John Sentena's Blog

Fatigue and Auto Accidents

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:27:28 -0700

Although it is difficult to prove conclusively, driver fatigue is recognized as a major cause of collisions, particularly on motorways. Driving while tired means reaction times are slower and vigilance, alertness, concentration, and the quality of decision-making are severely affected. Studies show that staying awake for 18 hours and driving produces the same effect as being drunk behind the wheel.

There are many folk remedies to help stay awake, such as drinking a caffeinated beverage, opening windows, turning on air conditioning, or turning up the radio. But the only proven preventative measure is to stop driving and take a break for at least 20 minutes.

Symptoms of driving fatigued include:

Heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing
Impaired concentration
Missing exits or traffic signals
Repeated yawning
Drifting into other lanes or off the road
Irritability or jumpiness

Play it safe. If you’re on a lengthy journey and driving alone, take frequent breaks and arrange to stay overnight at a hotel instead of trying to drive all night to reach your destination. If you have another driver on board, share the driving and swap every two hours if possible. If you’ve had to work a lengthy shift at work and you’re tired, catch a taxi. The inconvenience of having to return to collect your vehicle is minimal compared to what may result if you’re involved in an accident.

For more insurance on safe driving measures and car insurance, contact DC Insurers today.

What IS Covered by Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:35:00 -0700

It’s almost impossible to own a home without homeowners insurance. Although it is not legally required that a homeowner has insurance on their house, it is almost financially impossible to leave a home unprotected. To understand why homeowners insurance is so imported, you should know what kind of coverage this kind of policy provides.

Damage caused by:

Theft
Fire caused by lightening/natural occurrence
Smoke
Frozen pipes
Ice and snow
And more….

Liability issues such as:

Injury
Property damage
Medical payments
Legal costs

Although every insurance company will offer different coverage, the following are typically excluded from basic homeowner’s insurance policies:

Acts of war
Nuclear accidents
Floods
Earthquakes
Wear and tear damage

To learn more about homeowner’s insurance and get a free quote on a comphrensive policy, contact DC Insurers today! DC Insurers is an independent insurance agency offering coverage to those in Colorado, California, and Arizona. Visit our virtual insurance office (www.dcinsurers.com) and get started today!

Are You Ready for the Off Road Season?

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:41:59 -0700

As the warmer weather approaches, off road vehicle owners will start to take their ATVs, jeeps, etc. out on new adventures. If you’re not already an owner of such a vehicle, you may be considering one. It’s important to understand exactly what kind of insurance is needed to protect an off road vehicle. You cannot purchase a regular car insurance policy to cover these vehicles, as there is much more risk involved and different liability issues.

An insurance policy specifically tailored for an off road vehicle often entails protection for ATVs, dirt bikes, jeeps, mopeds, 4 wheelers, etc. In most cases, you can customize your coverage to the way you ride your off road vehicle as well, whether you ride for recreation or race in competition. With the rocky terrain and rough riding that is usually carried out with an off road vehicle, it is important to make sure that you know the risks to you and how an insurance policy can prevent damaging costs to you. The best way to customize your insurance policy would be to give your insurance agent a detailed list of the worth of your off road vehicles and the types of activities you use them for.

At DC Insurers, we understand that you can be as passionate about your off road vehicle as you are about your car. Those in Colorado, California, and Arizona should contact us today for a free quote on a comprehensive insurance plan for off road vehicles. Visit our virtual insurance office at www.dcinsurers.com.

What Happens When Your Dog Bites the Mailman…Who Pays?

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:44:14 -0700

Yes, dogs are man’s best friend, but this doesn’t mean that they are EVERY man’s best friend. Accidents happen…but what happened if your “best friend” bites the mailman? This sounds cliché of course, but don’t simply dismiss the idea that this can happen to you. Do you know who will pay the medical bills for the mailman? Do you know which of your insurance policies, if any, will cover these costs?

If you find yourself intrigued, then listen up. More than likely, you will have to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance line if your dog happened to bite the mailman, or anyone else for that matter. Before you brush this off and think of it as ridiculous, consider this: about 25 percent of homeowner’s liability claims are due to dog bites. Not only can you be responsible for paying medical bills of the victim, you may also have to pay the costs of “pain and suffering.”

Something you should keep in mind in the cost amount of these claims. Yes, your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover liability issues, but the amount of costs it will cover only goes so far. For example, if the liability coverage on your home insurance covers up to $100,000 of costs due to liability issues, and your dog bites the mailman and his medical expenses equal $150,000, that extra $50,000 is expected to come out of your pocket. Something you can do to prevent these issues is to purchase what is called an Umbrella policy. Umbrella insurance is supplemental liability coverage that you can purchase to add to your homeowner’s insurance. Umbrella coverage takes care of liability costs that exceed the liability coverage in your home policy.

Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to such costs; make sure you are adequately covered. Those in California, Arizona, and Colorado should contact DC Insurers for a free quote on both homeowner’s and umbrella insurance policies. We have years of experience with both types of coverage and can offer you knowledgeable advice from real people. Visit our virtual insurance agency online at www.dcinsurers.com and contact us today!

Learn Your Lesson Californians: Dwelling Fire Insurance Can Save Your Life

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:11:54 -0700

More fire related deaths occur in the home than anywhere else, so it only makes sense that you would purchase Dwelling Fire Insurance, right? With all of the wild fire issues in California in recent years, it would only make sense for homeowner’s in CA to purchase dwelling fire insurance, right?

When asking yourself these questions, the logical answer for you may be yes; unfortunately, many California residents still do not have Dwelling Fire Insurance lines. Even with the disastrous effects of the numerous wild fires that have swept California in the past few years, the importance of having a Dwelling Fire policy seems to be lost amongst a lot of California residents. The estimated cost of wild fire damages to Californians, from 2009-on, is between $200 million and $42 billion a year. The effect that global warming is having on California also increases the likelihood of wild fires and the costs of damages to both residents and the state.

Dwelling Fire Insurance policies are supplemental policies to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance line. This kind of policy covers damages and costs to you should fire cause destruction anything within your home and/or the structure itself. Dwelling Fire coverage usually protects your home from fire related damages caused by riots, vandalism, wild fires, and natural occurrences such as lighting, storms, etc. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance lines do cover a small portion of the costs of fire damages; however it is usually not enough to cover all costs. Purchasing a supplemental policy will cover costs that go above your homeowner’s or renter’s coverage limit. Also, Dwelling Fire Insurance can cover costs of provisions needed during the transition from a fire to moving into a new home, or the transition from a fire to repairing your home.

Those in California, Colorado, and Arizona should contact DC Insurers for a free quote on a comprehensive Dwelling Fire Insurance policy. Especially in areas that are warm and dry, fires can have devastating consequences and leave you with crippling debt. Don’t let this happen to you; contact DC Insurers today!

Handling an Auto Accident

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:00:11 -0700

An auto accident can be devastating. While most of us are responsible drivers respecting the laws of the road and the other travelers around us, accidents do happen. The moments immediately following an auto accident can be frightening and confusing. DC Insurers is sensitive to the hazards present on the road and will help you through the process if you are involved in a car accident.

Follow these steps from DC Insurers:

Try to stay calm. Sit for a minute to catch your breath and make sure you are not seriously injured.
Step out of your car and assess the damage to yourself first, and then your vehicle. If you need professional attention do not hesitate to cal 911.
Determine the facts of the incident. Exact location, street names, time, witnesses, car types, license plate numbers.
Take pictures of the accident from many different angles. If you don’t have a digital or disposable camera in your car, a cell phone camera will suffice.
Exchange auto insurance and contact information from people everyone involved.
Unless the incident is very minor or the fault is obvious, avoid discussing who is “at fault” with other drivers. Only discuss this information with the police and the auto insurance companies.
It’s usually a good idea to call the police. A police officer can write a report, listen to both sides of the story, and if needed, provide safety.
File an insurance claim. You can do this by phone at the scene of the accident if you’d like.

DC Insurers will shop the top carriers in the country to find you an auto insurance policy you can rely on if you are involved in an auto accident. Visit our virtual insurance office to receive a free quote on car insurance.

Saving on Car Insurance in Colorado, California, and Arizona

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:43:09 -0700

Cars are more expensive than ever. Astronomical new-vehicle costs, soaring gas prices, and high repair bills contribute to the costs that are so devastating to many. But cars are also a necessity for most of us. If you are like me, concerned about a declining economy and higher living costs, it is important to make smart decisions in driving your vehicle and caring for your car.

These tips can save you a considerable amount of money on your next Auto Insurance Policy:

Remove towing as an option - always, always, always be aware of your surroundings. Don't lock your keys in the car, keep your gas tank at a safe level, be consistent with oil changes, have a good spare tire
Remove car rental
Get an insurance quote on a car BEFORE you purchase the vehicle. Most people assume that a Hummer costs more to insure than an Accord. This is not always the case. Insurance companies consider multiple factors when insuring a vehicle.
Many carriers will give you a better rate based on your credit score. Basically, the better your credit score, the more money you can potentially save.
Combine policies with DC Insurers and receive up to 30% off your insurance needs!

DC Insurers is an independent insurance agency providing comprehensive auto insurance from the top carriers in the country. We work for our clients to provide them with policies that work for them. Contact DC Insurers today to compare your current auto coverage or fill out our online quote form to receive a free Auto Insurance quote.

What Determines the Pay Out Period on Life Insurance Claims?

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:52:52 -0800

After the death of a loved one who had life insurance, many people often ask a very important question: How long does it take for the life insurance claim to go through? Paying for the funeral, unpaid bills, and other outstanding expenses can heavily weigh on a family.

First things first: you will need to file a claim on the life coverage. After you contact the insurance company and let them know of the death, they will send you claim forms to complete. Once they receive these forms back from you, the time period it takes before you receive benefits could be between a couple weeks and several months.

Did we say months?

Yes, it could take this long, depending on if the insured died within the contestable time period. If the person died within the contestable time period, the insurance company will normally investigate the claim to be sure that there was no fraud involved.Even if there's nothing dishonest going on, the process could take several months while the insurance company reviews medical records and other documents given on the application.

However, if the policy is past the contestable claims period, it should only take a few weeks to process the claim.

Have more questions about life insurance? For more information, contact us today! We're DC Insurors, an independent insurance agency based in Aurora, Colorado.

Safety Tips for Operating a Mini-Excavator

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:16:17 -0800

Running an excavator can get a bit tricky. Here are a few tips on handling a mini-excavator:

Car rules apply: fasten your seatbelt and make sure you're strapped in tightly enough.
Make sure you've checked the fuel before you begin your shift.
Enforce daily maintenance checks on the excavator to make sure everything is in order.
Areas where the excavator is in use should be clearly marked to cut down on injuries to passersby.
Wear protective sunglasses to keep the sun's glare from blocking your vision while you're operating the excavator.
Don't undercut the tracks during excavation. This could result in a trench cave-in.
Don't pick up too much weight. Know your limits. Attempting to lift too much weight could result in a tip-over.
Tracks should be on firm, solid ground that won't collapse under the weight of the excavator.

These are just a few of the safety measures you should take before and during operation of a mini excavator. Make sure anyone using the machine knows these same rules.

For more information on excavator insurance and safety, contact us today! We're DC Insurers, based in Aurora, Colorado.

Keeping Safe in a Quake

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:13:17 -0800

Anyone who's lived in California for a number of years has most likely been through an earthquake. Most of the time, people say they're not a huge deal, but if you go through the right kind, you know that they can be very damaging. Here are a few tips on staying safe in a quake:

Are you inside a building?
Don't run outside or attempt to use an elevator! Immediately get onto the floor and underneath a table or a doorframe. Hold on until the shaking stops. If there's nothing around to get under or hold onto, cover your head with your arms and crouch in the nearest corner. Be sure to move away from anything that could fall onto you, like a bookshelf, lighting fixtures, or a glass window.

If you're in bed, stay there until the shaking stops and put your pillow over your head. If there's a lighting fixture or something heavy above you, move to the next safest place.

Are you outside?
Don't run inside! Get away from any buildings, wires, street lights, signs, or anything else that could fall and hurt you. Stay still until the shaking stops.

Are you driving a vehicle?
First of all, don't panic. Do not slam on your brakes. Calmly stop as traffic permits, away from any sort of wires, buildings, trees, overpasses, or other overhead danger, and stay inside your car. Begin driving again only as the shaking ceases.

Are you trapped under debris?
If you can, try to cover your mouth with your clothing or some other type of cloth. Don't kick or you may cause a dust cloud. Don't light a match, lighter, or any other kind of fire. Make some kind of noise, like whistling or banging until someone finds you. Try not to yell, as you might inhale dangerous substances, but if it's your only hope, then call away.

Remember, sometimes smaller earthquakes are foreshocks and there is more movement coming. Remain in a safe place until you're sure it's all right to move. If you have a cell phone nearby, grab it as you're getting to your safe area.

For more information on earthquake insurance and safety, contact us today! We're Nadler Insurance in San Carlos, California.

Keeping Your Religious Organization Safe for Everyone

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:55:58 -0800

Churches, temples, and other religious organizations should be places of peace and happiness, not claims and lawsuits. Are you sure that the place of worship that you’re involved with is covered in case of accidents?

Children are a part of almost every type of religious organization. When it comes to churches, many of them have playgrounds. Does your insurance cover accidents that may happen on the playground? And what about other areas that may be hazardous for children, like baptismal pools, ladders, steep stairways, and parking lots?

Does your house of worship use candles, lanterns, or any other type of fire-bearing device? If so, you should make sure that your insurance covers damage caused by fire. Accidents can happen anywhere!

General rules of your religious organization should include securely locking ALL doors and windows when the building is not in use, and having someone appointed to supervise children at all times. Religious organizations are often used every day of the week, so be sure that everyone is clear on where all the doors are and how to lock them up. Everyone should also be aware of the nearest exit in the event of a fire.

Remember, houses of worship should be where you go to put your mind at ease – not where you deal with claims.

For more information on insurance for churches and other religious organizations, contact us today! We’re DC Insurers, based in Aurora, Colorado.

Artisan Contractors Safety On Site

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:22:20 -0800

As an artisan contractor, you must be prepared for accidents which occur during work, as many general contractors do not fully discuss artisan contractor insurance before beginning a project. Improper understanding of coverage can lead to disagreements and even pricey lawsuits.

Here are a few ways to cut down on accidents on the job site:

• When it comes to training employees, make sure they are thoroughly and fully trained on ALL safety rules. Review with them to make sure they are entirely clear. Monitor them once they begin to make sure they’re following through.

• Perform regular inspections on any equipment and tools.

• The leading cause of construction accidents is electrical system malfunction which cause fires. Make sure any wiring is secure and “healthy.” High ceilings, large open areas, extensive concealed space, unprotected vertical openings, combustible partitions and communicating openings between floors should be checked, as they may contribute to the severity of a fire.

• Protect electrical systems with circuit breakers. Regularly check these.

• Combustible materials should be stored away from anything electric.

And remember: DISCUSS your insurance with the general contractor BEFORE diving into the job! To learn more about artisan insurance, contact us today. We’re DC Insurers, based in Aurora, Colorado.

Tips for Restaurant Kitchen Safety

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:10:02 -0800

Restaurant owners know that their kitchens can be dangerous places, considering the type of equipment used. Many accidents are caused by simple lack of knowledge of how to use the devices of a regular restaurant kitchen. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new employee or someone who’s worked there for a decade – no one is exempt from mistakes. A new employee can be improperly trained or inexperienced, and an older employee can be so used to (i.e., comfortable with) the machinery that they are rushing and chop off a finger.

Restaurants use things like mixers, grinders, slicers, choppers, and cutters. Unfortunately, food is not the only thing that they can mix, grind, slice, chop, and cut. Human fingers and hands are also at risk! Here are a few safety tips for the common restaurant kitchen:

• Mixers. Mixer blades can be extremely dangerous. When using them, employees should be very careful about anything that can get caught in the device, such as hair, loose-fitting sleeves, ties, etc. Make sure that the mixer is completely off with the cord unplugged when cleaning or adjusting the bowl.

• Grinders. Employees should never use their hands to “feed” the grinder! They should use the stomper only. Avoid removing or modifying the guards. Make sure that the grinder is completely off with the cord unplugged when cleaning or adjusting it.

• Cutters / Choppers. Never allow employees to operate cutters or choppers with the blades exposed. Test the safety interlock that powers the machines on and off each day. Never let employees “hand feed” cutters or choppers. Make sure that cutters and choppers are completely off with the cords unplugged when cleaning or adjusting them.

• Slicers. Employees should never “hand feed” slicers. They should use the food conveyor attachment and keep their hands away from the blade, especially when catching food that is being sliced. Make sure that the slicer is completely off with the cord unplugged when cleaning or adjusting it.

• Band Saws. Band saws are used to cut frozen meat; therefore they are quite powerful and very dangerous. Employees should never take their eyes off of the blade when in use, and they should know that the blade can still run for a bit even after the power is shut off. Disconnect the power when guards are removed for cleaning.

Nearly half of restaurant accidents are caused by improper use of kitchen machinery. It’s extremely important that your staff understands exactly how to operate every tool in the kitchen.

We’re DC Insurors, based in Aurora, Colorado. To learn more about restaurant safety tips and insurance, contact us today!

Lower Your Auto Policy with Insurance-Friendly Vehicles

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:34:24 -0700

There are many factors that go into determining the cost of your auto insurance policy – mileage, your age, your credit rating, prior insurance coverage, your driving record, where you live, even your gender and marital status. Some of these things are uncontrollable, but most of them can be determined by you.

One of the biggest factors that you can control is what type of vehicle you drive. This is a major concern when figuring out policy costs. What exactly makes an insurance-friendly auto?

First of all: sports and luxury cars will always be vulnerable to theft, as will high-tech cars with brand-new features, for obvious reasons. Try to go with a car that won’t need hard-to-replace parts (like a Volkswagen).

Vehicles with a lot of horsepower are an insurance no-no because the faster your car can go, the more tempted you’ll be to take advantage of that…thus, making you more likely to be in an accident.

High-performance vehicles like Audi, BMW, Jaguars will increase your auto policy because they require more money to repair.

Large SUVs will add to your auto policy due to the amount of gas they need, as well as their likeliness to damage other cars in the event of an accident.

Finally, some insurance companies suggest not getting tiny cars, since they get very damaged in accidents.

As for the vehicles that will be good for your policy? Vans and station wagons are the best choices because they’re not big enough to cause large amounts of damage to other cars in the event of an accident, but they are big enough to cause less damage to their drivers and passengers, and in addition, both have lower repair costs and less theft history.

DC Insurance is an independent insurance agency in the Olympia, Washington area. Visit their Virtual Insurance Office today for more information on auto insurance.

What’s in There? What Your Home Insurance Covers

John Sentena (DC Insurers) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:57:20 -0700

Every homeowner knows that they need home insurance. It’s common knowledge that a home insurance policy covers theft and damage caused by weather or fire. But besides that, what’s really involved? What is protected, and what isn’t? It’s important to understand what you’re getting.

The typical home owners insurance policy will cover:

a) Dwelling (your house, attached structures, built-in appliances, plumbing, heating, permanently installed air conditioning systems, and electrical wiring)

b) Other Structures (garages, storage sheds, and fixtures attached to the land like fences, driveways, sidewalks, and patios)

c) Personal Property (the contents of your home and other personal items owned by you or family members who live with you)

d) Loss of Use (covers living expenses if you can’t live in your home while repairs are being made)

If you need something to be protected that isn’t listed above, you may need endorsements. This provides extra coverage for things such as unauthorized use of credit cards, secondary homes, and personal property inside your car, trailer, or watercraft. Endorsements can also give extra protection to things like jewelry, furs, stamps, coins, guns, computers, and antiques. If you work from home, endorsements can protect your office equipment and inventory.

Your home insurance policy should also include Personal Liability, which protects you and all family members who live with you against claims or lawsuits resulting from bodily injury or property damage to others caused by an accident on your property.

Medical Payments includes coverage to pay medical expenses for persons accidentally injured on your property, regardless of fault. Medical expense payments do not apply to your injuries or those of family members living with you or to activities involving your at home business.

Now – what’s not covered? Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for small boats, firearms, artwork, business property, electronic data, jewelry, and money. If this is a problem for you, again, we suggest endorsements. Additional coverage can also be purchased for things such as debris removal, along with damaged trees and shrubs, fire department service charges, property removal, and collapse of buildings.

As for things that are almost never included at all: a typical home owners insurance policy does not cover injuries to animals, damage to motor vehicles, or losses due to floods, mudslides, or water damage from sewer backups; nor does it cover damage resulting from war or nuclear hazard, neglect, earthquakes, power failures, seepage, dry rot, or vermin.

All home owners insurance polices are different. Tell us your needs and concerns, and we’ll help tailor your homeowner’s policy to make you comfortable.

DC Insurance is an independent insurance agency in the Aurora, Colorado area. To learn more about Colorado, Arizona, and California home insurance, contact them today.