Boating Safety

With the mild spring (hopefully) behind us, and with warmer weather (hopefully) on the horizon, boating can be a fantastic way to spend a warm summer weekend. Between the Chain o' Lakes region and Lake Michigan, as well as various destinations in Wisconsin, there is no shortage of options for boating destinations.

While boating can be a fantastic experience for people of all ages, boating carries along with it the need to act responsibly both as a passenger and driver of a vessel. Here are some tips to stay safe on the water this summer:

• Always wear a life jacket. According to the US Coast guard, life jackets could have made a difference in 80% of boating fatalities.
• Do not, under any circumstances consume alcohol while operating a boat.
• Develop a float plan in case of emergency. A float plan is similar to a flight plan-it includes a description of your boat, who is on board, what safety equipment you have, and where and when you expect to be.
• Have your boat checked out by a licensed inspector prior to taking it out on the water.
• Take a boating safety course. The United States Coast Guard offers safety courses for various levels of experience. Go to http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boating_safety_courses_.aspx for more information.

Driving or being a passenger on a boat is little different that being a driver or passenger of a vehicle, and while summer is a great time for fun, following basic safety steps can save the lives of yourself and any passengers out enjoying the water with you.

Should I File A Claim?

Often times, the question of whether or not a claim should be filed will be asked by our clients. As much as we'd like the answers to always be clear cut and straightforward, there are certain situations that may require a careful review of all of the different factors involved.

With auto insurance, looking at the facts surrounding an accident, the type of claim in question, and deductibles applicable can give us guidance on what direction to go. On a property policy, the type of claim and the severity of the damage can also dictate whether or not a claim is appropriate. With certain types of claims having the ability to impact premiums and even, in some cases, eligibility to continue a policy, it's often necessary to fully review the variables before making a decision to proceed.

Having an agent you trust, and an agency that knows the claim process in and out can make a massive difference in how a claim will be handled, or even if a claim is necessary and cost effective. An agent will be able to review your deductibles and any impact on your premiums as a result of filing a claim. If you choose to proceed, they can advise you how long you may be affected rate-wise, or if you are eligible for claim forgiveness packages and policies that they may offer. If you or someone you know is considering filing a claim, speak with your agent to review the facts of the situation. This can save you time and money both in the short and long term.

Travel Safely This Memorial Day Weekend

According to the Illinois State Police, there were 30 fatalities on the roadways during the 2009 Memorial Day weekend, and 757 people were injured. These are sobering, and preventable numbers.

Please remember that no matter how you decide to celebrate the long weekend, please celebrate responsibly. Don't drive distracted-avoid texting and calling, pre-program addresses into your GPS prior to leaving, and above all else, buckle your seat belt. Finally, do not allow any family members to drive while intoxicated.

Everyone at Havlic Insurance is excited for the holiday weekend, and we wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable time.

Tornado Preparedness

With the wave of severe weather striking the Tennessee Valley and Deep South, it's important to note that the United States has more tornadoes on average annually than any other nation on Earth (about 1,000 per year, according to NOAA). Here in the Chicago area, we are no stranger to severe storms in the summertime. While we aren't technically in "Tornado Alley", in the past our area has seen devastating tornadoes destroy millions in property, and take several lives.

With this in mind, now is a good time to discuss some tips for tornado preparedness.

• Look for the signs in the sky. Dark, greenish sky, large hail, and a load roar similar to a freight train are all signs that a tornado may be imminent.


• Seek shelter. If you are in a building, go to the basement, storm cellar or lowest below-grade level available. If there is not a below grade area, go to an interior room such as a closet or bathroom away from windows, doors and exterior walls.


• If you are in a vehicle, do not attempt to outrun the storm. Get out of your car and find a ditch or depression and cover your head and face. This will help shield you from flying debris.

Some of the wisest things you can do in a storm are discussed beforehand. Discuss a meeting place with your family in case you are separated before or during the storm that can act as a rallying point. Keep bottled water, batteries for radios and canned food in case utilities are knocked out for any length of time. Keep a basic first aid kit. Make sure mobile phones are charged, and have an evacuation plan in case of any long term damage to your home.

Remember, being prepared for the worst can be the best way to avoid panic when disasters of any time strike

How To Choose A Contractor

Whether or not you're faced with a sudden and accidental loss, or beginning a home remodeling project, one of the most critical decisions you will make is how you go about choosing a contractor to handle the job. While most contractors are reputable, a few bad apples can make the entire bunch seem rotten. Here are some tips when searching for a contractor:

• Go local. Choose someone who has been in the area for several years and has local roots and ties. Try to avoid companies that set up shop on a seasonal basis-they have little incentive to stand behind their work if they are going to move on to another area in a few months.


• Make sure your contractor carries the correct liability insurance and workers compensation. If a contractor does not carry, or says they do not need general liability insurance, stay away. If they then damage your home through carelessness or poor workmanship, you may be left with no recourse. If a worker is injured, you may be responsible for their injuries and medical bills.


• Ask for referrals. Sites such as AngiesList.com can be invaluable resources when looking for feedback, as can the recommendations of friends and neighbors.


• After choosing your contractor, make sure you have a clear plan and contract in place that outlines schedules for construction, completion and payment.

Repairs to your home-be they claim related or just a project-can be stressful enough, but by taking care to select the best people to manage the process, they can go by much more smoothly.

How To Prep Your Home For Vacation

With spring and summer come vacation season, and along with the travel arrangements, packing and airport itineraries come the responsibilities that come from preparing your home for the time you are away. Protecting your home from fire and theft when you're on a trip can be as simple as taking a few preventative steps to ensure peace of mind.

• -Set light timers and tell your neighbors the dates you will be away. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 11.7 million homes experienced a property theft in 2009. By setting light timers, you can give potential burglars pause when they come across your home to find lights on. Additionally, letting your neighbors know the dates of your trip can allow them to keep an eye on any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, or around your home.
• -If you are going to be away for more than 3 days, arrange for your mail and newspapers to be picked up by a friend or family member. This will also help your home appear as though you are there, and help deter any potential theft.
• -Run your air conditioner or furnace while you are away, but set the temperature to a higher or lower level than if you were there. During a winter trip, running your furnace can help prevent frozen pipes, and adjusting your thermostat controls can help mitigate the cost of running these systems while you are away.
• -Check water faucets and fixtures for leaks, and shut off water valves while you are away. This can help prevent burst pipes and leaks and help avoid major property damage.
• -If possible, leave a car in your driveway while you are away. Again, this helps give the appearance of occupancy.

Your home is likely one of your most valuable investments, and the items in it can range from costly to irreplaceable. Taking some simple steps to help prevent loss can help you avoid loss, and gain peace of mind, and isn't that what a vacation should be about?

Daylight Savings Time and Home Maintenence

Aside from losing an hour of sleep and gaining an hour of daylight, moving our clocks up an hour is an excellent time to take some preventative steps to protect your home from losses. Here are some quick tips to help you and your family avoid potential disaster simply, quickly and effectively:

• Change the batteries in your smoke detector. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Division, batteries in smoke detectors should be changed at least annually, but it is very common (and recommended by Havlic Insurance) to change the batteries at each time change. It is also advised that you should test the detectors once a month.
• Change the air filters in your furnace. After a long winter of using the furnace, your air intakes will have handled all manner of dust and debris. Changing the filters can prevent fire and improve air quality inside your home.
• If you have a sump pump, test the battery backup system and make sure the lines are clear. Finished basements are quite expensive investments; protect your investment by being proactive in your water removal maintenance.
• Check your roof for damage, and check your gutters for any obstructions. After a winter that saw one major blizzard, and more than a few severe weather events, roofs and gutters this year should be checked. Checking the roof and gutters can confirm that your home is prepared to drain the springtime rains away from your home.

After a long Chicago winter, we're all looking forward to finally spending some time outside. By taking these simple steps, you can make sure your spring and summer are spend leisurely, and not cleaning up after a disaster.