Loudoun Insurance and South Riding Insurance, Northern Virginia Zip 201-221, Near 20152

Do You Have Coverage Wherever Things Go Wrong?

2010-03-09T13:21:00.003-05:00

Do You Have Coverage Wherever Things Go Wrong?

How is this for bad luck?

* Bob goes on vacation to Cancun. While he's walking on a sidewalk one day, a car jumps the curb. He jumps out of the way and escapes injury, but his $2,000 camera gets run over by the car.

* To cheer himself up, Bob goes to a golf shop to try out some clubs. Forgetting where he is, he takes a practice swing; his back swing breaks the nose of the woman looking at putters next to him.

* Bob cuts his vacation short. He returns home to find snow and ice have accumulated on his driveway. The next day, he also receives an emergency room bill for the broken ankle suffered by a neighbor who slipped on the driveway while attempting to look in on his cat.

* Bob retreats to the hideaway cabin that he owns in the mountains. He chops some trees for firewood on what he thinks is his property. Actually, the trees are five feet on his neighbor's side of the property line.

Bob has a homeowner's insurance policy covering his house. Does it cover any of these losses? For three of the four losses, the answer is yes.

A typical policy covers an insured person's personal property anywhere in the world. It also covers property that person is using, even if he doesn't own it. The property is covered for losses caused by any of the perils listed in the policy, including fire, lightning, smoke, explosion, vehicles, and others. Therefore, Bob's policy will pay to repair or replace the camera damaged by the car. However, the insurance company will subtract his deductible from the amount it will pay.

In addition to insuring property, a homeowner's policy covers an insured person's legal liability for injuries or damages suffered by others. It covers liability for all of the person's actions anywhere in the world, except for types of losses that it specifically lists as not covered. Accidentally hitting someone in the face with a golf club is not on the list, so Bob's policy will pay the amount he owes for the woman's medical treatment.

Likewise, Bob has coverage for the neighbor's broken ankle. Since he invited the neighbor to check on his cat, and his driveway was not in a safe condition on which to walk, he is legally liable for the injury. The policy covers liability arising out of an "insured location." The term "insured location" has many definitions; one of them is the residence listed on the policy. Bob's policy lists his home, so it covers losses that arise from the home.

Unfortunately, the next loss is where Bob's luck runs out. His policy lists his home but not his cabin. It does not cover his liability that arises out of premises he owns, rents, or rents to someone else if that premises is not an insured location. Since he owns the cabin and did not list it on his policy, and it does not fit into any of the other definitions of "insured location," the policy does not cover his liability for accidents that happen there. Consequently, he must either seek coverage under another policy, if there is one, or pay for the damage to the trees out of his own pocket.

It's a good idea to have a periodic chat with a professional insurance agent about your life circumstances. If you have a place in the mountains, own significant amounts of special property such as jewelry, or conduct business out of your home, you need special insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right coverage before you have a run of luck like Bob's.

Feel free to call Khalid Umerani at NOVA Insurance Group (Tel: 703.263.7800) to discuss all your Property and Casualty (including Personal Umbrella) coverage needs. We are located in Chantilly, Virginia, adjacent to South Riding.

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft This Tax Season

2010-02-18T16:20:00.002-05:00

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft This Tax Season

With tax season upon us, your personal information is floating around everywhere and identity thieves are working overtime to steal it. From social security numbers to employer and income information, it's an identity theft nightmare waiting to happen. Unless, of course, you're a thief. Then it's identity theft paradise.

Don't think it can happen to you? According to Javelin Strategy and Research, 8.4 million U.S. adults were victims of identity fraud in 2007.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe this tax season:

- Choose your tax preparer carefully. Ask for referrals from friends and coworkers.
Beware of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS. Such emails often contain links that automatically download software designed to steal your passwords and account information.
- Protect your Social Security number. Don’t give out your Social Security number if it’s not necessary.
- Guard your mailbox. Your mailbox is a treasure chest for crooks this time of year. If someone gets a hold of your tax forms they'll know your social security number, your employer and how much money you made last year. If you don't yet have a locking mailbox, now would be the perfect time to get one.
- Watch the websites you visit. If you use online tax services, just be sure you are dealing with a legitimate site. Clone websites can be easily set up by scammers with the sole purpose of harvesting your personal information.

Tax season is ripe for identity theft, but you don't have to be a victim. By keeping the above tips in mind, you can get through tax season without putting yourself at an increased risk of identity theft.

We, here at NOVA Insurance Group, do sell 'Identity Theft' coverage with our Homeowners Insurance policies. Feel free to call Khalid Umerani at tel. 703.263.7800 for further information.

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Are You Liable? Protect Yourself from Home Worker Lawsuits

2009-11-30T13:52:00.004-05:00

Are You Liable? Protect Yourself from Home Worker Lawsuits

As the housekeeper is vacuuming your living room, she trips over one of your daughter's toys and seriously injures her back. While your neighbor's teenage son is mowing your front lawn, he steps in a large hole and sprains his ankle. Will your homeowner's insurance cover you if one of these workers decides to file a lawsuit?

Many homeowners do not realize that they could be held financially liable if a maid, landscaper, nanny or another house worker were to suffer from an injury on their property. Here are some things you should keep in mind before you hire a home worker:

Is that worker an employee or a contractor?

When you hire someone to help out around the house, you should figure out whether he or she is an employee or a contractor. This is one of the factors determines whether or not you are liable for a worker's injury. So, how do you know if the worker is considered your employee or a contractor? It all comes down to how much control you have over the worker.

Let's say you hire a nanny named Lisa to take care of your children and do some light cleaning in your home. Lisa follows your instructions about how to care of your kids and how to complete certain household tasks. You supply Lisa with the supplies and tools she needs to do her job. Because you have control over how Lisa works, she is most likely considered your employee.

On the other hand, let's say you hire a professional landscaper named Bob to fertilize and mow your grass, trim the hedges and plant flowers in your yard. Bob uses his own lawn mower and yard tools and he does yard work for other homeowners, as well. Bob also has a team of workers who help him with his business, and he pays these workers. In this case, Bob would be considered an independent contractor.

Of course, these are two fairly simple examples. If you are uncertain about whether a worker in your home is considered a contractor or an employee, consult a lawyer or tax professional.

Understanding worker's comp insurance

Some states require that homeowners who have house worker "employees" to carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for them. However, even if your state does not require this, you should still consider purchasing this insurance for your employees. Why? Because if one of your employees is injured on your property, you may have to pay for their medical bills and other expenses out of your own pocket. However, with workers' compensation coverage, the insurance company will cover the costs.

Alternatively, if you hire a house contractor, such as a landscaper, carpenter or plumber, they should be covered by their own workers' compensation insurance. If a contractor is injured while doing work on your property, he or she will be covered under that policy. If the contractor doesn't have enough coverage, you may be held financially liable. However, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the contractor as they are required by law to have sufficient workers' compensation coverage.

If you are looking to hire a house contractor, it's important to ensure they are covered for worker injuries, property damage and uninstalled materials. Don't just take their word for it. Ask for written proof that they have a contractor's license, workers' compensation insurance for themselves and any subcontractors and general liability coverage.

Know what your homeowner's insurance covers

When it comes to coverage for home workers, every homeowner's insurance policy is different. Depending on your home state, your policy may include a provision that provides limited coverage for minor workers performing lawn mowing or other tasks that require the use of power tools on your property.

On the other hand, your policy may specifically exclude domestic workers such as nannies or maids. Your policy may cover the injuries of household employees, but only after a lawsuit is filed against you. Because homeowner's policies vary widely, it's important to read through your contract and talk to your insurance agent before you hire a home worker.

Consider an umbrella policy

If you discover that your homeowner's policy offers limited or no liability coverage for workers, you may consider purchasing additional liability insurance. While you may have some personal liability coverage through your homeowner's policy, it's probably not nearly enough to cover a major lawsuit from a home worker. If someone were to file a lawsuit against you, you could end up losing hundreds of thousands of dollars or more-even if you win.

You can further protect yourself with what's known as an umbrella policy. This type of policy offers a higher level of liability coverage and ensures that you and your family will be protected if someone sues you for damages. Umbrella policies are typically sold in million dollar increments, and you can obtain a policy once your home and auto insurance policies meet a minimum "attachment point"-typically a liability limit of $250,000 or $500,000.

Check with the Better Business Bureau

Before you hire a home worker, you should contact the Better Business Bureau for more information. They can tell you if any consumers have filed complaints against the worker. Visit the bureau's website at www.bbb.org.

Any questions about Allstate Homeowners Insurance Policies, please feel free to call Khalid Umerani, Agent, Allstate-NOVA Insurance Group at tel. 703.263.7800

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

The Many Colors of Insurance Fraud - And How to Prevent It

2009-11-20T11:54:00.004-05:00

The Many Colors of Insurance Fraud - And How to Prevent It

According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, a division of the Insurance Resource Council, one in five Americans or 45 million people say it is okay to defraud an insurance company in certain circumstances. Furthermore, according to a 2008 Four Faces study by the IRC, consumer tolerance of of specific insurance schemes has increased over the past ten years. To be more specific, the study says there is a decline in the number of Americans who believe it is unethical to:
- misrepresent facts on an insurance application to lower their premiums (82 percent today, down from 91 percent in 1997);
- file a claim for damage that occurred before the damage was covered (85 percent, down from 91 percent);
- inflate a claim to cover the deductible (84 percent, down from 91 percent); and
- misrepresent an incident in order to be paid for an uncovered loss (84 percent, down from 92 percent).

Insurance fraud comes in many different shapes, colors and sizes. The one common denominator is that, regardless of the form it takes, it costs insurers, and ultimately you, the consumer, billions of dollars per year. What are some of the different types of fraud that take place and what can be done to prevent it?

Insurance fraud cuts a broad swath through the insurance industry and can occur anywhere in the insurance transaction from fraudulent applications for coverage to fraudulent filing of claims. Insurance fraud is not only committed by the insurance buyer, but by attorneys, physicians, and other third parties to the insurance transaction. Even insurance company employees have been caught bilking their employers. Following are some sobering statistics:

Fraudulent and abusive auto-injury claims are a costly problem. Fraud and "buildup" added $4.8 billion to $6.8 billion in excess payments to auto injury claims in 2007. That means 13-percent to 18-percent increases in payments under private-passenger auto policies from 2002. (Insurance Research Council, Nov. 2008)

Auto insurers lost $16.1 billion due to premium rating errors in private-passenger premiums in 2007. Premium rating errors account for 10 percent of the $166 billion in personal auto premiums. Fraud accounts for a portion of these losses. Some drivers will seek to lower their premiums by schemes such as deliberately misrepresenting mileage driven, how the vehicle is used and where it's registered. (Quality Planning Corporation, 2008)

More than $2.4 billion in recoveries for fraud, waste and abuse in federal healthcare programs are expected for the first half of FY 2009 (October 2008 through March 2009). Some 1,415 individuals and organizations also were excluded from federal programs for fraud abuse; 293 criminal actions were brought, as were 243 civil actions. (Semiannual Report to Congress, Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, Office, 2009)

Medicare and Medicaid lose an estimated $60 billion or more annually to fraud, including $2.5 billion in South Florida. (Miami Herald, August 11, 2008). Medical identity theft comprises about 3 percent (249,000) of 8.3 million overall victims of identity theft. (Federal Trade Commission, Identity Theft Survey Report, 2007)

With the advent of the Internet, an aging population, and other trends making insurance fraud a lucrative business, it will be difficult to completely eradicate the problem. Federal and state authorities, insurers, and consumer watchdog groups are all working diligently to stem the tide of insurance fraud. Here's what you can do:

First, and most obvious is to not commit fraud. The temptation to lie on an insurance application to get a better rate, an example of what is called soft fraud, should be tempered by the fact that it increases the risk of insurers canceling or even rescinding coverage upon evidence of the fraud, not to mention the legal implications.
- Ask for detailed medical and repair bills and examine closely for unusual or suspicious charges.
- If you are involved in or witness an accident that appears to be of a suspicious nature, and you feel that it may have been staged, report the incident to local law enforcement.
- Report fraud when you become aware of it. If your state does not have a hotline, your insurance company probably does. So does the National Insurance Crime Bureau. A hotline exists for Medicare and Medicaid, and you can go on the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud's website for further information on reporting fraud (www.insurancefraud.org).
- As with credit card and social security numbers, guard your insurance identification card numbers and report any theft.

Need help with your insurance policies? Please call Khalid Umerani @ NOVA Insurance Group in Chantilly / South Riding, VA at tel: 703.263.7800

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Hands-Free Phones Not As Safe As You May Think

2009-11-09T17:26:00.005-05:00

Hands-Free Phones Not As Safe As You May Think

It seems like everywhere you turn these days, you see drivers chatting away seemingly to no one at all. Of course, by now we usually assume they're talking to someone on their hands-free cell phone headset or their built-in OnStar phone.

Although many drivers believe they're safer using these hands-free options, recent research proves otherwise. A new study shows that drivers are no safer talking on a hands-free phone than if they were using a hand-held one.

Look mom, no hands!

The new study, conducted by Yoko Ishigami, Dalhousie University and Raymond Klein, appeared in the National Safety Council's (NSC) Journal of Safety Research this summer. The study shows that any type of cell phone use distracts the driver from focusing on the road. The human brain simply can't focus on the conversation and safe driving at the same time.

The researchers discovered that hands-free phones are just as dangerous for drivers as hand-held phones. According to the study's findings, talking on any type of cell phone impairs a driver's reaction times and causes them to reduce their vehicle speeds. This leads to more driving errors and car accidents.

Based on the study, there's at least one difference between drivers using hands-free phones and those using hand-held ones. While drivers talking on any type of cell phone tend to slow down, those using hand-held phones typically slow down more.

Don't talk and drive

This new study is not the only research that shows hands-free phones are no safer for drivers. Several other studies have made the same claim.

However, until now, many lawmakers obviously believed hands-free phones were safer. As a matter of fact, five U.S. states and Washington D.C. have passed laws requiring drivers to use hands-free phones instead of hand-held ones. But these new studies claim that it's the conversation-not the act of holding a cell phone-that causes drivers to lose focus.

It's clear that cell phones cause serious problems and lead to countless car accidents on our nation's roads and highways. According to some estimates, more than 636,000 car crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths are caused by distracted drivers talking on a cell phone in the U.S. each year.

In January 2009, the NSC called for a complete ban on cell phones for drivers. Other national organizations and lobbyists may follow suit.

In the meantime, drivers may want to take caution. Although no laws have officially been passed, you may want to refrain from taking calls or at least limit your cell phone use when you're behind the wheel. While avoiding cell phone calls when you're driving may be an inconvenience, it could end up saving your life in the long run.

Please call Khalid Umerani, Agent, NOVA Insurance Group (Chantilly, VA) to discuss your car insurance needs at tel: 703.263.7800. We are licensed to do business in Virginia, Maryland and DC.

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Don't Become a Victim of Identity Theft

2009-10-26T15:02:00.004-04:00

Don't Become a Victim of Identity Theft

The fastest growing financial crime in America today without question is identity theft. In their most recently yearly study, Javelin Strategy and Research Center estimated that almost 10 million people were victims of identity theft in 2008, a 22% increase over 2007.

So how can you protect yourself? The first step in avoiding this unsettling crime is to gain an understanding of identity theft. But it is also very important to put protective measures in place, just in case you become a victim.

When an individual wrongfully acquires another person's private information, and fraudulently uses the information for economic gain at the victim's expense, a case of identity theft occurs. An identity thief searches for personal data such as bank account information, social security numbers, or credit card data. The thief uses the information to deplete bank accounts, obtain bank loans, or make thousands of dollars of charges on a victim's credit card. The result can be that victims are left with significant debt, blemished reputations, and scarred credit histories for many years to come.

To avoid this pain, first and foremost use good common sense. Guard all of your personal information, including bank and credit card account numbers and your social security number. Never leave bank deposit tickets lying around for someone else to find. Shred credit card receipts and applications before throwing them away. Protect your driver's license, and don't make obvious choices when setting up account PINs and ID numbers.

As an added safeguard, you may want to consider the possibility of setting up identity theft insurance coverage. If you do become a victim of this insidious crime, this coverage reimburses you for costs incurred to restore your identity and repair your personal credit report. Evaluate your homeowner's insurance policy, as some insurance companies include identity theft protection in your policy. Other insurance companies, like Allstate sell identity theft coverage as an endorsement to homeowner's or renter's insurance policies for an additional $40 per year, or may even market the protection as a stand-alone policy.

If you do become a victim of identity theft, call the bank, credit card company, or agency that is affected by the questionable transaction as soon as possible. Make certain they are aware of exactly what is going on, and that they have taken steps to prevent any further unwanted transactions. Finally, report the crime to the appropriate authorities, and file a report with the local police department and the Federal Trade Commission. A copy of the police report will be necessary to file the claim under your insurance policy for both reimbursement of funds and credit repair.

Need information about ID Theft coverage thru Allstate, please call Khalid Umerani, Agent, NOVA Insurance Group, South Riding, VA (Tel: 703.263.7800)

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Men vs. Women Drivers

2009-10-15T11:48:00.004-04:00

Men vs. Women Drivers: Does Gender Really Matter on the Road?

For years, insurance companies have regularly charged female drivers less for auto insurance coverage than males. Insurance companies claim it’s because women drivers statistically have fewer car crashes. However, no studies have actually proven that there is a difference between men and women’s driving abilities.

Looking at the stats

Over the past ten years or so, male fatalities have outnumbered female fatalities 2-to-1 in car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Men also have a higher rate of collisions that result in just property damage—also a 2-to-1 ratio.

According to the American Insurance Association, men are involved in 50 percent more fatal crashes per 100 million miles driven than females. This divergence is most prominent in drivers in their late teens and early to mid-20’s.

Examining the male crash phenomena

No one can pinpoint exactly why men have more car crashes than women. Many researchers argue nature versus nurture theories. Some researchers blame natural male biochemicals—one study claims that high testosterone levels in men causes them to take more risks behind the wheel. On the other hand, some researchers say that men are products of their culture. These experts say society has taught males to act more competitively in general, which makes them more aggressive drivers on the road. Other studies point out that women are better multi-taskers, which makes them better drivers.

However, many people simply don’t buy into any of these studies. Skeptics say a person’s gender simply cannot predict whether or not they are a safe driver. The National Organization for Women’s Insurance Project points out that men simply have more crashes than women because they drive more miles each year. Because men are on the road more, they expose themselves to a more risk.

The gap narrows
Recent statistics show that the gap is narrowing between men and women crashes. Between 1975 and 2003, female fatalities in car accidents increased 14 percent, while male fatalities dropped by 11 percent.

Some experts say this is simply because women are on the road more these days. On top of that, an increasing number of women are becoming more aggressive on the road. If this trend continues, experts say insurance companies may soon stop taking gender into account as they calculate drivers’ insurance premiums.

A few states lead the way

Despite the latest research, insurance companies in most states continue to use gender as a factor in calculating premiums. Of course, insurers also take other things into account, including annual mileage, the type of car, the person’s previous driving record and even their Zip code (whether they live in the city, the suburbs or a rural area).

However, a handful of states, including California, Connecticut, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, no longer allow insurance companies to use gender as a factor to assess risk and calculate premiums.

Please call Khalid Umerani, Agent (NOVA Insurance Group) at 703-263-7800 to get competitive car insurance quotes, in the Washington DC metro area.

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

In the World of Cars, Is Bigger Always Safer?

2009-10-07T16:25:00.005-04:00

In the World of Cars, Is Bigger Always Safer?

When it comes to cars, is it true that bigger is always better...and safer? Based on an April 2009 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the answer to this longstanding question is a resounding yes. The study shows that larger, heavy-duty vehicles are fundamentally safer than smaller, lightweight cars.

Considering recent announcements, this revelation is more important than ever. This May, President Obama unveiled his massive fuel efficiency plan. Under the new standards, auto makers will be ordered to increase the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. This means manufacturers will have to produce smaller, more lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles.

While supporters of the plan say it will help cut our nation's greenhouse-gas emissions, opponents argue that the mandate will result in thousands more Americans dying or becoming seriously injured in auto accidents. Critics say that the number of auto fatalities could swell if hordes of "unsafe" subcompacts hit the road in coming years.

The physics behind car crashes

Why are bigger cars intrinsically safer? It all comes down to physics. According to the IIHS report, "These tests are about the physics of car crashes, which dictate that very small cars generally can't protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models."

Based on the law of physics, when a large object crashes into a smaller object, the larger object creates a greater impact. This rule holds true for car crashes, as confirmed by the IIHS study.

For this study, the IIHS conducted three front-to-front crash tests, each involving a microcar or minicar colliding with a midsize model from the same manufacturer. The Institute did not use SUVs, pickup trucks or even large cars to pair with the micros and minis in the tests. "The choice of midsize cars reveals how much influence some extra size and weight can have on crash outcomes," the report explains.

Instead, the Institute chose pairs of 2009 models from Daimler, Honda and Toyota because these auto makers have micro and mini models that have earned good frontal crash ratings in barrier tests.

According to the final IIIHS report, "In a collision involving two vehicles that differ in size and weight, the people in the smaller, lighter vehicle will be at a disadvantage. The bigger, heavier vehicle will push the smaller, lighter one backward during the impact. This means there will be less force on the occupants of the heavier vehicle and more on the people in the lighter vehicle. Greater force means greater risk, so the likelihood of injury goes up in the smaller, lighter vehicle."

Real-world car crash statistics confirm this theory. In 2007, the death rate in 1 to 3-year-old minicars involved in multiple-vehicle crashes was nearly twice as high as the rate in large cars.

Good engineering makes a difference

Despite the recent IIHS study, some experts point out that vehicle safety doesn't come down to car size alone. They say that quality engineering and design are more important to vehicle safety than the actual car size. Added safety features, such as front and side airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force-limiters, rollover prevention mechanisms, head restraints and crash avoidance systems can also greatly improve a vehicle's safety.

Experts also say the size of a vehicle's front end can determine how the car fares in crash. If a lighter vehicle is engineered with a large front end, creating a bigger space between the front of the vehicle and the front seat, the car would be much safer. That's because a car with a large "crush space" decreases the severity of an impact and reduces the force to the car's occupants.

Plus, auto makers can also reduce a vehicle's weight without losing too much structural integrity by using aluminum, titanium or plastic. Unfortunately, most manufacturers steer clear of these materials because they carry a high price tag.

Any questions about Car Insurance, call Khalid Umerani, Agent, NOVA Insurance Group in Chantilly / South Riding, VA at 703.263.7800

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Personal Umbrella Policies

2009-09-30T11:39:00.005-04:00

When It Rains, It Pours: Why You Need a Personal Umbrella Policy

In recent years, our society has become what some people call "lawsuit happy." In other words, an increasing number of people are filing lawsuits for everything from emotional injury to property damage-and they're suing for larger amounts than ever before. If someone were to file a lawsuit against you, you could end up losing hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, even if you won.

While you may have some personal liability coverage through your homeowner's or auto insurance policy, it's probably not nearly enough to cover a major lawsuit. Fortunately, you can further protect yourself with what's known as an umbrella policy. This type of policy offers a higher level of liability coverage and ensures that you and your family will be protected if someone sues you for damages.

Read on to learn more about these valuable policies:

Umbrella policies: A liability coverage "extension"

When it comes to lawsuits, the more assets you own, the more you stand to lose. A personal umbrella liability policy can protect you from these potentially devastating losses. These policies act as an extension to the current liability protection you probably have through your homeowner's or auto insurance policy.

Umbrella policies are typically sold in million dollar increments, and you can obtain a policy once your home and auto insurance policies meet a minimum "attachment point"-typically a liability limit of $250,000 or $500,000. Here in Loudoun County, Virginia, Agent Khalid Umerani often sells Umbrella policy limits of $2 million & $3 million.

What does it cover?

Most umbrella policies covers the following:

Personal injury, including false arrest, mental anguish, malicious prosecution, libel, slander, defamation of character, wrongful entry or eviction, negligent infliction of emotional distress or invasion of privacy.
Bodily injury, such as physical injury or death. In some jurisdictions, this also includes emotional injury.
Property damage, including destruction of the property of others, cost of recreation and loss of use. However, it does not cover damages done to your own property.
Defense coverage, including groundless, false and fraudulent suits, bail bond costs, loss of earning and other "reasonable" expenses.
Of course, it's probably easier to understand exactly what an umbrella policy covers by putting it into real-life terms. Here are a few examples of what this type of policy could cover:

A deliveryman is hauling your new washing machine into your home when he trips on your door mat, falls and breaks his neck. Your umbrella policy would likely cover the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damages.
You're driving down the road when an important corporate CEO steps into the crosswalk in front of your car. He sues you for millions of dollars in medical costs, lost earning and damages. Your umbrella policy can cover you for these damages.
Your daughter invites a friend over to play on her swing set. Her friend falls off the slide and suffers from serious injuries. When her parents sue you, your umbrella policy will cover the medical costs.
How much does is it cost?

The price of an umbrella policy depends on how much coverage you want, the number of properties you rent or own and the number of automobiles or watercraft you own. The cost associated with cars and watercraft are much higher than those associated with properties.

Let's say you are single, you own one home and one car, and you want to purchase a $5 million umbrella policy. You'll probably pay somewhere between $270 and $550 a year. On the other hand, if you are married with two children, you own two homes, a rental property and three cars, and you want a $10 million umbrella, you'll probably pay a good deal more-anywhere between $970 or $1,750 a year.

Call us here at NOVA Insurance Group, South Riding, VA (Loudoun County) to discuss whether or not an umbrella policy is right for you. In the long run, by paying a few hundred dollars per year, you could save millions. We can also be reached via our two websites:
www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

There Are Good Reasons Why Your Insurance Doesn't Cover That Loss

2009-09-16T14:47:00.004-04:00

There Are Good Reasons Why Your Insurance Doesn't Cover That Loss

Every insurance policy has a section popularly known as "the fine print," though its actual title is "Exclusions." Exclusions are provisions in an insurance policy describing losses that the policy will not cover. For example, a homeowner's policy does not cover losses caused by the use of cars, and a business auto policy does not cover injuries caused by a bulldozer on a construction site. While it may appear at first glance that the insurance company includes these provisions to get out of paying claims, the reasons are more complex and less insidious than that. There are very sensible reasons why no insurance policy covers everything.

First, not every person or business has the same exposures to loss. Most homeowners do not own a dump truck used in a business; the owner of the dump truck might not have employees to insure for jobsite injuries; the employer with a dozen employees might not own the building it occupies. Imagine if there were one insurance policy that covered all of these exposures -- it would be hundreds of pages long and very complex. Therefore, over time insurance companies have developed different policies for different exposures -- auto, home, business liability, and so on. The homeowner's policy excludes losses that the auto policy should cover, personal policies exclude losses that business policies should cover, and vice versa.

Related to this are the issues of cost and choice. Standard insurance policies contain coverages that apply to large groups of households and businesses, but they do not cover every possibility. Those with additional needs have coverage options to choose from. For example, homeowner's policies do not cover damage caused by water backing up from an overflowing sump or drain, but households that have basements with sumps or drains have the option of buying this coverage. Households without a basement do not have to buy it. This affords the buyer choices but does not force coverage on those who do not need or want it.

Furthermore, exclusions reduce the cost of the insurance policy. Every coverage comes with an associated cost -- the company must factor in the costs of potential claims, expenses and profit for that coverage. The more coverages a policy provides, the higher its premium will be. Without exclusions, people and businesses would be forced to pay for coverages they do not need. Exclusions help keep the premium affordable.

Finally, certain types of losses are uninsurable. Insurance companies cannot accurately predict when certain types of losses will happen, and the potential loss amounts are too large for them to absorb. For example, almost all policies exclude losses suffered as the result of a war or a nuclear accident. These events would cause massive losses beyond the abilities of insurance companies to pay. Other losses are not insurable as a matter of common sense. Because the purpose of insurance is to pay for losses from accidents, it will not cover most losses that a person intentionally causes.

Because every household or business's circumstances are different, standard policies might not provide all the coverage necessary for proper protection. Properties in flood-prone areas, businesses that have a lot of contracts with other businesses, and individuals who post to online message boards may all lack important coverage. Consultation with a professional insurance agent will help determine whether more coverage is needed, whether it is available, and how much it will cost. The time to find out the availability and cost of coverage is before the loss occurs.

Free free to Khalid Umerani, Agent, here at NOVA INsurance Group to discuss coverages and premium quotes for all your insurance policies. We serve Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, and work primarily in South Riding, Chantilly, Ashburn, Centreville, Reston, Herndon, Aldie and the surrounding cities.

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Don't Float Your Boat Until You Know It's Protected

2009-07-28T12:18:00.007-04:00

Americans love to take to the water because it provides a feeling of freedom and a sense of adventure. But boating can have a dark side, too. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 5,191 boating accidents reported in 2007 and Fairfax & Loudoun Counties are not immune. However, this is probably only the tip of the iceberg. The Coast Guard believes that more than 80 percent of all boating accidents go unreported.

Given this level of risk for accidents, it would make sense that boat owners would look for a way to protect themselves, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. A study conducted by Progressive Insurance revealed that 29 percent of U.S. boat owners don’t own a separate watercraft policy. That’s probably because boat owners assume that their craft is covered by their personal auto policy or their homeowner’s policy. This is a mistake that can cost them big time. (Contact us at www.south-riding-insurance.com or www.loudoun-insurance.com for details on boat insurance)

The standard auto policy covers the boat trailer for liability with the option to add coverage for physical damage. The boat itself, however, is not covered for liability or damage.

Some homeowner's policies offer coverage for physical damage for boats, but only for smaller vessels. The typical homeowner’s policy in the Chantilly / South Riding areas contains a special property limit of $1,500 on watercraft, which doesn't begin to equal the dollar value of most boats. In addition, the covered perils specific to the boat are also greatly restricted.

There is also liability coverage available for boats under the majority of homeowner’s policies, but once again, it is only applicable to smaller watercraft. The only exception is a boat with an outboard motor. That means that any type of boat you own that is powered by an inboard or inboard-outboard motor is excluded from liability coverage under the homeowner's policy.

Because most boat owners are unaware how large a property and liability loss they expose themselves to without proper insurance, the Institutional Risk Management Institute (IRMI) has created a list of loss scenarios that demonstrate the need for specialized boat owners coverage:

· Your cruiser collides with a speedboat whose operator fails to yield the right of way, causing extensive damage to your boat. The owner of the speedboat does not have any insurance coverage.

· An expensive bass boat you just purchased is stolen from your home.

· Your 27-foot-long sailboat is damaged by a major hailstorm while docked at the marina.

· Your sport fishing boat is struck by lightning, incapacitating its electrical system.

· Your son's friend is water skiing behind your boat and he falls into the lake, injuring himself, due to the excessive speed of the boat.

· You negligently cause another boat to overturn to avoid a collision.

· Your outboard motor explodes, seriously injuring your next-door neighbor.

For more information please contact Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding Va.

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

GMAC Survey Shows Drivers Unsure of Bus Safety Rules

2009-07-16T14:38:00.002-04:00

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses represent one of the safest modes of transportation, nearly eight times safer than passenger vehicles. That’s partly because school bus transportation is subject to both federal and state regulation especially here in the Fairfax / Loudoun County areas.

However, even though the operation of school transportation is closely monitored, school bus drivers cannot control the behavior of other vehicles on the road. According to a 2006 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, titled Traffic Safety Facts, an average of 20 school-age children die in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year.

In an effort to keep school children safe, GMAC Insurance conducted a survey of 5,524 licensed drivers to find out what misconceptions they had about common laws relating to driving while in the vicinity of school transportation.

According to the survey results, many drivers know they must stop when approaching a school bus from either the front or the rear when the vehicle's red lights are flashing; however, they are unsure about the exact stopping distance. Only 30 percent of the drivers polled knew that the correct stopping distance is 20 feet from a bus.

The survey’s findings also revealed other gaps in many drivers’ knowledge about the proper procedures when driving near a school bus. To help keep students safe, GMAC developed the following five tips for drivers to remember and are helpful here in the South Riding / Chantilly areas:

1. Stay stopped. When a school bus stops and displays its red flashing lights, come to a stop until the ,lights are no longer flashing or until signaled to proceed by the bus driver or police officer.

2. Keep back. Drivers should stop at least 20 feet (or one and a half car lengths) from the back of the bus.

3. Don’t pass. It is illegal to pass on the right side of the bus, where children are loading and unloading. In many places, school bus drivers can report a passing vehicle.

4. Be attentive. Children may run out into the street when heading home or to the playground without realizing that there are drivers nearby.

5. Go slow. Obey the posted speed limits in school zones where children are often walking or playing and pay attention to crossing guards.

For more information please contact Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, South Riding, VA

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Protect Your Assets with an Umbrella Policy

2009-06-26T15:20:00.002-04:00

Hopefully, you will never be served with legal papers and involved in a costly lawsuit. But in the event you are, it will be imperative that you have the insurance to cover your legal liability. That's where a personal liability umbrella policy can help especially in Fairfax / Loudoun Counties in Virginia.

Umbrella policies supplement the liability coverage you have through home and auto insurance and provide an extra layer of security by protecting your assets that might be at risk in a liability lawsuit.

If you don't have enough liability coverage from your homeowner's and auto policies to adequately resolve a claim, the person suing you can go after your home and your other assets to pay for damages. Umbrella policies cover damage claims that you, your dependents, or even your pets may cause in the South Riding / Chantilly areas.

Umbrella policies kick in after, and pay in addition to, your auto and homeowner's insurance liability limits. The bulk of the risk is assumed under the primary auto or home policy, which enables insurers to offer umbrella policies at very reasonable costs.

However, most insurance companies will not sell an umbrella policy unless both your auto and homeowner's insurance is with them. In addition, your insurer may stipulate that your auto or homeowner's liability limits be at least a certain amount, such as $200,000 to $300,000.

Umbrella policies provide much broader coverage in case you are sued, covering you if you cause bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury. Certain umbrella policies also cover you if you face liability arising from your service on the board of a civic, charitable, or religious organization.

Umbrella policies typically do not cover claims from business endeavors. If you own a business, even a small one, you'll need to purchase business insurance to protect yourself from business-related liability claims.

To determine if you need an umbrella policy, analyze your risk of being sued and the assets you have at risk by contacting Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding Va. Do you have a swimming pool or trampoline that may pose a threat to visitors? Of course, you may decide your personal situation makes lawsuits very unlikely.

Before making any decision, compare the umbrella premium with the cost of raising the liability limits on your auto and homeowner's policies. It may work to your advantage to raise these current limits by several hundred thousand dollars, and you may come out spending less than you would on umbrella policy premiums. Please contact Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, South Riding, VA.

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Can I Borrow Your Car -- And Your Insurance?

2009-05-05T13:01:00.002-04:00

“Bill, can I borrow your truck? I have to pick up a new mattress.” Questions like this are routine here in Virginia (Fairfax & Loudoun Counties). Friends and neighbors borrow and lend their vehicles. College roommates borrow their friends’ cars. Six cars are parked in a driveway at a party and one needs to be moved so another car can pull out. The owner tosses someone the keys and tells him to move it. When situations like these end with an auto accident, whose insurance pays – the owner’s or the borrower’s?

In general, the vehicle owner’s policy is primary and pays first in the event of a loss. If for some reason the owner’s policy does not cover the loss or provide enough insurance to fully cover it, the borrower’s policy will apply. For example, assume that Joe has a policy with an insurance limit of $100,000 for injuries to one person and Bill’s policy has a limit of $250,000. Joe borrows Bill’s car and severely injures a pedestrian, resulting in damages of $300,000. Since Bill owns the car, his policy will pay first. It will pay $250,000 (his limit of insurance,) and Joe’s policy will pay the remaining $50,000. If Bill’s policy does not cover the loss (for example, if he had let the policy lapse,) Joe’s policy would pay all of its $100,000, but Bill and Joe might be individually responsible for paying the balance.

The owner’s insurance will also be primary for damage to the car itself. However, the borrower’s insurance can make up for a difference in deductible. Suppose Joe has a $500 collision deductible on his car and Bill’s collision deductible is $1,000. Joe totals Bill’s $5,000 car in an accident. Bill’s insurance will pay $4,000 for the car ($5,000 minus the $1,000 deductible,) and Joe’s insurance will pay $500 (Bill’s deductible minus Joe’s $500 deductible.) If Bill’s insurance is uncollectible because he didn’t buy collision coverage, Joe’s policy will pay $4,500 ($5,000 minus the $500 deductible.)

A person must have the car owner’s permission to borrow before the owner’s insurance will cover him. The insurance company will consider the person to have permission if he had a reasonable belief that he could use the car. For example, if Bill at one time said to Joe, “Take the car whenever you need to; the keys are on my desk,” and Joe had in fact borrowed it several times with no objection from Bill, it would appear that Joe had a reasonable belief that he could use it. On the other hand, if Bill never said anything to Joe about using the car, and Joe had to search Bill’s home to find the keys, Joe’s belief that he could use it might not appear to be so reasonable. In this case, Bill’s policy might not cover Joe’s liability for injuries or damages. Worse, Joe’s policy might not cover him, either.

Permission must come from the vehicle’s owner, not from a member of the owner’s family. Joe will not have coverage if Bill didn’t give him permission but Bill’s teenage daughter told him to use it. However, the daughter has coverage if she borrows the car, with or without permission. A member of the owner’s family has coverage without having to prove they had permission. To be considered a family member, such a person must be related to the owner by blood, marriage or adoption.

Before borrowing someone else’s car, we advise people to do the following here in Virginia (South Riding & Chantilly areas zips incl. 20151, 20152 and 20105):

-Make certain you have the owner’s permission.
-Make certain the owner has insurance in-force on the car.
-Check your own insurance to see if it will cover damages the owner’s policy doesn’t cover.

Insurance Agent, Khalid Umerani, can assist you with the third item. Ask the questions ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises later. For more information on Auto coverage, contact Khalid Umerani at NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding, VA 20151

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Beyond the Law: Setting Stricter Limits for Your Teen Driver

2009-04-28T12:05:00.003-04:00

Research shows motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths. Tragically, 3,490 teenage drivers (between the ages of 15-20) died in car accidents in 2006 alone, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The IIHS, along with other driving safety groups, has spent decades studying teen vehicle fatalities to determine what specific behaviors put teenage drivers in the danger zone. Their research reveals that driving at night, driving with passengers, receiving a learner’s permit before the age of 16 and getting a full license before the age of 18 put teens at a much higher risk of having an accident. Chantilly and South Riding are NO different.

Unfortunately, state laws have failed to keep pace with the latest research. Many critics say states simply aren't doing enough to protect teens on the road. That’s why the IIHS is imploring parents to step up and set stricter driving limits for their teen drivers.

If you want to keep your teenager safe on the road here in Fairfax & Loudoun Counties in Virginia, consider the following advice the IIHS has to offer:

Make them wait

According to the IIHS, 16-year-olds have the highest rate of car crashes than drivers of any age. Sadly, many of these accidents prove to be fatal. This is why the institute strongly encourages parents to wait until their child turns 16 before allowing them to get a learner’s permit and until 17 to get a driver’s license.

Once the teen receives their learner’s permit, the IIHS says parents should put their teen through a learner stage that lasts at least six months. Parents should supervise a minimum of 30-50 hours of their teen’s driving before allowing them to get a full license. Many places in Loudoun County (South Riding, Aldie, Kirkpatrick Farms, Stone Ridge, Chantilly, etc.) offer places to practice safe driving techniques.

After the teen earns their driver’s license, the institute says parents should restrict their teen’s driving until he or she is at least 18 years old. Specifically, teens should not drive at night and be limited to just one or no non-adult passengers.

Restrict night driving

Once your teen has earned his license, it’s crucial to restrict him from driving at night until he is at least 18. A 2003 IIHS report shows that driving between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. triples a 16-year-old’s risk of having a fatal car crash.

Not only is it harder to drive in the dark because of low visibility, but teens are typically more tired at night. Driver fatigue is a major contributing factor when it comes to night-time teen crashes. Of course, the chance of teenagers consuming alcohol also increases as soon as the sun sets. According to the NHTSA, 31 percent of teen drivers killed in 2006 had been drinking.

Limit teen passengers

More than half of all deaths in crashes of 16 and 17-year old drivers occur when passengers under the age of 20 are in the car with no adult supervision. When a teen driver has a teen passenger in the car, they are twice as likely to have a fatal crash, according to IIHS. When a teen has three or more teenage passengers, their risk of a fatal crash is three times higher than if they had no passengers.

Of course, it’s no surprise why this is the case: passengers often cause distractions for teen drivers. However, researchers also believe that teens often “show off” for their teenage passengers by speeding and making riskier choices on the road.

Don’t let state laws dictate the driving limits for your teenager here in the South Riding / Chantilly VA. areas. The research shows that state legislation is simply too lenient for most teenagers. As soon as your child is old enough to understand, start preparing him or her for your unique household driving rules. If you make the idea of “no driver’s license until you’re 17” a family mantra, your teen will be prepared for it when the time comes.

Of course, if you tell your 15-year-old she’ll have to wait until she’s 17 to get a full driver’s license, you’ll probably meet some serious resistance. You’ll also have to listen to endless complaints when you tell your teen he can’t drive at night and is not allowed to have passengers. While it’s never fun to play the “bad guy” or upset your teen, it will be well worth it in the long run. Stick to your guns—after all, it could save your child’s life. Also, a discussion about car insurance premiums, and the "Good Student Discounts", for a 3.0 B average, is often helpful.

For more information on teen driving safety, visit http://www.iihs.org/, http://www.south-riding-insurance.com/ or http://www.loudoun-insurance.com/. For information on auto insurance and valuable discounts for young drivers contact Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding, VA 20151.

Ten Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

2009-04-21T14:49:00.002-04:00

Ten Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

With the dawning of Spring often comes a deluge of rain showers and thunderstorms. While a soft Spring rain may seem innocent enough from the safety of your home, even a gentle shower can cause major problems here in Virginia (Fairfax & Loudoun Counties) on the road. Thousands of car accidents each year are caused by rain and wet roads—and motorists who don’t know how to drive on them.

During and after a rainstorm, a film of water quickly forms on asphalt roads especially in the South Riding / Chantilly areas. This sheath of water causes tires to lose traction, which means drivers can easily lose control. However, slippery roads are not the only danger to driving in the rain. Drivers also lose visibility during a rainstorm. Heavy rain can be absolutely blinding, fogging up the windows and even blocking your headlights. These things all add to an extremely dangerous situation.

If you find yourself on the road during a rainstorm, follow these safety tips to ensure you arrive alive:

Be especially careful when the rain first starts. When the roads are dry for a long period of time, engine oil and grease builds up on roads and highways. As soon as the first drops of rain start to fall, the water mixes with this build-up making the roads incredibly slick. This is why the first few hours of a rainstorm can be the most hazardous for drivers. If the rain continues to fall for a few more hours, the water will eventually wash away the greasy build-up.

Slow down. You should always drive at a slower speed when the roads are wet. The faster you drive in a rainstorm, the more likely you are to have an accident. Leave the house earlier than usual to give yourself additional travel time so you won’t feel the urge to rush.

Brake earlier and slower. When you need to slow down or stop on wet roads, ease on the brakes earlier and with less force than you would normally. This decreases your risk of hydroplaning and keeps a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. It also alerts any drivers behind you to slow down. If you stop too suddenly in a rainstorm, you could get rear-ended.

Turn off cruise control. When you have cruise control turned on during a rainstorm, your car could actually speed up if you hydroplane. Plus, when you use cruise control, you’re probably not paying as much attention to the road. Turn off the cruise control and stay alert at all times when driving in the rain so you can react quickly if necessary.

Avoid big “puddles.” If you spot a huge puddle in the road up ahead, drive around it or take a different route. Sometimes seemingly shallow puddles can actually be 5 or 6 feet deep—and that amount of water can cause serious problems for your car’s electrical system. Depending on how deep the water is, it could even float your car. If you aren’t sure just how deep a puddle is, steer clear of it altogether.

Turn on your headlights. Even if just a few raindrops are falling, turn on your headlights. Not only will this help you see the road, but it will help other drivers see you. However, don’t use your high beams in the rain. This can actually reduce your visibility and blind other drivers.

Turn on your defroster. Your windshield can fog up quickly during a rainstorm, which can cause you to lose sight of the road. Turn on your front and rear defrosters and the A/C to defog your windows.

Keep an eye out for pedestrians. In a rainstorm, a pedestrian’s view of the road could be obscured by their rain slicker hood or umbrella—which means they may accidentally step into the road at the wrong time. If you are driving in a city or another area with pedestrians, keep a close eye out for people in the road.

Pull over when things get bad. If the rain is falling so hard that you can barely see the car in front of you, pull over and wait for the rain to slow down or stop. After all, it’s much better for you to make it to your destination a little late than not at all.

Don’t brake if you hydroplane. If you feel your car starting to hydroplane, don’t brake suddenly or turn the steering wheel. This could send you into a skid. Instead, ease off the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until you feel your tires regain traction. If you have to brake and don’t have anti-lock brakes, tap the brake pedal lightly. If you do have anti-lock brakes, you can brake normally.

For more information, contact Khalild Umerani, Agent, at NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding, VA 20151.

www.south-riding-insurance.com
www.loudoun-insurance.com

Practice Safe Winter Driving Techniques

2009-03-31T12:20:00.006-04:00

Practice Safe Winter Driving Techniques

Winter is finally on its way out of here in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Not long ago, winter brought us ice, snow, slippery roads, and poor visibility. Winter driving is necessary and nothing can be done to avoid it.

While the best advice is to not drive at all, that's not an option for most of us here in Virginia (South Riding & Chantilly area zips incl. 20151, 20152 and 20105). If you must drive, here are some simple precautions you can take to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries:

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If you should lose traction:

Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If you should get stuck:

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle by shifting from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

For more information contact Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding, Va. 20151 at http://www.south-riding-insurance.com or http://www.loudoun-insurance.com

Save Premiums by Raising Policy Deductibles

2009-03-24T14:55:00.004-04:00

Save Premiums by Raising Policy Deductibles

As money gets increasingly tight, consumers are trying to save wherever possible, especially here in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties in Virginia. Insurance policies are one place that people typically look to cut costs. But, are there ways you can save when it comes to insurance without jeopardizing your coverage?

Many insureds believe so. One method of cutting back on your insurance premium costs is to reduce the dwelling or liability limits on your homeowner's policy here in Virginia (Fairfax & Loudoun County Zips incl. 20151, 20152 and 20105). Similarly, you could also request a reduction in the liability limits on your auto insurance policy.

However, not only do these methods fail to save you money in the long run, they also make you increasingly vulnerable to risk. Consider how much you could lose if a judge decided against you in a liability suit, or someone was hurt in your home (especially in the South Riding / Chantilly areas!).

A wiser course of action is to increase your policy deductibles. On a homeowner's policy, raising your deductible from $250 to a $500 could realize a premium savings of 10 to 15 percent. You could also consider raising the deductibles on the physical damage section of your auto insurance to save money on the premium. Having a $500 deductible on both comprehensive and collision can save you as much as 30 percent. A $1,000 deductible may result in even more savings. (Contact us at www.south-riding-insurance.com or www.loudoun-insurance.com for more details)

Many insureds argue that if they do need to file a claim, they won’t have $500 to cover the newly increased deductible. While $500 may sound like a large amount of money to get together, it is actually only $250 more than you would have needed if you still had the original $250 deductible. Keep in mind that with the savings benefit you will get from a higher deductible, you should be able to save that extra $250 in less than 2 years.

For those larger savings, consider a graduated approach. If you are not financially able to go from paying a $250 deductible to paying $1,000 deductible, raise your deductible to $500 now, and put the money you save into a dedicated savings account for the purpose of accumulating money to increase your deductible again. When you have saved enough in the account, increase the deductible to $1,000.

Raising your deductible will definitely save you money over the long-term. More importantly, it will not put you at an increased financial risk. For more information contact Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding, Va. 20151.

Ensure the Right Coverage for your Jewelry

2009-03-16T14:48:00.003-04:00

Ensure the Right Coverage for Your Jewelry

Men and women alike often own expensive pieces of jewelry, such as diamond rings, designer wristwatches, bracelets, and necklaces. Not only are these pieces attractive to thieves, they are subject to several other perils as well. Because of the sentimental and monetary values associated with jewelry, proper insurance coverage is of great importance.

A standard homeowner's insurance policy here in Virginia (Fairfax & Loudoun Counties) will pay for jewelry damaged by fire, smoke, vandalism, windstorm, and several other causes. Coverage is also available for stolen jewelry, but only for a maximum of $1,500 or $2,500. This limit applies collectively to all items of jewelry, furs and gemstones stolen at the same time; it does not apply separately to each item. It will not pay for pieces that are lost or that mysteriously disappear. In the event of a loss, the insurer will pay only the cost of replacing the item less depreciation.

Because of these limitations, people who own valuable pieces of jewelry should consider purchasing separate coverage, either as an add-on to their homeowner's policy or as an individual policy. With this coverage, the policy lists specific items and the amounts of insurance on each. (Contact us at www.south-riding-insurance.com or www.loudoun-insurance.com for details).

The policy covers items of jewelry but does not include unmounted gems; gold, silver and other precious metals; and silverware, flatware or goldware. The owner may be able to insure some of these items separately. The insurance will pay for loss from all causes other than war, nuclear disaster, actions of the government, and maintenance of the property. The owner must choose one of two options for determining the property’s value in the event of a loss. The first is the same as in the homeowner's policy – actual cash value, which means the insurer will pay the least of:
The item’s replacement cost minus depreciation;
The cost of repairing it;
The cost of replacing it; or
The amount of insurance shown on the policy for the item.
The second is called “agreed value,” which means that the insurer will pay the full amount of insurance shown on the policy for the item if it's lost or damaged. This option may cost more but provides more certainty for the owner.

Jewelry owners may also select optional coverages. One option gives the owner a premium credit for items stored in a bank vault. If the owner wants coverage to apply outside the bank vault, she must notify the insurer in advance and pay an additional premium. Another option gives a future spouse, whom the policy would not ordinarily cover, insurance for his or her interest in engagement or wedding rings. Under the third option, the insurer will pay the value of a complete set of items, such as a pair of earrings, even if the loss affected only one item in the set. The owner must surrender the surviving items in the set to the insurer.

Owners of expensive jewelry should consider having it appraised by a reputable jeweler at least every three years. They should also take common sense steps to safeguard it against theft, the most common cause of loss for jewelry. Finally, they should meet with their insurance agent (Khalid Umerani, NOVA Insurance Group, here in Chantilly / South Riding, VA 20151) for a coverage review every couple of years to ensure their insurance is adequately protecting them from loss to their valuables.

Does My Auto Insurance Cover the Kids After They've Moved Out?

2008-10-02T12:32:00.003-04:00

Does My Auto Insurance Cover the Kids After They've Moved Out?

Parents of teens and young adults know the pattern all too well. A child hits the magic age when he can finally get a learner's permit to drive. After multiple tries, he passes the driving test and gets his license. Mom and Dad open their wallets and tell the insurance company about the new driver. Their insurance policy covers him during high school, while he's in college, and while he's back home. At some point, however, he moves out on his own for good. Maybe he moves to a city with convenient mass transit, and his job doesn't pay well enough for him to buy a car, so he goes without. (www.loudoun-insurance.com)

One day, he asks out that girl in the accounting department he's been flirting with for a month. Meeting her at a subway stop just won't do, so he grovels at the feet of the best friend with a new set of wheels. The friend, though appalled at the shameless pleading, agrees to lend him the car. Young Romeo picks up his date, pulls out into traffic, and rear-ends a Lexus at the first red light. Flustered, he pops it in reverse and backs hard into the BMW behind him. Two questions immediately come to his mind: 1) Will she still want to go to the movie? and 2) Does he have insurance coverage for this little adventure?

Bad news for Romeo: His date takes a cab home and his friend sort of forgot to pay his car insurance bill; the insurance company cancelled the policy. Then he gets an idea: It hasn't been all that long since he lived with Mom and Dad. Maybe their insurance will pay for the repairs.
Every insurance policy has specific descriptions of who the insurance company will cover. The standard Personal Auto Policy published by the Insurance Services Office says that the person whose name is on the policy and any "family members" have coverage for the ownership, maintenance or use of any auto. Maybe Romeo's in luck.

Maybe not. The policy also has a specific definition of the term, "family member:" A person related to the person named on the policy. The family member must be related by blood, marriage or adoption and must also be a resident of the other person's household. Romeo has moved out of his parents' home, which is why he got the job, met the girl, borrowed the car and had the double dent-fest. Is he still a resident of his parents' household?

Chances are, the insurance company will decide he's not, and it may have the law on its side. A California court ruled in 1975 that an adult son who lived in a separate apartment on his parents' street and who relied on his parents for financial support was not a resident of the parents' household and not entitled to coverage under their auto insurance. (www.south-riding-insurance.com)

Circumstances may change the answer. Courts have recognized that college students, though they live elsewhere the majority of the year, are still residents of their parents' household. A self-supporting child who lives in her old bedroom and pays rent to her parents also qualifies as a resident.

It's when the move away from home looks permanent that the break in coverage may occur. Even if she doesn't own a car, she should consider buying an auto insurance policy with a special coverage called Named Non-Owner Coverage. This will cover her liability for injuries or damage she may cause while renting or borrowing a car. Coverage will apply after other available insurance (such as the car owner's coverage) is used up.

And, while it wouldn't have salvaged Romeo's date, it would have saved him a whole lot of money. Call us NOVA Insurance Group to discuss further.

You've Been in a Car Accident - Do You Need a Lawyer?

2008-09-18T10:41:00.003-04:00

You’ve Been in a Car Accident—Do You Need a Lawyer?

You’ve probably seen countless TV ads for lawyers who help car accident victims “get the money they deserve.” Critics often refer to these attorneys as “ambulance chasers,” accusing them of preying on accident victims.

However, sometimes it’s necessary to work with a lawyer to resolve car accident issues. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t know when they should contact a lawyer after a car crash. Do you really need to dial up an attorney every time you get into a little fender bender? What if you are seriously injured? Call us here at NOVA Insurance Group to discuss.

For example, let’s say a vehicle slams into your car as you drive through an intersection. You wake up in the hospital with a lawyer at your bedside pestering you to sign a contract with him. Soon after, the other driver’s insurance company calls urging you to settle with them. Should you sign the contract with that bedside lawyer? Or should you go at it alone, spending weeks or even months arguing with the insurance company until you get the money to cover your medical bills and vehicle damage?

Always speak with your Insurance Agent (www.loudoun-insurance.com). Here are some tips to help you determine whether or not you should retain a lawyer involved after an accident:
- Hire a lawyer if you have to stay overnight in the hospital or if you suffer from any serious injury as a result of the accident. This could include permanent scarring, loss of a limb or loss of bodily function (such as excessive back or neck pain or a knee injury). You should also hire an attorney if you require long-term care as a result of your injuries.
- If you simply don’t want to negotiate with the driver’s insurance companies, you should consider contacting a lawyer.
- You may also want to consult with an attorney if the police report does not clearly state which driver is at fault.
- If you are not seriously injured, do not require a visit to the hospital and the police report clearly states who is at fault for the accident, it’s probably not necessary to contact a lawyer.
- If you do decide to hire a lawyer, don’t simply go with the first lawyer who chases down your ambulance or shows up in your hospital room. Find a lawyer who you feel is trustworthy and experienced, or contact an attorney recommended by a friend or family member. If the lawyer seems desperate and pressures you to sign a contract, you may want to look elsewhere. Don’t discount free legal help—oftentimes, these can be the most dependable lawyers.
- Also, don’t believe the television commercial hype that accident lawyers can win you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Although a lawyer may be able to get you a relatively large sum of money, remember that a large portion of that will go toward legal fees.

If you decide not to hire a lawyer, you’ll be on your own when it comes to dealing with insurers. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- After the accident, be sure to get a copy of the police report.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Your agent (www.south-riding-insurance.com) can give you advice about what steps to take next and help cover your expenses if the other driver doesn’t have insurance.
- Take thorough notes and keep a record of everyone you talk to and when you spoke with them. This includes insurance representatives and doctors.
- Be sure to get a claim number from the insurance company, and include that number on any correspondence with the insurer.
- If the other driver is at fault, get his insurance information and call the company immediately. Tell his insurer that you want to file a third-party claim. They will probably ask you to describe the accident—remember to be very careful with your description. Simply state exactly what happened, and do not make any assumptions. If you change your story, they may try to claim you are at fault.
- If an insurer pressures you to settle your medical bills at the same time you settle your auto claim, do not give in unless you are certain your medical treatment is final. Once you settle your medical claim, you will be responsible for paying any future medical bills associated with your accident injury. Depending on the laws in your state, you may have three years or more to settle a personal-injury claim.

Hopefully, you will never have to walk through these steps—but it’s wise to be prepared for any type of accident.

Make That Tank of Gas Last: How to boost your MPGs

2008-09-11T09:34:00.003-04:00

Make That Tank of Gas Last: How to Boost Your MPGs

It’s no secret that the price of gas is exorbitantly expensive right now. Although the cost per gallon is finally starting to decline, fuel is still far pricier than it was in past years. Outside of hanging up your car keys for good, how can you possibly keep from going broke? If you’re strapped for cash, follow these rules from your Agent, here at NOVA Insurance Group, to make the most out of every last drop of gas. With these techniques, you could get up to 20 more miles per tank.

Be an easy rider:
Driving “gently” can help you conserve gas. If you accelerate quickly, brake suddenly and drive aggressively, you could decrease your fuel economy by up to 33%! This kind of forceful driving can add more than a dollar to each gallon when you fill up your tank.

Look 30 seconds into the future:
Pay close attention to the road. If you keep your eyes moving and continually scan the road ahead, you’ll know early on when you’ll need to brake. Some experts say you should constantly check the road that is 30 seconds ahead of your car. That’s about a block in the city or half a mile on the highway.
This allows you to plan ahead so you won’t have to make sudden aggressive maneuvers at the last minute. For example, if you see a light turning red up ahead, go ahead and start easing off your accelerator so you won’t have to make an abrupt stop at the intersection. If you slow down for long enough, the light may be green by the time you reach it, which means you won’t have to brake at all.

Give your engine a rest:
Turn off your car whenever possible. Experts say that idling for just one minute uses up more gas than turning off and then restarting your car. So, if you’re waiting at the fast food drive through or the bank for even a minute or two, go ahead and turn off your car.

Watch your speed:
Driving slow may not be fun, but it can certainly save you some gas. Cars generally reach their optimum fuel efficiency between 45 and 60 miles per hour. Once you accelerate to over 60 mph, your engine has to burn much more fuel to keep the pace.
Some studies have shown that every 5 mph increase you drive over 60 mph adds about 20 cents to your gas price tag—and that estimate is based on a $3.22 per gallon model, so it adds up to even more right now... and of course, always obey the speed limit. (www.south-riding-insurance.com)

Keep cruising:
You can also conserve fuel by maintaining a steady speed. When used correctly, cruise control can boost fuel economy by up to 14% on the highway. This is because every tiny pressure change you make to your accelerator—even slight changes that aren’t registered by your speedometer—can burn up more gas.
If you maintain a precise speed with cruise control, you’ll avoid these small accelerator movements and save more gas. However, cruise control won’t work if you’re sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. In heavy traffic, your constant braking and speed changes can burn up a lot of gas. If at all possible, take a route with less traffic so you can sustain a steady speed. Of course, traffic is pretty much unavoidable in many cities.

Take the most direct route:
We all know that shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. But did you know that driving in a straight line can actually save you gas? By taking the shortest and most fuel efficient route from point A to point B, you’ll burn up much less fuel. You should also drive as straight as possible on the road—if you constantly switch lanes on the highway, you’re wasting a lot of gas. When necessary, try to make smooth, gradual lane changes.

Look out for hills:
If you know you are approaching a hill in the road, build up your speed before you reach it. Try to maintain your speed as you ascend the hill by gradually accelerating. This will help you prevent full-throttle acceleration, which burns up excessive amounts of gas.

Don’t lock out overdrive:
The typical car with a four or five speed automatic transmission has overdrive as its highest gear. Overdrive allows the car to maintain steady highway speeds above 45 mph without making the engine work so hard. You should only lock out overdrive if you’re towing something and need extra torque or in other rare circumstances. However, if you want to save fuel on the highway, leave the overdrive button alone.

Consolidate trips:
Try to consolidate car trips whenever possible. For example, if you know you need to go to the grocery store and the post office, don’t split these up into two different trips. Take care of as many errands as possible in one run.
Whenever possible, walk or ride your bike, especially if you’re traveling somewhere just a couple of miles from home. Not only will this keep you healthy and fit, but it will also help you save loads in gas money.

We hope these tips were helpful. (www.loudoun-insurance.com)

Customers received $11,902 back in Safe Driving Bonuses!

2008-09-10T21:16:00.001-04:00

Press Release, Chantilly, September 2008:

Driving safe has never been so rewarding! Customers of the Khalid Umerani Allstate Loudoun Insurance and South Riding Insurance Agency have received a total of $11,902 in Safe Driving Bonuses for driving safe and having "Your Choice Auto" services.

"In the economic times we are facing, every little bit helps." states Umerani, a resident of South Riding and Allstate Loudoun County Insurance agent - "It is a true pleasure when my customers come into my office and thank me once they have received their Safe Driving Bonus (SM) check."

Read more about this Loudoun Insurance news and information...

Does Your Auto Insurance Policy Cover Your GPS?

2008-09-04T12:39:00.003-04:00

Does Your Auto Insurance Policy Cover Your GPS?

If you've recently gone somewhere on vacation and your car did not have a Global Positioning System (GPS), you probably wish it did. GPS systems have become increasingly popular as their prices have dropped. Navigationally challenged drivers who used to decipher hard-to-read maps can now rely on these small devices to help them reach their destinations. However, the popularity of GPS devices makes them particularly attractive to thieves. They are also susceptible to damage in car crashes, like any other item in a car. How will an auto insurance policy cover a stolen or damaged GPS?

Unfortunately, standard policies provide little or no coverage for a GPS. Many older policy editions explicitly state that they do not cover losses to any electronic equipment that receives or transmits data signals. A GPS would seem to fall within that description. More recent policy editions may cover electronic equipment, but only if it is permanently installed in the vehicle. These policies provide a small amount of insurance for electronic equipment; $1,000 coverage is typical.

It is often possible to buy additional coverage for GPS devices. Any car owner with equipment worth more than $1,000 should speak with her insurance agent about buying a special policy form. It increases the coverage to a specific amount shown on the form. Typically, insurance companies will not offer more than $5,000 coverage. Check with your Insurance Agent for details. (www.loudoun-insurance.com)

If the policyholder has an older edition of the policy, she will need a different form to cover a GPS. This form covers sound reproducing equipment; audio, visual and data electronic equipment; and tapes, records and disks while in a vehicle. A GPS device falls within the data electronic equipment category. Coverage applies if the unit is permanently installed in the vehicle or if it is removable from a permanently installed housing unit, designed to be powered solely by the car's electrical system, and in or upon the car at the time of the loss. The form provides coverage for devices in cars the policyholder owns and those she rents or borrows. As with the other form, she can buy coverage in amounts up to $5,000. Check with your Insurance Agent for details. (www.south-riding-insurance.com)

The additional premium for this coverage is normally small. A approx. rate of $4 for every $100 of coverage is typical. For example, the cost for $2,500 of coverage might be around $100.
As car buyers ask carmakers to add more and more gadgets to cars, insurance coverage for those gadgets will continue to evolve. It is unwise to assume that an insurance policy automatically provides much coverage for these gadgets. All insurance buyers should carefully review their policies and ask their agents questions if GPS coverage is a concern. With a GPS and the right insurance coverage, a driver can be confident that she's going in the right direction.
Call us here, at NOVA Insurance Group, for details.

Changing Driving Habits Can Lead to Car Insurance Savings

2008-08-13T16:01:00.004-04:00

Changing Driving Habits Can Lead to Car Insurance Savings

Most Americans are driving less in order to save money on gas. However, decreasing the time you spend in your car can actually make you eligible for another savings opportunity, paying less for your car insurance. If you’ve cut back on your driving, it’s a good idea to contact your agent.
Consumers who are making greater use of public transportation or participating in car pools should contact their insurance company, because significantly reducing the number of miles driven each week could lower the cost of their auto insurance premiums.

Many companies offer low mileage discounts to motorists who drive fewer than 7,000 miles a year. Even though each insurance company calculates rates differently, they all consider how many miles a motorist drives because the risk of an accident increases the more time you spend behind the wheel. (http://www.loudoun-insurance.com/)

However, decreasing the risk of accidents isn’t the only benefit to driving less. The money you can potentially save on premiums is significant. A motorist who drops from the average of 15,000 miles driven per year to 8,000 miles could qualify for a 5 percent premium discount. A driver who goes from 15,000 miles per year down to 5,000 could possibly receive a 15 percent discount. Keep in mind that your insurance carrier may ask for an annual odometer reading to calculate annual mileage. (http://www.south-riding-insurance.com/)

The Insurance Information Institute noted some other ways drivers could save on auto insurance rates. SUV and truck owners who exchange their vehicles for a more fuel-efficient car might also reduce their auto insurance costs. Premiums are generally lower for a $30,000 mid-size sedan than for a large $60,000 SUV. Besides sticker price, an insurance company will determine the coverage rate for an individual vehicle based on factors such as the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood that it will be stolen.

Drivers can also lower their auto insurance premiums by taking a higher deductible, maintaining good credit, and dropping unnecessary coverages. If you insure your boat, RV, or motorcycle with the same company, you may qualify for an extra discount on your auto coverage. Feel free to call Khalid Umerani, Agent (NOVA Insurance Group) to discuss further.

Loudoun Insurance and South Riding Insurance, Northern Virginia Zip 201*-221*, Near 20152