Orlando, Fla. -- As we prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irma, in Florida, besides taking all precautions to safeguard lives we must take care of our business property. For truck owners, finding a safe place to keep their vehicles is essential.

In past experiences, we learned a few things. Even those who stored their vehicles further inland still got flooded because the storm turned out to be much worse than they expected. The storm surge was 3 to 4 times higher than expected.

In an attempt to help truck owners be better prepared for the next inevitable hurricane, some insurance companies are now using geographic information systems (GIS) like Esri and taking advantage of the speed that technology offers to act faster in the face of severe weather.

This type of system offered a platform to related government and nongovernment organizations to augment early warning and evacuation operations with technology and to introduce disaster analysis information systems for disaster prevention.

Having seen that, insurance companies moved a step forward and began using mapping technology to help provide policy holders useful weather suggestions on where they should take their trucks/vehicles to prevent more damage, in the event of an evacuation.

Their ultimate goal is to combine customer information and the locations of their vehicles with sophisticated maps showing the projected hurricane path and intensity while a storm is developing to help provide haul away services for customers or offer them directions to a safe location with sufficient storage capacity for their trucks and commercial vehicles.

Once you have made our decision on where to take your vehicle, make sure to never drive through standing water of an unknown depth, because it can flood the engine, warp brake rotors, lose power steering or create an electrical short.

A few tips about keeping your vehicles safe, including boats, are included in this article (link) of the Sun Sentinel.

Consult your vehicle insurance agency about your policy's hurricane coverage. You need to inquire about what is covered, as well as what steps to take in the event that your vehicle is damaged and you need to make a claim.

Take pictures of the interior and exterior of your car before the storm. You may need these later to prove that any damage you are claiming was caused by the hurricane. You may also consider getting a full mechanical diagnostic before the hurricane for insurance purposes and to check your vehicle’s general safety.

It is a good practice to make sure the windows are sealed tightly and use masking tape to fully cover each window with a criss-cross pattern. It won’t might prevent windows from breaking, it will make clean-up easier in the event that they do.

Also, remove unnecessary external accessories. If you use extra antennae, or other temporary items on the outside of your commercial vehicle or truck, they can quickly become deadly projectiles in the event of high-speed winds.

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Orlando, Fla. —For those of you who can’t believe the month of August is already upon us, let us remind you that the online shopping/delivery season is about to begin sooner than you expect.

Are you still wondering why so many store chains and shopping centers keep closing across the country?

According to the 2016 PwC report “Shifting Patterns: The future of the logistics industry,” supply chain management professionals are in an era of unprecedented change as digitization makes a full entrance to the market and customers’ buying behavior evolve.

A few key issues like higher customer expectations, constant changes and evolution of business models, and intense productivity requirements are currently affecting our commercial landscape and businesses must prepare now to respond wisely using adequate tactics.

One good example is the way customers now perceive shipping services. The great majority of private end-consumers aren’t concerned on who delivers their goods, as long as they get them reliably, quickly and cheaply. Others would just like more flexible delivery and most aren’t willing to pay for shipping: they expect it to be free, though they are prepared to pay a premium for additional services, such as faster delivery for high-value items. 

Customers expect to pay the same price for shipping regardless of seasonal capacity constraints faced by their shipper, with the exception of surcharges for same day, overnight or expedited service.

Change in the logistics, transportation, and distribution fields puts company cultures to the test. 

The industry is now defining a future that represents an estimated US$4.6 trillion of revenues.  Companies can’t afford to sit back and watch; they need to adapt to changing markets proactively.

The authors of the PwC report, maintain that the most successful organizations will be those with agile and flexible cultures that make it easier for people to work together across internal and external boundaries. As the report says, “You need to put your culture to work.”

Many of the new entrants in freight forwarding are basing their offering on more agile pricing.  They’re also providing quotes more quickly and increasing price transparency – for example, by linking via API directly to a large number of carriers, and providing customers with their negotiated rates for each of the carriers they use so they can compare directly. 

Last-mile delivery has also seen a wave of start-ups in recent years. Some of these companies are using technology to tap into the ‘sharing economy’ by matching available capacity with delivery needs. Uber, currently the largest crowd-sharing platform for passenger transit, has its eye on the logistics markets too. It has established an UberCARGO van service in Hong Kong, and UberRUSH is offering express services by targeting online retailers. Dolly, another start-up headquartered in the US, has a similar approach and helps people to get things transported within their city by connecting them with registered drivers.

In Orlando, Amazon recently announced the opening of a fulfillment center with 1,500 jobs near the Orlando International Airport.

The Seattle-based Amazon confirmed that it would be building an 855,000-square-foot facility near Boggy Creek Road and Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando FL.

FLORIDA —For some, driving is a relax entertaining experience that allows you to unwind from a stressful workday or perhaps be delighted with some amazing sightseeing. This is obviously not the case for commercial truck drivers. Those who are responsible to deliver the goods that we all love to receive on time, rain or shine!

Florida’s commercial trucks owners are bound by specific laws and regulations that must be followed and observed in order to safeguard the general public (themselves included) from potential risks on the road.

For example, did you know the leading cause of semi-truck drivers’ accidents is fatigue? That is the reason why in the State of Florida a truck driver is only allowed to drive a maximum amount of 11 hours per day on a 14 hour  workday and they can only drive again once they have rested a minimum of 10 hours. These are rules that truck drivers are bound to follow, by law. Plus, it doesn’t end there — drivers can only drive 77 hours on during a 7 day period and 88 hours on an 8 day work schedule. Then, they are unable to drive their commercial vehicle again only after 60  consecutive hours off the road.

These type of guidelines are commonly observed and proven effective to-date in airline pilots, and for a good reason. When you board your plane for that important business meeting, or maybe something much more fun such as vacationing with your family — don’t you feel these laws, rules and regulations make a lot of sense?

Commercial Motor Vehicles subject to the regulations of the USDOT, 49 CFR 387, must file insurance in an amount equivalent to the minimum levels of financial responsibility as set forth in the following Schedule of Limits based on the type of transportation and commodity transported:

CMVs not regulated by the USDOT under 49 CFR 387 must file automobile bodily injury and property damage liability insurance based on gross vehicle weight (GVW) as described below:

Shopping for auto insurance?

The price you pay for your auto insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on your driving record, the type of car you have and the insurance company you buy your policy from. Here is a list of things you can do to save money.

Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs 

Your premium is based in part on the car's sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft, such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices.

For more information on car safety, check the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Cars that are favorite targets for thieves cost more to insure. For more information on car theft, check the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Ask for a higher deductible

Your deductible is the amount of money you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage premium by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. However, keep in mind that you'll need to have the amount of the deductible on hand should something happen to your car.

Reduce coverage in older cars 

Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars. It may not be cost-effective to continue insuring cars worth less than 10 times the amount you would pay for coverage. Any claim payment you receive would not substantially exceed your premiums minus the deductible. Claims occur on average only once every 11 or 12 years. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of a car, or you can look it up online at Kelley Blue Book. 

Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer 

Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them. Also, you may get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce premiums for long-time customers. But shop around carefully; you may still save more money buying from a different insurance company even with the multi-policy discount. 

Take advantage of low-mileage discounts 

Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles per year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who carpool to work.

Ask about group insurance 

You may be eligible to get insurance through a group plan from your employer, or through professional, business and alumni groups or other associations. Group plans often provide substantial discounts. Ask your employer, or any groups or clubs of which you are a member, about this option.

Maintain good credit 

Your credit rating may affect what you pay for insurance, so monitor it carefully. You can get this information directly from the three major credit-rating agencies (Equifax, Experian, Trans Union). There are also various Web sites that allow you to check your credit rating and provide tips on how to improve your score.

Seek out safe driver discounts 

Most insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also qualify for a cut if you have recently taken a defensive driving course, if you are over 50 and retired, or if there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is away at a college, generally at least 100 miles away.

When you comparison shop, be sure to inquire about discounts for the following (availability will vary according to the state and company):

• No accidents in 3 years
• No moving violations in 3 years
• Drivers over 50 to 55 years of age
• Driver training course
• Defensive driving course
• Student drivers with good grades
• College students away from home
• $500 deductible
• $1,000 deductible
• Air bags
• Anti-lock brakes
• Daytime running lights
• Anti-theft device
• Low annual mileage
• Auto and homeowners coverage with the same company
• More than one car insured with the same company
• Long-time customer

But don't forget that the key to savings is not the discounts but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price. 

Shopping for your dream house?

It’s important to keep insurance in mind throughout the home buying process. Most lenders won’t provide a mortgage without insurance coverage. Your insurance company or agent, together with your realtor, can help you get what you want – a good home that is properly protected.

EVEN BEFORE YOU START LOOKING FOR A HOME

Put yourself in the best possible position to be able to afford a home, receive the lowest possible mortgage rate and get insurance for your new house. This takes advance preparation on your part.

Check your credit rating

Good credit helps you in many ways, including getting a mortgage at a good rate. Depending on the state and the insurer, it may also help you save money on your homeowners insurance. Get a copy of one or all of your credit reports. Make sure they are accurate and report any mistakes immediately. The credit report helps you see how your credit standing compares to others. If your credit is not as good as it should be, begin to improve it immediately.

Check your home insurance claims-filing history

Get a copy of your loss history report, such as a CLUE report from ChoicePoint or an A-PLUS report from ISO. This is a record of home insurance claims you have filed. If you have not filed any insurance claims in the past five years, you will not have a loss history report. The better your claim record, the less you may pay for insurance. A good claims record can also be important if you are selling the home you are currently living in. However, a past claim does not have to be a problem; the reulting repairs or improvements, if done properly, can make a property more attractive to buyers and insurers.

Renters insurance

If you are currently renting, it’s important to have insurance for your personal property. Your landlord’s coverage will not cover the things you own. If you haven’t owned a home before, it might be helpful to have a history of insurance when you go to buy your first home.

HOUSE HUNTING

As you look at homes, remember that characteristics of the house (where it is, how it's constructed and the kind of shape it’s in) can send your insurance rates up or down.

Construction of the house

If you plan to live near the Atlantic or Gulf coasts, consider a brick home because it is more resistant to hurricanes. If you are buying in a seismically active region, look for newer homes built to current codes, or older homes that have been bolted to their foundations. They are better able to withstand earthquakes.

Age of the house

Older homes sometimes have features such as plaster walls, ceiling molding and wooden floors that could be costly to replace. Such special features may raise the cost of insurance. Also, an older home that has been updated to comply with current building codes is typically less expensive to insure than an older home that is not up-to-date.

Condition of roof and home

If you are considering a “fixer upper,” you may pay more for insurance until clear improvements are made. In particular, check out the condition of the roof. A new roof in good repair will be attractive to insurers and will save you money as well as aggravation.
Plumbing, heating and electrical systems 

These systems can wear out, become unsafe with age or become dated as safer technologies are introduced. Recent upgrades make your home safer and less likely to suffer fire or water damage.
Safety devices

Homes equipped with smoke, fire and burglar alarm systems that alert an outside service may get sizeable discounts. Strong doors, dead bolt locks and window locks may also reduce insurance costs.
Pool, wood burning stove, etc.

You will need higher property and liability coverage if you are buying a home with features such as a pool or a wood burning stove. In the case of a pool, consider getting additional coverage, such as an umbrella or excess liability policy.
Quality and proximity of the fire department

Homes near a fire station, those with a hydrant close by and those located in communities with a professional rather than volunteer fire department will cost less to insure.
Location, location, location

Homes near the coast will be more expensive to insure because the risk of hurricane, wind or water damage is greater. In many states, you will pay the first few thousand dollars in damage before your insurance kicks in. You also need to think about the threat of floods or earthquakes. You will need separate insurance for these risks and it can be costly. Also, around the country, there are high-risk areas vulnerable to hurricanes, brush fires or crime that might not qualify for private insurance. To make insurance available, there are state-sponsored Fair Access to Insurance Requirement (FAIR) Plans. FAIR Plans, however, can be expensive and provide less coverage.

PLACING A BID

You have looked at a number of properties and are narrowing your search to a few homes. Now you need to get more specific information on the house and its insurability.

Check the house’s loss history report

Ask the current homeowner for a copy of the house’s insurance loss history report. This will provide information regarding claims filed during the last five years and answer two questions that any savvy homebuyer should ask: Are there any past problems in the home? If damage has occurred, was it properly repaired? Prior claims are not barriers to getting insurance, but you should know the history of the home before you go to closing.

Get the house inspected

A thorough inspection of the home is very important. The inspector should: check the general condition of the home; show you where potential problems might develop; double-check that past problems have been repaired; and suggest upgrades or replacements that may be needed. If a house has been well-maintained, you should have no trouble getting insurance. However, if the inspector raises questions, your insurance company will as well. In particular, have the inspector check for water damage, termites and other types of infestation. Special attention should be paid to the electrical system, septic tank and water heater. Find out if there is an underground oil storage tank, as many insurers will not provide policies for homes that have one.

Contact your insurance professional

Don’t wait until the last minute to think about insurance. Ask your current insurance professional if the house will qualify for insurance and get an estimate of the premium. The sooner you act, the smoother the process will be. If you do not have an insurance agent or company representative, get recommendations from family, friends or co-workers. Select someone you know and trust, as he or she will be an advisor for many years.

Shop around for the best coverage

Most people spend months looking for a house, but only spend a few minutes insuring it. Insurance companies sell insurance in different ways – some through their own agents, others through independent agents or brokers and still others directly by phone or over the internet. Select the arrangement that you are most comfortable with. Get the names of several highly regarded insurers. The higher the financial rating, the better prepared they will be if a real disaster strikes. Then compare prices – it could cut hundreds of dollars off the cost of your bill.

PURCHASING THE HOUSE AND INSURANCE

Congratulations, you are set to purchase your new home. Now you want to be sure you are getting the right insurance coverage at the lowest possible price.

Take the highest deductible you can afford

The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Since most people only file a claim every eight to ten years, you will save money over time and preserve your insurance for when it’s really needed.

Ask about available discounts for: 

• Multipolicy (home, car or other policies with the same company)
• Smoke detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinkler systems
• Burglar and fire alarms that alert an outside service
• Deadbolt locks and fire-safe window grates
• 55 years old and retired
• Long-time policyholder
• Upgrades to plumbing, heating and electrical systems
• Earthquake retrofitting to make the home safer
• Wind-resistant shutters

Get enough insurance to: 

• Completely rebuild the house in the event it is destroyed by fire or other insured disaster .
• Replace everything in the house.
• Protect your liability in case someone is injured on your property and sues you.

Ask about additional coverage such as: 

• Replacement cost for possessions
• Extended or guaranteed replacement cost for the structure
• Building code upgrades
• Sewer and drain back-ups
• Inflation-guard
• Umbrella coverage for a pool or other high-risk items
• Special riders for jewelry, collectibles and expensive items
• Flood, earthquake and windstorm risk

Damage caused by flooding and earthquakes is not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. Instead, homeowners will need to pay an additional premium for coverage that is provided through the government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To get flood insurance, your community must participate in the NFIP program. Policies for coastal properties will have a sizeable windstorm deductible, which means the homeowner may be responsible for thousands of dollars of damage before insurance kicks in. It pays to know what is in your policy. Earthquake insurance is offered by private insurance companies. In California, coverage is available through the California Earthquake Authority, a state program, as well as the private market. It can be expensive and comes with a high deductible. 

AFTER YOU PURCHASE YOUR NEW HOME

Properly maintain the house

Maintain your home as you would your car. Every year, there are important things you should do to reduce the chance that you will experience water damage, fire or other insured loss. Insurance does not pay for routine maintenance or damage resulting from neglect. The cost for proper care should be calculated into your overall budget. It’s your responsibility to be the “risk manager” for your home. If you do your part to reduce insurance losses, not only will your home be safer, it will also save you money on your insurance bill.

Keep insurance up-to-date

Let your insurer know about alterations, additions and improvements to your home. Major purchases and lifestyle changes such as a marriage or divorce should trigger a call to your insurance professional. This way, you can maximize your insurance dollars by not being either under- or over-insured.

Welcome to our blog! We are thrilled to be able to keep you updated regularly with insurance information and local news or events. As always, we would love your thoughts, questions or ideas, so feel free to let us know what you think.

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