http://www.insuringu.com/blog/View Behnke and Associates Insurance's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.insuringu.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:00e58d5a-aa25-4e1d-8318-84716fc63d39urn:uuid:25767760-f241-4a56-8869-1f671dd53981Remember when your mother forced you to take a spoonful of medicine because it was good for you? Flood insurance is good for you, and Mother Nature (and her daughter Hurricane Irene) just spooned out a dose that should motivate some people to take th...Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:56:24 -0500<div class="entry-meta"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Remember when your mother forced you to take a spoonful of medicine because it was good for you? Flood insurance is good for you, and Mother Nature (and her daughter Hurricane Irene) just spooned out a dose that should motivate some people to take the medicine and protect their property by purchasing this important coverage. Most standard homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover flood damage.</span></div> <div class="entry-content"> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">Images of flooded homes in the Northeast are all the motivation some people need to consider buying a flood insurance policy. But too few people do. A 2011 poll by the </span><a href="http://www.iii.org/"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Insurance Information Institute</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> showed that only </span><a href="http://www.iii.org/press_releases/many-still-lack-flood-coverage-as-hurricane-season-nears-its-peak.html"><span style="font-size: 16px;">14 percent of homeowners in the U.S. had flood policies.</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Floridians have more flood policies than any other state, but we don&rsquo;t hang onto them for very long. Why? Two reasons come to mind: First, no one forces you to buy flood coverage, other than your mortgage company if you live in a high-risk flood zone. And, some people buy a flood policy and after a couple of years when &ldquo;the creek don&rsquo;t rise&rdquo;, they think they wasted money and decide not to renew it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">A </span><a href="http://opim.wharton.upenn.edu/risk/library/WRCib2011a_nfip_tenure.pdf"><span style="font-size: 16px;">study on how long homeowners keep flood insurance coverage</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> showed the average length of time was 2 to 4 years nationally, and less than that in Florida. Halfway through this year, as of June 30, the federal government declared 28 major flood disasters, compared to 50 federally-declared major flood disasters in all of 2010. Add Hurricane Irene flooding, and three more months of rainy season, and that number is growing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">People underestimate the risk of flooding, and they also underestimate its destructive power. A few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Check out the </span><a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/the_cost_of_flooding.jsp"><span style="font-size: 16px;">interactive tool on the cost of flooding</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">. There is a lot of information available at </span><a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/"><span style="font-size: 16px;">www.FloodSmart.gov</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">. For a quote please contact your Behnke and Associates representative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">A <em>New York Times</em> article about the July floods in South Dakota had a headline that seems to point out the unfortunate disconnect between risk and our perception of it &mdash; </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/us/31flood.html?pagewanted=all"><span style="font-size: 16px;">&ldquo;In a Flood Zone, but Astonished by High Water&rdquo;</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">. Umm. You&rsquo;re in a flood, and you&rsquo;re surprised. Think about how surprised you&rsquo;ll be if a flood happens in a low-risk zone, which is where 20 percent of flood claims payments go.</span></p> </div>urn:uuid:56b9ce24-c07d-4a13-a9ab-1881e7693aac<img src='http://www.terrys-military-tribute.com/images/911tribute.gif' align='left' />This Sunday, September 11, 2011 will hurt.&nbsp; &nbsp;All across the country &ndash; across the world &ndash; people will remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and feel pain. There is some pride, as well, since we also honor those who worked tirele...Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:59:51 -0500<p style="background: #fefefe; margin: 0in 0in 12pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">This Sunday, September 11, 2011 will hurt.&nbsp; &nbsp;All across the country &ndash; across the world &ndash; people will remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and feel pain. There is some pride, as well, since we also honor those who worked tirelessly to rescue victims of the attack on the World Trade Center towers. </span></p> <p style="background: #fefefe; margin: 0in 0in 12pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">They call this day Patriot Day now &ndash; by a presidential proclamation signed in December 2001. I&rsquo;m not sure that name is ever going to stick. Because it doesn&rsquo;t matter what you call it. What matters is that we remember what happened ten years ago and use the lessons learned there to focus on the future. </span></p> <p style="background: #fefefe; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/terrorism/"><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #0077aa; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Terrorism risk and insurance</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"> are issues most did not think too much about ten years ago; not so today. </span>Where the Twin Towers once stood, there is rebuilding going on, and </span><a href="http://www.iii.org/Press_Releases/9-11-and-Insurance-the-Eight-Year-Anniversary.html"><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #0077aa; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">money from insurance claims </span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">is making that possible. Rebuilding is part of the healing process, really. &nbsp;&nbsp;And yet, Sunday is a day to focus on people, both those who died in the attacks and the heroes involved in the aftermath. &nbsp;And, please remember our troops today &ndash; because it is Patriot Day. <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.terrys-military-tribute.com/images/911tribute.gif" /><br /> </span></p>urn:uuid:61570b13-c9aa-4555-8cc3-a4e7b2cb3214 Why Surge Protectors, Battery Backups &amp; UPS Systems are Essential Each month, the typical business or home experiences several electrical disturbances &mdash; from infrequent blackouts to spikes and surge fluctuations. What most people don't re...Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:00:30 -0500<div class="b004" sizset="55" sizcache="11"><a name="top"></a> <h1 class="h01">Why Surge Protectors, Battery Backups &amp; UPS Systems are Essential </h1> <div class="w03">Each month, the typical business or home experiences several electrical disturbances &mdash; from infrequent blackouts to spikes and surge fluctuations. What most people don't realize, however, is that even the slightest electrical blip poses a danger to all programmable appliances, whether the device is a telephone, a computer, or a high&ndash;priced server. And if your computer or telephone no longer works after a power surge, it most likely won't be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. </div> </div> <div class="c03" sizset="56" sizcache="11"> <div class="b004" sizset="56" sizcache="11"> <div class="w03" sizset="56" sizcache="11"> <h4 sizset="56" sizcache="11">Types of power problems<a name="ref_0"></a></h4> <p>Even momentary power fluctuations can cause damage to computer components over time. The chips and circuit inside PCs and peripherals are highly sensitive. Unless these components receive clean, steady 120&ndash;volt AC current, they won't perform as designed. Small power fluctuations can also corrupt or erase data stored on hard drives.<br /> <br /> Here are the most common types of power problems and how they can damage your computer: </p> <ol sizcache="4"> <li nodeIndex="1"><em>Blackouts</em> &ndash; Total loss of utility power<br /> <br /> While most blackouts in the United States are relatively brief, storm&ndash;related blackouts can last hours or even days.<br /> <br /> Blackouts can harm computers in two ways: <ul sizcache="4"> <li nodeIndex="1">The sudden loss of power can crash the system and erase data </li> <li nodeIndex="2">When power is restored, a momentary surge may result </li> </ul> </li> <li nodeIndex="2"><em>Brownouts</em> &ndash; Decrease in voltage level<br /> <br /> This is the most common power problem. Brownouts often happen when unusally high demands are made on the power grid. They can also occur when large electrical devices are turned on nearby.<br /> <br /> Brownouts can harm computers in several ways: <ul sizcache="4"> <li nodeIndex="1">Hardware damage </li> <li nodeIndex="2">Systems crash </li> <li nodeIndex="3">Data loss </li> <li nodeIndex="4">Performance problems </li> </ul> </li> <li nodeIndex="3"><em>Spikes and Surges</em> &ndash; Increase in voltage level<br /> <br /> Spikes, which are often caused by lightning strikes, are brief but extreme. They can literally fry computer components. Surges are less intense than spikes, but tend to last longer.<br /> <br /> Surges can harm computers in two ways: <ul sizcache="4"> <li nodeIndex="1">Cause incremental damage that gradually degrades system performance </li> <li nodeIndex="2">Erase or corrupt valuable data </li> </ul> </li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="w03" sizset="57" sizcache="11"> <h4 sizset="57" sizcache="11">Why do you need a surge protector?<a name="ref_1"></a></h4> <p>Even small power spikes can degrade internal circuitry and dramatically shorten the life of electronic devices. For this reason, all important electronics and appliances should be connected to a surge protector.<br /> <br /> Most surge protectors resemble power strips, but they actually contain additional circuitry designed to absorb excess electrical energy and prevent it from reaching connected equipment. Some models feature telephone/modem, coaxial and Ethernet jacks, which provide surge protection on those lines as well.<br /> <br /> Surge protectors are the best power protection option for equipment that does not require battery backup, including printers, scanners, fax machines, overhead projectors, TVs, cable boxes and more. </p> </div> <div class="w03" sizset="60" sizcache="11"> <h4 sizset="60" sizcache="11">What features are important on a surge protector?<a name="ref_2"></a></h4> <p>Here are some common questions about surge protector features:<br /> <br /> <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Why is the joule rating important?</span></em><br /> A joule is a measurement of energy. The higher the joule rating, the longer your protection will last.<br /> <br /> <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Is it important to protect my telephone line?</span></em><br /> Yes! Surges can enter your home or office through telephone lines and end up harming or destroying sensitive electronic devices, including your computer. Using a surge protector with telephone&ndash;line protection is the only way to ensure the safety of your telecommunications devices.<br /> <br /> <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Why do I need coaxial cable protection?</span></em><br /> Electrical surges can also enter your home or office through coaxial cable lines. A surge protector with coaxial cable protection is the best way to protect your audio/video equipment and cable modems from surges and spikes.<br /> <br /> <strong>Remember:</strong> If you have a computer, an entertainment system or a stereo system, each component must be plugged into a surge protector. If one of these devices isn't plugged in, it can send a surge through every other piece of equipment and cause permanent damage to them. </p> </div> <div class="w03" sizset="61" sizcache="11"> <h4 sizset="61" sizcache="11">Battery Backup/UPS: When a surge protector isn't enough <a name="ref_3"></a></h4> <p sizset="64" sizcache="11">Computers connected to a surge protector will be protected against a jolt of electricity if there's a nearby lightning strike. But when the power goes out &mdash; even for a second &mdash; it can result in lost data and potentially a damaged hard drive.<br /> <br /> Protecting important files and data against permanent loss due to insufficient power requires a <a href="http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesCategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&amp;catalogIdentifier=2&amp;identifier=CL141931" cmImpressionSent="1">UPS battery backup device</a>. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) device provides both surge protection and emergency backup power. The backup power gives a computer user time (from ten minutes to an hour, depending on the device) to save critical files and properly shut down the computer until power is restored.<br /> <br /> <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What is AVR?</span></em><br /> Automative Voltage Regulation (AVR) technology provides clean electricity by increasing low voltage or decreasing high voltage &mdash; keeping it within a safe range of 110&ndash;120 volts. </p> </div> <div class="w03" sizset="65" sizcache="11"> <h4 sizset="65" sizcache="11">Which UPS device is right for me?<a name="ref_4"></a></h4> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol sizcache="4"> <li nodeIndex="1"><em>Standby UPS Systems</em><br /> <br /> These provide basic power protection in the form of battery backup plus surge protection. They do not, however, provide protection against brownouts. </li> <li nodeIndex="2"><em>Line&ndash;interactive UPS Systems</em><br /> <br /> These are the next step up from standby UPS systems. Line&ndash;interactive systems feature Automative Voltage Regulation (AVR), which corrects power fluctuations. If the UPS detects a brownout, it draws on its battery to boost power. If it detects a surge, the UPS automatically trims power. This assures that connected equipment receives properly regulated power at all times. </li> <li nodeIndex="3"><em>Online UPS Systems</em><br /> <br /> These provide the highest level of power protection. They convert incoming AC power to DC, then convert it back to clean, regulated AC. This process removes most power imperfections.<br /> <br /> <strong>Remember:</strong> Many UPS devices have several sockets, but sometimes only half of those will have backup power. The others will have surge protection. Be sure to connect your computer and monitor to the sockets with backup power.<br /> <br /> Also be sure to check which devices offer a large enough warranty for your connected equipment. Because the manufacturer's warranty will most likely be nullified in cases of damage caused by power surges, the warranty of the UPS manufacturer becomes even more important.</li> </ol> </div> </div> </div>urn:uuid:0d05b40f-468e-4f24-8a86-794e83a15c27Atlantic Hurricane Forecast Updated:&nbsp;Increase in Number of Named Storms&nbsp; The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an increase to&nbsp;the number of named&nbsp;storms in the&nbsp;Atlantic for the 2011 season.&nbsp...Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:45:20 -0500<h1 style="margin: auto 0in;">Atlantic Hurricane Forecast Updated:&nbsp;Increase in Number of Named Storms&nbsp;</h1> <p>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an increase to&nbsp;the number of named&nbsp;storms in the&nbsp;Atlantic for the 2011 season.&nbsp; They also now&nbsp;anticipate three to five&nbsp;storms could turn into major Category 3 or above hurricanes.</p> <p>"The atmosphere and Atlantic Ocean are primed for high hurricane activity during August through October," said Gerry&nbsp;Bell, Ph.D., and lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at the Climate Prediction Center.&nbsp; "Storms through October will form more frequently and become more intense than we've seen so far this&nbsp;season."&nbsp;</p> <p>NOAA's updated projections for the 2011 season:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>14 - 19 named storms </li> <li>7 - 10 hurricanes</li> <li>3 - 5 could be major hurricanes <br /> (Categories 3, 4 and 5)</li> </ul>urn:uuid:85c8de68-fdcd-4280-91ab-a5dbf8ee4ba5Understanding insurance can often be like trying to learn a foreign language. Many find it confusing and intimidating. Fortunately, there&rsquo;s help. Here is a quick reference designed to help you understand some of the most common kinds of covera...Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:05:42 -0500<p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;">Understanding insurance can often be like trying to learn a foreign language. Many find it confusing and intimidating. </p> <p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;">Fortunately, there&rsquo;s help. Here is a quick reference designed to help you understand some of the most common kinds of coverages. <br /> <br /> <b>Liability</b> covers bodily injury and property damage (BI/PD). This covers your legal liability, up to the dollar limits you select, for damages caused to others in a covered vehicle accident. In Florida we are required to carry $10,000 of Property Damage liability. </p> <p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;">Under BI/PD, your insurance company pays for damages to an injured person and for property damage that you are legally obligated to pay as a result of an accident. If your policy covers you in the event you&rsquo;re sued after an accident, your insurance company will pay for a lawyer to defend you. </p> <p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;">Liability limits generally appear as three numbers, for example, 25/50/25 or 100/300/100. The first number refers to the maximum amount, in thousands, that your insurance company is obligated to pay for bodily injury per person. The second number is the maxi-mum that would be paid out for bodily injury per claim and the third number represents the maxi-mum amount your insurance company is obligated to pay for property damage you cause. </p> <p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Collision</b>. When you buy collision coverage, your insurance company pays for damages if your vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. Collision coverage involves a deductible amount you select when you purchase your policy. This amount is what you are required to pay before your insurance company starts picking up the tab. Remember, the deductible amount is the amount you need to pay in the event of a claim. <br /> <br /> </p> <p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Comprehensive</b> covers dam-age caused by events other than a car collision&mdash;such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail or flood. It also covers damage caused by your vehicle colliding with an animal. And if your car is stolen, it will cover the cost of a rental, subject to a daily limit. Like collision coverage, a deductible usually applies. </p> <p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Medical Coverage</b>. Medical Payments coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. While these both work differently, they provide coverage for medical care provided to you as a result of a car accident.&nbsp; PIP coverage is a required coverage in order to register a car in Florida.</p> <p class="CM2" style="text-align: justify;">As an independent insurance agent we can help you determine the price, coverage and service that best meets your needs. Please contact our office today for a comparison quote of your auto coverage.</p>urn:uuid:728a46e6-4fa6-427e-8644-48d637abe615<img src='http://www.insuringu.com/img/~www.insuringu.com/Blog Entires/sinkhole damage.jpg' align='left' />In 2009, the Florida legislature passed a law&nbsp;allowing Florida residents to opt-out of sinkhole coverage. The purpose of the law was to help insureds lower their yearly insurance premiums. The practical effect, however, has been that we now have...Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:50:09 -0500<p>In 2009, the <a href="http://laws.flrules.org/2009/178">Florida legislature passed a law</a>&nbsp;allowing Florida residents to opt-out of sinkhole coverage. The purpose of the law was to help insureds lower their yearly insurance premiums. The practical effect, however, has been that we now have many in this state who have insurance policies that effectively cover nothing in the event of sinkhole damage.</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here's the difference between sinkhole coverage and catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage in a nutshell</span></b>:</p> <p>Sinkhole coverage covers the circumstance where soils ravels into fractures created in the underground limestone. That raveling of the soil causes a home's foundation to settle unevenly. This uneven settlement (called differential settlement) causes damage to the home and its foundation. A sinkhole is not normally a hole or depression that you can see. Instead, it is something that occurs deep below the home or other structure that is not visibly apparent until damage to the home or other structure begins to manifest. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The only way to determine if there is sinkhole activity on a property is to do geological testing deep underground.</span></p> <p>Catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage, on the other hand, is far more <span style="text-decoration: underline;">narrow and restrictive</span>. Most policies are written that in order for a catastrophic ground cover collapse to be covered, the insured must show that:</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"> <li style="color: red;">There is a visible depression; </li> <li style="color: red;">There is structural damage to the home or other insured structure; and </li> <li style="color: red;">The home or other insured structure <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">must be condemned</span></b>. If an insured cannot show all <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">three</span></b>, there is <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">no coverage</span></b>. It's at that time the insured wished they paid the additional premium to keep sinkhole coverage. </li> </ol> <p>The best advice is to never opt-out of sinkhole coverage. Catastrophic ground cover collapse is very unusual. That is usually not how sinkholes present themselves. Therefore, the policy providing only catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage effectively offers no coverage at all.</p> <p>Usually, a person&rsquo;s home is their most important investment. With the frequency of sinkhole activity in this state, protect your investment and do not opt-out of sinkhole coverage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here is a picture of typical sinkhole damage:<br /> <br /> <img width="225" height="338" alt="" style="width: 444px; height: 338px;" src="/img/~www.insuringu.com/Blog Entires/sinkhole damage.jpg" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here is a picture of catastrophic ground cover collapse:<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.insuringu.com/Blog%20Entires/Catostrophic%20ground%20collapse.jpg" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p ><br /> WHICH ONE IS MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN?????</p>urn:uuid:de94b135-3021-4c6a-8beb-6e1348162382Many consumers are finding they can drive down the cost of car insurance&mdash;and the time it takes to select the right policy&mdash; by contacting one of our Relationship Managers here at Behnke and Associates, Inc. Because&nbsp;we represent many d...Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:00:37 -0500<p class="CM1" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: arial;">Many consumers are finding they can drive down the cost of car insurance&mdash;and the time it takes to select the right policy&mdash; by contacting one of our Relationship Managers here at Behnke and Associates, Inc.</span></p> <p class="CM1" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: arial;">Because&nbsp;we represent many different insurance companies, we have the flexibility to review rates and coverage from competing carriers and get you the best deal. Plus,&nbsp;we can offer affordable protection for your home, business and other assets. So rather than spending hours gathering quotes from various companies, you can get it done with one simple call or visit to our office. <br /> <br /> We have two offices in Broward County.&nbsp; Our&nbsp;South Broward&nbsp;location is at 6565 Taft Street Suite 104 in Hollywood and our West Broward location is at 18503 Pines Blvd Suite 204 in Pembroke Pines.&nbsp; We can be reached by phone at 954-962-8014.</span></p>urn:uuid:4f54d3ce-38d9-450f-a84f-b498ad0d788eDo you have questions about&nbsp;insurance? &nbsp;Post them here!Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:33:23 -0500Do you have questions about&nbsp;insurance? &nbsp;Post them here!