Central Insurance Companies
Integrity – Relationships – Excellence
Battery Safe Than Sorry
In September of 2017, the energy company Tesla will unveil an all-electric semi-truck powered by a battery. I found it interesting that something as massive as a freightliner could run on a battery. What was science fiction a decade ago is now reality due to technological advances. The same batteries that power our phones, laptops, and cameras are and will be playing a vital role in our transportation and manufacturing processes. This is a good thing as it serves to lessen our dependence upon fossil fuels, steering us towards more sustainable sources of energy that are better for the environment. While they offer great promise, batteries store large amounts of energy and, as such, have their own hazards. More and more events related to battery hazards are occurring like fire, explosions, and release of toxic materials. As lithium batteries become more prevalent in society, it is important for risk management professionals, safety personnel, and insurance professionals to be aware of these hazards and associated controls/risk management techniques to mitigate them.
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Playground Safety Tips
Each year I look forward to the summer months for a variety of reasons: warm weather, golf, cookouts, and – perhaps most important – opportunities for me to take our two young children to the park and watch them play without a worry in the world.
The Benefits of Working with an Independent Agent
Having worked in the insurance industry for ten years, I have received many calls, e-mails, and texts from friends and family regarding their insurance needs. I am more than happy to assist where I can, but my conversations with them seem to always end with one question, “Do you have an independent agent?” Like many not in the insurance industry, insurance can be an unknown. It’s something that you know you need to have, but don’t fully understand how it works. It’s an intangible product that you pay for every year and hope to never use. Here are three reasons I believe working with an independent agent is the best option for purchasing insurance:
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A Quick Bite: Dog Bite Statistics
Dog ownership is very common in the United States, and a dog is more of a family member than a pet. Dogs also pose a great liability for homeowners and an increasing amount of claims are being seen related to injuries from dog bites.
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It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane. No it’s a Drone.
Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), commonly known and referred to as drones, are aircraft which can be operated without an onboard pilot. Originally developed for military use in situations deemed too dangerous for manned aircraft, their use has since expanded to scientific, recreational, agricultural, commercial, and insurance industries. In the insurance industry, they are highly versatile. They can perform such tasks as property surveillance, 3-D mapping, and roof inspections. As the number of drones increase and their capabilities expand, it is inevitable that they will soon become common sights in the sky. As with any new technology, drones have their own unique risks and hazards. If you have purchased a drone, or are looking to purchase one for your personal or commercial use, the following tips, guidelines, and general information will help you comply with existing regulations, safely operate, and properly insure your drone.
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Home-Based Businesses: Are You Properly Insured?
I recently read an article that reiterated how important it is for individuals who operate home-based businesses to be properly protected. In short, the article detailed how a participant in a Zumba class (which happened to take place at a fitness club ) suffered a stroke during the class. The instructor filed a claim with her homeowner policy and the claim ended up being denied.
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Could 3D Printing Impact the Insurance Industry?
3D printing has been a personal fascination of mine for a long time now. The idea of losing or breaking something and being able to just “print a new one” appeals to both my sense of consumerism and my sense of frugality. I can get exactly what I want in just a few hours, rather than ordering something “kinda close” online and getting it a day or more later. And I don’t have to pay for shipping or design services!
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