Uninsured Motorist Exposure Rising Dramatically

In 2010, the Insurance Research Council (IRC) reported that 1 in 6 drivers was likely uninsured nationally, and approaches 1 in 3 in some states. It noted a remarkable correlation between unemployment and being uninsured. It also highlights the uninsured motorist, the underinsured motorist and the fact that the exposure extends to hit and run pedestrian and/or bicycle accidents. This is a coverage where a few premium dollars can change someone's life after an accident.

With the average American spending about 1 hour per day commuting, the exposure is very real. While many states require minimum uninsured motorist coverage of typically $10-25,000 per person and $30-$50,000 per accident bodily injury and $10-$25,000 property damage, coverage over and beyond this is available (up to limits on liability on policy). An additional $1 million of uninsured motorist coverage can be added to your personal umbrella policy.

To make sure you are protected well in Texas, contact Shelly Guibert, Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100 shelly@bengoodwynagency.com

Three Common Homeowner Claims Questions

Q. Why doesn't my homeowner policy cover settling, cracking, wear and tear, etc.?

A. The simple answer is because it is a certainty, not a risk. The purpose of insurance is to spread the uncertainty of risk among a large pool of people. Some will never suffer a loss while others will suffer very large losses. We insure things that are unlikely to happen to any one home (such as fire, hail, tornado).  Cracking, settling, wear and tear are certain to happen to EVERY house. If we covered those it would be more like a warranty and would not be affordable.

Q. Why is there a limit in the policy for cash? (as well as jewelry, etc.)

A. Two reasons: First, most people do not keep much cash on hand.  Second, it is considered a "moral hazard." Cash is easy to steal and transport and hard to prove that one had a specific amount. Not surprisingly, if an insured had $500 stolen how easily it can increase to $10,000.

Q. Why do I only get paid actual cash value up front on a claim?

A. Again, two reasons. Insurance is almost 400 years old. For 340 of those years, all insurance ever paid was actual cash value. Insurance is based on the concept of indemnity (making one whole). If you lose a 2 year old iPhone, you get paid for a 2 year old iPhone. You are made whole, not better off. Replacement cost is a benefit. It goes beyond indemnity and adds value to the customer's loss. For that reason, your policy does not pay the benefit UNTIL the customer actually replaces the item with a new one. The second reason is similar to the moral hazard described above. If you knew that it was likely your 2 year old iPhone would be stolen you might be more careless with it in hopes you will get a newer, better one. That increases the insurance company's risk, and therefore increases premiums.

Shelly Guibert - Ben Goodwyn Agency - 972.618.0100 - www.bengoodwynagency.com

Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS)

The CRIS Certification Establishes Credibility and Dedication

The Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS^®) continuing education (CE) program was developed by International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) to make it much easier for insurance agents, brokers, CSRs, and in-house risk managers or insurance buyers to gain specialized expertise in construction insurance and risk management. Obtaining the CRIS certification increases the competence, confidence, and credibility of insurance professionals who sell or underwrite insurance for contractors. A contractor who buys insurance from a CRIS designee will know he or she is dealing with someone who is committed to the construction industry. Construction insurance buyers who obtain the certification will have the knowledge to make wiser insurance and risk management decisions for their employers.

The following five classes must be taken and participants must pass an online exam for each.

• Commercial Liability Insurance for Contractors
• Contractual Risk Transfer in Construction
• Workers' Compensation for Contractors
• Property Insurance for Contractors
• Commercial Auto, Surety, CIPs and Miscellaneous Lines

If you are a contractor in Texas contact Shelly Guibert CRIS_®, Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100 shelly@bengoodwynagency.com

Tips for Driving Safely with Children

This is Child Passenger Safety Week

Kids are back to school and it is likely some of you will be doing a lot more driving with your children in the vehicle. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 are motor vehicle crashes.

Reduce your risk by following these tips for safe driving when there are children in your vehicle:

1. Young children - when they have outgrown a convertible safety seat, they should use a booster seat until they are 10 years of old.
2. Toddlers - keep toddlers in a rear-facing, convertible safety seat for as long as possible. When the child outgrows the safety seat, toddlers should sit in a forward-facing safety seat complete with a full harness.
3. Infants - always drive with infants in a rear-facing safety seat. Once a child exceeds the manufacturer's height and weight limit of the seat, infants should continue to ride facing the rear in a convertible safety seat.

Remember, car seats areonly effective in keeping children safe if they are correctly installed. Double-check that the safety seat is mounted correctly, locked in place and that all buckles and straps are intact.

Shelly Guibert - Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100 shelly@bengoodwynagency.com

Texas Wild Fires

You can help Texas volunteer firefighters by making a tax deductible contribution online to the Trusted Choice Foundation Volunteer Firefighters Assistance Fund . Every dollar helps, and in return you can get decals and stickers that announce your support. In addition, you can like the "I Support Volunteer Firefighters" Facebook page and share it with your Facebook friends to help spread the word and increase donations to the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund statewide. Our Texas firefighters deserve the best protection we can afford.  More than 1500 homes have been lost in the Bastrop Texas area alone.

Five Back to School Safe-Driving Tips

Each year an average of 19 school-age children lose their lives in accidents related to school transportation, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

1. Red Means Stop (Really). When you see the red flashing lights on a school bus, don't be tempted to pass it. Stop and stay stopped until the lights no longer flash.
2. Slow Down Near Schools. Watch for designated crosswalks and children who may not be paying attention. Follow the reduced speed limits in school zones.
3. Conduct a Car Check. Make sure headlights, oil, turn signals, and tires are good before letting your child leave for their trip to college. You never know when these vehicle essentials may break down.
4. Stay Back, Don't Pass. It is illegal to pass on the right side of a bus. Remain alert when children are loading and unloading the bus.
5. Stay Alert. Children are unpredictable. You never know when they'll run into the street, especially near a bus or in a school zone. Be vigilant and anticipate a child's move.

Ben Goodwyn Agency - 972.618.0100  shelly@bengoodwynagency.com

New Texas traffic in effect September 1

Traffic Laws

· Tow trucks have now been added to the slow down or move over laws, which require drivers to slow down 20 miles per hour below the speed limit, or to vacate the lane closest to the stopped emergency vehicle that has emergency lights activated if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction. (HB 378)

· Speed limits will now be the same during night and day driving, and separate speed limits for trucks have been eliminated. The maximum speed limit on state highways may be raised to 75 miles per hour if approved after a finding by TxDOT that the increased speed would be reasonable and safe following an engineering and traffic investigation. (HB 1353)

· A driver may not allow a child under 18 to ride in a watercraft while it is being towed on a street or highway. This does not include watercraft being towed on a beach or in a parade. (HB 2981)

Driver License

· Hardship driver licenses will be suspended if the holder is convicted of two or more moving violations during a 12-month period. DPS may no longer waive the driver education requirement to issue a 60-day hardship license. (HB 90)

· Drivers subject to the Driver Responsibility Program will be able to pay the entire three-year amount of surcharges owed for a violation in advance, rather than paying across all three years. (HB 588)

· Veterans will be exempt from the fee for a personal identification certificate if they can show honorable discharge and at least 60 percent service-related disability. Disabled veterans are exempted from driver license fees under current law. (HB 1148)

· A veteran designation will be displayed on a driver license for applicants who provide proof of military service and honorable discharge. (HB 1514)

· The Sunset Commission has been charged with reviewing the current oversight structure of driver education and driver safety schools, which are currently overseen by the Texas Education Agency, and determine if another state agency should have oversight. Providers of driver education courses, including DPS for the purposes of parent taught driver education, will be able to provide certificates of completion directly to those who have completed driver education courses. (HB 2678)

· DPS will establish a deferral program for surcharges assessed under the Driver Responsibility Program to military personnel actively deployed outside the U.S. for the duration of the individual’s deployment. (HB 2851)

· Voters will be required to present a driver license, personal identification certificate, military identification, election identification certificate, United States citizenship certificate passport, or concealed handgun license to participate in an election. DPS must create an election identification certificate to be issued by DPS for registered voters who do not have any of the other acceptable forms of photo identification. The election identification certificate will be distinguishable from a driver license or personal identification certificate, and will be issued free of charge to persons only if they do not hold any other acceptable form of identification, as listed in Election Code 63.0101. These forms of identification include a driver license, personal identification certificate, military identification, a United States citizenship certificate, passport, or concealed handgun license. (SB 14)

· A four-hour driving safety course was approved for drivers under 25 years old. Drivers under 25 who are cited for a moving violation may be required to take this course. (SB 1330)

· Applicants for a driver license or identification certificate must provide proof that the applicant is lawfully present in the United States. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or admitted to the U.S. as refugees or asylees are considered temporary visitors. Driver license and identification certificates issued to temporary visitors expire concurrent with the end of the applicant’s lawful presence, or after one year if the legal stay is indefinite. Driver license and identification certificates issued to temporary visitors are to be in the same format and contain the same information as those issued to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. (SB 1, 82^nd 1^st Called Session, effective September 28, 2011)

Driving Safety Tips for College Students

Here are some valuable driving safety tips for your students heading off to college.

• Pack right and avoid cramming - even though your child will try to fit everything they own into their vehicle, make sure whoever is driving is able to see out the rearview mirror. Nothing should be higher than seat level to avoid projectile movement of objects during a short stop. Either take two trips (if necessary) or ship some items.
• Take a break - plan to make stops and break up the drive if it is a long one.
• Conduct a car check - make sure to check headlights, turn signals, tires and oil before your child leaves for college.
• Watch for pedestrians - all college campuses have increased foot traffic. Remind your child to yield to pedestrians and never pass a car stopped at a cross walk.
• Always lock up - Urban areas of college campuses are not as safe as a parent's drivweay. Never leave valuables in the car and always lock the car.

Shelly Guibert - Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100 shelly@bengoodwynagency.com