Hamilton Insurance Group - Nationwide

Toilet Overflowing? Quick Do This...

If, after you flush, the water is rising higher than it should, quickly turn on the cold water in the sink as well as in the bathtub or shower. The cold water coming through the pipes will cause a vacuum that will suction the water in the toilet down the drain. Commit this tip to memory. It’s a great thing to know, especially when you go to somebody else’s home.

For more information about this tip or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or
www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group and Bottom Line Secrets publish the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Reprinted with the permission of:
Bottom Line Publications
Boardroom Inc.
281 Tresser Blvd., 8th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
www.BottomLineSecrets.com

Household Magic Daily Tips From Joan&Lydia Wilen

First, spread the rinds from an orange or lemon on paper towels, and let them dry out overnight. When the rinds are thoroughly dry, toss them on the fire to create a lovely citrus aroma.

If you are not into a citrus scent, you could toss in a few pinecones for a more woodsy fragrance.

For more information about this tip or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group and Bottom Line Secrets publish the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Reprinted with the permission of:
Bottom Line Publications
Boardroom Inc.
281 Tresser Blvd., 8th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
www.BottomLineSecrets.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! From Tim&Your; Insurance Team At Hamilton Insurance Group.  To view our holiday greeting, click here 

Mold can be defined as a growth of minute fungi forming on vegetable or animal matter, commonly as a downy or furry coating, and associated with decay or dampness. Growth of mold may begin with or become exacerbated by water damage that is inadequately repaired. Increasingly, airtight building construction (for purposes of improving energy efficiency) and the recirculation of contaminated air can contribute to the growth of mold as well.

Mold claim costs have increased dramatically over the years. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the typical mold claim costs between $15,000 and $30,000, compared to only $3,000 to $4,000 for an average homeowners claim. Part of this reason is the additional living expenses component of the claim. Frequently, a home owner must temporarily move out of the home due to necessary and major remediation work.

Active mold is fuzzy, velvety, or slimy, and is orange, green, black, brown, pink, or purple in color. If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, here are some tips to consider.

• Check the inside and outside of the dwelling for leaks and any visual evidence of contaminants since plumbing leaks are a primary cause of mold in homes. This task includes investigating the attic and basement to closely check for dampness and discoloration. It is important that the source of the leak be repaired as quickly as possible.

• If there is a slight amount of mold, used a detergent solution to remove it. Wear a mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves while performing this task.

• For larger amounts of mold or resistant mold, contact a qualified specialist in the area of mold remediation.

• For moderate or major damage to property, also contact your insurance agent.

• To mold-proof your home, dehumidify your basement during the warm months. Eliminate standing water, and frequently clean and replace furnace filters.

• Regularly check the condition of your roof and exterior finish for any places where water might enter your home.

If mold is suspected of causing an illness, consider the following recommendations.

• Contacting an environmental consultant may be necessary. You should ascertain the credentials of this consultant and contact the references provided. In addition, it is wise to select a consultant who does not perform the actual remediation work or have an interest in a company that does.

• If symptoms persist, a physician who specializes in occupational and environmental medicine (rather than a family practitioner) should be consulted. The specialist is often able to more easily isolate the cause.

For more information about ways to reduce your exposure to mold losses or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group publishes the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

Copyright 2011
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

Like it or not, most of us will be involved in an auto collision at some point during the many years we spend on the road. Being involved in an auto accident can be painful, frightening, and the claims process can be time consuming if you’re unaware of what you should do after an accident. Your insurer would like a speedy claims process just as much as you do. As your agent, we’d like to equip you with the following tips and tricks to guarantee an efficient claims process.

If you’re in an accident, stay at the scene until the police inform you they have all the information they need and you’re free to leave. Departing from the scene of an accident could result in violations or criminal charges, especially if there are substantial injuries or damage involved. Usually, the police judge the severity of the accident, injuries, and damage sustained by both parties and will file that information in their report. If the police do not feel the damage is sufficient, you will be responsible for filing the accident report. Remember to be honest and thorough to ensure accuracy in your report. If you cannot move your accident off the roadway, turn on your hazard lights or use flairs and cones to make certain others drivers will see you and avoid the accident scene.

Even if you think you’re responsible for the accident, never admit fault. Auto accidents are never as cut and dry as they appear. Determining factors may arise during the claims process which will indicate you’re less liable than originally thought. You should avoid discussing who is responsible with the other driver, and leave investing responsibility to a claims professional.

After any auto accident, you should acquire the following information:

• From the other party: You’ll need their name, address, driver’s license number, policy number, a phone number to file claims at their insurance company, make and model of their vehicle, and their license plate number including the state it belongs to. Most, if not all, of this information can be found on their insurance card.

• From any witnesses willing to come forward: You will also need their name, address, and telephone number. Be sure you give this information to your adjuster as soon as your claim is assigned to one.

• From the Police: Request a business card and an “incident number” from the officers who respond to your accident.

• At the location of the accident: Take notes, or photos, of where the accident happened. Include the road condition, speed limit, and traffic conditions. You will also

need to indicate time of day as well as weather conditions.

• From the accident: Take notes on the direction of travel (i.e. I was traveling East on Main Street) and how both cars were being operated at the time of the accident (i.e. I was stopped, waiting to turn left onto Smith Drive and the other driver was turning off of Smith Dr onto Main Street). If your claim goes into litigation, these notes will become evidence during those proceedings.

Accept onsite medical treatment from paramedics or visit your doctor as soon as possible. Taking chances with your health can cost you. Always let a professional evaluate whether or not you’ve been injured in an accident. Not everything can be chalked up to a stiff back, or “just a little achy”. These can be indications of a serious injury that will require treatment down the road. Without a diagnosis from a medical professional immediately following the accident, which indicates you were injured during the collision, these damages will have to be covered out of pocket if they become worse.

For more information about this article or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group and Insurance Technologies Corporation publish the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Content under license to Hamilton Insurance Group, Copyright 2011 Insurance Technologies Corporation

Winter weather conditions can make driving hazardous. Watch these helpful tips for a safe winter drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyU_rbwZex8

For more information about these tips or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group publishes the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Household Magic Daily Tips From Joan&Lydia Wilen

Start by blow-drying the gum with your hair dryer on the warm (not hot) setting. You want to melt the gum, not the carpet’s fibers. As soon as the gum seems very gooey, put a small plastic bag around it and gently pull off the bag, bringing the gum with it.

Repeat the process until all of the gum is out of the carpet, or there’s just a stubborn little bit left. For that little bit, work in a dab of petroleum jelly, rolling the gum into it. Then wash the spot with a gentle laundry detergent formulated to fight grease. Finally, rinse with water and blot dry.

Caution: Petroleum jelly may stain the carpet, so be sure to do a spot-test first.

For more information about this tip or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group and Bottom Line Secrets publish the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Reprinted with the permission of:
Bottom Line Publications
Boardroom Inc.
281 Tresser Blvd., 8th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
www.BottomLineSecrets.com

Millions of Americans are expected to remodel their homes this year as they wait out the return of a robust home selling market.

Angie’s List surveyed top remodelers and real estate professionals to determine which remodeling projects result in the best return on investment when it comes time to sell your home.

“Well-planned and executed home improvements make your house more livable while you live there, and they boost your home’s resale value,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“If you’re investing in your home specifically to help sell it, focus your dollars on the things that will really wow a potential buyer.”

Home remodeling projects with the highest return on investment

1. The Kitchen – Whether it’s a major overhaul or a simple makeover, putting a fresh face on your kitchen is your best investment. Maximize your return, by limiting your project cost to no more than 20 percent of the value of your home. Expect an 85 percent return on your investment.
2. The Bathroom – An outdated bathroom can spoil a sale. Current trends have homeowners installing large showers instead of garden tubs. A major update could cost less than $20,000, but it should yield an 80 percent return.
3. Decks – A new deck can cost a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on size and materials used. Before you build, look at other homes in your area and build accordingly. If the deck is in good shape, your return could be more than 80 percent.
4. Siding – If your home’s façade is siding and it’s not in good shape, replacing or repairing the siding can bring instant freshness. You’ll likely spend at least $10,000, but you should get at least 80 percent back.
5. Window replacement – The energy efficiency of new windows is a clear benefit to switching out older windows, but in some cases, it’s a safety feature, too. Costs depend on the number of windows you’re replacing, of course, and the type. Expect a return on your investment of at least 70 percent.

“Don’t settle for a company without a great local reputation or references you can verify,” Hicks says. “Wait for the right contractor.”

For more information about this article or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group publishes the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Visit Angie’s List for consumer reviews on highly rated contractors, builders and other service professionals.

Reprinted with permission from Angie's List.

Joan& Lydia Wilen

If you’re displaying a flag for Veterans Day, be sure to heed the tip below...

When it’s raining, cotton or wool flags should not be left outside. However, flags can be flown in inclement weather if made of all-weather material. If a flag cannot be illuminated at night with a spotlight, porch light or streetlamp, take it down at sunset.

For more information about this tip or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group and Bottom Line Secrets publish the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Reprinted with the permission of:
Bottom Line Publications
Boardroom Inc.
281 Tresser Blvd., 8th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
www.BottomLineSecrets.com

Tom Torbjornsen

Even the smartest people sometimes feel foolish when speaking with car mechanics. We often say yes to maintenance services because we figure that the auto mechanic knows what is best for our cars. However, car owners sometimes overspend ­because less-than-honest auto repair shops talk them into services that their cars don’t really need. They also may not understand that today’s vehicles have different needs than those of decades past.

Among the most common money-wasting mistakes car owners make...

FLUID FLUSHES

Some quick-lube shops, independent mechanics and car dealerships pressure car owners into replacing automotive fluids that still are perfectly fine. In some cases, this will mean draining the fluids... in others, they might recommend actually flushing the system out completely, cleaning out virtually every drop of the old fluid. In either case, these services can cost $70 to $150 or more apiece.

Brake fluid flushes. Don’t trust a shop that recommends you flush your brake fluid regularly. Brake fluid can last as long as your vehicle. There are exceptions, however. Your brake fluid might legitimately need to be flushed if moisture gets into the system or the brake fluid has overheated.

What to do: Visually inspect your brake fluid once or twice a year, or ask a mechanic you trust to do so when you stop by for some other service. Brake fluid should be clear or translucent. If the fluid is rust-colored, moisture might have gotten in and a flush might be warranted. If your brake fluid is black or has a burnt smell, your braking system likely has a problem that requires a mechanic’s attention, not just a flush. If it is below the recommended level, it might have a leak.

If the brake fluid is clear or translucent, does not smell burnt and is at the correct level, agree to a flush only if your vehicle’s maintenance schedule calls for it, which is rare.

Power steering fluid flushes. Power steering fluid can last the life of a vehicle, too, unless otherwise noted in the vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

What to do: Inspect the fluid once or twice a year, or ask a trusted mechanic to do so for you. It should be flushed and replaced if it smells burnt or you see black grime or metal flakes in the fluid -- shining a light into the reservoir can help you spot these flakes. There could be an underlying problem that requires a mechanic’s attention as well. Otherwise there’s no need for the flush.

Transmission fluid flushes. Automatic transmission fluid should be flushed occasionally -- but some disreputable quick-lube shops recommend these flushes to seemingly every customer who comes in for an oil change. Most of those flushes are completely unnecessary and in some cases, might even hurt the transmission.

What to do: Have your transmission fluid flushed every 35,000 miles or so. Make sure that the shop replaces the filter when it changes the fluid. Some ­automakers say a transmission fluid flush isn’t necessary until perhaps 100,000 miles, but transmission fluid is an oil and oil can break down over time, so this is one situation where it makes sense to err on the side of caution.

Engine oil flushes. Ask some quick-lube shops and mechanics for a $25 oil change, and they will try to sell you a $100 to $200 engine oil flush. They’ll claim this is the only way to clear years of sludge out of the engine. Trouble is, any sludge that an oil flush does dislodge could clog the oil pump pickup screen, causing more problems than it solves.

What to do: Have your oil changed, not flushed. Get oil changes according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule -- that’s likely every 5,000 miles or 7,500 miles, not every 3,000 miles, the old rule of thumb. Lean toward a high-quality synthetic oil, such as AMSOIL or Mobil 1, assuming that synthetic oils are recommended as an option in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. These cost a few dollars more but do a far superior job protecting your engine.

UNNEEDED CLEANINGS

Keeping a car clean might seem like a wise investment, but in some cases it’s money misspent.

Brake system cleanings. This typically involves taking the brakes apart and washing or even sandblasting the components, usually at a cost upward of $100. It’s probably unnecessary. Modern braking systems are designed to pretty much take care of themselves without this treatment.

What to do: Don’t agree to this unless it is recommended by a mechanic you trust and your vehicle has experienced a braking problem, such as a high-pitched squealing even though the brake pads are not yet worn out, which could be a sign that glazing has developed on the brake parts.

Fuel system cleanings. Quick-lube shops sometimes recommend these ­every 5,000 or 10,000 miles. They inevitably claim that this $100-to-$150 service will pay for itself in improved gas mileage. That’s true only if the fuel injectors were badly clogged. Fuel injectors can become clogged and require cleaning, but this generally happens slowly.

What to do: Get a fuel system cleaning every 35,000 miles or so. Anything more is overkill. Have this work done by a mechanic in a fully equipped shop that appears very well-stocked with modern-looking computerized equipment. Doing fuel system cleanings properly requires specialized equipment, tools and know-how that many shops lack.

Any service offered by a car wash beyond the wash itself. The paint sealants, protectants, under-car sealant and color waxes that car washes offer tend to be virtually worthless. They’re likely to wash away the first time the car is out in the rain.

What to do: The only service worth paying for at a car wash is a car wash.

BUT DON’T CUT CORNERS

Sometimes not spending enough on vehicle maintenance ends up costing car owners. Examples...

Buying generic brake pads or delaying brake pad replacement. Low-­quality brake pads will wear out faster than higher-quality pads. That means you’ll have to return to the shop sooner to replace them, more than offsetting any money saved by buying the cheaper part.

Delaying brake pad replacement or using low-quality brake pads also can increase the wear on the brake rotors. That could force you to replace both the pads and rotors, which could easily double or triple the cost of the brake job. Using worn-out or low-quality brake pads also could reduce your ability to bring your vehicle to a stop in an emergency.

What to do: Replace your brake pads as soon as they have worn down to less than one-quarter inch in depth. It might be time to replace the pads if your brakes consistently screech, too -- perfectly good brake pads might screech on wet days, but if the brake pads are still good, that screeching likely will not persist throughout a long trip or once the weather dries up. Opt for high-quality brake pads, such as those made by Wagner (800-325-8886, www.FederalMogul.com) or Bendix (www.BendixBrakes.com). These typically cost $15 to $20 more per pad than the generics, but that’s a small price to pay for longer pad life, longer rotor life and greater safety. The original-equipment brake pads sold by dealerships likely are fine, too, but might be expensive.

Not replacing the air filter regularly. There’s no good excuse for not replacing your vehicle’s air filter ­every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Air filters are inexpensive -- usually $15 to $20 -- and putting in a new one is a simple do-it-yourself job in most vehicles. If you don’t want to do this yourself, a mechanic should be able to do this for you for the cost of the filter and a half-hour’s labor or less. Continue to use a dirty air filter, and you cost yourself money by reducing your car’s fuel efficiency.

What to do: If you want to minimize the long-term cost and hassle of replacing air filters, buy a K&N; air filter (800-858-3333, www.KNFilters.com). These typically cost $40 to $60, but unlike conventional paper air filters, they can provide excellent fuel efficiency and filtration for the life of your vehicle. Just clean them every 50,000 miles using a K&N cleaning kit designed for the purpose. The kits cost around $10 to $12 and last for many cleanings.

Washing your car with household soap. Common household soaps, such as dishwashing soap, might remove the wax coating from a vehicle or otherwise damage its finish.

What to do: Wash your car only with pH-neutral wash solutions specifically designed for use on vehicles. These are available in auto-parts stores and in the auto sections of discount stores. Or take the car to a car wash.

For more information about this article or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlightingor go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group and Bottom Line Secrets publish the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Reprinted with the permission of:
Bottom Line Publications
Boardroom Inc.
281 Tresser Blvd., 8th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
www.BottomLineSecrets.com