Parents worry endlessly about how to protect their children, but many overlook one of the biggest threats to their children’s safety and well-being — their own home. Experts say that children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be killed by fire, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning, or falls within the home than anything else.
In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 2.3 million children are accidentally injured every year, and more than 2,500 are killed. That’s why it’s so important to childproof your home carefully.
We know that home safety measures can seem overwhelming, so below, we have provided some tips to protect your children from potential accidents properly.
Scope out the territory
The most effective way to ensure your baby’s safety is to take a baby’s-eye view of your home. Get down on your hands and knees and see how things look from down there.
What’s within reach? What looks tempting? Where would you go if you could crawl, toddle, or walk?
This will help you figure out which cupboards, drawers, and other spaces your child might get into. As he starts walking and climbing, you’ll have to reevaluate again, looking higher each time.
Carefully lock up or stow away every potential poison or other hazards, including cleaning products, medicines, vitamins, and knives. Use gates to limit your child’s access to areas of your home that might contain dangerous items.
Protect outlets
It’s a good idea to protect electrical outlets with outlet covers. Unfortunately, the removable little plug-in caps can easily end up in your baby’s mouth. Instead, replace the outlet covers themselves – at least those accessible – with ones that include a sliding safety latch.
If you’re using extension cords in your home, cover any exposed outlets with electrical tape.
Use caution with furniture and fixtures.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 16,000 children under the age of 5 went to the emergency room in 2006 with injuries caused when television sets, bookcases, and other furniture and appliances tipped over on them.
Large or heavy bookcases, dressers, and appliances are real hazards: Bolt whatever you can to the wall. Push items like televisions back from the edge of the furniture they’re on or move them out of reach, and then secure them, too. Always put heavier items on bottom shelves and in bottom drawers to make furniture less top-heavy.
Install gates
Most parents consider safety gates as essential as childproofing tools. They allow you to open outside doors for air while keeping your child indoors, they contain him within a designated room, and they block his access to dangerous stairways and forbidden rooms (such as the bathroom or kitchen).
Unfortunately, if out-of-date or misused, safety gates can themselves pose a hazard to children. In general, look for gates that your child can’t dislodge but that you can easily open and close. (Otherwise, you’ll be too tempted to leave them open when you’re in a hurry.)
Never use pressure gates at the top of the stairs. Instead, install a gate that screws to the wall – it’s much more secure.
Check ties on blinds and curtains.
According to the CPSC, the cords on window coverings are a frequent cause of children’s strangulation, killing a child between the ages of 7 months and 10 years every month in the United States.
Window blinds pose a particular hazard because a baby’s neck could become trapped in the cords that raise the blinds or run through the slats. A child can become entangled in a looped window cord and strangle in a matter of minutes. Use cordless window coverings wherever possible, and avoid placing your baby’s crib near a window.
Secure your windows and doors
According to the CPSC, every year, about eight children under the age of 5 die from falling out of windows in the United States, and more than 3,000 are injured.
Always open double-hung windows from the top or fit them with locks to prevent small children from opening them.
Low windows shouldn’t open more than 4 inches. Window stops are available that can prevent windows from opening more than this. Some newer windows come with window stops already installed.
Window screens are not strong enough to prevent falls. To make windows safe, install window stops or window guards, which screw into the side of a window frame, have bars no more than 4 inches apart, and can be adjusted to fit windows of many different sizes.
Prevent drowning
According to the CPSC, more than 430 children under age 5 drowned between 2005 and 2009 – not in a pool, but their own home. Accidental drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
Most in-home drowning deaths involve babies in bathtubs. Never leave your baby unattended in the tub – even if he’s in a ring or bath seat. Supervise your child whenever he’s in the bathroom, and install a safety latch on your toilet lid to prevent him from accidentally falling in.
How Will Driverless Cars Affect Insurance Premiums
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro Insurance, Insurance Coverage TipsSelf-driving cars are definitely on the way. In fact, one transport scholar at the University of Minnesota estimates that by 2030 every car on the road will be driverless.
From a safety standpoint, this could be great news as most accidents are caused by human error. If this factor can be minimized by taking control of the moving vehicle away from the driver, accident rates should tumble.
An accident’s risk is unlikely to be completely removed, though, since events are not totally predictable and automated systems can fail. Also, the transition from hands-off driving to hands-on promises to be tricky.
Additionally, driverless cars are still fraught with several safety questions:
Many of the questions above will be appropriately answered when the first driverless cars actually hit the road. But in the meantime, we have gathered some research data and insight on how insurance companies are starting to view this new risk.
Insurance Implications
Except that the number of crashes will be greatly reduced, the insurance aspects of this gradual transformation to driverless carts are still unclear. It will also be interesting to see if the accidents that occur lead to a higher percentage of product liability claims, as claimants blame the manufacturer or suppliers for what went wrong rather than their own behavior.
Liability laws will also have to evolve to ensure autonomous vehicle technology advances are not brought to a halt.
Auto Insurance: Some aspects of insurance will be impacted as autonomous cars become the norm. There will still be a need for liability coverage. Still, over time the coverage could change, as suggested by the 2014 RAND study on autonomous vehicles, as manufacturers and suppliers and possibly even municipalities are called upon to take responsibility for what went wrong.
Coverage for physical damage due to a crash and losses not caused by crashes but by wind, floods, fire, and theft (comprehensive coverage) is less likely to change. Still, it may become cheaper if the potentially higher costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles is more than offset by the lower accident frequency rate.
Underwriting: Initially, many of the traditional underwriting criteria, such as the number and kind of accidents an applicant has had, the miles he or she expects to drive, and where the car is garaged, will still apply, but the make, model, and style of car may assume greater importance. The implications of where a car is garaged and driven might be different if there are areas set aside, such as dedicated lanes, for automated driving.
During the transition to wholly autonomous driving, insurers may rely more on telematics devices, known as “black boxes,” that monitor driver activity. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, telematics’ use is forecast to grow to up to 20 percent within the next five years.
Liability: As cars become increasingly automated, the onus might be on the manufacturer to prove it was not responsible for what happened in the event of a crash. The liability issue may evolve so that lawsuit concerns do not drive manufacturers and their suppliers out of business.
Repair Costs: While the number of accidents is expected to drop significantly as more crash avoidance features are incorporated into vehicles, the cost of replacing damaged parts is likely to increase because of the complexity of the components. It is not yet clear whether the reduction in the frequency of crashes will reduce the cost of crashes overall.
Floods: How to Prepare, Respond & Recover
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro InsuranceWhat to do ahead of time:
What to do when flooding is imminent:
What to do after flooding:
Common Homeowners Insurance Exclusions
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro Insurance, Insurance Coverage TipsHome Insurance Exclusions: 10 Things Home Insurance Won’t Cover
Every homeowner needs to know the ins and outs of their home insurance policy, but sometimes knowing what isn’t covered can be just as important as knowing what is. Here are 10 home insurance exclusions that every homeowner should be aware of.
1. Mold Damage
Most home insurance companies exclude mold damage from their policies. Unlike a fire or tornado, insurers see mold damage as a problem that grows over time, and homeowners are expected to take preventive measures to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the home. If left unchecked, mold can cause structural damage to the home and serious health issues for residents.
2. Floods, Earthquakes, Landslides
As many homeowners found out in Hurricane Katrina, flood insurance is not covered under a standard home insurance policy. For protection against flood damage, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
Earthquake and landslide damage are also notable home insurance exclusions. You will need separate coverage for damage caused by these perils.
3. Aggressive Dog Breeds
If your pet is a poodle or a Chihuahua, your home insurance company probably won’t bat an eye. However, owning a pit bull, Rottweiler, or other dangerous breeds may make it difficult—in some cases, impossible—to find home insurance coverage. Depending on your location, insurer, and other factors, home insurance exclusions may apply to the following dog breeds:
If you own a “blacklisted” breed, you may be charged more for coverage or denied a policy altogether; you can ask your insurer to exclude your dog, in which case you’ll be financially responsible for any damage it causes.
4. Neglect
Insurers expect homeowners to care for their homes and repair minor problems. This includes sealing cracks, minimizing water damage, fixing damaged pipes, scheduling regular inspections, and more.
For example, if a storm causes your tree to fall onto your home, you’re probably covered. However, if your tree collapses onto your home because of a termite infection that went unchecked, you may be responsible for the resulting damage.
5. Sewage Backup
Infamous home insurance exclusions include sewer damage. For instance, if a toilet overflows and you have to hire a professional crew to mop up the mess, you’ll probably be left footing the bill. Sewage backup usually isn’t covered by home insurance unless you’ve purchased a separate rider.
6. Luxury Items
If you keep precious items in your home, you probably need to purchase additional theft liability coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, most standard home insurance policies only cover up to $1,500 for damage or theft. Items that may require additional coverage include:
Contact your home insurance agent if you have items that require additional coverage.
7. Power Outages
The most common and expensive damage occurs when power is restored, and a surge of electricity floods the home’s circuits. These electricity blasts can cause computers to lose information, electronic devices to overheat, and large appliances to malfunction. In addition to using surge protectors, home insurance companies expect homeowners to unplug all sensitive electronic appliances and leave them unplugged until power is restored.
8. Intentional Damage by a Resident
Intentional damage caused by a resident of the home is not covered by home insurance. For instance, if your teenage daughter purposely sets fire to your home after a heated argument, you’re on your own to cover the losses.
9. War, Terrorism, Nuclear Attacks
If your home is destroyed in a riot, you’re probably covered for the damages. But if a foreign army, terrorist attack, or nuclear meltdown damages or destroys your home, your home insurance policy won’t cover you.
10. Trampolines
Insurance companies consider trampolines to be an extreme risk to personal safety—and a lawsuit waiting to happen if a neighbor is injured while jumping on your trampoline. That’s why many home insurance companies refuse to extend coverage to trampolines, and your current insurer may threaten to cancel your policy if you purchase one.
Child Proofing Your Home
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro InsuranceParents worry endlessly about how to protect their children, but many overlook one of the biggest threats to their children’s safety and well-being — their own home. Experts say that children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be killed by fire, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning, or falls within the home than anything else.
In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 2.3 million children are accidentally injured every year, and more than 2,500 are killed. That’s why it’s so important to childproof your home carefully.
We know that home safety measures can seem overwhelming, so below, we have provided some tips to protect your children from potential accidents properly.
Scope out the territory
The most effective way to ensure your baby’s safety is to take a baby’s-eye view of your home. Get down on your hands and knees and see how things look from down there.
What’s within reach? What looks tempting? Where would you go if you could crawl, toddle, or walk?
This will help you figure out which cupboards, drawers, and other spaces your child might get into. As he starts walking and climbing, you’ll have to reevaluate again, looking higher each time.
Carefully lock up or stow away every potential poison or other hazards, including cleaning products, medicines, vitamins, and knives. Use gates to limit your child’s access to areas of your home that might contain dangerous items.
Protect outlets
It’s a good idea to protect electrical outlets with outlet covers. Unfortunately, the removable little plug-in caps can easily end up in your baby’s mouth. Instead, replace the outlet covers themselves – at least those accessible – with ones that include a sliding safety latch.
If you’re using extension cords in your home, cover any exposed outlets with electrical tape.
Use caution with furniture and fixtures.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 16,000 children under the age of 5 went to the emergency room in 2006 with injuries caused when television sets, bookcases, and other furniture and appliances tipped over on them.
Large or heavy bookcases, dressers, and appliances are real hazards: Bolt whatever you can to the wall. Push items like televisions back from the edge of the furniture they’re on or move them out of reach, and then secure them, too. Always put heavier items on bottom shelves and in bottom drawers to make furniture less top-heavy.
Install gates
Most parents consider safety gates as essential as childproofing tools. They allow you to open outside doors for air while keeping your child indoors, they contain him within a designated room, and they block his access to dangerous stairways and forbidden rooms (such as the bathroom or kitchen).
Unfortunately, if out-of-date or misused, safety gates can themselves pose a hazard to children. In general, look for gates that your child can’t dislodge but that you can easily open and close. (Otherwise, you’ll be too tempted to leave them open when you’re in a hurry.)
Never use pressure gates at the top of the stairs. Instead, install a gate that screws to the wall – it’s much more secure.
Check ties on blinds and curtains.
According to the CPSC, the cords on window coverings are a frequent cause of children’s strangulation, killing a child between the ages of 7 months and 10 years every month in the United States.
Window blinds pose a particular hazard because a baby’s neck could become trapped in the cords that raise the blinds or run through the slats. A child can become entangled in a looped window cord and strangle in a matter of minutes. Use cordless window coverings wherever possible, and avoid placing your baby’s crib near a window.
Secure your windows and doors
According to the CPSC, every year, about eight children under the age of 5 die from falling out of windows in the United States, and more than 3,000 are injured.
Always open double-hung windows from the top or fit them with locks to prevent small children from opening them.
Low windows shouldn’t open more than 4 inches. Window stops are available that can prevent windows from opening more than this. Some newer windows come with window stops already installed.
Window screens are not strong enough to prevent falls. To make windows safe, install window stops or window guards, which screw into the side of a window frame, have bars no more than 4 inches apart, and can be adjusted to fit windows of many different sizes.
Prevent drowning
According to the CPSC, more than 430 children under age 5 drowned between 2005 and 2009 – not in a pool, but their own home. Accidental drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
Most in-home drowning deaths involve babies in bathtubs. Never leave your baby unattended in the tub – even if he’s in a ring or bath seat. Supervise your child whenever he’s in the bathroom, and install a safety latch on your toilet lid to prevent him from accidentally falling in.
Infographic: Most Common Personal Liability Claims
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro Insurance, Insurance Coverage TipsLitigation frequency and severity are increasing at dramatic rates. Thankfully, homeowners insurance can help protect you from many of these claims, but it is still shocking to see how expensive they can be.
For example, did you know that the average dog bite insurance claims now costs about $30,000 to settle? Or that half of all accidental deaths in the home are caused by slips and falls?
With these items in mind, we have compiled an infographic of the most common personal liability insurance claims with tips on how to avoid them.
If you want to make sure your homeowners insurance policy provides the necessary liability coverage and proper limits for these types of scenarios, please feel free to contact our office.
Preventing Falls in Your Home
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro InsuranceFalls are the second leading type of unintentional home-related injury deaths. Falls occur most commonly in:
Fall Proofing Your Home
You can prevent falls by “fall-proofing your home.” Take simple steps such as storing objects within easy reach and keeping electrical cords out of the way. If possible, add handrails to stairs to keep your family safe and use non-skid bath mats to prevent falls in the bathroom. Teach children to pick up their toys when done playing and keep your own home clean by wiping up spills immediately. These are just a few of the ways you can keep the ones you love from slipping and tripping.
Older Adult Falls
Adults 55 and older are more prone to becoming victims of falls. You can prevent older adult falls by improving balance through exercise and visiting the doctor annually. Other precautions include wearing fitted shoes, knowing the side effects of medications, and storing those meds in a well-lit area.
6 Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro InsuranceAuto insurance claims can be some of the most expensive claims you can face as an individual. Therefore, implementing some safety tactics while on the road can go a long way in preventing potential claims and disaster. The following six tips will hopefully keep you safe:
1. Stay focused on defensive driving
2. Practice safe driving tips
3. Prioritize car safety
4. Make the time for driving safety
5. Slow down
6. Think safety
Arvada Home Contents Insurance
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro Insurance, Insurance Coverage TipsContent insurance protects your personal property when you rent an apartment, a condominium, or a home. The owner of the property is responsible for insuring the building itself and any appliances or fixtures provided to you as a renter. But, unless you buy contents or renter’s insurance, you will not have protection for damages or loss of your personal possessions.
What will Content Insurance cover?
As a renter, you need coverage for your personal property and liability protection if you’re responsible for injury to someone else. Content insurance pays for damage to, or the loss of, your personal possessions that are located within your residence. Some policies will also cover your personal possessions, such as laptops or golf clubs that you might have in your car. A renter’s policy will also include liability coverage for injuries. For example, if your dog bites your neighbor, you might need liability coverage.
Saving Money on Content Insurance
Complete a Home Inventory today
You’ll be surprised at what you have. A home inventory is the best way to document your personal property. Digital pictures or a quick video of each room and closet will help you get the most from your insurance policy if you ever have a loss.
If you would like to find out more about home contents insurance, please feel free to contact our office.
Available Home Insurance Discounts for Arvada Residents
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro InsuranceWe are often asked about the available home insurance discounts for Arvada residents. With that in mind, we thought we would share a list of the common discounts associated with homeowners insurance:
Policy Discounts
Home Discounts
Renters Insurance Overview
Arvada Insurance, Blog, Denver Metro Insurance, Insurance Coverage TipsIf you rent a house or apartment, your landlord’s insurance will only cover the costs of repairing the building if there is a fire or other disaster. There is no coverage provided to protect your personal property or negligence. You need your own coverage, known as renters or tenants insurance in order to financially protect yourself and your belongings.
The following is a brief overview of what renter’s insurance is and how it can protect you.