We were very excited to receive the attached note from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ today.

Our independent agency has helped thousands of clients navigate their products and services for years. In addition, we have selected them each year, for many years, to provide the health insurance coverage for our employees and our families.

So we applaud them for quickly coming out and reconfiming their committment to women’s health. 

As their statement says, the “current medical policy for breast cancer screening will not change in light of the announcement of new guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force.”

They provide baseline mammograms at 35 and annual mammograms after 40. Unless there is a family history, then age doesn’t apply.

Glad to see them step up so quickly. Bravo!

Connelly-Campion-Wright Insurance ~ serving NJ families and businesses since 1926. ccw@ccwinsurance.com 732.280.2800

Here’s a quick list to show you what discounts are available for your NJ home and NJ auto insurance offered by many of the insurance companies represented by our agency.

• LIFE IN A GATED COMMUNITY? Some homeowners are entitled to gated community discounts.

• WHAT’S YOUR HOUSE WEARING? Some insurers give hail resistant roof discounts for Class 4 roofs and credits can be sizeable in some territories.

• “EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN:” Some companies are coming out with new rating models that are oriented toward offering lower rates to new customers. Sometimes, a customer can even save money by applying for a new policy with the same company.

• ‘FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE’ MAY ALSO APPLY TO YOUR CREDIT SCORE: For married couples, sometimes one person will have a better credit score than the other. Since some companies will use the score of the first person named on the application, putting the spouse with the best credit score on first can result in a lower rate.

• GOT NEW WIRES?  Depending on the age of newer electrical wiring in your home, you may qualify for an age of wiring discount.

• HAS IT REALLY BEEN 10 YEARS? If you have not filed any home insurance claims in the last 10 years, ask about a discount. “Claims-free” homeowners can often save up to 20%.

AUTO INSURANCE

• IS YOUR TEEN A SCOUT? Some insurers give credits to young drivers who are involved in organizations such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

• DO YOU HAVE A COMPANY CAR? Many carriers will give a multi-car discount to consumers who have a company car even if they only own one personal vehicle.

• HAVE YOU BEEN WIDOWED? Some insurers give “married” discounts to widows and widowers.

• ARE YOU SHOPPING FOR NEW WHEELS? Before you buy a car, make a short list of the ones you’re considering and ask your agent to estimate the difference in insurance premiums. The difference could save you thousands of dollars.

• ARE YOU A GREEN COMMUTER? Consider car pooling to reduce your commute frequency and ask your agent if that will impact your auto premium. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you may also be fattening your wallet.

• HOW YOUNG ARE YOU? In some states, if you’re 55 or older, and you’re the principal driver of your insured car, you could save on your premiums by taking an approved defensive driving class.

MORE WELL-KNOWN DISCOUNTS

While there are plenty of quirky discounts your independent agent can investigate, there are many ‘tried and true’ discounts that many, but not all, insurance consumers know.

• UNEMPLOYED? People who are out of work should qualify for a low-mileage discount or lower rating factor that can save 5-10% on their auto premium.

• MULTIPLE POLICIES? If you have property insurance with ONE company, you may qualify for a multiple policy discount to lower both your auto and your home insurance premiums by as much as 10-15%.

• SOUND THE ALARMS! Alarm credits are often available if your home is equipped with two or more of the following: fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, deadbolt locks and a burglar alarm. Savings can be up to 15%. 

• ACCIDENT-FREE FOR THREE YEARS? If you’ve been safe on the road and accident-free for the past three years, and you haven’t received any moving violations, you might qualify for a good record discount. To be eligible, you and all additional drivers also need to have carried continuous, standard automobile liability insurance during those same three years. If you’re a new driver and received your license within the past three years, you, too, could be eligible. Just make sure you meet the above qualifications from the date your license was issued.

• DOES YOUR CAR HAVE SAFETY FEATURES? If your car comes equipped with approved anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes, and/or passive restraint systems such as airbags.

           Make sure you get all the discounts you deserve. Contact us today for a complimentary personalized insurance review. ccw@ccwinsurance.com 732.280.2800

A household inventory could prove invaluable if you lost some or all of your household belongings in a fire, burglary or natural disaster. A household inventory is a list of all the personal belongings in your home including when and where you bought each item, their original cost and any identifying information, such as model or serial numbers. For an investment of just a few hours, you can survey your belongings and be prepared in the event of a loss.
How do I take my own inventory?

There are three basic steps. First, list all of your major belongings and furnishings, room by room. Record a brief description, any serial numbers, purchase prices and dates and current value. Attach any receipts and appraisals.

The second step is to back up your inventory list with photographs or video. Take photos or videotape every room, with closet or cabinet doors open. Note the date, contents shown and location.

Third, store the inventory and photographs/videotape in a safe place away from your home, such as in a safe-deposit box in a bank. Keeping a copy of the list or tape at home is fine, but it is wise to keep the original inventory and receipts in a secure location in case a fire or natural disaster destroys your home. Of course, you should likewise protect certain valuables and hard-to-replace documents such as deeds, bonds, stocks and insurance policies by storing them in a safe-deposit box.

You also should be aware NJ homeowners policies generally limit the amount of coverage on fine jewelry, furs, silver and other possessions of high value. For these types of possessions, you may want to purchase additional coverage in the form of personal article floater policies.

These are general recommendations. For the best advice on your personal insurance needs, call our agency. We’re your Professional Insurance Agent …We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.

Connelly-Campion-Wright – Providing NJ with the best  insurance advice and products. Want to know more? Contact us today: ccw@ccwinsurance.com  ~ 732.280.2800

November 5, 2009 — Survey finds agents rank above newspapers, Congress and the president as reliable source of information about insurance industry issues.

Despite the fact that the media is filled with members of Congress, President Barack Obama and pundits talking about insurance every day, consumers are more likely to trust what they hear from their local insurance agent. More than 64% of respondents in a recent study said they trusted their insurance agent for credible information about insurance industry issues – the highest ranking in the survey.

Agents topped the field of sources that consumers trust most for insurance information, followed by insurance companies (61%), local newspapers (52%) and President Barack Obama (51%). Members of Congress and U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner ranked at the bottom of the list at 39% and 37% respectively.

A local professional independent insurance agent is on the “frontline” working everyday to help NJ insurance clients navigate the confusing world of insurance contracts and coverages. We are here for you. Put us to work for you. We help you find the value for your insurance dollars. Contact us today: ccw@ccwinsurance.com or 732.280.2800

The bill allows police to stop vehicles they believe pose a danger, and creates fines of between $25 and $75 for each offense. The tickets, however, would not translate into a driver receiving points on his or her license.

In addition, the new law creates a special fund that will pay to help promote awareness of snow and ice danger, and also to help install technology in inspection stations, rest stops and other areas of the Garden State that will assist commercial vehicle operators in removing snow and ice.

The state will also begin collecting information about accidents that are attributable to snow and ice being dislodged from a car or other vehicle.

The bill was sponsored by Senators Nicholas J. Sacco and Robert M. Gordon, and Assemblymen Eric Munoz, Vincent Prieto, Ruben J. Ramos, Jr. and John S. Wisniewski.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

It was a landmark case in the art world.

Casino magnate Steve Wynn, while showing off his Picasso masterpiece, La Reve, to friends, accidentally stuck his elbow through it. Among those who witnessed the embarrassing move: Broadcaster Barbara Walters and screenwriter Nora Ephron.

The result was a 2-inch gash in the painting and a $54 million lawsuit involving insurer, Lloyds of London. Wynn had claimed, based on published reports, that Lloyds initially downgraded the value of the painting he was planning to sell for $139 million to $85 million — despite the $122 million Wynn spent to repair it.

The case, originally filed in Manhattan’s U.S. District Court, ultimately was settled. But it raises important issues to consider when it comes to insuring valuables.

Insurance policies for private collections no longer are plain vanilla, says Katja Zigerlig, assistant vice president of fine art, wine and jewelry for the New York-based Chartis private client group. Chartis is the rebranded global property-and-casualty business of bailed-out American International Group.

As the art market becomes more private and international, insurance policies have grown more varied, Zigerlig says. But you’ll need to weigh the added pricetags of the various coverages you select.

“Diminution of value,” Zigerlig reported in a recent talk to insurance brokers and financial advisers at The Brazilian Court, is one important feature to consider. It initially was a point of dispute in the Wynn case.

Say you chip or crack your sculpture. Unfortunately, you’re not only stuck with a repair bill but also an immediate loss of value to your masterpiece. Chip a sculpture worth $100,000, and an appraiser, after you’ve had it repaired, might value it at $90,000. “Diminution of value” coverage would provide reimbursement for your 10 percent loss in value as well as the repair and restoration.

Other private collection policy coverages to examine: Catastrophic perils, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, flood and terrorism; coverage of newly acquired items; coverage for transportation — in case you bring home a piece of art, for example, from Russia; and arbitration in U.S. courts or abroad.

Wynn might have realized the importance of coverage for court arbitration abroad. Reason: Attorney trips to Great Britain cost a pretty penny.

Beware that if you’re relying strictly on your homeowner’s policy to cover your private collection, you probably have deductibles. Plus, policies generally limit your coverages and have exclusions for breakable or fragile items.

A growing concern both in art losses and wine losses is in adequate oversight of staff and contractors.

One art theft scheme by organized crime involved actually planting staffers — like nannies — as employees inside mansions to provide information on collections, Zigerlig says.

Screen your staff — including your gardener, electrician and nannies. Know how many have your security code and keys. Keep an up-to-date inventory of your collections and have current appraisals.

The overwhelming majority of those with wine collections lack insurance, she says. Yet, wine requires an unusual amount of care, including stable temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit; humidity, preferably between 50 percent and 80 percent; a vibration-free environment and odor-free environment as well as proper security with locks and key codes.

One record $600,000 claim was paid to a client who, while in the Hamptons, had an electrician drop in to see whether the surround sound was working. In the process, the temperature in the wine cellar inadvertently was tripped.

If you have a collection that needs special attention, please let us know so that we can make sure you are properly covered! 732.280.2800 or ccw@ccwinsurance.com

Gail Liberman is co-author of several books with her husband, Alan Lavine. Their latest, published by Que, is ‘Quick Steps to Financial Stability.’

There are a number of choices you can make to put some of your auto insurance dollars back into your own pocket.

Reducing the amount you drive can reduce auto insurance costs. If you car pool or use public transportation on a regular basis, you may be eligible for a premium reduction.

If you are a young driver or if you have a young driver living in your household who either has completed an approved driver-education course, or gone away to a school more than 100 miles from home, your premiums may be lower. Drivers who complete an approved defensive‑driving course also may be eligible for premium reductions.

You may not need all of the auto coverage you’re carrying. Since cars depreciate over the years, you may want to discuss with our agency whether comprehensive and/or collision coverage is worthwhile for an older car.

Increasing deductibles under auto collision and comprehensive coverage also can save you money by lowering premiums. Higher deductibles mean greater out-of-pocket expense if you have an accident; however, most drivers can save over the long run while still being protected from large losses by raising their deductibles.

What else affects my rates?

Statistics show that young drivers; males under age 25; and unmarried males have more frequent and severe accidents than other groups of drivers and, therefore, are more costly to insure. If you marry or reach age 25, you should contact us for possible reductions in your auto premiums.

Traffic violations, accidents and driving while intoxicated or driving while ability impaired convictions can all raise your auto insurance premiums. It’s important that all drivers in your household realize the full implications of their bad driving habits: Even if no one gets hurt in a drunk driving or speeding incident, the financial consequences can be painful and long term.

Many insurance companies offer premium discounts if you: complete an approved defensive-driving course; insure more than one car or your home with the same company; have anti-lock brakes; have anti-theft devices or air bags in your car; belong to a car pool; or are an older driver.

For more detailed information on how you can reduce your auto insurance premiums, contact our agency: 732.280.2800 or ccw@ccwinsurance.com
Your Professional Insurance Agent … We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.

• Trying to run leaner in a tough economy?
  • Businesses are struggling to manage the same workload with a smaller staff
• Wasting your time fighting unemployment claims?
  • This economy has generated more unemployment than at any other time in our nation’s history
• Gearing up for the turnaround?
  • Do you have the right staff on board to jump to the lead when the economy gets better?

If you are experiencing challenges in any of these areas, please take this opportunity to attend a complimentary webinar on Increasing Productivity through Human Resource Outsourcing!!

Register here to receive a custom invitation:  http://www.selectivehr.com/apps/shrs/public/registration/webinar/peo/det.asp

When: September, 24 @ 11 a.m. EST
Where: Online (the World Wide Web)
Presenter: Clay Kelley, PHR
Duration: 40 minutes, plus Q&A

 ”Joe’s” car was stolen and destroyed. The insurance company denied the claim because his keys were in the car and there was no sign of forced entry. According to the adjuster, the policy does not cover theft without “evidence of forcible entry.”

FYI: Any time a claim is denied, the adjuster has an obligation to show explicitly in the contract where the loss is not covered, and the insured/agent (if you have one!) should read the policy to determine whether coverage exists or not.

Under most insurance policies sold by independent agents, there is no requirement of evidence of forced entry to substantiate a theft claim…”theft” is simply the unlawful taking of someone else’s property. Likewise, there is no exclusion if a vehicle is stolen as a result of someone leaving their keys in the car. 

However, the policy in question is not a “usual” insurance policy.  According to this proprietary company policy form: “This policy does not apply under Part IV to loss due to theft under Coverage D of Part IV if evidence exists that forcible entry was not required to gain access to the automobile and violation of the steering column and/or the ignition system is not present.

“Forcible entry means felonious entry by actual force and violence evidenced by visible marks on the exterior of the automobile and the destruction of the lockable steering column; or evidence of actual force to gain entrance to the premises on which the automobile is garaged at the point of entry.”

Based on the above, it seems clear that the claim is not covered and there does not appear, under the contract, to be any recourse for the insured.

This points out a valuable lesson that all (auto) policies are not equal. Anyone choosing coverage based solely on price may get what they pay for.

In addition, this increase will apply to both new and renewal business. The tax will also apply to Additional Premium Endorsements that are effective 7/1/2009 or later despite the effective date of the policy.

Any already bound New or Renewal business, effective on or after July 1, 2009, will require the additional 2% Surplus Lines tax to be collected. Any business quoted, New or Renewal, but not yet bound on or after July 1, 2009 should include the 5% Surplus Lines Tax and collected as such.