Vote in the Measure A election

Posted on April 29, 2011 by purvesinsurance

If you haven’t voted in the Davis Measure A election yet, time is running out.

How to vote

Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Ballots can be dropped off in a specially marked box at the library at 315 E. 14th St. in Davis, or at the county elections office, Room B-05 at the County Administration Building, 625 Court St. in Woodland.

Remember that there are no neighborhood polling places in this election – it’s all vote by mail, so you will not be able to drop your ballot off at a neighborhood polling place.

What’s Measure A?

In response to severe budget pressures, the Davis Joint Unified School District is seeking an additional $200 parcel tax on Davis properties.

If Measure A passes, it will only be allowed to be used for:

  • Continued availability of classes in core subjects such as science and history
  • Continued reduced class sizes for K-6 and English and math classes
  • Continued availability of multiple foreign language programs
  • Continued availability of elective course offerings such as art and career/technical education
  • Retaining counseling staff
  • Continued availability of school site safety and support staff

The measure cannot pass without the approval of two-thirds of voters.

The Yolo County Elections website has the full text of Measure A, along with analysis and ballot arguments.

Davis Media Access sat down and recorded 10-minute videos for each side of the Measure A debate. Watch them here.

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More Earthquake Troubles…

Posted on March 14, 2011 by purvesinsurance

You do not have coverage for earthquake damage under your Homeowner’s Insurance policy!!!

It was only 14 months ago that I was writing about the earthquake in Haiti.  New Zealand had their largest quake on record only last month, with billions in damages and many lives lost.  Which brings us to last weekend in Japan – keep those folks in your prayers!

Do I have coverage for Earthquake Insurance?
Unless you specifcally added it to your homeowner’s insurance policy, the answer is a definitive NO.  You can add it to your policy, or even buy a separate earthquake policy.  In fact, in California earthquake insurance is required to be offered to you every other year by your homeowner’s insurance carrier. 

Why should I buy it?
Because you live in California.  Want to see where the faults are?  Look at the map provided by the US Geological Survey.  The maps show where faults lines are, but more impressive than that – they show the number, size and frequency of earthquakes in the Golden State.  The numbers may surprise you.

Floods often happen in areas that are not historically known to flood, and homeowners in those disasters are financially devastated when their homes are destroyed and they have no coverage.  We know we have earthquake potential in California.  An earthquake insurance policy will not prevent a quake, but it will provide a level of coverage for you if the Big One destroys your home.

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA and we do not like earthquakes.  Or floods.

Filed under: CA earthquake insurance, Earthquake Insurance, Flood Insurance, Home, Home and Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Davis CA, Sacramento earthquake insurance | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

A Good Step on Health Care Reform Reform

Posted on February 2, 2011 by purvesinsurance

The US Senate voted to repeal a particularly bad piece of the Health Care Law today on an 81-17 vote.  81-17 is significant not only because of how overwhelmingly it passed, but because you simply cannot reach that number without bipartisan support.

What part of the law was repealed?
The specific piece repealed was a provision which would require all employers to file a Form 1099 for any vendor with which they spent a cumulative $600 in a calendar year.  Some opponents of the provision argued that this was an invasive tracking mechanism of a business’ buying habits.  Most critics, including myself, argued that it was a huge paperwork boondoggle that did nothing to fix any part of our health care system.

The law passed in 2010, formally entitled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, was a bitterly debated bill before being signed into law.  In our opinion, the law has much more to do with regulating health insurance than reducing the cost of care (which would reduce the cost of insurance). 

The effect of the Senate’s actions today may never be known, since a Federal judge ruled that the law in its entirely is unconstitutional.  That decision is already being appealed, and all bets are that the US Supreme Court will have the last word on the constitutionality of the law.

In my humble opinion…
As I’ve posted on this space before, I irk my conservative friends when I agree that an individual mandate to buy insurance is a good thing.  Whether the Federal government has the power to do such a thing is a question for the courts.  And if the ruling comes down that this must be handled at the State level to be constitutional, I would welcome a “dual mandate”, or one that requires carriers to accept all applicants and simultaneously require all citizens to purchase insurance.  Such a dual mandate could do wonders for our health care system by immediately covering all citizens, but it would have to be accompanied by true cost-saving measures such as serious limits on medical malpractice lawsuits and the elimination of duplicate government-run care systems. 

We have the best health care system in the world.  It has problems, but it’s not as broken as the media portrays it to be.  The real problem is that a large percentage of the population is already enrolled in a socialized form of medicine (Medicare, Medicaid) and the rest of us are subsidizing the cost of those poorly managed programs.  We need to either socialize the whole thing, ro liberate it.  And since government has done such a bang-up job of managing costs I’ll put my money on the free market.

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA and we believe that everyone should, and can, have quality health care.

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Update on PPACA Non-Discrimination

Posted on December 30, 2010 by purvesinsurance

Key Federal agencies have decided that the new Affordable Care Act group health nondiscrimination rules are too complicated for taxpayers to apply without regulatory guidance.  

Taxpayers can wait to comply with the rules until the agencies come out with regulations or some other type of guidance, officials at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) say in IRS Notice 2011-01.

The rules are supposed to discourage employers from using health plans that offer richer benefits to high-paid individuals than to other individuals.

Section 10101(d) of the Patient  Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), a component of the Affordable Care Act package, created the nondiscrimination rules by adding Section 9815(a)(1) to the Internal Revenue Code and Section 715(a)(1) to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

“Comments raised fundamental concerns about plan sponsors’ ability to comply with [the rules] without regulatory guidance,” officials say. Those who have commented were especially confused by a subsection that suggests that taxpayers should use rules similar to the rules used to interpret Internal Revenue Code Section 105(h) when applying the new rules, officials say.

Because regulatory guidance is essential to the operation of the statutory provisions, the Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services have decided not to require compliance with the rules until after regulations or other administrative guidance of general applicability has been issued, officials say.

Regulators are asking for comments on a variety of issues related to implementation of the rules, such as a suggestion that the nondiscrimination standards should be applied separately to employers sponsoring insured group health plans in distinct geographic locations and a suggestion that the departments should provide for “safe harbor” plan designs.

Credit for content: Dave Fear, Shepler & Fear General Agency

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA, and is scratching its head over laws that are so poorly crafted in the first place…

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Quotation Frustration

Posted on November 9, 2010 by purvesinsurance

If you watched the baseball playoffs this October, you couldn’t help but notice that insurance companies dominated the advertising space.  It was like the insurance carriers were trying to become the 4th American thing, “Hot dogs, baseball, apple pie and Insurance Commercials”.   I’m in the insurance business, and even I was sick of insurance by the end of the playoffs.  And that was just baseball.  Carriers sponsor your morning drive radio show, every other billboard on the freeway, banner ads on every news website and they virtually fistfight in the paid space in Google.  But that’s just the advertising…  Then you call and get a quote…

 Why are insurance quotes so different?
Not the price, the quotes – we’ll get to price in a minute.  If you think the advertising is maddening, try shopping.  You’d never know it, but all insurance agents are licensed by the same CA Dept. of Insurance, and take the same ethics courses, etc, but for every insurance company you call you will get a different coverage package.  What is “full coverage”?  Ask 5 agents and you’ll get 5 answers.  How much coverage should I have in my house? Again, ask 5 agents…

For auto insurance, frankly, there just isn’t a consensus on what “full coverage” means.  In our agency, it means at least 100/300/100 coverage, plus comprehensive coverage.  Towing and Rental Car coverage – maybe. 

 For your property, what is the right amount of coverage?  Why are different carriers offering different amounts of coverage?  Again, in our office the right amount of coverage is what it will take to replace your home in a total loss, pay for your additional expenses and contents and protect you in case of a personal liability suit. 

 Get the best price
The best price is somewhat relative.  If you ask Flo on TV, you can name your price.  But are you actually covered?  What to do?  The value of an Independent Insurance agent cannot be overstated.  If you call AllStateFarmersGEICO, you get a quote with that ONE company.  So not only do you have to call multiple carriers for multiple quotes, you will see multiple options for coverage.  An Independent Agent, on the other hand, has many carriers and quotes them all.  An Independent Agent will evaluate your coverage needs first, and then shop the coverage between the many carriers that they represent. 

 With an Independent Agent you get one agent, not bound to any one carrier, responsible to you for the correct amount of coverage, and the best quote from many different carriers.  In one phone call, not 5.  For more information about receiving multiple, competitive quotes with the right amount of coverage, call us today at (800) 681-2025.  And then turn off the sound during the commercials.

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA, and beats AllStateFarmers every day of the week.

Filed under: Auto, Flood Insurance, Home, Home and Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Davis CA, Personal Liability Insurance, Renters, Value of Independent Agents | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

We blogged, Congress acted. Now that’s power!

Posted on September 24, 2010 by purvesinsurance

Yesterday I posted a blog about the coming lapse of the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program).  By the end of the day, Congress re-authorized the program for 1 year.  Am I taking the credit for getting Congress to act?  Yes I am.

That’s a little arrogant, Mr. Purves…
Mr. Purves, indeed!  When was the last time you blogged about a failure of Congress to act only to see them vote exactly the way you wanted within hours?  Hmmm?  That’s right.  The Power of the Blog.  You’ve heard the saying, “The blog is mightier than the hundreds of Representatives who actually had to go to the floor and cast a vote”, or something like that.  But who was it that pushed them out the door and onto the floor?  The Purves Insurance Blog, that’s who.

The Insurance Companies, their lobbyists, Congressional staffers, Industry Associations…
They all played their small, but insignificant part, I will confess.  And many of them had the gall to announce the program’s extension without crediting www.PurvesInsurance.com.  But I don’t blame them, they need to do something to show their dues-payers some kind of value.  I don’t charge a dime to read this Blog.  Can you compete with that, Mr. Industry Lobbyist?  Ms. National Association Grass-roots Organizer?  I’m not expecting an apology any time soon.

So today I will be evaluating what the topic of my next blog should be.  The Tax Code?  Immigration?  The Health Care System.  Whatever it is, I can assure you that Washington will be reading.

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA and is known in some circles as the Conscience of the Congress.

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More Possible Trouble with Flood Insurance

Posted on September 23, 2010 by purvesinsurance

The National Flood Insurance Program, which operates under funding approved by Congress, is set to expire once again on September 30, 2010.  The program is currently operating under a temporary extension from earlier this year, so this will be the third time in a year that the program is facing a lapse.

So what does this mean?
If Congress re-authorizes the program (with either another temporary extension or a multi-year authorization) then we’ll all sail happily into October without any problems.  But Congress doesn’t happily sail into anything, so expect another lapse.  During a lapse, no new flood insurance policies may be issued, or renewed if your renewal falls during the lapse period.  If you have no flood policy, you have no flood protection, so policy holders will be left bare during the lapse period.

No coverage, really?  Who is affected?
Really.  No coverage.  But here’s what usually happens.  The program lapses, and the first to notice are people buying or selling their home (not to mention their realtor, mortgage broker, title officer…).  Many banks will refuse to lend in a high-risk flood area during the lapse.  Others will balk at first, but relent after some stress for all parties involved.  Finally, lenders will count on the program being reinstated retroactively and begin fudning loans with only an application and proof of payment from the home buyer as evidence of their intention to buy flood insurance once the program is re-authorized.  Lots of stress for everyone.

What happened last time, and what will happen this time?
The crystal ball tells me that the program will, in fact, lapse again on 9/30/2010.  It also tells me that this has become such a common nuisance to insureds and lenders that most will not put their business on hold.  Every time the program has lapsed in the past it has been retroactively reinstated, with coverage dating back to the application date, even if the application was made during the lapse period.  I predict that this will happen again, I just hope that the lapse period is a short one.  Congress is about to leave town for the final push in their re-election campaigns.  Let’s hope they pass some kind of reauthorization before, rather than after, the November mid-terms.

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA and is in favor of buying flood insurance.

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Home, Home and Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Davis CA | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Dog Bit Your Neighbor?

Posted on June 21, 2010 by purvesinsurance

 

Scenario: Your dog just bit the neighbor’s child when the child tried to snuggle your sleeping dog.  You know your dog is a sweetheart, but was probably spooked when the child climbed on for an innocent snuggle.  Now the parents are suing you for negligence.  Do you have insurance coverage for this?  Answer below…

Not my poochie…  Every year about 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for a dog bite; half of those victims are kids.  About 386,000 need ER services, and about 16 actually die from their wounds.  Dog-bite injuries are highest for kids ages 5-9, more common for boys than girls, and 2/3 of kids are bitten in the head or neck area.  Let’s face it, kids love dogs and love to cuddle, kiss and even play rough with them.  But a dog bite to the face can be very serious, and can leave noticeable scars that will last a lifetime.

Answer:  Yes, you have coverage.  Under the Personal Liability section fo your policy you will usually see a nice round number, anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000. In this case the insurance company will provide a defense for you, and will indemnify the other party, up to the limits of your coverage.  If the insurer settles the suit, they will pay the other party directly.  No, your policy will not be cancelled.  Yes, the insurer will probably require you to get rid of the dog.  If you were to switch carriers in the future, the new carrier (if they’re smart) will want to know if the troublemaking dog is still in your household.

Insurance Buying Tip:  Personal Liability coverage is one fo the most important, and least expensive, sections of your policy.  To raise your limits from $100,000 to $500,000 should cost you less than $50/year, making it a very good insurance buy.  On top of that, you can usually buy a$1,000,000 excess liability, or umbrella policy, for about $150-$200/year.  This is extremely cheap considering the amount of protection you receive.

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA and we love dogs, but not when they bite kids…

Filed under: Home, Home and Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Davis CA, Personal Liability Insurance, Value of Independent Agents | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Rental Car Insurance – a Good Buy?

Posted on June 14, 2010 by purvesinsurance

Summer is here and you’re vacation bound!  You found the best rate for a hotel and rental car and soon you’re flying away to your favorite vacation spot (or dreaded family reunion, but enough about my summer…).  You reach the rental car counter and they ask you if you want to buy the insurance.  As they hand you the 27-page, micro-print contract you think to yourself, “Do I really need this?” Let me help you with the answer so you can enjoy your vacation.

The short answer is “Yes”, but not to everything they’re selling.  Your Personal Auto Policy (PAP) will extend liability coverage to “any” vehicle that you drive, including rental cars.  Example: You’re driving your rental and you hit another car.  Both cars are damaged and the other driver is hurt.  A few weeks later you are notified that the other driver is filing suit against you for bodily injury.  What happens? Your policy would extend coverage to you by providing a defense and indemnification if the suit goes against you, for both the damage to the other vehicle and the bodily injury. 

But what about the damage to your rental car?  If you carry physical damage coverage on your PAP, you have coverage (after your deductible).  This is the first problem you encounter – do you remember if you carry physical damage coverage?  The next problem you may encounter is within the micro-printed contract that you signed.  Most rental car contracts will state that you are responsible for the daily rental rate of the car while the vehicle is out of service.  They also carry a provision stating that you will be charged a minimum amount before you leave the rental office, sometimes as much as $5,000, as a deposit toward that daily rental rate.  For this charge you definitely DO NOT have coverage on your Personal Auto Policy.  OUCH!  So, what if you don’t have $5,000 to give them?  And do you think they are going to be in a big hurry to fix that car if you’re paying the rental rate while it’s being fixed???  This is a serious problem and not covered by your policy.   Our solution: Always buy the physical damage waiver coverage!

Three last thoughts to consider – One, you are driving a strange car in a strange place, often with a map in your lap and sand in your shoes – the chances of making a wrong turn are greater than when you’re driving in your hometown in your trusty family car.   Two, check with your credit card carrier.  Some credit cards will include insurance coverage for rented vehicles (but read the fine print).  Lastly, you’re on vacation! Buy the insurance and the peace of mind of knowing that if you drop off the car and it’s missing a bumper and a couple of doors, your biggest worry will still be the airline losing your luggage. 

Happy Summer!
Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA, and hopes everyone drives their rental safely!

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How does Earthquake Insurance work?

Posted on April 20, 2010 by purvesinsurance

When you think of the things that can damage your home like fire, wind, water, flood and earthquake, you are making a list of “perils”.  At least that is how they are described in your Homeowner’s Insurance policy.  Most Homeowner’s policies are “open peril” or “all risk” policies, but even those names are tricky.  For example, both flood and earthquake are perils that are specifically excluded from coverage on your “all risk” policy.  As we’ve discussed in this space – you can buy back both flood and earthquake insurance in California, within the guidelines of both programs.

Earthquake Insurance - what’s in it?
If you add Earthquake Insurance back to your homeowner’s policy, the coverage looks different from the rest of your policy.  For example, if you have a loss due to a tree falling onto your roof and there is $15,000 of damage, your carrier would pay the claim, less the $1,000 deductible.  If an earthquake knocks your house over and the claim is for $400,000, and you have $400,000 of coverage with a 15% deductible, then the claim will be paid in full – less your 15% ($60,000) deductible. 

That may sound bad, but think about it this way – at this moment in April of 2010, you will likely be the only person on your street who has any coverage, so finding a contractor who will work within the coverage limits will be easier for you than anyone. 

Earthquake Insurance, Flood Insurance and even the every-day Homeowner’s Insurance can be difficult to understand, let alone make you feel comfortable that you are getting a good deal.  Call us today at (800) 681-2025 and let us walk you through what is covered on your policy – and we’ll get you the best deal, too.

Purves Insurance is located in Davis, CA and loves to help you solve the insurance mysteries.

Filed under: CA earthquake insurance, Earthquake Insurance, Home, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Davis CA, Sacramento earthquake insurance | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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