most.
[Life and Health Insurance]: Ensure your loved ones’ future with comprehensive [life/health] coverage designed for your reassurance.
[Business Insurance]: Protect your business or assets with tailored solutions that let you focus on growth and success.

Whether it’s protecting your home, your family, or your dreams, we are here to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

We’re Here for You

Got questions? We’d love to answer them. Have concerns? Let us address them. At A.C. Marmo & Sons, insuring you isn’t just our job—it’s our passion.

Get to know us better, and let us provide the protection you so deeply deserve. Visit us online, call, or stop by.
https://www.acmarmo.com/ | Fairfield- (973) 340-9100, 350 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield NJ 07004 | Lavallette- (732) 793-7530, 1605 Grand Central Avenue, Suite #3 Lavallette, NJ 08735

Thank you for trusting us with what matters most. We love serving you and look forward to continuing to support you!

February 13, 2025/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Insurance, Tips

CRASH-AVOIDANCE FEATURES COMPLICATE AUTO REPAIRS BUT STILL ARE VALUED

As more new vehicles become equipped with crash-avoidance features, some owners report significant issues with the technologies after repairs, according to a recent report from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

In the survey, approximately half of those who reported an issue with equipped front crash prevention, blind-spot detection, or rearview or other visibility-enhancing cameras said at least one of those systems presented problems after the repair job was completed.

Nevertheless, many owners remained eager to have a vehicle with these features and were pleased with the out-of-pocket cost, according to Alexandra Mueller, IIHS senior research scientist.

“These technologies have been proven to reduce crashes and related injuries,” Mueller said. “Our goal is that they continue to deliver those benefits after repairs and for owners to be confident that they’re working properly.”

Still, as problems with these technologies persist, the study notes that it is important to track repair issues to further the adoption of crash avoidance features. IIHS research has shown that front-crash prevention, blind-spot detection, and rearview cameras all substantially reduce the types of crashes they are designed to address. For example, IIHS said, automatic emergency braking reduces police-reported rear-end crashes by 50 percent.

An analysis conducted by the IIHS-affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) showed the reduction in insurance claims associated with Subaru and Honda crash-avoidance systems remained essentially constant, even in vehicles more than five years old. But repairs can make it necessary to calibrate the cameras and sensors that the features rely on to work properly, making repairs complicated and costly.

For example, a simple windshield replacement can cost as little as $250, while a separate HLDI study found vehicles equipped with front crash prevention were much more likely to have glass claims of $1,000 or more. Much of that higher cost is likely related to calibration.

The new IIHS study found that owners often had more than one reason requiring repairs to these safety features. Most had received a vehicle recall or service bulletin about their feature, but that was rarely the sole reason they brought their vehicles in for service or repair.

“Other common reasons — which were not mutually exclusive — included windshield replacement, crash damage, a recommendation from the dealership or repair shop, and a warning light or error message from the vehicle itself,” according to the study.

Repair difficulties could motivate drivers to turn off crash avoidance features, potentially making collisions more likely. But, despite the post-repair issues, the study found that slightly more than 5 percent of owners would opt not to purchase another vehicle with the repaired feature. As reckless driving and traffic fatalities continue to rise, advanced driver-assistance systems will only become more important for the roadway safety, necessitating reliable technology.

Source: Max Dorfman | https://www.iii.org/insuranceindustryblog/crash-avoidance-features-complicate-auto-repairs-but-still-are-valued/

November 3, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Insurance, Tips

10 Ways Homeowners Can Reduce Insurance Risk on Halloween

Halloween is a time for spooky fun and creative costumes, but it can also pose risks to homeowners. From potential accidents to property damage, it’s essential to take steps to reduce insurance risks during this festive season. Let’s explore ten ways homeowners can protect themselves, their property, and their insurance premiums on Halloween.

Well-Lit Pathways: Ensure your pathways and walkways are well-lit to prevent trips and falls. Adequate lighting not only keeps your trick-or-treaters safe but also reduces the risk of liability claims if someone gets injured on your property.

Clear Walkways: Remove any obstacles or decorations that might obstruct paths and driveways. This will prevent accidents and reduce the likelihood of damage to your property or vehicles.

Secure Decorations: Strong winds can turn your Halloween decorations into projectiles, causing damage to your home or your neighbor’s property. Secure decorations properly to avoid insurance claims for property damage.

Fire Safety: If you use candles or open flames in your decorations, keep them away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Consider using battery-operated candles to reduce the risk of fire.

Pet Safety: Keep your pets safe and secure during Halloween festivities. Excited or scared animals can become unpredictable, potentially leading to bites or other accidents that could result in liability claims.

Costume Safety: If you have young trick-or-treaters, make sure their costumes are safe. Avoid costumes with long, trailing materials that can cause trips or costume components that obscure vision.

Home Security: A well-maintained home security system can deter vandals and protect your property. Make sure it’s in working order and prominently displayed on Halloween night.

Liability Insurance: Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you have adequate liability coverage. This can protect you in case someone is injured on your property, and you’re held responsible.

Review Your Policy: Take the time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy, including coverage limits and deductibles. Understanding your coverage can help you make informed decisions in case you need to file a claim.

Document Decorations: Before setting up Halloween decorations, document the condition of your property. Take photos or videos to have a record in case any damage occurs. This can be valuable evidence when filing an insurance claim.

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for homeowners and trick-or-treaters alike. By taking these precautions and reducing insurance risks, you can enjoy the holiday without worrying about potential accidents, property damage, or liability claims. Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind this Halloween season!

October 16, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Insurance, Tips

Key Person Insurance vs Life Insurance

Insurance safeguards your business, family, and personal welfare in case something bad happens. And most would agree that the worst event that can occur is the loss of life. Having insurance policies in place that can protect your employees, their families, and your business at these unfortunate times can become a little solace in a tragic situation that makes the event a bit less damaging for all.

As a business owner, you have options when it comes to purchasing life insurance. You can provide policies to all employees, but there is more you can do. But what policies should you get key man insurance vs life insurance?

Key person insurance, previously referred to as key man insurance–snaps for the insurance industry’s wokeness–is a special kind of insurance that can be purchased for select individuals. We’ll break down the differences between traditional life insurance and this specified kind of coverage. Let’s start with the kind you likely already know something about:

What is Life Insurance?

A standard life insurance policy is something that practically all employers offer. Life insurance is a contract between a person and an insurance company. If an employer offers life insurance, it is seen as an employee benefit, as policies may be available at a lesser rate when purchased in bulk as opposed to when bought as a single entity.

If death occurs, the insurance company will pay beneficiaries a lump sum known as a death benefit. There are two primary kinds of classifications of life insurance:

Term life insurance: This kind of life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, usually between 10-40 years, the term is typically tied to the anticipated date of retirement.
Permanent or whole life insurance: Permanent policies provide coverage for the lifetime of the insured and accumulate in value as a portion of the premiums is deposited into a cash-value account overtime.

What Does Life Insurance Cover?

Life insurance usually covers most causes of death, including: natural causes, accidents, homicide and suicide. In the event of death, money will be paid directly to beneficiaries. They can use the money how they like, but common uses include things like:

Estate taxes and funeral expenses
Covering basic living expenses
Paying household debts
Replacing lost income
Funding a child’s education
Supplementing retirement savings

What Doesn’t Life Insurance Cover?

Under some circumstances, life insurance policies will withhold a payout to beneficiaries. Reasons may include things like:

A life insurance policy is expired
There was fraudulent or criminal activity committed on behalf of the policy holder
The policy holder’s death involved risky behavior, like partaking in extreme sports

What is Key Person Insurance?

Somewhat similar to life insurance in practice–it’s a policy that is paid out at the time of an employee’s death–key person insurance is paid out to the business–as they are the policy holder in this case. It is a form of company-owned life insurance (COLI). There are times though, when both the business and the family members receive a pay out.

Plainly put, the business owns the policy, pays the premiums and is the beneficiary. Key person insurance is a life insurance policy that a business takes out on its most valuable employee or employees.

The employee does have to provide consent. In addition to coverage in case of a death, a policy can also include a rider for disability coverage. If a key person dies, the business then collects a death benefit. The purpose of this kind of insurance protects a business in the event that they lose an invaluable person to their business due to death–and not a termination or voluntary exit.

What Does Key Person Insurance Cover?

Key person insurance can be used by a business to rebound after the loss of a key contributor. This individual had a direct line to the company’s overall success and therefore the funds can be used to:

Ramp up recruitment of high-performing and competitive candidates to fill the vacant role
Make up for lost sales, productivity and operational disruption costs
Aid in funding rebranding efforts if the individual had a consumer-facing role
Provide money to the family of the deceased

What Doesn’t Key Person Insurance Cover?

These policies will not cover contractors or freelancers and payouts are only made when the person dies and will not provide funds in the event of a retirement or termination.

What Does a Key Person Look Like?

A key person is an employee that is considered irreplaceable. In some cases, it can be a business owner, especially if the business or brand is named after that person. Policies can also be taken out for C-suite individuals or niche product developers. Those in highly specialized roles or those who are superior in their field and drive revenue in exceptional capacities can also be considered key people.

What’s the Cost of Life and Key Person Insurance?

While any cost of an insurance plan will take certain factors into consideration, typically, insurance companies base group life premiums on the overall risk of the company or group. Term life insurance is typically less costly than permanent or whole insurance. Generally, a good rule of thumb is that the higher the death benefit, the higher the cost of the policy.

As for determining the cost of key person insurance, cost will also differ case by base, but to get an idea of the expense you can add the person’s salary to their direct financial contribution to your company’s bottom line per year, then multiply the result by five. Insurance companies will also consider additional factors like: the time and effort it will take to find and recruit a replacement, the cost of recruitment, operational disruption costs, lost productivity and lost sales.

Should Your Business Get Key Man Insurance vs Life Insurance?

Outside of having the assurance that your company won’t incur great financial loss concurrent with the loss of a human life, another reason you may be interested in key person insurance could be because you are applying for a business loan or other financing. In these cases, a lender or investor may require a key person policy as collateral.

But ultimately, when deciding between the two kinds of insurance, you may find that you’ll end up with both. As noted earlier, key person insurance doesn’t cover all employees–so even if you do have a person in mind, it won’t cover all of your staff. Group life insurance is a type of personal life insurance employers can offer to all their workers at lesser rates and can be available to the entire company.

Source: https://www.embroker.com/blog/key-man-insurance-vs-life-insurance/

September 18, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog, Insurance

Grilling Tips for Safety

As the weather warms and summer returns, it’s time to GRILL! There are risks that come along with grilling, regardless of which type of grill you are using. Every year, 7,000 Americans are injured while using barbecue grills. It’s usually a case of good products used incorrectly. You can prevent grilling accidents and insurance claims by ‘brushing up’ on these tips.

Only use your grill outside and keep it at least 10 feet away from your house. Farther is even better. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs, as the fire could flare up into the structure above. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills. Keeping a 3-foot safe zone around your grill will also keep kids and pets safe.
Clean your grill regularly and after each use to remove grease that can start a fire.If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they will provide more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.
Check for gas leaks.You can check for gas leaks by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that’s a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough. Only light your gas grill with the lid OPEN!
Keep decorations away from your grill.Decorations like hanging baskets, pillows and umbrellas look pretty AND provide fuel for a fire. To make matters worse, today’s decor is mostly made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, making this tip even more important.
Keep a spray bottle of water handy.If you have a minor flare-up, you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. The bonus of this tip is that water won’t harm your food, so dinner won’t be ruined!
Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill.And, KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don’t waste time fiddling with it before calling 911. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for expert help and letting the fire department do its job.
Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit or patio torches. Don’t walk away from them when they are lit.

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Keep in mind that when you grill, you are playing with fire. Thousands of residents each year learn this the hard way, suffering damage to their homes or even serious injuries in grilling accidents. The National Fire Prevention Association says an average of 8,800 home fires are caused by grilling each year. There’s good news, though: You can prevent grilling accidents by taking these simple precautions. The grilling safety tips above can help ensure you cook only your burgers — and not your house — the next time you fire up the grill. We love grilling and hearing about the fond memories that are created spending family time together. We are happy to be your local independent agent and take pride in your insurance coverage. You can reach us by phone or online.

Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/grilling_fire_safety_flyer.pdf and https://abcnews.go.com/Business/ten-tips-safe-summer-barbecues-learn-dos-donts/story?id=13918382 and https://www.lawleyinsurance.com/personal/12-grilling-safety-tips-now-that-summer-is-upon-us/
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July 14, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog, Insurance

National Safe Boating Week: Staying safe on the waters this Memorial Day

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In honor of National Safe Boating Week, News 12’s Lauren Due spoke to state police about safety tips ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

Sgt. Fahy says it is important to ensure boats have the proper equipment.

“Every vessel in New Jersey should have a type B Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher. Have at least three flares in operatable, working condition and not expired. You should also have extra line on the boat,” said Fahy.

Sgt. Buro says boaters must always be prepared in case of an emergency.

“Have a first-aid kit. You want to make sure you have paddle,” said Sgt. Buro. “You want to make sure you have enough water and food.”

Boaters should have a radio close by and know the specific channels available to them.

“Channel 9 is for hailing noncommercial vehicles. Channel 13 is import for bridge operators and openings,” said Fahy.

The sergeants also advise boaters to be cautious when the weather is hot.

“With these natural stressors, please be mindful of drinking too much or drinking at all. If you are operating a vessel, we prefer that you not and just be safe,” said Fahy.

May 24, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog, Insurance

Water Safety: How to Stay Safe in Pools, Lakes, and Oceans

Water can be a great source of fun and relaxation, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. Whether swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards and to take steps to stay safe. Here are some tips for water safety that you should keep in mind.

1.Learn to Swim

The first and most important step to staying safe in the water is to learn to swim. Everyone should learn to swim, regardless of age or ability. If you need to learn how to swim, enroll in a swim class to learn the basics. Even if you’re already a strong swimmer, it’s a good idea to brush up on your skills and take a refresher course occasionally.

2.Never Swim Alone

Never swim alone, whether in a pool, lake, or ocean. Always have someone with you who can keep an eye on you and call for help if necessary. If you’re swimming in a public place, make sure there’s a lifeguard on duty.

3.Know Your Limits

It’s important to know your limits when it comes to swimming. Don’t push yourself too hard or try to swim too far if you’re not a strong swimmer. If you’re tired, take a break and rest. Please don’t drink alcohol before swimming, as it can impair your judgment and reaction time.

4.Check the Water Conditions

Before swimming, always check the water conditions. If you’re swimming in a pool, make sure the water is clear, and the pool is properly maintained. If swimming in a lake or ocean, check for signs of pollution, strong currents, or dangerous marine life. Don’t swim in areas that are marked as off-limits.

5.Wear a Life Jacket

If you’re boating or kayaking, always wear a life jacket. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, a life jacket can help you stay afloat if you become tired or injured. Make sure your life jacket fits properly and is in good condition.

6.Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential when you’re swimming, especially in hot weather. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after swimming to avoid dehydration. Please don’t drink alcohol or caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.

7.Know What to Do in an Emergency

Finally, it’s important to know what to do in an emergency. If someone is in trouble in the water, call for help immediately. If you’re a strong swimmer and you feel comfortable doing so, try to help the person while you wait for help to arrive. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t attempt a rescue yourself, as you could put yourself in danger.

In conclusion, water can be a great source of fun and relaxation, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. By following these tips for water safety, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe in the water. Always be aware of potential hazards and take steps to stay safe.

May 10, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog, Insurance

Home Fire Escape Plans

create_a_fire_escape_plan_with_your_family

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of your home during a fire depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

Why do you need a home escape plan?

Working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan can reduce your risk of injury or death in a fire.
Most fatal fires happen in homes.
When fire strikes you may have less than one minute to get out of the building.
Fires double in size every minute.
Fires create thick, black, choking smoke that makes it impossible to see or breathe.
Fires produce heat, smoke, and toxic gases.

In the event of a fire, time is the biggest enemy and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Having an escape plan will help you and your family to get out of your home quickly. Practice E.D.I.T.H. — Exit Drills in the Home — with your family.

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Below are guidelines on how to write your home fire escape plan. As your insurance agent, we strongly encourage you to follow these steps and create a plan for your own home.

Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of their home. Show all doors and windows.
Visit each room, find two ways out, including windows and doors, and mark them.
All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
Push the test button on each smoke alarm to make sure each alarm is working. Replace the batteries where needed.
Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the

meeting place.

Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
Practice your home fire drill!

Watch these steps to making a home fire escape plan from the National Fire Protection Agency.

According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 45% of those have practiced it. One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!

Taking time to review these safety precautions and write your home fire escape plan might just save a life! We look forward to helping keep you and your family safe by providing the insurance coverage for all your home needs. You can reach us by phone or online. A.C. Marmo & Sons at https://www.acmarmo.com/homeowners-renters-condo-insurance/ or call us at Fairfield Office at (973) 340-9100 or Lavallette Office at (732) 793-7530

Source:

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/FPW/Educate/2019/FPW19Grid.ashx

https://fire.arlingtonva.us/safety/escape-plans/

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Escape-planning

https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/does-your-family-have-fire-escape-plan

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/create-and-practice-a-home-escape-plan

April 6, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog, Business Insurance, Insurance

What is Business Owner’s Insurance and When Do You Need It?

Your company may need insurance to survive certain unexpected—but possible—challenges. Nobody likes buying insurance. It can be confusing and expensive, and you won’t see any benefit unless you have a loss, accident, or claim. But insurance can make or break your business. Without the right insurance, a theft or fire can cause devastating losses. A personal injury lawsuit can leave you struggling just to pay the legal fees and yet many small business owners don’t take the time to evaluate their needs and get appropriate coverage.

Business Owner’s Insurance, also known as a business owner policy (BOP), combines protection for all major property and liability risks in one insurance package. This type of policy assembles the basic coverages required by a business owner in one bundle. However, it is usually sold at a premium that is less than the total cost of the individual coverage. BOPs include:

Property insurance for buildings and contents owned by the company — there are two different forms, standard and special, which provides more comprehensive coverage.
Business interruption insurance, which covers the loss of income resulting from a fire or other catastrophe that disrupts the operation of the business. It can also include the extra expense of operating out of a temporary location.
Liability protection, which covers your company’s legal responsibility for the harm it may cause to others. This harm is a result of things that you and your employees do or fail to do in your business operations that may cause bodily injury or property damage due to defective products, faulty installations and errors in services provided.

BOPs do NOT cover professional liability, auto insurance, worker’s compensation, or health and disability insurance. You’ll need separate insurance policies to cover professional services, vehicles, and your employees. To decide whether you need business insurance, ask yourself two questions:

Does your business have property—including inventory, computers, and other equipment—that you could not easily afford to replace? If your only business property is a laptop, you may not need to insure it. But if you have tens of thousands of dollars of store inventory, insurance is a must.
Is there a reasonable chance your business could be sued for a substantial amount of money? For example, you might be sued if someone has an accident on your premises, if you aren’t as careful as you should be, if you suffer a data breach, or if an item you make, or sell is defective and injures someone.

If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, business insurance will help you minimize your risks.

However, not all businesses qualify for business owner’s policies. Eligibility requirements differ among providers. Insurance providers may have requirements regarding business location, the size of the location, revenue, and class of business. Typically, businesses classes eligible for BOPs include retail stores, apartment buildings, small restaurants, and office-based businesses.

The key takeaways to BOPs:

A business owner policy (BOP) is a package that bundles basic insurance coverage and is sold at a premium.
A BOP typically protects business owners against property damage, peril, business interruption, and liability.
While coverages vary among insurance providers, businesses can often opt-in for additional coverage, such as crime, spoilage of merchandise, forgery, fidelity, and more.
Insurance providers determine if a business qualifies for a BOP based on business location, the size of the location, the class of business, and revenue.
A business may qualify for special considerations if it meets certain eligibility qualifications.

Contact A.C. Marmo & Sons at https://www.acmarmo.com/business-insurance/ or call us at Fairfield Office at (973) 340-9100 or Lavallette Office at (732) 793-7530 today to discuss your Business Insurance needs with an agent!

Source: https://www.iii.org/article/what-does-businessowners-policy-bop-cover and https://www.investopedia.com/terms/business-owners-policy.asp and https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/business-insurance-when-you-need-it-and-when-you-dont

March 9, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

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