Community Corner: Junior Achievement

Bowl-a-Thon

Junior Achievement is dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.

The Future Team raised over $1,300 for Junior Achievement.  It was a fun night for a great cause.  We all enjoyed seeing the competitive side come out in many of our team members.

Winter Driving Tips

Winter in Michigan brings every kind of driving condition, wet to slick to snow-covered roads, and downpours to white outs. Preparing your vehicle now will help ensure your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

·          Give yourself a cushion of time

·          Clear snow and ice from windows, lights, hood, and roof

·          Turn on your lights to increase visibility to others

·          Decrease speed on icy or snow-covered roads. Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you

·          Stay well back of maintenance vehicles and snowplows – at least 200 feet (it’s the law) – and don’t pass on the right

·          Avoid abrupt lane changes. The passing lane may be in worse shape than the driving lane

·          Brake early and gently to avoid skidding

·          Do Not use cruise control or overdrive

·          Go slow. Drive defensively. Arrive safe

Why an Umbrella Policy ?

Increased Security!

It’s all about liability. You want to keep your hard-earned assets and lifestyle. We want to help.

Monetary Damage Awards from lawsuits continue to plague us. While all of your primary insurance policies contain liability protection, if a judgment is levied against you for serious damages to someone else’s property or reputation, personal injuries, or even death, the liability limits in the best of insurance policies can be exhausted quickly, leaving you to make up the difference. The greater your assets, the greater the potential gain – and your potential loss. Your investments, your home, even your personal property could be seized to satisfy a judgment.

·          Do you have a trampoline, swimming pool, or live on the water where someone could be injured?

·          Do you have a teenage driver, who is statistically more likely to cause an accident?

·          Do you engage in high risk recreational activities such as ATVing, snowmobiling, flying, or hunting?

·          Do you have a high profile, or vital professional, community, or corporate responsibilities?

·          Do you conduct business activities in your home, or take your business to people?

·          Do you have pets or other animals that might injure someone?

·          Do you entertain a lot?

UMBRELLAS ARE LOW-COST PEACE OF MIND

As little as $90 can buy you $1 million worth of protection.

Winterize Your Home

Yes, winter weather is upon us; here are a few simple steps to help you stay cozy indoors and save on heating costs, as well.

·          Have your heating system checked annually by a professional. This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently as well as save you money. If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Checking the chimney flue for any buildup of creosote will lessen the risk of fire.

·          Make sure your home is properly insulated. This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your home’s power demands for heat.

·          Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep out the cold air.

·          Cover windows with plastic from the inside or install storm windows to provide an extra layer of insulation.

·          Keep pipes from freezing by wrapping them in insulation or layers of old newspapers; cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture; let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing; know how to shut off water valves.

·          Use a snow rake to remove excessive snow from roof.

Community Corner: Memory Walk

Alzheimers Association

Employees, family and friends of Future Insurance participated in the Memory Walk on September 11, 2010 at Churchgrove Park in Frankenmuth, MI.

Future Insurance ranked #3 in contributions, collecting a total of $1600, which was raised by walkers and your donations.

Thanks to all who donated to such a good cause.

Seasonal Dwelling Winterization Checklist

Vacation homes can be at higher risk, and require special attention when occupancy slows or ends for the season.

v       Turn off water at it’s supply point or turn off electricity to the well if applicable

v       Maintain heat when not fully winterizing – at least 58 degrees to prevent furnace flue buildup – turn off the heat if the dwelling is fully winterized

v       Remove perishable foods

v       Drain the water lines and traps – especially water supply lines

v       After draining, leave the valves open so residual water can evaporate

v       Add antifreeze to hot water heating systems, toilets, washing machines, and sink traps

v       Designate a neighbor, friend, or relative to visit and tour the dwelling at least weekly

v       Ensure gas tanks are scheduled for automatic fill, and accessible during periods of snowfall

v       Clear roof of snow periodically – reduce risk of ice backup or collapse

v       Install motion sensors to exterior lights

When Should You Call Us?

§          Changing a phone number or email

§          Buying a new car / Selling a car

§          Bought a travel trailer/ATV/Boat

§          Buying a new home / Sold a home

§          Acquired a second residence

§          Any home improvements

§          Getting married / divorced

§          New baby / Child away at school

§          Children driving

§          Death in the family

The only thing you have to do is make a phone call . . . We will do the rest!

Home Owners Market Value vs Replacement

Homes all across the nation have been decreasing in value – in some areas up to 30% in the past 3 years!

Meanwhile, the cost of labor and construction materials have increased dramatically due to increased global demand for lumber, steel and concrete.

What does this mean for your insurance plan?

With your home likely being one of the biggest assets, you want it adequately protected. 

What is adequate protection?  Do you insure it for the amount you paid for your home?  Do you insure it for the (shrinking) resale value?

The answer is, neither. Think of it this way: Your insurance serves to restore your home to its pre-loss state.  That means, if your house burns down, you want a policy that pays the cost to replace your home, taking into consideration any increases in construction costs.

In other words, you want a policy that offers “replacement cost” (as opposed to “actual cash value.”)

Keep in mind that rebuilding after a major loss actually costs more than new construction, because you also have to account for demolition and debris removal expenses. (Think about the cost of your last trip to the dump…)

If building costs continue to rise, it means that your homeowner’s policy should be reviewed regularly to make sure that it’s “limits” still provide adequate protection.

The same is true if you have made substantial additions or improvements to your home.  When in doubt, just give our office a call.

FUTURE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

(989) 799-8808