A Guide To Home Inventory

5 Reasons Independent Agents are Awesome

Pinterest, Santa’s Ultimate Helper

by Corrine Wozeniak, Social Media Team member, Mutual of Enumclaw.

Finding gifts may have gotten a little bit easier thanks to Pinterest.  There are more than 70 million people that use Pinterest, a content sharing service that allows members to “pin” images, videos and other objects to their personalized pinboards.

When I started my Christmas shopping this year, I used my friends and family member’s pinboards as their Christmas lists.  You may see that your friend has a pinboard titled “Fashion” and they may have pinned clothes, jewelry or other accessories that they would like to have in their closet.   They might have a board called “Home” that they can pin lamps, bedding, paintings, rugs, etc. that they would love to have in their house one day.  I found bracelets, necklaces and sweaters that my mother in law wanted, check!  I discovered home décor that my friend wanted for her living room, check!

When I asked my sister what she would like my newborn nephew to have for Christmas, she told me that she would like anything I would pick out.  That polite answer didn’t help me one bit!  Would she really like a drum set for him? Would she really want me to get him a 6 ft stuffed animal?  Highly unlikely.  I decided to check out her Pinterest boards for some inspiration.  I saw numerous onesies, toys and other baby things that my sister obviously wanted for my nephew.  I purchased a few things that she had listed and vióla!  My Christmas shopping was completed.

If you have someone on your list that is difficult to buy for, I suggest you check out their Pinterest boards for some inspiration.

 

Cracking Up In Enumclaw

Can technology help this thoughtful insurance company provide an experience so rare and valuable that it can’t be found anywhere else?  Absolutely!  In fact, some of the best leaders of companies not only talk about their products, nor do they just stand behind them, the actually use them.

Recently our CEO, Eric Nelson, had need of our technology and here is how he described his experience.

Cracking Up In Enumclaw

So I am driving along enjoying the day when all of a sudden BAM! A rock that must have had wings of some kind targeted my windshield and hit it so hard that not only did it take a divot out of the glass the glass cracked all the way across. No repairs here, this would require a replacement. Darn.

Now I needed to file a claim and while I could have taken advantage of “presidential status” and just walked down the hallway to our claims department I decided to test out our mobile phone app claims function.

So here I go… I turn on my phone, I select the Enumclaw logo icon and when the app comes up I touch the button labeled “windshield damage”. Yes, even I could figure that out. It dials up the glass network who hooks me up with the local glass shop and Ta Da!… I have a new windshield the next day. Very Cool.

What was also very cool was that when the glass shop needed information like policy number, vehicle VIN number, deductible, etc… it was all right there on my phone. If you haven’t checked out our mobile app recently I encourage you to do so. Your customers will never need a paper file again.

I almost hope my car breaks down just so I can use the towing and roadside assistance button!

Eric

When it comes to apps, these days there’s one for everything.  But the best apps are the ones that takes advantage of people who are ready and willing to serve at a moment’s notice.    It may not be as fun as throwing upset birds at pigs, but when something like a rock or worse, another car, upsets your day, know the power of thoughtful insurance company is ready and willing to create that rare and valuable insurance experience that can’t be obtained elsewhere, all at the touch of your mobile.

5 Essential Things for Your College Dorm Room

by Madeline Mill, Senior Oregon State University & Summer Intern at Mutual of Enumclaw

The new school year is right around the corner and there are many ways students and parents can prepare for the financial needs and risks of going off to college.  We know that hearing from those who have gone before us can be a great way to help think things through.   We asked one of our summer interns to share her experiences and advice on how to prepare for the first big step for many new college students: life in the dorms.

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Madeline.  I am a college student at Oregon State University . I am just wrapping up a summer internship at Mutual of Enumclaw and am about to start my senior year at OSU . Like many college students, I spent two years living in the dorms and got to experience dorm life in all its glory.  If I could offer some advice, I’d share the top five things I wish I had brought to my college dorm room.

1. A random freshman.
   I’m sure most soon-to-be college students are thinking about rooming with a friend.  My advice is “don’t do it”.  Here’s my logic: when you live with your friend, there are expectations that you wouldn’t have of a random person. You already get along, share the same social circles and interests, she knows you and you know her.  But when you live with someone, you learn things about them that maybe you didn’t really want to know. The bottom line is you’re stuck with that person until at least the end of term.  It’s easy for bad habits to tear down a good friendship.  And who knows, maybe that random freshman will be your new best friend!
2. Dish soap/sponge and Mr. Clean
   Your dorm hall probably has a kitchen that includes a kitchen sink and a microwave.  Your roommate will appreciate you cleaning out your cereal bowl instead of letting it sit for days on end with sticky, spoiled milk. Trust me; Mr. Clean comes in handy because accidents happen.
3. Earplugs and eye mask
   Unless you were gifted with the ability to sleep through a train driving through your room, you will probably need ear plugs to get a decent night’s rest.  Even if your building enforces quiet hours, it is rarely peaceful before 1AM.  And don’t forget, that random freshman roommate may need to stay up late cramming or get up at the crack of dawn and need the lights on.  The eye mask will come in handy for those scenarios.  Let’s face it; living in the dorms is loud and crazy. Earplugs and an eye mask will come in handy. Trust me; it will save your sleep cycle
4. Robe & flip flops
   I have two words for you: community bathroom.  Flip flops are handy for walking about the dorm building but especially the bathrooms.  Many people (who may or may not have yucky habits) will share the showers and bathrooms. Spare your feet from exposure to germs and other yuckiness that might be left behind.  Having a robe will spare your virtue as you return to your room after having a shower.  It is nice not to have to get dressed right there in the wet shower stall.
5. Openness to change
   Your environment is about to completely change.  How you learn and how you live has to evolve very quickly as you adjust to a new roommate and new teaching styles.  Absorbing information is different when you are in a lecture hall with 300+ other students.  Take the time to go meet your professor so you’re not just a face in the crowd.  Set yourself up to succeed by putting yourself out there and seeking help when you need it. 

Going away to college means that your support system might be a significant distance away.  You will have unexpected hurdles, opportunities and decisions to tackle all on your own.  This will help you learn things about yourself and shape who you are.  Much of your success in college comes down to being prepared to change your expectations. Live and learn but be smart.

So there’s my advice. I hope that helps with your journey.  Just for fun, you know you’re a college student when:

• You are living off of  ramen
• Your main shopping is done at a dollar store
• You avoid printing on campus because of the .06 fee
• You get up at 3am to stand in the rain to get football tickets
• Your main wardrobe is college gear
• You start to love one of the gross school colors you hated before
• You walk 6 floors of the library to try to find a table to study
• You have 3 different email addresses
• You live in yoga pants and a ponytail

The Fireworks Stands are Up and Running!

by Julie Slyfield, Sr. IT Security Analyst, Emergency Response Team

Despite the wet n’ wild weather we’ve had lately, the weather is settling down and dropping us right into summer. Temperatures are expected to rise to the mid-to-upper 80s (or even higher in some areas). This is expected to last through the 4th of July and beyond. Grassy and wooded areas will dry out quickly when the weather warms up and the breeze kicks in. This lends to a perfect scenario for injuries caused by and fires started by fireworks.

• In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,8000 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
• Firecrackers were responsible for the greatest number of injuries (1,600), followed by bottle rockets (1,000) and sparklers (700).
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Legal vs. Illegal Fireworks… What’s the Difference?

I used the think there’s was no difference really… even the National Fire Data Center states that the number of fire from one vs. the other was fairly equal.

As reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); “While the majority of fireworks injury reports involve emergency room treatment and release, they are aware of more severe and fatal injuries that are associated with consumer use of professional-grade and homemade fireworks. Reports of faster-than-expected explosions and unpredictable flight paths of aerial devices have resulted in tragic consequences for some consumers.

In reported fireworks-related deaths, the victims were killed when the illegal devices exploded, causing severe trauma to the head and face, and resulting in decapitation in one incident. In other incidents involving professional-grade or homemade devices, the victims reportedly sustained severe burns and the loss of fingers.”

Remember, if it has a Stick or Fins and it Goes up or if it Blows up…it’s Probably Illegal

Here are some steps you can take to assure a fun but safe time is had by all!

• Only use fireworks that are legal for the City or County you’re in.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Make sure you’re using those legal fireworks safely.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Lastly, make sure you have defensible space around your home. This means cutting down tall grass and removing materials near your home that can easily catch fire.

…and Dispose of them properly

• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

If you observe unsafe or reckless activities, please take the time to call your local Authorities. The last thing we want is for somebody’s house to burn down
because the neighbors aren’t playing safely!

Each State, County and City has individual laws. Your local fire department is great source to rules specific to your area.

Related Links:

• State of Washington; County and City Fire Works Laws
• State of Oregon; County and City Fire Works Laws
• State Of Utah; Restrictions by City
• State of Idaho: Local News Overview of Restrictions

Caring for the Global Community

by Thomas D. Underbrink, JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, Director of Litigation

Merriam-Webster defines “stewardship” as the “careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” At Mutual of Enumclaw we know what it means to be trusted and to be entrusted with our owners’ hard earned dollars. But stewardship extends well beyond managing a resource or performing under the terms of a contract. Stewardship requires us to acknowledge a responsibility that arises from all the blessings that we have. By almost every measure, the standard of living and quality of life of even modest income Americans far exceed that of the vast majority of individuals around the globe. Yet, we tend to take for granted our relative wealth and affluence. Worse yet, we suffer from an “economic arrogance” where we convince ourselves that we earned everything we have and those who are less fortunate somehow don’t deserve a better life.

Stewardship requires an acceptance of the fact that we are lucky, that our affluence is a gift from a combination of hard work and circumstance, and that we have a responsibility as members of the human race to reach out to those in our neighborhood and around the globe who aren’t as lucky. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to witness first-hand the indomitable human spirit in the face of what you and I would consider abject, desperate, and overwhelming poverty.

Last summer, when I boarded a plane for Lusaka, Zambia, I knew we were traveling to a place where the basic survival necessities like clean water, sanitation, food, healthcare, and shelter were anything but taken for granted. My wife Cate, son Evan and daughter Erin had previously traveled to the school where the Enumclaw Rotary Club and Calvary Presbyterian Church had partnered with the VillageSteps organization (www.villagesteps.org) to begin the process of building classrooms, drilling a deep clean water well, and providing basic education materials. Even knowing that this work had been started, I was worried that the conditions would be so dire and the suffering so abject that I would be overcome with emotions of pity or sadness. I could not have been more wrong.

Yes, the more than 200 kids, many of whom were orphans as a result of the AIDS pandemic or other causes, who crammed in to the small school rooms each day in hopes of a lesson or a bite to eat or some clean water, were indeed as poor as can be imagined. What I wasn’t prepared for was the overwhelming joy expressed in the smiles and spirit of nearly everyone we encountered. I will remember forever how seemingly insignificant things (some t-shirts, a real soccer ball, a few benches for a classroom) prompted spontaneous eruptions of laughter, singing and dancing. Those brilliant white smiles and sparkling laughs will always be with me.

During our trip last year we saw that the need is dire, but the spirits are strong. I learned that the greatest gift we can give is our presence and our attention, not our money or our gifts although those are needed as well. I also learned that while the concept of stewardship seems like a giving of oneself and one’s assets to another, the gift that I received in return was many times more valuable than anything I spent or gave away.

So, my experience has caused me to adjust my understanding of stewardship. I believe that stewardship is about making connections. It’s about reaching out to touch another human being and be touched and rewarded in multiples in return. To open one’s heart and one’s mind to the recognition that while we are different, the differences are really small things and in all the important things we are the same. If you can go to Africa, go. If you can serve in your own country, do. If your neighbor needs help, step up. But don’t be surprised if the act of stewardship changes you.

Is Your Home Ready for Spring?

by Brianne Dahl, Product Development Pricing Analyst

Think Spring
Although most of us may still be feeling the chill of winter, spring is on the way. While winter is beginning to wander off there is plenty to be done to ensure a smooth transition into warmer, wetter weather.

Clean Your Gutters
Fall leaves combined with winter rain and snow build up in your gutters. This is particularly hazardous if trees hang over your roof. Ensuring spring rains have a clear path through your gutters will help prevent damage from moss and mildew.

Paint Is More Than Cosmetic
Cold, wet weather can be hard on your home’s exterior paint. The primer and paint help to protect wood siding from the elements. Check for chipped or cracked paint. Wood will quickly rot when left exposed. Dirt, mold and mildew are also hard on paint. Brighten up your home’s exterior with a good power washing.

Check and Maintain Yard Drainage
Walk your yard and check the grading of your property. Make sure water drains away from your home’s foundation. Wet and snowy winter weather can cause soil to settle in plant and flowerbed areas adjacent to foundation walls. This kind of moisture built up next to foundation walls can cause costly damage to basements and crawl space. If needed, re-fill or re-grade depressed areas.

Keeping the Lid On
If your winter was particularly wet, you may already be aware of any leaks in your roof. Common places to double check and repair are around chimney and skylight openings. The easiest place to check for damage is the attic. Look for water stains or discoloration. Also inspect the exterior for any cracked, curling or missing shingles.

Trouble with Trees
The weight of ice and snow can leave tree limbs weak and susceptible to breakage. Inspect trees for broken branches. If they are low enough, and manageable, trim broken branches to prevent bark from tearing and creating an open wound. Hire a professional to take care of branches that may be too far up the tree or too large to manage. Take note of any branches that are particularly bent. Check back later in the spring to make sure they have bounced back and are producing leaves. Also check the ground around the base of the tree. If roots are coming up through the soil it may be a sign that the tree is starting to list and in danger of falling.

Regular maintenance will help to prevent big ticket damage down the road. Nearly every piece of a home will need to be replaced eventually. But with some simple inspections and clean-up your home can be safe and worry free for many years.

Employment-Related Practices Liability Coverage an Important Part of Commercial Insurance

by Brianne Dahl, Product Development Pricing Analyst

According to Inc.com, employment-related practices liability (EPL) insurance is “a type of coverage that protects businesses from financial consequences associated with a variety of employment-related lawsuits.” The key take away from that definition is the “financial consequences.” We buy insurance to protect our financial security.

What most business owners may not know is that employment-related practices liability is largely excluded from the commercial liability and umbrella policies. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) statistics show the average settlement in enforcement suits brought by the EEOC on behalf of individuals or multiple aggrieved individuals to be approximately $156,000. This amount does not include litigation which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. Without the proper coverage in place, recovering from an EPL loss may be nearly impossible.

EPL insurance has quickly become one of the hottest topics in the world of business insurance. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that workers filing discrimination charges against employers reached an all-time high for the second straight year in 2012. And while only roughly 25% of those charges result in monetary settlement, those staggering litigation costs will still add up quickly.

With help from the media, many business owners may believe that discrimination and harassment lawsuits only happen to the larger companies. Lawsuits against companies like Wal-Mart, General Electric and Denny’s have brought national attention to employment-related discrimination within large companies. But small businesses are subject to many of the same laws and statutes. According to the EEOC, 40% of all employment-related practice claims involved companies with fewer than 100 employees. Yet less than 20% of these companies currently carry EPL coverage.

Many business owners may not understand how important this coverage really is. Small businesses are often a close knit group of employees and owners feel secure with the family-like environment. But many family arguments end up in court. If a small company is like a family, why should it be a surprise that they could have an employment-related practices liability claim?

Complicating matters further is the seemingly endless number of rules and regulations that business owners must comply with regarding discrimination. And not just large companies. Depending on the state, having just 1 employee subjects a business owner to federal laws applying to equal pay, civil rights and disabilities rights acts. With 20 employees a business owner is subject to most significant federal and state discrimination laws.

EPL coverage is an important part of commercial insurance. With this coverage, business owners are given peace of mind that they are protected against the “financial consequences” of unintentionally violating one of the many employment-related rules or regulations they are subject to. That protection extends to legal fees that can be as damaging as the settlement itself making EPL essential to business owners in today’s unpredictable legal climate.

Creating a Home Inventory Couldn’t Be Easier

by Jason Murdock, Customer Intelligence Manager

Before you read this article, I want you to write down the top 5 items in a room of your home that you would want replaced if your house were to burn down. When you get home, take your list and check to see how well your memory was. A home inventory list can be very important for your clients to have in the case of a loss, and can help process their claim much faster. I prefer to let my inventory do the work so my memory doesn’t have to. My brain already has plenty of other things to think about during the claims process.

Mobile technology is advancing faster than you can say “there’s an app for that.” When it comes to taking time to create a home inventory, yep you guessed it; there is an app for that too! Mobile phone apps can let your clients quickly take photographs and write descriptions of their possessions. They can inventory each room of their house and store key information. They can even send themselves a completed list, or in the event of a loss, they can email their entire inventory to their adjuster. Not all apps are created equal. Here are my reviews of two of the major free apps.

“Know your Stuff”
Insurance Information Institute (III)
This app has a very intuitive home screen and with one tap you can begin adding a new item, view all of your items or add rooms to your home inventory. You can take photos of your items with your phone’s camera and it even has a place for you to record the serial number of the item (take the word of a former adjuster, this makes processing claims much faster). The benefit of this app is that it syncs with an online account for easy management and printing. The down side is that the mobile app itself does not have the capability of emailing the list from the phone so you would need to use a computer to do this.
https://www.knowyourstuff.org/iii/viewOnlyNoLogin.html?page=front_iphone

“myHome Scr.APP.bk”
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This app’s home screen is a list of standard rooms in a home. You can add a new room or select a room you wish to inventory. Once in the room, adding an item is simple. Start with a photo and give all the important info you have about each item. What I like about this app is that it has a barcode scanner so if you still have the box, you can scan it, and the app adds the code for you. This can also be done when new items are purchased. I also like that you can send yourself an email straight from your phone or save your inventory as a PDF. This app does not have an interface with a website, so all of your work will be done through your phone.
http://www.insureuonline.org/home_inventory_page.htm

Either app brings ease to the home inventory process. You can feel confident providing your clients with a simple way for them to inventory their home. If the time should ever come when they need to use it, it can really make all the difference.