﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss xmlns:a10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title>Hankoff Insurance Group Blog</title><link>http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/</link><description>View Hankoff Insurance Group's Website Blog</description><language>en-us</language><managingEditor>postmaster@www.hankoffinsurance.com</managingEditor><generator>Insurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com</generator><a10:id>urn:uuid:e90c3d8a-cdf2-4e08-b57d-8316ebbc5e96</a10:id><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/" /><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:ed450571-144b-4d7e-8615-dceaeb681d48</guid><title>Flood Preparedness - Flood Safety Tips to Shield Your Home &amp; Family </title><description>by Terry Henry  Irrespective of where you live, it is likely you will experience one in all the foremost common varieties of natural disasters: flooding. From delicate spring melting that shows up in puddles on your basement floor as winter snow melt...</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:49:24 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Flood_Preparedness_-_Flood_Safety_Tips_to_Shield_Your_Home_Family.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;em&gt;by Terry Henry&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Irrespective of where you live, it is likely you will experience one in all the foremost common varieties of natural disasters: flooding. From delicate spring&lt;br /&gt;
melting that shows up in puddles on your basement floor as winter snow melts to monsoon-like rain storms throughout the summer months, flooding &lt;br /&gt;
happens. Though you cannot avoid flood conditions, you can properly prepare for floods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Flood safety tips you should understand&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A comprehensive flood preparedness strategy includes many necessary steps. It's important to organize ahead of time to help you defend your home and&lt;br /&gt;
your family in case flooding becomes severe. Flood preparation includes a lot of than just waterproofing your basement and knowing what not to store in &lt;br /&gt;
areas of your property that are prone to water damage. Whether or not you are a homeowner or apartment dweller, the subsequent flood safety tips will be to&lt;br /&gt;
assist you prepare for no matter flooding you'll encounter down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;Be aware of the emergency flood plan in your area. Whereas preparing for a flood, it's vital to find out about your community's emergency plans, warning&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters. This data could return in handy if you're ever caught in dangerous flooding conditions.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;Stay tuned. During inclement weather, keep informed by taking note of your local radio or television stations. This approach, you will keep up-to-date on&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;doable flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress. You'll also be properly advised as to what to do and when.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;Be prepared to quickly evacuate. Flooding can happen fast, so it is vital to own all the necessary things gathered in advance. Produce an emergency &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;provide kit that features:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
o Three-day water provide&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
o Three-day offer of non-perishable food (do not forget your manual will-opener)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
o Disposable plates, cups and utensils&lt;br /&gt;
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o First aid kit as well as prescription medications&lt;br /&gt;
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o Battery-powered radio&lt;br /&gt;
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o Flashlight and further batteries&lt;br /&gt;
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o Personal hygiene things&lt;br /&gt;
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o Any essential things for individual family members, pets, etc.&lt;br /&gt;
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Head for higher ground. Whether you're outside or inside your home, if a flood occurs, you must continuously search for higher ground. In line with the Red&lt;br /&gt;
Cross, if you come to ankle-deep water, you must stop and go another method: Whilst very little as six inches of swiftly moving water will sweep you off &lt;br /&gt;
your feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Avoid flood waters. If you're driving and return upon a flooded road, flip around and drive the other way. However, if you're caught on a flooded road and &lt;br /&gt;
waters are rising rapidly, get out of the automotive quickly and move to higher ground on foot. The Red Cross explains that the majority cars can be anxious &lt;br /&gt;
by but two feet of moving water. Flood waters ought to also be avoided due to contamination or the chance of being electrically charged thanks to fallen &lt;br /&gt;
power lines.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
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Watch out within the dark. When evacuating in the evening, there's further danger as a result of flood hazards might be onerous to see. If attainable, travel throughout the day to avoid hard-to-see standing water and flood currents.&lt;br /&gt;
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Use caution when cleaning up once a flood. Whereas flood safety is paramount during a flood, you must conjointly be cautious while in recovery mode. &lt;br /&gt;
Avoid downed power lines, and make positive to report them to the facility company. Beware of animals like snakes that could have created their homes in &lt;br /&gt;
standing water. Also, clean and disinfect all within surfaces that got wet. This could facilitate forestall mildew and mildew from forming.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Invest in flood insurance coverage. Many householders are unaware that their home insurance policies don't cover flood damage. Flood insurance coverage &lt;br /&gt;
is solely offered through the federally-backed and government-operated National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Flood insurance is the one best approach you can help shield yourself from flood losses. Whether you are a condo owner, a renter or a home-owner, you &lt;br /&gt;
must invest in flood insurance coverage. Rather than paying for repairs with a loan, a flood insurance policy can guarantee that you simply get the coverage &lt;br /&gt;
and response that you just need. This way, you'll create the repairs you wish to recover quickly. Flood insurance may conjointly cover cleanup expenses. &lt;br /&gt;
And, flood insurance isn't simply for homeowners.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Terry Henry has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Flood ,you can also check out his latest website &lt;br /&gt;
about:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href="http://www.100gallonaquarium.net/" target="_new"&gt;&lt;span style="color: #0066cc;"&gt;100 Gallon Aquarium&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Which reviews and lists the best&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:82aa8ef8-3eb4-4d90-8ee0-cdc6ecb2a705</guid><title>Umbrella Insurance</title><description>by Norris Rios  Your auto insurance policy has a limit. So does your home insurance policy. Limits may sound confining because they limit the insurance company's liability in claims that affect your car or home, but they also benefit you because they...</description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:17:19 -0600</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Umbrella_Insurance.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Norris Rios&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Your auto insurance policy has a limit. So does your home insurance policy. Limits may sound confining because they limit the insurance company's liability in claims that affect your car or home, but they also benefit you because they limit your premium. After all, if you had unlimited liability from the insurance company, the premiums they would have to charge in order to stay in business would be outrageous. But some individuals want a little extra insurance - more than their regular insurance policies offer. Those individuals can choose to add an umbrella policy to their insurance arsenal.&lt;br /&gt;
What is an umbrella insurance policy? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An umbrella policy is not like a different kind of insurance plan, but simply a liability policy that stretches out over the limits of your existing home insurance or auto insurance policy. And like an umbrella protects its carrier from the coming rainfall, an umbrella insurance policy protects policyholders from the claims of individuals that exceed the limits of their underlying home insurance or auto insurance. You don't need a separate umbrella insurance policy for both home and auto coverage - one umbrella policy extends protection for claims under each policy.&lt;br /&gt;
How does it work? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Having a pool can be a lot of fun, but it can also bring a lot of liability to a home owner's doorstep. If one of your friends or neighbors is visiting your home and is injured while swimming in or walking around your pool, it could result in a very large claim against your home insurance policy (depending on the nature and extent of the damages suffered). For the sake of this example, let's say that you have a home insurance policy with limits of $250,000. Your children's friends come over one afternoon to enjoy the pool and one of them slips and falls in, resulting in a neck injury and partial temporary disability that creates a need for several years' worth of physical therapy and surgery in order for that person to walk again. This could result in a liability claim of $1 million or more - but your home insurance will only pay up to $250,000. The rest of the claim is your responsibility to pay - unless you have an umbrella policy. If you did, the umbrella policy would pay the remaining $750,000 due and you would not have to sell your home or dip into your personal assets to pay the claim. The example would work the same way if your automobile was the cause of the injury rather than the pool. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Because umbrella policies are not required by law, it is up to you whether or not you have one. When you consider the damage to your finances and your future that a single liability claim could have, you might find that the additional protection of an umbrella policy covering your home and auto is just enough to help you sleep easier at night. &lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:823b9f80-8c6b-418a-a893-0f3867dd7226</guid><title>Preparing and organizing the future</title><description>by Marvin  Life is unpredictable. We cannot really tell what will happen tomorrow or the next coming weeks. Our fate is something unfathomable that it refuses to tell us even a single detail of the future (even those self-confess fortune-tellers are ...</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:25:31 -0600</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Preparing_and_organizing_the_future.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Marvin&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Life is unpredictable. We cannot really tell what will happen tomorrow or the next coming weeks. Our fate is something unfathomable that it refuses to tell us even a single detail of the future (even those self-confess fortune-tellers are too unreliable to depend on, well at least on my perception). The only thing left to us, to wait and be patient, and of course be more vigilant and ready in cases of misfortunes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We cannot always tell ourselves to deal with the situation when it's already there because sometimes there are instances that are uncontrollable and might give an effect that might be too harsh to the point of losing hope because you do not know what to do next as if you are caught unaware. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Yes, definitely you are unaware, and the point is, why don't you make yourself aware on so many important things that concern life. You have to be ready with those instances and prepare yourself for the coming future. Do not always depend on the saying, 'let's cross the bridge when we get there', because I'm telling you, some bridges are intended to be broken for you to learn that being prepared and ready is a much better option that you can take. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You have to protect yourself in all 'suddenly' and the only way you can do that is to have a clear mind (to know immediately what's happening around) and an intelligent action plan (in planning your future). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are many things you have to think about to have a better future however, we should start to arrange first or identify first our priorities. Having a priority list is very important because it will dictate you what should be the first on your list (those urgent and need to be done for it's an SOP) and what are those that you can delay for a while (those petty things that can be done even after so many days). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some people invest on house and lots, cars and other material things that are very important in a family. Most of them, specifically those with children, tend to see the need of acquiring an educational plan and others, view life to be very tricky making them acquire a&amp;nbsp;life insurance in cases of unavoidable accidents. They believe that if they have a more secure future they can have a more comfortable life without having any inhibitions and will lessen questions of 'hows' and 'ifs'. At a very early stage they try to find the best offers from different life insurance broker (same as with the educational plans) coming from different agencies, with this they are assured of the best offers and packages that will definitely fit their family and the coming future. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These are just some of the examples that should be on the top of our list. These will secure our future if we will only prioritize things concerning the future of our family and after these, maybe you can start having the things that you delayed for a while. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Organizing yourself is really a big challenge to conquer. Life will not be difficult if we will only see the value of organization and being prepared. Plan ahead and live your life to the fullest folks!&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:7c51a4ab-1051-4bea-b7fe-dadc09b8dcfd</guid><title>Insuring the contents of your house properly</title><description>by Allen Broadly   When you decide to insure your house, you'll be asked to set a limit for coverage on contents of your house. And the higher is the limit the heftier your premiums will get. Some providers will let you cover your house's contents wi...</description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:54:52 -0600</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Insuring_the_contents_of_your_house_properly.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Allen Broadly&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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When you decide to insure your house, you'll be asked to set a limit for coverage on contents of your house. And the higher is the limit the heftier your premiums will get. Some providers will let you cover your house's contents without a specific limit and this will cost you even more in premiums, while you will only be reimbursed with the actual value of the damaged contents in case of an insurance situation, and not a cent more. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The main problem here is while the typical amounts of coverage may seem like large sums of money, people often tend to underestimate the value of their house's contents and get lower coverage, risking being insured inadequately. For a typical house to be covered adequately the coverage limit should start somewhere around $100,000. However, the best way to get an exact amount is to make an inventory of all the items in your house and have the insurance agent to evaluate it according to their current value. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Underinsurance &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You should keep in mind that some insurance companies use the principle of averaging when paying out claims. This means that the amount you will be reimbursed with will be based on the overall coverage amount you have for your entire house, and not the actual value of its contents. This means that if you have a lower amount of coverage than the overall value of your house contents then you'll be paid out only a partial sum instead of reimbursing the actual value of items damaged. This can even apply if you claim for a single item being damaged, which is below your policy limit. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Renting or owning? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're renting your house, the list of items to be covered may actually be shorter than if you were the actual owner of the house. This is because the homeowner takes responsibility for the general infrastructure, and you are responsible for the actual content. This often results in lower premiums compared to typical homeowners insurance rates. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Coverage checklist &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here are a few things you'll have to keep in mind when evaluating the total coverage for your home insurance policy. Remember that you should cover everything, because events like fire or natural disasters can completely destroy your house and you'll need full coverage to reimburse your losses. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kitchen: Everything that you have in the kitchen, starting from forks and dishes to all the gadgets should be evaluated and included in the coverage calculation. Because a single plate may cost just a few dollars, but when you have them all broken it can get quite expensive. The same goes for gadgets that are usually more expensive. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bathroom: Most think that the bathroom doesn't have so many items to cover, but as soon as you start adding the value of all the gadgets, the fancy sink, bath or even perfumes the sum gets quite hefty. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bedroom: Besides the obvious items you would want to insure like furs, diamond rings and other valuables that are usually stored in the bedroom, don't forget to include less pricey items like the tent you have under your bed or the rucksack in your closet. Things like that can add hundred and even thousands of dollars to your coverage limit. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Living room: Sure, you'll want to cover your TV set, DVD player, stereo system, computer and other important gadgets. But don't forget to include your CD/DVD/vinyl collection because it can cost a fair amount too. You small library can also add a few hundreds of dollars to the final coverage, so don't overlook the content of your shelves when getting homeowners insurance quotes. &lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:90f04334-169f-4fed-979d-11b54ffbddc1</guid><title>More people using taxis to get to work. Taxi insurance is a must. </title><description>by Eric Token  Due to an increase in tourism and people living away from their workplace and choosing not to drive, more people using taxis to get to work (let's face it, who can afford a car these days?), a boom in the taxi business is being seen - ...</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:11:30 -0600</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/More_people_using_taxis_to_get_to_work_Taxi_insurance_is_a_must.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Eric Token&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Due to an increase in tourism and people living away from their workplace and choosing not to drive, more people using taxis to get to work (let's face it, who can afford a car these days?), a boom in the taxi business is being seen - and with the competition level increasing day by day, companies are buying more and more taxis to make a profit. But as the risk level is higher in the business, opting for a taxi insurance policy is a must to overcome the cost of damages caused to the vehicle. However, because of higher premiums required to get the insurance cover, many companies prefer to purchase a cheap taxi insurance policy. Many companies offer cheap taxi insurance policies, where there are fewer features available in the policy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are three types of taxi insurance policies available: fully comprehensive, third party and lastly, third party fire &amp;amp; theft. In addition to this, private hire insurance policies and public hire insurance policies are also available. Fully comprehensive insurance cover is the most expensive of all, which covers fire and theft of the third party as well damages caused to the taxi and the vehicle belonging to the third party. Third party fire &amp;amp; theft insurance policy is a cheap taxi insurance policy, in which one obtains insurance that covers a third party because of theft, fire or any kind of explosion. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The last type of taxi insurance, third party insurance, is the cheapest of all because with this type of insurance only the damages caused to the third party by the cab or the taxi can be claimed for. If one doesn't have any insurance policy, one needs to have at least a simple insurance plan as, according to law, no vehicle can be on the road without having insurance cover. But the type of insurance policy chosen by a person also depends on the use of the cab. For example if a person uses the taxi full time (i.e. for commercial use as well as for personal use), they need to obtain full comprehensive cover. Moreover, the policies are different if the cab is used for private hire. As according to private hire insurance policy the cab has to be pre-booked as well as some amount of security is also to be charged. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In addition to this there are many types of discounts available on taxi insurance policies. One is the no claim bonus, where a person gets some bonuses on the premium of the policy if, in a full year, they don't claim any damages caused to the vehicle. In order to attract more customers, taxi insurance companies keep providing offers to their clients. Moreover if the taxi company keeps a high level of security for their taxis, then they get some amount of discount on the premium of the taxi insurance policy. Better deals with lower premiums are offered to the taxis that have licences from the government than the ones that are non - licensed.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:f2a4945d-4db3-4f7a-aa05-ac7f7bae1ff7</guid><title>Know About Builders Risk Insurance  </title><description>by James Foster   Construction sites are subject to various construction-related risks, accidents, damage etc that threatens the completion of project and exposes materials in use or in transit to grave risk. Builder's risk insurance indemnifies the ...</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:43:49 -0600</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Know_About_Builders_Risk_Insurance.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by James Foster&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Construction sites are subject to various construction-related risks, accidents, damage etc that threatens the completion of project and exposes materials in use or in transit to grave risk. Builder's risk insurance indemnifies the insured against any loss, theft, or damage to buildings, structures, equipments, and materials during the entire course of construction. Builder's risk insurance provides coverage for new construction works, renovations, and remodelling works. Normally, it is taken by the owner of the building and contractor's name can be added to it later. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Who Buys Builders Insurance?&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Builder's risk insurance is essential for those operating in construction industry. It provides financial protection against damages, theft, and losses to the new building or existing structure due to fire, vandalism, wind, lightning and other hazards. This insurance is generally taken by the owner of the building or project. Its scope can be extended further to cover contractors, sub-contractors, equipment owners, architects, engineers etc involved in the project. Builder's risk insurance is beneficial for owners or contractors as many lenders, banks, financial institutions will finance the project only when this insurance is taken. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;When to Buy Builders Risk Insurance?&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Builder's risk insurance covers the project during the entire course of its completion and ends automatically after completion. Often, builder's risk insurance is purchased after a contract is signed without doing any detailed study of construction project. Issues pertaining to coverage can arise by purchasing such insurance without going into specifics. The builder's risk insurance needs to be purchased from insurance company after meticulous study of the project as millions of dollars will be invested in the project. A detailed study of the project can ensure that the project owner gets right type and level of coverage. The insurance company needs to know the key information pertaining to size and scope of the project. Detailed information like number of stories to be built in the building, material to be used, type of roof to be used, and its location needs to be provided to help insurance company assess the level of risk associated with the project. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Information about the contractor who will be working on the project, number of years of experience the contractor company has in such projects, number of similar projects successfully executed etc needs to be provided to ensure all aspects of project get covered. The insurance company needs to be provided with scheduled start date of the project work and projected date of completion of each stage of the project to get more insight into the project. As the level of risk is higher during some phases of construction, informing this to insurance company can help it to formulate better insurance policy. Informing about security measures adopted like fencing, security guard at site can help reduce the premium. Thus, builder's risk insurance should be bought after a detailed study into every aspect of construction project. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The insurance policy should be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure crucial aspects of construction project are covered and significant coverage is not excluded. Efficient coverage of any potential hazard to construction project ensures better recovery during loss period. This ensures that the project gets completed on time and all parties properly compensated.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:e31778af-a944-4799-9322-013890f9e1fe</guid><title>Getting the Right MD Business Insurance   </title><description>by Renee Walker  As any Maryland business owner is aware, the responsibilities of running that business are numerous. Not the least of these is obtaining adequate insurance to protect the enterprise and to meet the requirements needed to license and ...</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:33:36 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Getting_the_Right_MD_Business_Insurance.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Renee Walker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As any Maryland business owner is aware, the responsibilities of running that business are numerous. Not the least of these is obtaining adequate insurance to protect the enterprise and to meet the requirements needed to license and legally operate it. Although the individual requirements may vary according to the nature of the services or products your company provides, a MD insurance plan is required of every small business in the state. There are many factors that will determine the type of coverage necessary, as well as the amount of coverage the day to day risks of the business deem appropriate. A basic comprehension of the different types of business insurance coverage that are available will help when building a suitable insurance portfolio. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Property Coverage &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether or not an owner owns the real property where the business is operated or is renting or leasing it will determine the type of property insurance is necessary. The forms for each policy may not be the same, but policies for tenants and those for owners are both designed to cover damages to the building and/or the building's contents. Insurance for property can be specifically for a risk such as fire or flood, or an all-risk plan that covers a number of potential risk factors. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Casualty Coverage &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Casualty insurance is a requirement of all MD insurance plans. Casualty coverage is ordinarily included in property plans, but additional coverage may be needed to ensure against other kinds of damages that may occur to a business, including financial losses stemming from the inability to conduct business as a result of an covered event. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Liability Coverage &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Another type of coverage required for business operation in Maryland is liability insurance. This covers third party physical injury or property damage caused by negligence on the part of the company or its agents and employees. Liability policies are extremely important, as they can prevent the necessity of expensive and disruptive lawsuits, particularly if the insurer is able to make an out-of-court settlement on behalf of the client. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Commercial Automobile Insurance &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There is a significant difference between commercial and personal automobile insurance. Personal auto insurance has specified exclusions if the vehicles are used in conducting business, and owners of some types of businesses may need to purchase commercial policies that include additional coverage for those exclusions. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are many available MD business insurance products, and it is essential that each business owner review the minimum coverage required, as well as the reasonable limits appropriate for ensuring adequate protection in the event that it is needed. A good, conscientious commercial insurance agent can be of great assistance in providing the information and suggestions that lead to the acquisition of the proper commercial insurance coverage.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:19e1872d-cc77-487a-afee-1ed08ebc5e54</guid><title>Will my homeowners insurance cover tree damage?</title><description> The answer is yes and no. Throughout the year, many areas of the country face powerful storms that often result in significant property damage caused by downed trees and limbs. If you fall victim to this type of property damage, here's some informat...</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:50:12 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Will_my_homeowners_insurance_cover_tree_damage.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;div id="ID0EW"&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The answer is yes and no. Throughout the year, many areas of the country face powerful storms that often result in significant property damage caused by downed trees and limbs. If you fall victim to this type of property damage, here's some information that may be helpful in figuring out what your insurance will and won't cover. Bear in mind that homeowners insurance coverage may vary by state, policy type, and insurer, so check with your carrier or agent for particular coverage questions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If there is damage to your property caused by trees, your homeowners insurance is the policy to file a claim with--regardless of whether the tree was on your property or a neighbor's. Likewise, if your tree causes damage to a neighbor's property, their policy will cover the claim (although exceptions may apply, depending on the circumstances).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If a tree falls on your property but does no actual damage to any structure, then there is likely no coverage to provide for the cleanup.&lt;!--_columnbrea--&gt; There must be damage to "real property," which usually includes your home and its contents, a fence, shed, outdoor play equipment like a swing set, a patio, or a driveway.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most homeowners policies cover the entire cost of repairs to your home caused by downed trees or limbs, subject to any applicable deductible. Damage to other structures or property like a detached garage, shed, or fence is covered under the "Other Structures" part of your policy for up to 10% of the available coverage for your dwelling.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Homeowners insurance typically also covers the cost of actually removing the downed tree or limb from your property, up to a cap per tree. And if a tree or shrub is damaged, your homeowners insurance may pay a limited amount to replace the damaged tree or shrub, depending on the circumstances. However, your homeowners insurance will not cover damage to your car caused by fallen trees or branches. Rather, your auto insurance will cover the cost of repairs if you have comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, up to applicable policy limits and deductibles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:f2314019-6a17-43ec-a376-7744afa91af3</guid><title>Does homeowners insurance cover personal liability?</title><description>Typical homeowners insurance provides limited coverage for personal injuries or property damage to others for which you or members of your family living with you may be legally responsible. The injuries or damages don't have to occur on your property...</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:54:41 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Does_homeowners_insurance_cover_personal_liability.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;Typical homeowners insurance provides limited coverage for personal injuries or property damage to others for which you or members of your family living with you may be legally responsible. The injuries or damages don't have to occur on your property. Your policy will describe what types of claims are covered, and coverage may vary by state, policy type, and insurer, so check with your carrier or agent for particular coverage questions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Liability protection is comprised of two parts: personal liability and medical payments. Personal liability covers claims or lawsuits against you arising out of bodily injury or property damage to others caused by an accident on your property, or by accidents away from your property, caused by you or family members who live with you. The coverage also pays for your legal defense should you be sued for a covered claim. However, coverage does not extend to losses caused by intentional acts, business related incidents, accidents covered by auto insurance, or claims covered by &lt;!--_columnbrea--&gt;worker's compensation insurance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Typically, personal liability provides a minimum of $100,000 of coverage "per occurrence." Also, unlike other types of property coverage, there is no deductible for personal liability or medical payments coverage. If you need more coverage, you might consider increasing your personal liability coverage limits, or buying an umbrella policy that provides additional personal liability coverage in excess of your homeowners coverage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Medical payments pays medical expenses incurred by people accidentally injured on your property, regardless of fault, up to policy limits. Injuries to you or family members living with you are not covered, nor are injuries resulting from activities that involve your business.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Examples of types of liability claims homeowners insurance may cover include: your dog wandering into your neighbor's yard and biting the house painter; a neighborhood child getting hurt climbing your fence, despite your repeated warnings; and your errant golf shot accidentally striking another player in the head&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:14d0cfb0-4296-4f2f-aa95-0a25a5df12d8</guid><title>Reducing the Cost of insurance in Maryland </title><description>&amp;nbsp;by Renee Walker   Homeowner's insurance continues to increase in price. There are a couple reasons for this. One is that the cost of expenses for this protection are going up. Under the liability and medical protection provided by insurance com...</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:47:59 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Reducing_the_Cost_of_insurance_in_Maryland.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;by Renee Walker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;Homeowner's insurance continues to increase in price. There are a couple reasons for this. One is that the cost of expenses for this protection are going up. Under the liability and medical protection provided by insurance companies it cost more to repair damage done to a house, to replace stolen items and ward the owners from increasing legal and medical expenses. You can however cut down on the price of homeowner insurance by up to 20% if you live in Maryland. If you have one more than one policy than you can combine them into just one policy. You can also get a security system to protect your domain. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When the owner of a home combines their insurance coverage with their other policies the business gets more premiums and reduces the risk. The owner can join their insurance with coverage on their vehicles, from cars to four wheelers. Insurance companies are gambling that things covered under one broad policy will not all be claimed simultaneously. As an added benefit the owner knows that if something happens they only have to call one single number. It is much easier to deal with one company no matter what happens. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A security system for your home will protect you, your family, and your possessions. Insurance companies approve this tactic and will cut costs for people who have home security systems. Taking a responsible action lets insurers know you have taken important precautions to guard your property. When a home burglary occurs, over half of them are stopped in the process if the burglar hears an alarm. Just the simple step of warning people you have a security system with signs on your window or doors can deter would be thieves. No burglar wants to take the extra effort of dealing with a security system. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;People intruding on your home do not enjoy loud sounds, lights, or speaking with law enforcement officials. Owners taking the steps of getting a security system make sure that any entrances to their home are secure. This includes well made locks, preferably deadbolt ones on most doors. Shrubs and trees can also be adjusted or trimmed so their is no easy way to sneak unseen to an entrance to your home. Thieves take an average of $2000 worth of material every time they break into a house. The owner may have to pay up to $1000 depending on the deductible. However, the much higher cost comes from having your home violated by a stranger and having to deal with mountains of paperwork from both law enforcement and your insurance company. It makes sense to avoid such a emotional impact if at all possible. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Intelligent owners of homes seek ways to reduce their insurance in Maryland. Combining polices and adding a security system can reduce their cost by up to 20%. &lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:6e988b6a-9b2c-4494-82d2-ca692851b7d3</guid><title>The Basics About Insurance in MD</title><description>By Renee Walker   Insurance is a type of risk management that is utilized to hedge against any risk of loss. Do note that while no one really wants to utilize it due to the less than positive way in which the loss is experienced, it is still somethin...</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:53:06 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/The_Basics_About_Insurance_in_MD.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Renee Walker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Insurance is a type of risk management that is utilized to hedge against any risk of loss. Do note that while no one really wants to utilize it due to the less than positive way in which the loss is experienced, it is still something one legally needs to have in order to operate a car within the state of Maryland. Be aware that auto insurance MD is a very critical coverage as it has the ability to protect those insured from major financial loss - either because of an at-fault or not-at-fault incident. Being able to know the coverage you have available and how such types of coverage will affect your assets will eventually help you make a wise and highly informed decision whenever you are looking for your own auto insurance policy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Requirements of Auto Insurance MD &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In Maryland, one is essentially required to have the following coverage: Insured Motorist, Personal Injury Protection, Liability, Underinsured Motorist. While each coverage provide specific protection types, all of them are specially created to protect you from major financial loss if ever an accident occurs. Basically, Liability Coverage covers Property Damage Protection and Bodily Injury. Liability is where injuries a third party sustains is covered once you are considered as the one at fault. Meanwhile, Property Damage is a type of damage where a property or vehicle of a third party is the one considered at fault. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Believe it or not, PIP or also called Personal Injury Protection is not a requirement in all states in the US. Maryland does require its motorists to have a PIP minimum coverage amount in order to cover the passengers and yourself for any injuries, wages lost or funeral expenses whoever it is may be considered at fault. Since the area of Maryland is a no-fault US state, all those involved are then covered for medical payments. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maryland also demands its drivers to always carry Underinsured Motorist and Uninsred Motorist coverage which matches the liability limits you select. Such a coverage protects the one insured against any type of injury sustained in a particular accident whenever the one at fault does not possess any or sufficient insurance with which to cover your injuries. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Coverage for Physical Damage &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Be aware that Physical Coverage for Damage is not demanded by law in any US state. Such a coverage covers either Collision and Comprehensive Coverage for any damages a vehicle acquires. Comprehensive will then pay in order to replace or repair a vehicle from either vandalism, theft or fire. Collision is specially created to cover your vehicle from damage whenever an accident or loss occurs due to movement. Each specific coverage is then subject to a particular deductible which you will select depending on your particular budget. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Being able to know auto insurance MD coverage basics will allow you to gain the needed tools with which to purchase a decent and comprehensive plan - hopefully one that possesses more than adequate insurance coverage. As much as possible, do make a well informed decision. Also, select a plan that is created with only your best interest. Do consult with experienced agents you trust as they can help you locate a policy that does not only have a broad coverage but is competitive as well.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:c59aa927-b24e-4dcc-9d04-10b04f0650fc</guid><title>Winter Driving Means Don't Take Chances</title><description>by A.Noton   Driving during the winter months take preparation and following a couple of very good rule. The first being, if you do not have to go anywhere, don't. Then always give yourself extra time during winter driving and make sure your vehicle ...</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:39:42 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Winter_Driving_Means_Dont_Take_Chances.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;em&gt;by A.Noton&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;Driving during the winter months take preparation and following a couple of very good rule. The first being, if you do not have to go anywhere, don't. Then always give yourself extra time during winter driving and make sure your vehicle is in the best shape. Also, always stay with your vehicle should you get stuck. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Before winter arrives take the time to winterize your vehicle. This means seeing a professional for a vehicle check up. Besides winter tires, you'll also want your vehicle in tip top shape, which can keep you from being stuck in sub zero temperatures. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Make sure your mechanic checks out your brakes, does any tune up work, checks all fluids including wiper fluid and installs new windshield wipers if needed. This is all winter preparation and can allow you to drive if you have to with a healthy vehicle. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Then winterize a bit more with an emergency preparedness kit. This is not just for alerting people of a stranded vehicle with flares and such, it's also for you. Make sure you have a gallon of water, flashlights, extra batteries and simple high energy foods such as chocolate or energy bars. You'll also want to through in hats, gloves, insulated boots and a few blankets. Of course, it doesn't help to look online for auto insurance quotes and ensure your car insurance covers everything you need. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many people have been found easily through gps capabilities in their cell phone, but a dead battery can't help you much so make sure you have a cell charger and fully charge your phone before heading out. Also there are hand cranking flashlights that can also charge your cell phone in an emergency, so carry one of those as well. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When it comes to vehicle troubles in the winter, it's a well known fact that people can easily get confused in snow and winter conditions. If you have vehicle troubles, stay with your car, your survival rate is higher than if you try and walk out. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Winter driving means driving slower and a general rule of thumb is to never go faster than you can control a slide or collision. This can allow you to maneuver around another vehicle that's having problems, just plan for a longer estimated time of arrival. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You'll find many recommend that a good set of snow tires makes a big difference. Purchase the best winter tires you can afford and you'll soon understand why they are recommended, you'll be able to control your vehicle easier and won't loose traction as quickly. This may mean having two sets of tires, and check your local laws concerning studded tires and sipping. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today's weather forecasts are a lot more accurate so be sure to keep an eye on the weather report before you head out and use your cell phone to check for changes along your route. Often, you'll have an hourly forecast that can warn you of impending snow or ice conditions. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Winter driving means preparing yourself and your vehicle, not heading out unless you have to, allowing extra time and following a few general rules. Winterize your vehicle, stay with your car or truck if you get stranded, and make sure your cell phone is fully charged and you have charging capabilities.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:f437b007-1521-481c-a29c-a6f1b8bcf1ec</guid><title>Workers Compensation Insurance - What You Should Know</title><description>by R Daniel Williams Jr  Workers compensation insurance is designed to protect those who are injured on the job. Making sure that you are protected in the workplace is critical. Since work-related injuries are covered by this no-fault insurance, it c...</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:36:19 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Workers_Compensation_Insurance_-_What_You_Should_Know.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by R Daniel Williams Jr&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Workers compensation insurance is designed to protect those who are injured on the job. Making sure that you are protected in the workplace is critical. Since work-related injuries are covered by this no-fault insurance, it can be a lifesaver to many. Not only is the insurance coverage offered to take care of medical costs, but the lost wages are also paid through this insurance, making it useful in two ways for employees who are injured on the job. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are many variations in this type of insurance protection from one plan to the next, but basically, this is what is covered by almost every plan: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;- Wage replacement - Medical cost reimbursement - Economic loss coverage - Damages for pain and suffering (possibly) - Settlements to family members of those who are fatally injured on the job &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Workers compensation insurance is generally known to be a part of union companies but it can also be offered by companies that aren't part of a union. Any company who appreciates its employees and wants to protect them and their business should have workers compensation insurance that they offer to anyone who works in their workplace. There is no limit to the peace of mind that you will give people by offering worker's compensation insurance. Of course, there is a lot of abuse of the system in some cases, which is why there are such stiff guidelines and regulations in place. These fines and penalties are set forth to protect the company as well as the employee in the event of a misuse of the insurance product. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Too many people think that insurance protection like this is optional. They feel like they do not have to offer it to employees, but the reality of the situation is that anyone without workers compensation protection is putting their company at risk for big trouble. With so many different things to think about, it can be helpful to have a professional independent insurance agent on your side to discuss the matters of workers compensation insurance in detail so that you are prepared for anything that might arise. When it comes to a subject as important as insurance, you can never be too careful in making sure that you get all the information that you need. Your business can't really live without workers compensation protection. One bad accident and you'll be buried in lawsuits and facing bankruptcy in no time. If you pay for the coverage, you'll save your business a world of trouble.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:957045a7-7731-44fa-bf10-3aeedabb82f9</guid><title>How Can You Plan for the Unexpected? </title><description>by Katrina Kotzen  The Encarta World English Dictionary defines insurance as the following: "an agreement through which a company offers customers monetary protection against loss or injury such as theft or sickness in return for payment premium." Bu...</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:19:42 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/How_Can_You_Plan_for_the_Unexpected.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Katrina Kotzen&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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The Encarta World English Dictionary defines insurance as the following: "an agreement through which a company offers customers monetary protection against loss or injury such as theft or sickness in return for payment premium." But this leaves many unanswered questions. Is insurance required by law? What types of insurance do I need? What is a payment premium? Am I eligible for insurance? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let's start in the beginning. Insurance is necessary for the 'what ifs' in life. What if my family was injured in a car accident? What if my grandpa got cancer? What if I died unexpectedly? Insurance is there to offer financial assistance to individuals affected as a result of the 'what if' situations. Policyholders pay a set total every month, and when needed, an insurance group provides them with the appropriate amount. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You will find many different kinds of insurance -&amp;nbsp;auto, health, and&amp;nbsp;life insurance are simply a few. Not each of these is mandatory, but all are suggested. Within the United States, legal responsibility auto insurance is required by law in the majority states. This covers you against costs incurred via damage in addition to injuries to the other party if the bump was your responsibility. Verify the regulations in your district for additional information. In accordance with the recent healthcare reform, all U.S. residents are going to be mandatory to own medical health insurance within the future. This recent act promises to allow anyone to get the medical coverage they require, despite any pre-existing conditions. Formerly, medical health insurance corporations could deny coverage to individuals who had a history of health issues since it had been too pricey for the corporation. Life insurance is optional, however it's critical in many situations. For individuals who suffer the loss of a loved one, life insurance grants stability for those left behind. After death expenditures are increasing every year. Based on FuneralPlan.com, the average funeral and interment is virtually $7,000. If you aren't prepared for that, how will you place your loved one to rest? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As you may understand, there is certainly many choices regarding how to protect you and your descendants from the unforeseen. While living on the edge of your seat and being uninsured may well be less costly, take into account the 'what if' situations as well as the consequences for you and your loved ones&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:ab83aa02-d8f7-4d35-a71d-fb13a73628fb</guid><title>What Is A Maryland Bond Used For In Business </title><description>by Renee Walker  The phrase Maryland&amp;nbsp;bond can mean different things to people, but in general, it will reflect mostly on the insurance industry. There are several types of bonds available to businesses that protect them from employees, and prote...</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00:19 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/What_Is_A_Maryland_Bond_Used_For_In_Business.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Renee Walker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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The phrase Maryland&amp;nbsp;bond can mean different things to people, but in general, it will reflect mostly on the insurance industry. There are several types of bonds available to businesses that protect them from employees, and protect their clients from liability as well. The idea behind a performance bond is to create a type of guarantee between a client and vendor that the job at hand will be finished, but in case of some unforeseen problems, the bond will cover the expenses of having another company finish the job. Usually large corporations and government agencies will require this type of insurance to be included on bids for construction jobs. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A bond can be used for transportation brokerage companies as well, as they buy and sell full and partial truckload freight, and as a promissory note to the trucking company. They are required by state and federal guidelines to carry a bond of at least four thousand dollars for their client's protection. Generally, if a freight brokerage company goes out of business, this will be eaten up quickly. A good rule to follow is go with a firm that carries at least twenty to thirty thousand dollars in bond coverage. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You have probably seen advertisements in the past for house cleaning, and home improvement services stating that they are insured and bonded. This essentially means that they have made themselves responsible for anything that happens on your property will be covered by their liability coverage, and performance bond. A Maryland bond issuer would in this case would issue the paper bond after payment is made, and a client is well within their rights to ask for a copy of the certificate to verify its validity. Always make sure that what you receive is actually issued by an insurance carrier, as some unscrupulous business people, will have their own made up with desktop publishing software, and then just print them out like they are making money to spend. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When it comes to anyone entering your home to perform professional services, you can require they be bonded. Some small companies cannot afford this, and will pass on your business if required. You can however take out your own bond on them if you wish to protect the assets of your home. If just one injury happens during a home renovation or house cleaning that person could sue you in civil court for medical bills, lost wages, and future lost income. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A Maryland bond will cover most mishaps in business, but there are still scenarios where it will not cover everything. Your best protection when it comes to bonds on service and construction type companies is to become educated about the wording, and minimal coverage's they contain provisions for, when pertaining to your situation.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:b370c217-98bf-43fa-8da4-64951610fe90</guid><title>Insurance Agents Can Help Reduce Maryland Home Insurance Premiums </title><description>by Renee Walker  Insurance agents for home insurance Maryland are specialists in their field and full of useful information that can save homeowners thousands of dollars. Everyone knows these professionals are ready, willing and able to assist when s...</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:56:21 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Insurance_Agents_Can_Help_Reduce_Maryland_Home_Insurance_Premiums.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Renee Walker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Insurance agents for home insurance Maryland are specialists in their field and full of useful information that can save homeowners thousands of dollars. Everyone knows these professionals are ready, willing and able to assist when someone is looking for insurance or has a claim. Smart people use the knowledge and expertise of their agent to get the insurance coverage they need, reduce their insurance premiums and protect their home. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;People looking for insurance know the purchase price of their home, and they may be aware of the current market value of the house. Replacement cost homeowners insurance is more expensive because the cost of rebuilding or repairing the house is usually much higher than replacing a home. Replacement cost insurance protects people from having to pay a large portion of any repairs due to a covered event like fire. Most policies have a general content coverage on personal belongings, which sounds generous until the policyholder reads the maximum amount under some of the coverage. Electronics may be limited to $2500 or $5000; this may not replace the surround sound TV room, the huge plasma TV or five computers with specialized gaming and video capabilities used by the teenagers. Many people have collections worth $10,000; the maximum amount of coverage may be $2500 without a special rider. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are many ways to save money on insurance premiums. Insurance agents can provide a list of discounts available. Combining a homeowners and automobile policy will reduce the premiums up to 10 to 20% on each. Increasing the amount of deductible homeowners are willing to pay decreases the risk for insurance companies. An insurance agent for home insurance Maryland can really assist with the condition of the building and security features. A house with a new roof, updated electrical or updated plumbing may qualify for better premiums because the insurers risk has been reduced. Adding a security system may reduce the premiums 10 to 20%; the homeowner is actively protecting his property. Even adding deadbolt locks to the front and back doors, locks on all windows and installing motion detector lights around the perimeter may impress an insurance provider. Installing a fire sprinkler system may pay for itself over the course of years. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When homeowners take these types of precautions, they not only lower their insurance costs, they protect their belongings and their loved ones. Thieves like homes that are easy to enter unnoticed, preferably in the dark. Signs in the yard stating, "Protected by a home monitoring security system" may send these people of opportunity to a different place that is less secure and protected. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With planning and assistance from an insurance agent, homeowners with home insurance Maryland can protect their property, their loved ones and lower their insurance cost at the same time. This is a win -- win situation.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:714b1444-2d55-4a2c-a0b8-f7fe0bb56a42</guid><title>A Quick Guide to Handling An Auto Insurance Claim   </title><description>by Nathan Lott  A car accident can be a scary time in anyone's life. Even if the damage is minimal there is a police report to file, the other driver to deal with and an auto insurance claim to file. If it is your first accident you may find yourself...</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:33:27 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/A_Quick_Guide_to_Handling_An_Auto_Insurance_Claim.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Nathan Lott&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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A car accident can be a scary time in anyone's life. Even if the damage is minimal there is a police report to file, the other driver to deal with and an auto insurance claim to file. If it is your first accident you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure what to do first. Fortunately filing a claim is a step by step process that is relatively simple to learn and understand. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You must keep many things in mind in order to file a successful claim. Everything you say and do from the moment of the accident may have an impact on your claim. You must be certain that the police report is complete and accurate and that you have accurate information from the other driver. You should also be sure to file your insurance claim in a timely manner. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Determining "relative fault" in an accident is a complicated process that can only be handled by experts. "Relative fault" is the percentage of fault for an accident that lies with each driver. In most jurisdictions even the driver who is in the right has a responsibility to try to avoid an accident. Since relative fault will not be determined at the scene of the accident, it is important to stick to the facts and avoid a discussion of fault. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You should write your own statement of what happened for your records at the scene if possible or as soon as you get home. You also need to get the other driver's full name, insurance information and vehicle details. Also try to get a police report for even minor accidents. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After the Accident Contact your car insurance company immediately. The insurance company will probably send you forms to fill out and will likely request the police report and the other driver's insurance information. If you have any questions at all on how to fill out the forms do not hesitate to call your insurance company. The forms are the primary documents used to settle your auto insurance claim so be sure that they are accurately and completely filled out. What happens next depends on the type of insurance you have, your insurer's policies and procedures and their determination of fault. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If the other driver was at fault then you will normally receive a quick settlement offer from his insurance company. Read the offer carefully and have it reviewed by an attorney if possible. You will likely lose your right to sue if you take the settlement offer but a reasonable settlement will put money in your hands long before a lawsuit will. Only you and your attorney can decide whether to accept the settlement. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A car accident is scary for anyone. The paperwork that follows can be even scarier. However, filing a claim is a step by step process that anyone can learn. Simply follow the above tips and be sure to ask a lot of questions. You can be successful in filing your auto insurance claim. &lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:4d24138f-a565-47d2-ba6c-2355dd2fd527</guid><title>Dental Care Is Important To All </title><description>by Shane Hester  Dental care is one of the habits that we take for granted. We get our scheduled vaccinations and go to the doctor once in a while to make sure that our cholesterol levels are checked. However, we do forget the recommended twice a yea...</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:10:05 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Dental_Care_Is_Important_To_All.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Shane Hester&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dental care is one of the habits that we take for granted. We get our scheduled vaccinations and go to the doctor once in a while to make sure that our cholesterol levels are checked. However, we do forget the recommended twice a year visits to the dentists that is as equally as important. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Starting Them Young &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dental care must start at a young age to eliminate the fear of sitting on the dental chair. Young kids must be brought to the dentist for a visit. Just letting them sit on the dental chair will make them familiar with the surroundings. Explaining to the kid the benefits of having good dental care as well as what the instruments do will make them comfortable and not tremble in fear at the mention of a dental appointment. When they have been exposed at an early age to dental visits, this will continue well up until they are old. You can be sure that your kid's teeth will be cared for properly because of the religious visits to the dentist that you are doing. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A lot of people still associate going to the dentist with the excruciating pain connected to teeth pulling. These people are not used to going to the dentist to have their teeth checked. Well, dental care has come a long way from the barbaric methods of teeth extraction. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dentists, to make sure that each dental procedure is as painless as possible, are already using anesthesia. The procedure of extracting a tooth will not be as painful because of the medication that you get. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Savings in the Long Run &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Not a lot of people realize that having an insurance to cover the costs of dental care comes out cheaper in the end. People who are on a tight budget usually think of going to the dentist to have their teeth checked as an unnecessary expense. They would rather buy over the counter pain relievers to relieve themselves of the pain that they are experiencing. What they do not know that visiting the dentist when the infection has spread due to the infected teeth, the costs of treating it would have doubled or even tripled compared to going to the dentist when the toothache was first experienced. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Having a great set of teeth makes a person more confident especially when dealing with other people. You eliminate the problem of bad breath and you are not afraid of interacting with other people and flashing them your pearly whites. Brushing thrice a day and using mouthwash is not enough. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One must go to a dentist to have your teeth checked regularly. Dental care is all about prevention and not just a cure. If you visit your dentist regularly, you prevent infection and bacteria from ruining your smile. &lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:7611df74-fc24-4179-962f-64b93124da6c</guid><title>What You Should Know About Maryland Business Insurance</title><description>by Renee Walker  If you are starting a new business, then you will want to be sure to purchase at least the minimum insurance required by law in Maryland. There are different types of coverage offered by Maryland business insurance companies; each ty...</description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:39:24 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/What_You_Should_Know_About_Maryland_Business_Insurance.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;by Renee Walker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If you are starting a new business, then you will want to be sure to purchase at least the minimum insurance required by law in Maryland. There are different types of coverage offered by Maryland business insurance companies; each type of coverage has its advantages but you will need to see how much coverage you can afford to purchase and, if your budget is limited, choose the types of coverage that you feel are the most needed. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Property insurance coverage covers loss incurred to your business premises. Property insurance coverage will usually cover just one particular type of damage that your business could incur; i.e. flooding, fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Purchasing coverage against any and all risks will likely be quite expensive, so opt for property coverage that will protect your business from risks it is most likely to face. For example, if you live in an area where flooding happens on a regular basis, it would be foolish not to consider flood coverage. On the other hand, if tornadoes never occur where you live, you would not need to invest in tornado coverage. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have more than fifty employees, you are required by Maryland business insurance laws to purchase health coverage for your employees. Health coverage is similar to but not the same as worker's compensation insurance. Health insurance cover your employee's regular medical bills and doctor visits, while worker's compensation insurance covers the medical bills of an employee who has been injured on the job. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If your business has a vehicle, then you will need to purchase&amp;nbsp;commercial auto insurance. This type of coverage will cover your vehicle in case of property damage; it will also cover damage to people injured by your company vehicle. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Liability insurance should be seriously considered, no matter what type of business you run and how large or small it is. Liability insurance will cover you in case you are sued due to a mistake or act of negligence by you or your employees. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Business interruption insurance is another type of Maryland business insurance that you may want to consider. Business interruption insurance will cover your business if it needs to close down due to extenuating circumstances, i.e. a vital piece of equipment breaking down. While property damage will cover the repair or replacement of items vital to your business, if you have included them on your property insurance policy, property insurance will not cover the losses incurred by your business as you wait to have the part repaired or replaced. Business insurance coverage covers this and will enable you to 'pick up where you left off', so to speak, if there is damage to your business that cannot be immediately repaired.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:03eb0f73-750c-4e37-ae9f-f0ab44374e71</guid><title>How to Choose a Life Insurance Policy</title><description>Suzanne Morrison  If you have a spouse or children, it will give you peace of mind to make sure that they will be safe and secure when you pass away.&amp;nbsp; The best way to do this is to purchase a life insurance policy. There are thousands of differe...</description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:23:49 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/How_to_Choose_a_Life_Insurance_Policy.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;Suzanne Morrison&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If you have a spouse or children, it will give you peace of mind to make sure that they will be safe and secure when you pass away.&amp;nbsp; The best way to do this is to purchase a life insurance policy. There are thousands of different companies offering life insurance.&amp;nbsp; But how do you choose an insurance policy that is right for you? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;To help you to make an informed decision when you come to choose a life insurance policy,&amp;nbsp; you need to understand exactly what a life insurance policy is, who needs a life insurance policy and how to distinguish between the different types of policy&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;In simple terms, a life insurance policy is a guarantee on the life of the insured person.&amp;nbsp; When the insured person dies, the insurance policy will give their beneficiaries a specific amount of money.&amp;nbsp; The insured person makes a payment, known as a premium, usually on a monthly basis for a given period of time. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;The amount of the life insurance policy premium is usually determined by factors such as the age of the person, their gender, occupation, whether or not they smoke, medical history, along with the amount that is required to be paid out on death.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;There are four main kinds of life insurance policy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;Whole life insurance policy. - a whole life insurance policy lasts for the entirety of the insured person&amp;rsquo;s life, as long as the premiums are kept up to date. As the life insurance policy matures, it builds up interest, so the longer the insured person lives, the higher the payment to the beneficiaries will be. Some types of whole life insurance policy programs also offer dividends for the insured person.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;Term life insurance policy &amp;ndash; a term life insurance policy is policy that pays out to the insured person&amp;rsquo;s beneficiaries as long as the insured person passes away within the fixed term specified in the term life insurance policy.&amp;nbsp; For example, a 10 year term life insurance policy would only pay out only if the insured person passed away within the 10 years. This is the least expensive type of life insurance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;Universal life insurance policy &amp;ndash; a universal life insurance policy is the most flexible type of life insurance policy.&amp;nbsp; This type of policy allows you to adjust the term and the premiums to suit your personal needs. Universal life insurance stays in effect as long as the cash value can cover the costs of the policy&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="0" roundtrip="0"&gt;Variable life insurance policy - a variable life insurance policy allows the insured person to decide exactly how the insurance payments should be invested.&amp;nbsp; With a variable life insurance policy, it&amp;rsquo;s possible to tie the performance of the policy with the financial markets.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lastVisited="2" roundtrip="0"&gt;In general, every person should take out a life insurance policy, but this becomes even more important if you have any loved ones such as a spouse, children, or aging parents who are dependent on you.&amp;nbsp; It&amp;rsquo;s a difficult enough time when a loved one passes away, but a life insurance policy at least allows you to make sure that the loved ones you would leave behind would be taken care of in their time of need.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:858e441a-444d-461d-81a0-16fff4b27457</guid><title>Is Long Term Care Insurance Important?</title><description>By Marcia Cross  The scariest nightmare happens not in dreams but in reality. Have you ever asked yourself lately how your life will turn out in 10-20 years? Are you aware that the worst events could fall in later years? Just in time when you are old...</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:48:53 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Is_Long_Term_Care_Insurance_Important.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;By Marcia Cross&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The scariest nightmare happens not in dreams but in reality. Have you ever asked yourself lately how your life will turn out in 10-20 years? Are you aware that the worst events could fall in later years? Just in time when you are old, frail, and unsecured.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As we get older, many of us develop common illnesses such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cancer. The biggest problem you will confront is the time when you can no longer care for yourself due to debilitating condition and flimsy physique, much worse is your incapability to finance your own care. The burden upon seeing your family suffer from paying the bill for your medications is disheartening: it kills you more than your sickness does. The money that should have been kept for your children or heirs only goes to expensive nursing homes and treatments. Though you have overflowing assets, they can only go to waste once long term care butts in.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There is federal program aimed at helping elders in LTC needs. Medicaid or Medi-cal (term in California) helps low-income Americans avail LTC services. However, the support from this publicly-funded program is not dependable or, better say, ineffectual. Although many Americans prefer home care, Medicaid does not support this type of setting and compels recipients to undergo nursing home care or assisted living. Unfortunately, many nursing homes throughout the country refuse patients under Medicaid or Medicare program. Also, some patients report that Medicaid only pays only for one to three months stay in the nursing home, the period outside that coverage must be shouldered by the patient. LTCi fills the gap that government fails to provide. Many financial experts recommend purchasing long term care coverage between 40s or 50s that will pay for the person's health and personal care services while under the chosen facility or care setting. The coverage will help the insured continue a dignified life while suffering from the constraints of old age, disability, and sickness. Basic long term care coverage includes cooking, cleaning, bathing, and many other, depending on the person's needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most of us see just what's inside the box. We care only for the things that matters now and let fate control the circumstance that will fall in the future. So when we think of long term care insurance, we normally think of it as a gamble. Despite the pessimism on long term care insurance, LTCi proves to be one the most important life investments. Long term care insurance saves you from becoming bankrupt due to costly hospice and home care. This allows you to tap your money in paying for home care or assisted living care when you are no longer be able to care for yourself. The benefit pays off as it makes your financial security and independence possible. What's more is the peace of mind that you will be staying in a desirable environment (much better than the shattered shelters where poor, old people stay) and age gracefully than the rest of the elders out there, without the guilt of ruining your family's future.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:b9f3ce81-4e59-4ccd-936e-8230a47d12bf</guid><title>Why Exactly Do Motorists Need Automotive Insurance?</title><description>Regardless of where you live, if you drive a vehicle you are going to need to get automotive insurance for it. Insurance is just as important as your license and without either of these two pieces of documentation you are not going to be allowed to d...</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:46:06 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Why_Exactly_Do_Motorists_Need_Automotive_Insurance.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">Regardless of where you live, if you drive a vehicle you are going to need to get automotive insurance for it. Insurance is just as important as your license and without either of these two pieces of documentation you are not going to be allowed to drive your vehicle. This does not mean to say that you cannot physically get into your car and drive it, but it just means you will open yourself up to the world of different issues if you are caught or you have an accident.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Well, the first point to make is simply that auto insurance is a legal obligation. If you want to drive a vehicle you do not only need to have a license to do so, but you also need insurance for their vehicle. If you fail to get insurance then you can be completely punishable under the law. The punishment that you get could range between a simple fine, to having your licence revoked, to actually being sent to jail.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
So why exactly are you legally obligated to purchase auto insurance? Well, essentially the minimum requirement of auto insurance that you are going to need to get will be there to protect others from your actions on the road. If you were to cause an accident then this can cause problems, not only for you, but for others involved as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Of course, the minimum level of insurance that you are required to get will not act to protect you comprehensively at all. If you want to protect your interests more thoroughly then it would certainly be a good idea for you to purchase a more comprehensive auto insurance policy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For example, if you did drive a relatively valuable vehicle and then you failed to have necessary coverage for it then you may have to suffer all of the costs of repairing the vehicle if you had an accident. Depending on the severity of the required repairs, the costs can be insurmountable for many people. In addition, you may also have to purchase an entirely new car if it is written off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Given that the cost of repairing vehicles is so high, depending on the model of course, you would be best advised to make a small investment into an insurance policy as protection against this eventuality. In addition, if you fail to have any insurance policy at all then you might have to cover the costs of any other damage done during the accident as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In addition to all of this, medical expenses may also need to be covered by you. Not only will you need to pay out towards damage to property and vehicles, but you might also have to cover medical costs. If you yourself are injured, if anyone is injured in your vehicle, or if anyone is injured in another vehicle or out on the road, then you may be liable to cover the costs of their medical careful.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Of course, insurance is, therefore, absolutely fundamental in protecting both yourself and others out on the road. The small investment of only a few hundred dollars that you have to make is a drop in the ocean compared to what you may have to cover if you did have an accident. In addition, the legal obligation really does mean that you have no other option.</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:c926eaf7-e7d9-40f6-80bc-db32242f5d09</guid><title>Important Resources and Advice for Eye Care </title><description>&amp;nbsp;by Teri Thackston How is your eyesight? It can depend on several factors, such as age, heredity and other conditions. Did you know there are things you can do to protect your eyesight? Here are some important resources and advice for eye care. ...</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:41:10 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Important_Resources_and_Advice_for_Eye_Care.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;by Teri Thackston&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How is your eyesight? It can depend on several factors, such as age, heredity and other conditions. Did you know there are things you can do to protect your eyesight? Here are some important resources and advice for eye care. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;Get regular eye exams. Most health insurance plans cover annual eye exams. Don't overlook this important benefit. If you have diabetes or you're over the age of 65, then you need at least one annual exam, and sometimes more.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;Wear shades regularly. Whenever you go outside, even if it's cloudy or during the dead of winter, you need to wear sunglasses. It's like sunscreen for your eyes.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;Get your vitamins. If you want to preserve your eyesight, it's important to eat foods that are rich in Vitamin A. Some examples: Apricots, sweet potatoes and carrots, to name a few. It's also good to consume Vitamin E-rich foods such as eggs and almonds. Don't forget to get your Vitamin C, as well, such as citrus fruits. All of these will help keep your eyesight sharp.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;Lay off the sauce and the smokes. When you smoke cigarettes or drink excessively, your retinas suffer. Both have been linked to macular degeneration, which is irreversible, and can rob you of your eyesight.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;Keep your blood healthy. You always want to stay on top of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You must avoid hypertension at all costs. On top of all the many problems it causes, it can damage your ocular blood vessels.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;Find out your history. What's your family history like? Are there any eye diseases in the family? How about diabetes or high blood pressure? Are you over 40 and African American? These are all risk factors for eye disorders. It's important to know your family history, as it can play a definite role in your health. This is another reason why it's so important to get regular exams. Tell your eye doctor about your family history.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;Get regular physicals. Make sure your general practitioner always checks you for high blood pressure and diabetes, as they can lead to serious eye problems, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, to name a few&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;Be aware of vision changes&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are some warning signs that can lead to vision problems. Floaters, hazy or double vision, swelling, frequent light flashes and eye swelling are all reasons for concern. If you're experiencing trouble like this, see your eye doc immediately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Get more exercise.&lt;/strong&gt;Regular exercise can actually reduce your risk of many eye problems, including macular degeneration. Take this important step to reduce your risk. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Work carefully.&lt;/b&gt;It's important to wear safety goggles when you're on the job. Whether you work in a factory, or you're simply tinkering in your workshop at home, make sure you always wear safety goggles. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Play carefully.&lt;/b&gt;Are you involved in active sports? This is another reason to wear goggles. As your mother probably told you, certain leisure activities put you at risk for eye trouble. Don't risk it. Always wear goggles when you exercise or engage in high-energy leisure activities. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Adjust your computer monitor to reduce glare.&lt;/b&gt;Glare can cause major eye strain. If you stare at a computer monitor all day, take frequent breaks. When you do, look out the window or step outside for some fresh air. You need to give your eyes something else to focus on. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Eat your veggies.&lt;/b&gt; Green vegetables help keep your vision sharp. Lutein, a powerful nutrient found in spinach, helps reduce cataracts. Try red onions and carrots, as well. They contain powerful antioxidants that are eye-friendly. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Blink!&lt;/b&gt; It's important to keep your eyes moisturized. Blink regularly, and try to avoid strong gusts of air from blowing in your eyes. Stay out of the wind whenever possible. Steer clear of being directly in front of air conditioning vents. Your corneas will thank you. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Eat fish.&lt;/b&gt; Did you know that when you incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your daily nutritional intake, this can help keep tiny blood vessels in the eye clot-free? Fish oil is a great source of Vitamins A and D, both of which are very eye health-friendly. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Put the book down.&lt;/b&gt; If you're an avid reader, it's advisable for you to take regular breaks from your book. Too much reading or related activities (crosswords, Sudoku, etc.) can lead to eyestrain and eye fatigue, both of which contribute to poor eyesight. Don't risk it. Take breaks at least every hour. Get up. Stretch. Focus your eyes on something else. Protecting your eyesight is well within your reach. By following these simple steps, you're taking action to continue to see clearly into the future for many years to come. &lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:410dd55e-aa84-40d9-b523-0a099e628756</guid><title>Fire Safety Tips</title><description> This is the second of a two-part series on fire prevention. Read part 1 Protecting your family and home from fire. We recommend discussing fire safety with your family as you can reduce the risk of fire with smart, simple safety tips such as&amp;hellip;...</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:59:00 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Fire_Safety_Tips.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;This is the second of a two-part series on fire prevention. Read part 1 &lt;a href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Protecting_your_family_and_home_from_fire.aspx"&gt;Protecting your family and home from fire.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We recommend discussing fire safety with your family as you can reduce the risk of fire with smart, simple safety tips such as&amp;hellip;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Never smoke in bed or in a place where you may fall asleep. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Never leave a candle burning unattended. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Have a fire extinguisher in your home for small fires and learn how to use it properly. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Install a "kid-free zone" rule of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Stay in the kitchen when you&amp;rsquo;re cooking as many kitchen fires are caused by inattention. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Remember to never use water on a grease fire. This will cause the hot grease to splatter, which could burn you or allow the fire to spread. Smother the flames with a lid or another pan, and then turn off the burner. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Keep a portable fire escape ladder upstairs. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Store matches and lighters in a safe place that&amp;rsquo;s out of the reach of children. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Never run electrical cords under rugs or heavy furniture. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Inspect your home for fire hazards, such as overloaded electrical circuits, or light bulbs with greater wattage than a light fixture is rated. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Keep any combustible items away from all portable space heaters, water heaters, furnaces or other heat sources. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids in your home or basement. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Store flammable liquids in approved containers designed to store such liquids and keep them in a locked, detached shed. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;If you operate a wood-burning appliance or fireplace, educate your family on its safe operation and maintenance as well as how to burn wood safely. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Have your wood burning appliance and chimney inspected by a qualified technician. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
Learn more about&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="/homeowners/default.aspx"&gt;protecting your home&lt;/a&gt; from fire and other damage. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div class="formFieldText"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:b5b98934-0d39-4c42-afe3-4c8310de40ab</guid><title>Protecting your family and home from fire</title><description> This is the first of a two-part series on fire prevention. Check back to see more fire safety tips.  There are nearly&amp;nbsp;403,000 house fires each year in the United States. Teaching your family about fire safety may&amp;nbsp;protect your home from bec...</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:22:54 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Protecting_your_family_and_home_from_fire.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;This is the first of a two-part series on fire prevention. Check back to see more fire safety tips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are nearly&amp;nbsp;403,000 house fires each year in the United States. Teaching your family about fire safety may&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx"&gt;protect your home&lt;/a&gt; from becoming a fire statistic and, more importantly, keep your loved ones from harm.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your fire safety plan should include a review of fire hazards in your home, an evacuation plan with different designated escape options, and a prearranged safe meeting place outside of your home. Fire statistics confirm many preventable house fires are caused by inattention while cooking with oil or grease.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Never leave the stove for any reason when cooking with hot oil,&amp;rdquo; said Rick Barks, Assistant Vice- President of Personal Lines at SGI CANADA. &amp;ldquo;As well, never put water on an oil fire as this causes the oil to splatter and may spread the fire further which could cause severe burns. Should a fire occur, use a lid to smother the fire. Better still, don&amp;rsquo;t cook with oil, it&amp;rsquo;s healthier.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Candles have also been the cause of many home fires. People seldom realize that candles are an open flame and can be dangerous. Other than candles, very rarely do people want an open flame in their home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Barks recommends that when using candles, make absolutely sure they are properly supervised, away from pets, small children and combustible materials such as draperies, wood and paper.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Never leave your home or go to sleep with a candle still burning,&amp;rdquo; said Barks. For added protection, your home should not be without working smoke alarms in key areas such as the kitchen, bedrooms, hallways and basement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Also, remember to check the smoke alarms each month to make sure they&amp;rsquo;re working and always change the batteries at least once a year,&amp;rdquo; said Barks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You should also keep a complete record of your belongings. Having a detailed list of your belongings greatly assists in making the adjustment of a claim go much smoother should the unexpected occur. There are various recording options available such as writing a list, taking photos, or shooting a video of your home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Always store your list, photos or video in a safe place away from your home in a safety deposit box, at a friend&amp;rsquo;s house, your office or with your insurance broker.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information on protecting your home, &lt;a href="/contact.aspx"&gt;contact &lt;/a&gt;your insurance broker annually to ensure your policies are accurate, up to-date and provide the&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="/life/default.aspx"&gt;coverage &lt;/a&gt;your family needs.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:f76c43fa-26f5-467f-a7b5-a05dc191ca2e</guid><title>How is my Homeowners’ insurance premium determined?</title><description> How insurance premiums are calculated can be different from insurance company to insurance company, however, a majority of companies will use the following when determining what to charge you for your homeowner&amp;rsquo;s insurance.      Location &amp;ndas...</description><pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:46:25 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/How_is_my_Homeowners_insurance_premium_determined.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How insurance premiums are calculated can be different from insurance company to insurance company, however, a majority of companies will use the following when determining what to charge you for your &lt;a href="/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx"&gt;homeowner&amp;rsquo;s insurance.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Location &lt;/strong&gt;&amp;ndash; Insurance companies will take into consideration the crime rate in your area, how close your home is to a fire department, and the likelihood for weather-related claims. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Type of construction&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; whether your home is made of wood, stucco siding, brick, or stone. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Age of home&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; new homes can typically qualify for discounts. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Amount of coverage&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; the amount of coverage you purchase on your home, the contents of the home, and the liability limit will play a role in the cost of your policy. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Loss valuation&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; how your policy will pay for your home in the event of a claim, whether it will pay the actual cash value or the amount it costs to replace the items lost. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Deductible&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; how much of a loss you are willing to pay before you insurance kicks in. If you have a mortgage on your home, the maximum amount of your deductible many times will be dictated by your lender. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:a1b18cd0-cbc1-4f35-a059-6b807495f094</guid><title>What is Business Interruption Coverage?</title><description>&lt;img src='http://www.nohassleinsurance.ca/img/~www.heritageinsurance.ca/business_interruption_coverage.jpg' align='left' /&gt;  A catastrophe, such as a fire, may shut a business down temporarily.&amp;nbsp; While the business is not operating, business income can stop or decrease substantially.&amp;nbsp; Yet, expenses can continue and may even increase during this period.&amp;nbsp; Thi...</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:03:52 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/What_is_Business_Interruption_Coverage.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="float: left;" src="http://www.nohassleinsurance.ca/img/~www.heritageinsurance.ca/business_interruption_coverage.jpg" /&gt;A catastrophe, such as a fire, may shut a business down temporarily.&amp;nbsp; While the business is not operating, business income can stop or decrease substantially.&amp;nbsp; Yet, expenses can continue and may even increase during this period.&amp;nbsp; This is where&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="/business/bop_quote.aspx"&gt;Business Interruption coverage&lt;/a&gt; steps in.&amp;nbsp; It is intended to cover the loss of net income, temporary relocation expenses, and ongoing expenses such as payroll, electricity, rent or mortgage.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Coverage Limitations&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Insurance is designed to financially restore someone to where they would have been had the loss not occurred.&amp;nbsp; Therefore, the business would be required to submit records that would provide a good indication as to what the business would have actually lost in net income.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; It is recommended that businesses keep a copy of at least 12 months of financial records offsite for this very reason.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most policies include a waiting period, for example 72 hours, before coverage will begin.&amp;nbsp; A maximum amount paid out each month as well as the amount paid out overall for the loss of net income is determined when the policy is purchased.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;The policy will also specify a maximum time the coverage will extend for.&amp;nbsp; So for an example, a policy may state coverage will only apply for 120 days, include a limit of $120,000 with a monthly limitation of &amp;frac14;.&amp;nbsp; This would indicate the business owner would only be entitled to a maximum payment of $30,000 each month with a $120,000 maximum paid out over the course of 120 days.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Extra Expense&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Extra Expense coverage is used to provide relief from additional expenses a business incurs to keep the doors open, such as relocating to a temporary location while the primary location is being repaired.&amp;nbsp; This coverage is provided in addition to Business Income coverage. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Extended Period of Indemnity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Typically, Business Income coverage will stop when business operations are resumed.&amp;nbsp; Yet, just because business resumes, doesn&amp;rsquo;t mean the normal flow of income immediately resumes as well.&amp;nbsp; Extended Period of Indemnity can provide coverage in the interim, from the time the business is able to re-open its&amp;rsquo; doors to when the income resumes to normal income levels.&amp;nbsp; However, there will be a time limit imposed as to how long the coverage will apply as the insurance company can not guarantee income restoration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How to purchase Business Interruption Insurance&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Business Interruption coverage is not sold individually.&amp;nbsp; It can be added to a commercial property insurance policy or a business owner&amp;rsquo;s policy. Call us today at (410)356-0400 or get a free &lt;a href="/business/bop_quote.aspx"&gt;business insurance quote.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:ae9ea72d-945b-4a40-8dfc-51433ceee353</guid><title>Renters Insurance</title><description>&lt;img src='http://www.nohassleinsurance.ca/img/~www.heritageinsurance.ca/iStock_000000874059XSmall.jpg' align='left' /&gt;   A common misconception for tenant's is that the landlords&amp;rsquo; policy will cover their possessions in the event of a loss.&amp;nbsp; This couldn&amp;rsquo;t be farther from the truth.&amp;nbsp; The truth is a landlords' policy will be limited to providing c...</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:46:01 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Renters_Insurance.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 18px;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;p &gt;&lt;img style="width: 277px; height: 170px;" alt="Flooded Home" src="http://www.nohassleinsurance.ca/img/~www.heritageinsurance.ca/iStock_000000874059XSmall.jpg" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A common misconception for tenant's is that the landlords&amp;rsquo; policy will cover their possessions in the event of a loss.&amp;nbsp; This couldn&amp;rsquo;t be farther from the truth.&amp;nbsp; The truth is a landlords' policy will be limited to providing coverage for damage to the building structure, the landlord&amp;rsquo;s equipment to service the property and liability coverage for the common areas, only. Landlord's insurance does cover a tenant&amp;rsquo;s furniture, personal possessions, or damage they might cause to the landlord&amp;rsquo;s property. The tenants are responsible for their own possessions. Tenants can also face suits for injuries others may incur when on their premises.&amp;nbsp; Renters insurance is designed to protect the tenant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Renters insurance policies include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Property &amp;ndash; covers the tenants possessions, such as furniture and clothing. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Liability and Medical Payments &amp;ndash; provides coverage for the tenant in the event someone is injured on their property. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Loss of Use &amp;ndash; provides money for temporary residence until the tenant is able to relocate. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Renters policies are typically very inexpensive and well worth the cost.&amp;nbsp; Imagine for just a moment what it would cost to replace all of your possessions and pay for temporary residence until you can move back in.&amp;nbsp; It very well could add up to be tens of thousands of dollars.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Do note, some renters policies will place a cap on certain types of property, such as cash, electronics, and jewelry.&amp;nbsp; So be sure to discuss the type of property you have with your agent when purchasing a renters policy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Also, in the event of a claim, you will be required to provide an inventory list of all of the items you own.&amp;nbsp; We recommend keeping a list and photographs of your property and storing that list somewhere other than your rented property. Keep receipts for all major items you own also.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Click to get a free&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="/renters/insurance_quote.aspx"&gt;renters insurance quote&lt;/a&gt; or call us today at &lt;strong&gt;(410-356-0400)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:6afd81ed-6659-4c1c-9649-a240a03a6903</guid><title>Potential Liabilities Considerations for Business Owners</title><description>&lt;img src='http://www.nohassleinsurance.ca/img/~www.heritageinsurance.ca/iStock_000004187763XSmall.jpg' align='left' /&gt;There are so many things to do and consider when deciding whether or not to go into business for yourself.&amp;nbsp; One very important item to consider is the potential you have to be sued because of your actions or inaction as a business owner.&amp;nbsp; W...</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:26:52 -0500</pubDate><a10:link href="http://www.hankoffinsurance.com/blog/Potential_Liabilities_Considerations_for_Business_Owners.aspx" /><a10:content type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;img style="float: left; margin-left: 15px;  width: 300px; margin-right: 20px;  height: 199px;border: 1px solid;" alt="Workplace injury" src="http://www.nohassleinsurance.ca/img/~www.heritageinsurance.ca/iStock_000004187763XSmall.jpg" /&gt;There are so many things to do and consider when deciding whether or not to go into business for yourself.&amp;nbsp; One very important item to consider is the potential you have to be sued because of your actions or inaction as a business owner.&amp;nbsp; We have listed some common potential liability exposures business owners face:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Premises Liability&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; the potential for visitors to be injured or harmed while at a business location. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Operations Liability&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; the potential for injury to occur because of the work performed by the business. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Products Liability&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; the potential for products manufactured by a business to cause harm or injury &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Injury to employees&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; laws exist that dictate the liability a business owner can have when an employee is injured during the course of employment. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Professional liability&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; Professionals, for example doctors and lawyers, can have additional legal duties placed on them because of their professional status. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Management Liability&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; the potential for directors and officers of a business to be liable because of their responsibilities to those they serve. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let our agency help you determine what risks your business can face and the appropriate insurance coverage you need so you can rest easy knowing you are properly covered at a cost that can meet your budget. Call us today at &lt;strong&gt;(410-356-0400) &lt;/strong&gt;for a free &lt;a href="/business/default.aspx"&gt;business insurance&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;quote.&lt;/p&gt;</a10:content></item></channel></rss>
