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Auto Insurance

Auto premiums continue to increase as rising labor and material prices, alongside natural disasters, are forcing insurers to contend with significant losses.

As Triple-I previously found in its January report, Insurance Economics and Underwriting Projections: A Forward View, “commercial auto underwriting losses continue, with a projected 2023 net combined ratio of 110.2, the highest since 2017,” according to Jason B. Kurtz, FCAS, MAAA, a Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman. Combined ratio is a standard measure of underwriting profitability, in which a result below 100 represents a profit and one above 100 represents a loss.

Insurers are now having to increase rates in response to losses that are expected to keep rising.

“Nobody wants to have that higher-price bill,” said Sean Kevelighan, Triple-I’s CEO. However, he added companies “need to price insurance according to the risk level that’s out there.”

While inflation is partially to blame for these increases, natural disasters are also contributing to rising costs—and not only in traditionally disaster-prone areas like Florida and California.

As the overall P&C industry has struggled with severe convective storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, these losses have also been felt in commercial auto. In fact, 2023 witnessed around two dozen U.S. storms, each with losses of around a billion dollars or more. This included major lightning, hail, and damaging winds around many areas of the U.S.

“While a lot of these storms don’t make national headlines, they do tend to be very costly at the local level,” says Tim Zawacki, principal research analyst for insurance at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “And the breadth of where these storms are occurring is something that I think the industry is quite concerned about.”

While disasters and economic inflation continue to roil commercial auto, so too does social inflation. As the Triple-I previously reported, “social inflation,” which is the presence of inflation in excess of economic inflation, has also significantly contributed to increases in commercial auto premiums.

Triple-I found that “from 2013 to 2022, increasing inflation drove losses up by between $35 billion and $44 billion, or between 19 percent and 24 percent. The pandemic brought significant change to commercial auto liability, decreasing claim frequency while increasing claim severity more dramatically.”

This increased claim severity is at least partially due to changing driving patterns since the pandemic, including distracted driving, which involves behaviors like cellphone use while behind the wheel. A Triple-I Issues Brief, Distracted Driving: State of the Risk, enumerated these concerns, which have undoubtedly played a role in rising commercial auto premiums.

Indeed, a confluence of issues are playing into rising auto premiums. While natural disasters are out of the control of insurance providers and their policyholders, other factors must be addressed to steady the cost of this line of insurance. This includes telematics and usage-based insurance, which has gained more acceptance since the pandemic.

Still, it is incumbent on insurers, policyholders, and policymakers to create a more sustainable market for auto insurance, working together to tackle the challenges of both climate risk and dangerous driving behavior.

Source: https://insuranceindustryblog.iii.org/category/auto-insurance/

Aerial,View,Of,Roof,Work,Done,On,A,Home.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and it’s essential to keep it in good condition to ensure the safety and longevity of your property. Over time, various roofing problems can arise, but the good news is that most of these issues can be addressed with timely repairs. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common roofing problems homeowners encounter and the solutions to resolve them effectively.

Leaky Roof:

  • Problem: Water leaks are a common issue, often caused by damaged or missing shingles, deteriorated flashing, or worn-out sealants.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the leak and promptly repairing or replacing damaged roofing materials can resolve this issue. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to preventing leaks.

Shingle Damage:

  • Problem: Shingle problems, such as curling, cracking, or missing shingles, can leave your roof vulnerable to water infiltration.
  • Solution: Replacing damaged or missing shingles and addressing the underlying causes, such as poor ventilation or inadequate attic insulation, can restore the roof’s integrity.

Moss and Algae Growth:

  • Problem: Moss and algae can grow on your roof, causing aesthetic issues and potential damage.
  • Solution: Cleaning your roof and applying treatments to prevent regrowth can help maintain its appearance and longevity.

Ice Dams:

  • Problem: In colder climates, ice dams can form on your roof’s edge, leading to water backup and potential leaks.
  • Solution: Proper insulation, ventilation, and regular maintenance can prevent ice dams. Additionally, removing snow buildup from your roof can help mitigate the risk.

Roof Ventilation Issues:

  • Problem: Poor ventilation can lead to temperature imbalances, moisture buildup, and premature aging of roofing materials.
  • Solution: Ensuring proper roof ventilation through vents and soffits can maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your attic, extending the life of your roof.

Flashing Problems:

  • Problem: Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights can allow water to seep in.
  • Solution: Replacing damaged flashing and ensuring proper installation is crucial to preventing leaks in these vulnerable areas.

Sagging Roof:

  • Problem: A sagging roof may indicate structural issues that require immediate attention.
  • Solution: Consulting a professional roofing contractor is essential to assess and address any structural problems, which may involve reinforcing or replacing support beams.

Gutter Clogs:

  • Problem: Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging the roof and causing foundation issues.
  • Solution: Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance can prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage.

Regular roof inspections and maintenance are vital for identifying and addressing common roofing problems before they escalate. Whether it’s a minor repair or a more extensive renovation, acting promptly can extend the life of your roof and protect your home from costly damage. If you encounter any of these issues, don’t hesitate to consult a professional roofing contractor for expert solutions.

The_Sobering_Stats

Drunk driving is a pervasive issue that not only poses significant risks to road safety but also has lasting consequences on individuals’ financial well-being. The following show sobering statistics of drunk driving and how they correlate with increases in auto insurance premiums.

The Alarming Statistics
The numbers are stark and alarming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving contributes to a considerable portion of road accidents. In recent years, nearly 10,000 people lost their lives in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for nearly 28% of all traffic-related fatalities.

Impact on Insurance Premiums
For those caught driving under the influence, the financial impact goes beyond legal fines and court fees. Insurance premiums take a substantial hit. On average, a DUI conviction can result in a staggering 80% increase in auto insurance premiums. This spike in costs is attributed to the heightened risk that insurers associate with drivers who have a history of impaired driving.

Risk Assessment by Insurers
Insurance providers meticulously assess risk when determining premiums. A driver with a DUI is statistically considered a high-risk individual due to the increased likelihood of accidents and claims. This risk assessment translates directly into higher insurance premiums, reflecting the potential financial exposure that comes with covering a driver prone to impaired decision-making behind the wheel.

Regional Variances
Statistics also highlight regional variations in the prevalence of drunk driving and its impact on insurance premiums. States with stricter DUI penalties and enforcement tend to have lower instances of drunk driving accidents and may see comparatively lower insurance premium increases for those convicted.

Age and Gender Disparities
Studies show that certain demographic factors, such as age and gender, play a role in drunk driving statistics. Younger drivers and males are more likely to engage in risky behavior, including driving under the influence. Consequently, this demographic may experience more substantial increases in insurance premiums following a DUI conviction.

Repeat Offenders
Another concerning statistic is the rate of repeat DUI offenses. A significant number of individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence continue to engage in risky behavior. Repeat offenses not only result in more severe legal consequences but also lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers perceive an elevated level of risk.

The statistics surrounding drunk driving and its impact on insurance premiums underscore the importance of responsible decision-making behind the wheel. The financial ramifications of a DUI go beyond the initial legal penalties, affecting individuals’ ability to secure affordable auto insurance for years. By understanding these statistics, individuals can make informed choices, prioritize responsible driving, and contribute to safer roads for everyone.

Millions of Americans will be traveling this holiday season, and if it’s anything like previous years, a lot of that travel will be on the road. Last year, AAA estimated that more than 100 million Americans were planning a trip of more than 50 miles during the holidays and that was just between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1.

Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on local roadways, too. So even if you’re not headed out of town, these safety tips can help you make it through the season safely.

Make sure your car is ready

Before winter arrives, and before any long trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? How are the radiator and cooling system?

If you live in an area (or visit one often) where temperatures regularly drop below 45 degrees, it’s a good idea to get a set of winter tires-they’re better suited for the cold than all-season tires, because they’re designed to provide the best traction and handling in ice and snow. Whatever you’re driving on, however, make sure your tires are inflated properly and that they have enough tread.

Your car should have an emergency kit, too. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight, and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand are nice to have as well; they can provide traction should you get stuck.

Before you leave

If you’re going on a trip, make sure you check weather conditions along your route and take printed maps-you might not always have cell reception. Let someone know your itinerary so that if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you.

Every time you drive somewhere, even if it’s just a quick trip to the store, clear snow and ice off your car; it can be a hazard to other drivers. And don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights.

When you’re on the road

Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses, and shady spots. And remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop (or steer) better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all if it looks bad out there, stay home if possible.

If your vehicle becomes disabled or you get in an accident

Car trouble and accidents affect thousands of people every winter. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

If you’re in a crash, be careful-the aftermath of a car accident can be dangerous, especially in winter when visibility might be reduced and conditions might be slick. Check everyone involved for injuries and call 911 if necessary. After minor accidents, have everyone pull well off the road. Put out flares and turn on your hazard lights.

When you can’t move your car, stay inside unless traffic is completely clear. It’s far better for another vehicle to hit your car, even with you in it, than to hit you directly.

Wherever you may be headed this winter, we hope you enjoy the season with friends and family. Here’s to a healthy and happy holiday!

Source: https://www.safeco.com/blog/safe-winter-driving

On average, the roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people in the U.S. who drive for both Uber and Lyft earn $18.15 an hour before expenses. Just one car accident, though, could easily eat up that money—and more. That’s why Uber and Lyft drivers likely need separate rideshare insurance to supplement both personal auto insurance and the coverage that’s automatically provided by rideshare companies. A driver’s financial stability could ride on whether they’ve got rideshare insurance.

To understand the insurance for rideshare driving, it’s important to know the three phases while a rideshare app is on:

1. Available: The driver is available to pick up a passenger.

2. En route: The driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the passenger.

3. On the trip: The driver has picked up the passenger and is on the way to the passenger’s destination.

When an Uber or Lyft driver’s rideshare app is off, their personal auto insurance applies. But when the app is on, Uber and Lyft provide some coverage on the driver’s behalf. Personal auto coverage typically excludes rideshare trips. That’s because your auto insurance company has priced the policy assuming you’re driving yourself, relatives and/or friends, and that you aren’t earning money from private trips and putting a lot of extra miles on your car.

As a result, a rideshare driver’s personal auto policy typically won’t supply coverage while you’re making rideshare trips. A rideshare driver might be happy with the insurance provided by the rideshare company, especially if the driver carries only the minimum personal auto insurance required by the state. In those cases, a million dollars in liability coverage from Uber can look like a major bonus.

But, there can still be gaps, which is where rideshare insurance comes in. For example, rideshare companies don’t provide collision or comprehensive insurance when the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. And a personal auto policy that includes collision and comprehensive likely won’t cover that period. So, if you accidentally back into a pole, you’d have no insurance for the damage. Without additional rideshare coverage from their personal auto insurer, drivers may find their existing coverage may not apply to a loss that occurs while they are acting as a rideshare driver.

We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs!

Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/rideshare-insurance/

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are an average of 385,500 residential fires every year. While taking out a Homeowners insurance policy with fire insurance coverage will help protect you from the costs incurred from a house fire, following these fire safety tips can help prevent a fire from starting in your home. 

Fire Safety Tip #1: Don’t Smoke Indoors

Smoking indoors can cause more damage than you may realize. Over 18,000 fires are started by smoking materials annually, causing $476 million of property damage. While it’s best not to smoke indoors or on exterior balconies or porches, if you do, be sure to completely extinguish any cigarettes and never smoke when there’s a chance you might fall asleep. 

Fire Safety Tip #2: Keep Your Dryer Clean

It may surprise you but completing common household chores like cleaning the lint trap in your dryer can help prevent fires. In 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to almost 16,000 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. In addition to keeping your washer and dryer clean, it’s best to only run them when you will be home to supervise, that way if a fire starts, you can take immediate action. 

Fire Safety Tip #3: Practice Summer Grill Safety

Over 10,000 house fires a year are attributed to grills and fire pits. Whether it’s because people use their grill too close to their home or they use the wrong fire starter to ignite the charcoal grill or fire pit, practicing summer grill safety can help prevent fires from starting. This includes everything from grill placement, making sure your grill is clean, safely disposing of charcoal briquettes, and never leaving your grill on while unattended. 

Fire Safety Tip #4: Don’t Leave Candles Unattended

Candles can create a relaxing ambiance for your home, but unattended candles can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, from 2011-2015, over 8,500 fires a year were started by candles, with $295 million in property damage. Never leave candles in a room unattended, especially if you have children or pets, and always make sure to clear the area around a candle of anything that could possibly ignite, including decorations, curtains, papers, etc. 

Fire Safety Tip # 5: Practice Firework Safety 

Fireworks and sparklers account for roughly 15,000 fires per year, including house fires, vehicle fires, and outdoor fires. To avoid injury and potential fires, it’s important to practice firework safety, including only using legal fireworks, having a designated area for setting off fireworks, only lighting off one firework at a time, only letting responsible adults use sparklers and fireworks, and properly disposing of firework remnants after they’ve been used. 

Fire Safety Tip # 6: Create a Wildfire Defensible Space

While wildfires are powerful and unpredictable, there are safety tips you can try if you live in an area threatened by wildfires to help create a wildfire defensible space, which could prevent the spread of wildfires. To do so, you might consider actions like keeping your lawn and plants watered, clearing away brush and debris, using fire-resistant shrubs and plants, storing firewood away from your home, and keeping your roof and gutters clear of leaves, needles, and debris. You’ll also want to practice additional fire safety if your area is experiencing a drought like nearly half of Washington state.

If you own a vehicle, you should own an auto insurance policy. Have you ever wondered how the cost of your policy is determined? There are a number of different factors that impact the cost of your auto insurance. While not all companies use the same parameters, we will help you understand what commonly determines the bottom line of your auto policy. 

First, your driving record – The better your record, the lower your premiums. If you have been in accidents or had serious traffic violations, it is likely you will pay higher premiums. How much you use your car is also considered while determining the cost of your premium. The more miles you drive, the more chance for an accident. Even where you park is taken into consideration. Do you park in a secure garage? Or do you park on a street?

Other factors taken into consideration while determining your auto insurance costs are: your age, your gender, the car you drive, and the amount of auto insurance you wish to carry. Mature drivers generally have fewer accidents than beginners. Statistics show that women are involved in fewer accidents, and when women are involved in an accident they tend to be less severe than men. The cost of your car and the amount of insurance coverage you want to carry are major factors in the cost of your policy as well.

Source: https://www.iii.org/article/what-determines-price-my-auto-insurance-policy

A.C. Marmo & Sons, Fairfield, Fairfield NJ, NJ, New Jersey, Insurance, Auto Insurance, Jumpstart A Car, How To Jumpstart A Car, Dead Car Battery,

Trouble happens. You left your lights on and now you’re stuck with a dead car battery. While learning how to jump start a car can be easy, there are risks in it if done so incorrectly. As your insurance agent, we care about your safety so we put together the following guide on how to properly get you and your car charged and back on the road.

What do you need to jump start a car?

Before you can recharge and get going, you need a few basics: jumper cables and a power source – either a portable jump battery (a jump box) or another vehicle.

Jumper cables are long, thickly insulated cables with toothy clips on one or both ends. These clips are called alligator clips. The clips are distinguished by color, usually red and black, to indicate positive and negative polarity. The red clip is positive. The black clip is negative.

Jump boxes are portable batteries used to jump start a vehicle without connecting to another vehicle and come with special jump cables. These cables connect the jump battery directly to the dead car battery. Road side assistance usually uses a jump box when helping stalled vehicles.

What do you need to know about car batteries to jump start a car?

Car batteries have two larger nubs, called terminals. There is a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Each should be clearly marked. Connecting cables to the right terminal is important to completing the circuit and gives power to the dead battery.

  • Positive terminal – The positive terminal is usually the bigger of the two terminals. It is marked with “POS” or “+”. It will connect to the positive clip on the jumper cable, which is usually red.
  • Negative terminal – The negative terminal on the battery is usually marked with “NEG” or “-”. This will attach to the other clip, which is usually black.

CAUTIONS WHEN JUMP STARTING A CAR: 

  • READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL. Some cars are not recommended for jump starting because they have sensitive circuitry
  • DO NOT JUMP corroded, cracked, leaking, or visibly damaged batteries
  • DO NOT JUMP frozen batteries
  • DO NOT JUMP dry batteries
  • DO NOT TOUCH CLIPS together. This is true when connected, but get in the habit by never touching the clips together.

Protect the donor battery

A quick test that there is enough voltage for the donor, be sure that the car giving the jump start headlights are steady and bright when the car is started. If the headlights dim, that can signal that the battery is low.

How do you use jumper cables to jump start a car from another vehicle?

  1. CHECK BATTERIES: Make sure that the battery giving the jump has enough voltage and is a matching voltage system type (12V, 6V, etc.)
  2. READY CARS: Put both cars in park or neutral, turn the ignitions off, and put on the parking brake.
  3. OPEN THE HOOD of each car.
  4. ATTACH ALLIGATOR CLIPS to the terminals in the following order:
    • Red to Dead – Connect red, or positive, clip to the positive terminal on the battery of the dead car.
    • Red to Donor – Connect the red, positive, clip to the positive terminal on the donor battery on the other car.
    • Black to Donor – Connect the black clip to the negative terminal of the donor car.
    • Black to Metal – Connect the black clip to an unpainted metal part of the dead car that is not directly next to the battery. One of the metal struts that hold the hood open is a good place to clip the second black, or negative, clip.
  5. START THE DONOR CAR so that the battery can supply power to the dead battery.
  6. IDLE the donor car, allowing it to run for a few minutes.
  7. TEST the interior light of the car being jump started. If it goes on, there may be enough power.
  8. START the dead car.

After the car is jump started: 

Unclip the clips in the reverse order you connected them:

    • The black clip on the unpainted metal
    • The black clip from the negative terminal
    • Red clip from the donor car
    • Red clip from the dead car’s battery

If the jump works and your car starts, don’t shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. If the car won’t start the next time you use it, the battery isn’t holding a charge and needs to be replaced.

Watch these steps for jump starting a car from Safe2Drive.

At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs!

Source: https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/how-jump-car-simple-steps-bring-your-car-battery-back-life and https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-jump-start-a-car/

There is nothing more stunning than seeing a classic car rolling down the road. If you are a proud classic car owner you want to do everything you can to protect your investment. You keep it clean and well maintained, but do you have the proper insurance for your beloved classic?

Traditional auto insurance policies usually cover your car up to its actual cash value, which equals its replacement cost minus depreciation. Collector car insurance usually covers your classic vehicle for an agreed, or guaranteed, value that is mutually agreeable to you and your insurance company. Collectible cars generally increase in value, especially if they are well maintained and/or restored. Everyday automobiles generally decrease in value over time. So it is important to have the right insurance coverage for your classic car!

How do you know if your car is eligible for collector car insurance? Insurance companies require that a collectible car not be used as a primary driving vehicle. Insurance companies will also place a maximum annual mileage restriction. This restriction can vary from state to state, but generally the mileage cannot exceed 7,500 miles per year. You can only use your classic vehicle for pleasure driving or a hobby activity such as participating in a parade or attending a classic car show.

 

A.C. Marmo& Sons Inc. loves our classic cars and we know you do too! If you have any questions regarding collector car insurance, please give us a call at (973) 340-9100 or visit us online at https://www.acmarmo.com/ and we will be happy to assist you.

Source: https://www.valuepenguin.com/classic-car-insurance

 

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