Home Insurance: November 2005

Monday, November 28, 2005

car insurance

car insurance- check out our new photos of our office over to the right in the sidebar.
here is the link to our photos on flickr : Kentucky Car Insurance Photos

car insurance

car insurance- check out our new photos of our office over to the right in the sidebar.
here is the link to our photos on flickr : Kentucky Car Insurance Photos

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Kentucky Christmas Tree Farms

Alpine Ridge Christmas Tree Farm Inc. La Grange, Ky., about 25 miles from Louisville. (502) 933-1755. Opens Friday and will operate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through Dec. 4.

Scotch and white pine, $29; blue spruce, Douglas fir, concolor fir and Canaan fir, $36-$59. You cut; saws are provided. Customers are not permitted to dig trees. Free loose-needle shake-out of trees.

Take Interstate 71 north to exit 22 (La Grange/Ky. 53). Turn right onto Ky. 53 south. Go 0.6 mile, turn left onto Zhale Smith Road. Go 1.4 miles, turn left onto Massey School Road. Go one tenth of a mile. The farm is on the left.

for more information visit: Kentucky Christmas Tree Farms

Kentucky Christmas Tree Farms

worlds largest salvation army red kettle unveiled

World's Largest Salvation Army Red Kettle unveiled... you can see a great photo here :
world's larges red kettle

We are sponsoring our own Online Virtual Red Kettle campain for the Salvation Army .
Just click on the Salvation Army Red Kettle above and you can make a secure online donation to our kettle. The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign enables the Army to provide food, toys and clothing to over 6 million people during the Christmas season and helps more than 34 million Americans recovering from all kinds of personal disasters nationwide.

worlds largest salvation army red kettle unveiled

World's Largest Salvation Army Red Kettle unveiled... you can see a great photo here :
world's larges red kettle

car insurance

Kentucky Rental Property Insurance

RENTAL PROPERTY INSURANCE. REAL ESTATE LOUISVILLE KY. LANDLORD POLICY. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

We can insure your rental property or investment property today
Category:
* Vacant Homes - Rental Property Insurance
* Rehab Homes - Rental Property Insurance
* Investment Property- Rental Property Insurance Are you a Realtor, Investor, Contractor- are you looking for immediate binding insurance coverage for your rental property? Does your lender require rental property insurance before the closing? No problem we can insure you today. We can bind coverage immediately, we will fax proof of insurance to the realtor, lender, and directly to the closing. Be insured in 15 minutes or less!

The Specialty Dwelling Program is designed for homes that do not qualify for preferred homeowners coverage including:Older and lower-value homesHomes with minor cosmetic problemsHomes with a market value below replacement costFolks with credit and/or loss problemsSmall landlord properties (up to 4 living units)Vacants, seasonals, row houses, cabins, and much more

RENTAL PROPERTY INSURANCE. REAL ESTATE LOUISVILLE KY. LANDLORD POLICY. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

We are proud members of - Real Estate Investing for the beginner. KREIA is a networking forum to educate real estate investors from the basics to the complex.
The Kentuckiana Real Estate Investors Association Provides:
A forum for meeting with other investors
Idea exchange
Investment Enthusiasm
Knowledge of market and investment techniques

visit our web site for more
renters fire insurance in ky

Real Estate
Rental Property Insurance
Insurance
Kentucky Insurance
Vacant Homes
Vacant Homes
kentuckiana real estate investor association

Kentucky Rental Property Insurance

23 arrested in sting of auto collision ring KY auto

auto insurance, kentucky auto insurance, auto insurance rates, ky auto insurance
23 arrested in sting of auto collision ring
Twenty-three people have been arrested for allegedly participating in an insurance fraud ring that staged more than 60 auto collisions on Southern California freeways and bilked about $3 million from insurers, officials said Wednesday.
A seven-month investigation led to the arrest of Huntington Park lawyer Bernard Laufer, 52, as the alleged ringleader, said state Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. Laufer, taken into custody Tuesday, faces charges of insurance fraud, grand theft and conspiracy.
The investigation continues and more arrests likely will be made, Garamendi said. The probe is looking into doctors and chiropractors who may have been involved in the scam. Review the rest of the article here: Herald
auto insurance, ky auto insurance

23 arrested in sting of auto collision ring KY auto

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

New Law Will Clamp down on Uninsured Motorists

This article from Wave 3 Charla Young
New Law Will Clamp Down on Uninsured Motorists

"Mary Shake still replays the July automobile crash she was involved in over and over in her mind. "I had been to a store and I needed to go to the Outer Loop," she recalled.

"I had traveled a short distance and I looked in my rearview mirror as I do quite often and I said, oh my goodness! she is in my car.'"

Mary never saw the woman responsible for the accident. But she does remember the police officer asking for insurance cards.

"She gave them a card that stated she got insurance in May," Mary said.

It was a month later when Mary got the complete story.

"It's very plain that she did not have the insurance," Mary said, "and she outright lied to the officer about this at the time."

So Mary's insurance company was forced to pick up the bill.

This problem is not uncommon. Twelve percent of all Kentucky drivers are uninsured even though liability insurance is mandatory.

So how could it happen?

Once some drivers get their proof of insurance cards, they immediately drop the policy or stop making payments. But the card still shows they're covered for six months.

Glenn Jennings with Kentucky's Office of Insurance admits that such people become "a burden on everyone."

But House Bill 29, which passed during the last session, aims to close the gap on the insurance card loophole.

"Effective January 1st, all insurers in the state of Kentucky will submit a formatted data file to the Department of Transportation," Jennings says.

That information will be updated every 15 days, and will soon be accessible in all state trooper cruisers for instant verification.

If drivers don't have insurance, Jennings says "they will be penalized fines involved won't be able to register vehicle."

And if insurers don't update the files properly, they could lose their license to do business.

Mary believes such legislation is a step in the right direction. "I guess this is what we need."

The new legislation will take effect January 1st. It will be a collaborative effort between the Office of Insurance, the Department of Transportation and the county clerk's office.

The legislation and monitoring system comes with a big price tag, but experts say the price of uninsured drivers on Kentucky's roadways far outweighs this investment.""

Read the entire article here : New Law
kentucky
kentucky insurance
uninsured drivers
car insurance

New Law Will Clamp down on Uninsured Motorists

This article from Wave 3 Charla Young
New Law Will Clamp Down on Uninsured Motorists

"Mary Shake still replays the July automobile crash she was involved in over and over in her mind. "I had been to a store and I needed to go to the Outer Loop," she recalled.

"I had traveled a short distance and I looked in my rearview mirror as I do quite often and I said, oh my goodness! she is in my car.'"

Mary never saw the woman responsible for the accident. But she does remember the police officer asking for insurance cards.

"She gave them a card that stated she got insurance in May," Mary said.

It was a month later when Mary got the complete story.

"It's very plain that she did not have the insurance," Mary said, "and she outright lied to the officer about this at the time."

So Mary's insurance company was forced to pick up the bill.

This problem is not uncommon. Twelve percent of all Kentucky drivers are uninsured even though liability insurance is mandatory.

So how could it happen?

Once some drivers get their proof of insurance cards, they immediately drop the policy or stop making payments. But the card still shows they're covered for six months.

Glenn Jennings with Kentucky's Office of Insurance admits that such people become "a burden on everyone."

But House Bill 29, which passed during the last session, aims to close the gap on the insurance card loophole.

"Effective January 1st, all insurers in the state of Kentucky will submit a formatted data file to the Department of Transportation," Jennings says.

That information will be updated every 15 days, and will soon be accessible in all state trooper cruisers for instant verification.

If drivers don't have insurance, Jennings says "they will be penalized fines involved won't be able to register vehicle."

And if insurers don't update the files properly, they could lose their license to do business.

Mary believes such legislation is a step in the right direction. "I guess this is what we need."

The new legislation will take effect January 1st. It will be a collaborative effort between the Office of Insurance, the Department of Transportation and the county clerk's office.

The legislation and monitoring system comes with a big price tag, but experts say the price of uninsured drivers on Kentucky's roadways far outweighs this investment.""

Read the entire article here : New Law
kentucky
kentucky insurance
uninsured drivers
car insurance

Salvation Army Launches Online Red Kettle

The Salvation Army's traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas season. Donations provide Christmas dinners, food, clothing and toys for needy families and individuals. When you donate, expect The Salvation Army to do the most good with your contribution in your community, and throughout the nation, serving over 34 million Americans through a variety of programs 365 days of the year.

Join us by clicking on Donate NOW to This Kettle and help us fill our Online Business Red Kettle in support of The Salvation Army.

We are supporting this effort this Christmas Season. Please click on the donate now link below to make a secure online donation
DONATE NOW!

For More Information visit the Salvation Army website

salvation army
donate online
kentucky
dick watts insurance
car insurance

Salvation Army Launches Online Red Kettle

Join us by clicking on Donate NOW to This Kettle and help us fill our Online Business Red Kettle in support of The Salvation Army.

We are supporting this effort this Christmas Season. Please click on the donate now link below to make a secure online donation
DONATE NOW!

For More Information visit the Salvation Army website

salvation army
donate online
kentucky
dick watts insurance
car insurance

Monday, November 21, 2005

Kentucky Home Gardens

Just found this great Kentucky Home Garden blog: Kentucky Home Gardens
Smith outlines a recent trip to a Nelson county Aquaculture Farm

"In Nelson County we visited Robert Mayer's aquaculture farm dedicated to the raising of large mouth bass. The unique thing about this operation is the marketing aspect. The fish are shipped live to Toronto Canada to be consumed...."

Read the rest of the article here: Kentucky Home Gardens
kentucky+homeowners+insurance
insurance
real estate

Kentucky Home Gardens

Just found this great Kentucky Home Garden blog: Kentucky Home Gardens
Smith outlines a recent trip to a Nelson county Aquaculture Farm

"In Nelson County we visited Robert Mayer's aquaculture farm dedicated to the raising of large mouth bass. The unique thing about this operation is the marketing aspect. The fish are shipped live to Toronto Canada to be consumed...."

Read the rest of the article here: Kentucky Home Gardens
kentucky+homeowners+insurance
insurance
real estate

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Insurance Rates can depend on Credit Scores

What is credit scoring?
A credit score is a snapshot of your cred at one point in time. The credit information contained in the report is put through a mathematical formul that assigns weithg to the various factors and summarizes your credit information in a 3 digit number ranging from zero to 999. Generally, the higher the number the more financially responsible is the consumer.
How is the credit scoring used?
If your insurance company relies on credit scoring they may use it in 2 ways:
Underwriting- Deciding whether to issue you a new policy or to renew your existing policy
Rating- Deciding waht price to charge your for your insurance by placing you in a specific rating tier.
What affects a credit score?
bankruptcy, collection, foreclosure
Number and frequency of late payments
Homeownership- whether you own or rent
Outstanding debt

Know your credit History
There is a good chance your current or prospective insurance company is looking at your credit. Therefore it is a good idea to review your credit history to make sure it is accurate . You can obtain a free copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com

In the state of Kentucky, credit scoring is not currently prohibited as a criteria for underwriting or rating.

Kentucky auto insurance
Credit Score
Dick Watts Insurance

Insurance Rates can depend on Credit Scores

About Buying Auto Insurance in Kentucky

Here are some things you should know about Buying Auto Insurance in Kentucky

How is your insurance Rate determined? Two factors determine what you pay for car insurance. The first factor is underwriting and the second factor is rating. Insurance companies underwrite to assess the risk assocated with an applicant, group the applicant with similar ists and decide if the company will accep the applicaton.

Several Factors Affect Risk Rating

Your driving record, area in which you live, gender and age, marital status, prior insurance coverage, vehicle use and make and model of your vehicle are all factors that will affect the rate.

Ask Your Agent About Discounts
Discounts are awarded because the insurance company sees you as a "better risk" Discounts to look for:

Multiple Vehicles
Driver Education Courses
Good Student
Safety Devices

Anti-Theft devices

Optional Coverages
Collision Coverage pays for physical damage to your car as a result of you auto colliding with an object such as a tree or another car.
Comprehensive Coveage covers fire, vandalism, & theft.
Optional Coverages require an additional premium

Read you policy carefully:
You should be aware that an auto insurance policy is a legal contract. It is written so your rights and responsibilities as well as those of the insurance company are clearly satets. When you purchase an auto insurance you will receive a policy. You should read that policy and make certain that you understand its contents.
If you have questions about your auto insurance policy contact the Watts Team

Auto Insurance KY
Dick Watts Insurance
Buying Auto insurance
Disclaimer: Every insurance policy is different. The above is an example only. Read your own policy to find out exactly what is covered.

About Buying Auto Insurance in Kentucky

Multiple Vehicles
Driver Education Courses
Good Student
Safety Devices

Anti-Theft devices

Subscribe to our Blog - Receive Email updates

We have added a new feature where you can now Subscribe to our blog. Look to the right in the Sidebar column. It is easy, just enter your email address. Every time we post a new item to our blog you will automatically receive an update! - Thanks the Watts Team
car insurance
feedblitz
kentucky
subscribe

Subscribe to our Blog - Receive Email updates

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Auto Insurance Kentucky Thinking Voice

Dick Watts Insurance, Low Rate Auto Insurance,

We have added a Call Activator Service for your convenience to our Blog and Web site . If you our visiting our blog or site, just click on the orange Call Activator button and you will be able to quickly reach us by phone with just the push of one button. In addition, we will receive an email notifying us that you are trying to reach us. This is a totally free service for you! We want to be available to take your call. Your phone call is very important to us! Look for the Call activator button in the Sidebar to the right. We want your feedback. Let us know how you like the service & how we could improve the service. For more information, visit us online at DickWattsInsurance.com

Auto Insurance Kentucky Thinking Voice

Dick Watts Insurance, Low Rate Auto Insurance,

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Tuesday- Severe Storms Weather expected

Weather forecasters are predicting severe weather for Tuesday, including possible Tornados. Keep up to date with current weather conditions. Here is a link to Wave 3 Weather

Tornado Safety Tips

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

Tornado Watch
Conditions are right for tornadoes to form. When your area is under a Tornado Watch, continue to stay tuned to WAVE 3 for possible warnings.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been spotted by a trained observer or detected on Doppler Radar. Take action immediately.

TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

At Home

Go to the basement, under the stairs or under a heavy piece of furniture like a table or workbench.
Get under heavy furniture, and cover your head with blankets or pillows. The biggest threat of death or injury comes from head injuries caused by flying or falling debris.
Keep windows closed and stay away from them.

In School

Go to the lowest floor or basement.
Get to interior rooms or hallways and protect your head.
Stay out of gymnasiums and auditoriums.
In Public Buildings
Go to designated shelter, an interior hallway or small room on the lowest floor.
Stay away from windows.
Do not go to your car.

In Open Country

Move away from a tornado at right angles.
If a tornado is near, DO NOT try to outrun it.
Get out of your car, lie flat in a ditch or depression.
Stay away from large trees or metal poles. Cover your head.

In Mobile Homes

Leave your mobile home immediately.
If there is no designated community shelter, take cover in a ditch or depression.
Persons in mobile homes should have a plan of action before threatening weather occurs.

Remember IF you sustain damage to your home or auto, report the claim to your insurance company. Here is the link to the Claims Department of most of the companies we currently represent

Here is the link to the National Weather Service

Tuesday- Severe Storms Weather expected

Weather forecasters are predicting severe weather for Tuesday, including possible Tornados. Keep up to date with current weather conditions. Here is a link to Wave 3 Weather

Tornado Safety Tips

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

Tornado Watch
Conditions are right for tornadoes to form. When your area is under a Tornado Watch, continue to stay tuned to WAVE 3 for possible warnings.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been spotted by a trained observer or detected on Doppler Radar. Take action immediately.

TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

At Home

Go to the basement, under the stairs or under a heavy piece of furniture like a table or workbench.
Get under heavy furniture, and cover your head with blankets or pillows. The biggest threat of death or injury comes from head injuries caused by flying or falling debris.
Keep windows closed and stay away from them.

In School

Go to the lowest floor or basement.
Get to interior rooms or hallways and protect your head.
Stay out of gymnasiums and auditoriums.
In Public Buildings
Go to designated shelter, an interior hallway or small room on the lowest floor.
Stay away from windows.
Do not go to your car.

In Open Country

Move away from a tornado at right angles.
If a tornado is near, DO NOT try to outrun it.
Get out of your car, lie flat in a ditch or depression.
Stay away from large trees or metal poles. Cover your head.

In Mobile Homes

Leave your mobile home immediately.
If there is no designated community shelter, take cover in a ditch or depression.
Persons in mobile homes should have a plan of action before threatening weather occurs.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Driving Tips to Avoid Hitting a Deer

Keep a close watch for deer in the early morning and evening hours. Deer are most active during these times.
Be especially alert and drive with caution when you are moving through a known deer crossing zone.
Use your high-beam headlights whenever possible.
Upon seeing a deer, immediately slow down. Do not swerve - because this can confuse deer as to where to run. It could also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer are often found in herding packs.
Always wear your seatbelt. Most people injured and/or killed in deer - automobile collisions were not wearing their seat belt.

car insurance
safe driving

Driving Tips to Avoid Hitting a Deer

Keep a close watch for deer in the early morning and evening hours. Deer are most active during these times.
Be especially alert and drive with caution when you are moving through a known deer crossing zone.
Use your high-beam headlights whenever possible.
Upon seeing a deer, immediately slow down. Do not swerve - because this can confuse deer as to where to run. It could also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer are often found in herding packs.
Always wear your seatbelt. Most people injured and/or killed in deer - automobile collisions were not wearing their seat belt.

car insurance
safe driving

Auto Collisions with Deer in Kentucky

Auto Collisions with Deer in Kentucky
Believe it or not, when it comes to our worst enemy in the animal kingdom, sharks, alligators, snakes and other commonly feared animals need not apply. In fact, none of the "terrifying" animals portrayed as "killers" in our culture are responsible for the most human deaths.
The animals that claim the largest number of lives in the United States are deer. Statistics provided by the United States Department of Transportation indicate that car accidents involving deer on roads cost nearly 100 human lives and millions of dollars in insurance claims each year. The average deer / automobile collision results in approximately $2,000 per claim nationally.
While the percentage of deer collisions resulting in a fatality is relatively low in Kentucky as compared to the nation, it is extremely important to recognize this ever-present risk, especially at this time of year when nearly 50 percent of all collisions with deer occur.
from: Kentucky State Police

Auto Collisions with Deer in Kentucky

New Insurance Law Expected to track Drivers

auto insurance kentucky
New law expected to better track uninsured drivers
from Central Kentucky News. Here is a link to the article : Central Kentucky News

Kentucky motorists may have a more difficult time driving without insurance next year.

A law passed by the General Assembly in 2004 requiring insurance companies to supply lists to the state of all insured drivers and policy cancellations is expected to be fully operational early next year.

State Rep. Russ Mobley said lawmakers began looking into the problem after an alarming trend was brought to their attention in which people buy an insurance policy simply to get their vehicle licensed.

"After a week, they would cancel it and go six months to a year without insurance," Mobley said.

According to the Kentucky Department of Insurance, one out of every eight drivers in Kentucky is uninsured.

This year, Campbellsville Police officers have written 241 citations for motorists without insurance. Last year, officers wrote 554. In 2003, 243 citations were written.

According to Deputy Mike Cassell, the Taylor County Sheriff's Department doesn't keep track of its totals.

Those who don't have insurance could be fined as much as $1,000 and sentenced to 90 days in jail for a first offense. With a second or subsequent offense within a five-year period, drivers could have their license revoked, be fined $2,500 and be sentenced to 180 days in jail.

Though state law required drivers to be insured, Scott Jessie of Jessie Insurance Agency said some have discovered a loophole in the system.

"They don't see a need for insurance," he said. "[This law] is taking steps in the right direction."

Jessie Insurance Agency started its own policy which helps cut down on the number of people simply buying a policy to get their vehicle licensed.

"Normally, we do not quote over the phone if you do not have insurance," Jessie said. "It has cut down on that type of clientele."

Kathy Lawson, owner and insurance agent at Burkholder Co., suspects people do this because they can't afford to pay insurance premiums. These people are usually renters, she said, and have little to lose in the event they are sued as the result of a car crash.

According to Lawson, the problem is widespread.

"Most of the insurance companies require them to pay a down payment - usually one month," Lawson said. "The following month, when their first payment is due and they don't pay, the policy gets canceled.

"The problem is, it's not enforced. They keep the card until it is time to license their vehicle again."

When someone buys an insurance policy, within a few days they receive a temporary insurance card, usually good for six months, Lawson said. Though the policy is canceled when they fail to make a payment, Lawson suspects many people continue to use the temporary card as if they are still insured. Because the expiration date is still good, officers would have no way of knowing the policy has been canceled unless they call it in.

Campbellsville Police Chief Dennis Benningfield said the only situation in which officers always check for a valid insurance policy is when they're investigating a collision. During routine traffic stops, while they always ask for proof of insurance, officers don't always check to see if the policy is still active.

The new uninsured drivers' law will change that.

State police and other law enforcement agencies will have access to a database, which will be updated monthly, allowing them to catch uninsured drivers.

The database will also allow state officials to know who lacks insurance and send them notices to renew their insurance.

"House Bill 29 required that we send out the notices on a monthly basis. We won't be waiting for an accident to happen before we notify them," stated Willie Payton, assistant director of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

Mobley said the penalties are still being ironed out.

Benningfield said he's happy to see lawmakers addressing the problem.

"We need to know this information," Benningfield said. "We've got people riding up and down the roads without insurance."

If an uninsured driver causes a car crash, a victim could get saddled with his or her own bill, according to Lawson.

"If you only have liability and they have no insurance, you're out of luck."

In those cases, someone would likely end up filing a claim through their own insurance policy, Lawson said, although they were not at fault.

"It makes it hard on those of us who are insured."
auto insurance kentucky- car insurance kentucky