American Bar Insurance

TIPS YOU CAN USE:
PROTECTING AGAINST DAMAGE FROM SEWER BACKUP
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), damage from a sewer backup can cost a homeowner anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.

Unfortunately, most homeowners are not aware that their homeowners insurance policy does not cover such damage. Just as many homeowners on the Gulf Coast learned after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that their policies did not cover flood damage, others are learning that the policy on which they have relied for so long does not cover damage from sewer backup.

An endorsement is available to add such coverage to the homeowners policy.

Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) publishes the HO 04 95, which provides $5,000 of coverage for damage done to a home by "water, or water-borne material." For a modest annual premium of $40 or $50, the HO

04 95 covers such damage caused by sewer or drain backup, as well as that caused by sump pump failure. A plus for the homeowner is that, regardless of the deductible amount on the basic policy, this coverage is subject to a deductible of $250.

Of course, you would rather this not happen to you even if it is insured.

Here are some things you can do to avoid or minimize damage from backed-up sewer systems.


		Do not put grease, paper towels, diapers, or other refuse down toilets or sinks. This will help you prevent clogs in the pipes that connect your home to the sewer.
		If your sump pump, French drain, or other flood control system is connected to the sewer main, you should have a plumber remove that connection. Typically, such an arrangement is illegal.
		You should install a backflow-prevention device. The investment of between $500 and $5,000 will go a long way toward protecting your home.
		If you do have a sewer or drain backup into your home, you should thoroughly clean the affected areas with disinfectant. Be sure to completely dry the area, as well, in order to prevent disease and further damage from mold and mildew.

AUTO INTERSECTION SAFETY TIPS

Automobile crashes causing injuries and property damage occur at the highest rates in cities. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 81 percent of crashes occur in urban locations. One study indicates that approximately 43 percent of auto accidents are intersection-related incidents. The following intersection safety tips are ones for you to consider.


		Plan ahead. Get into the lane you need for your next turn well in advance of reaching the intersection. It is essential that your turn signal be activated before making the turn.
		Avoid speeding. You need plenty of time to react to motorists who make intersection mistakes.
		Be aware of other vehicles changing lanes. Try to stay out of other drivers' "blind spots" where they cannot see you in their rear and side mirrors.
		Always stop behind the marked crosswalk. This will give other drivers better views of the intersection and avoid mishaps with pedestrians.
		Avoid entering an intersection when the traffic is backed up on the other side. This could result in you getting stuck in the middle of the intersection if this traffic does not move.

AUTO ACCIDENTS TOP CAUSE OF DEATH FOR TEENS

High school students are driving under highly dangerous conditions on a routine basis, according to a national survey of more than 5,600 high school students conducted by an alliance between The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Companies.

Teens say they routinely drive while fatigued and while talking on cell phones and that they let strong emotions cloud their judgment; many say they are not wearing seatbelts.

The National Teen Driver Survey represents 10.6 million 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in U.S. public high schools.

According to the survey:


		One in five ninth through 11th graders has been involved in at least one crash as a passenger in the past year.
		Eight percent of teens in our survey have been the driver in at least one crash where someone needed medical attention.
		One-fourth of all 9th through 11th graders have been in a crash of this type as a passenger in their lifetimes.

Source: Personal Lines Pilot, An E-Mail Newsletter for Personal Lines Insurance Professionals, February 16, 2007, Issue #43 ISSN: 1545-9314; Copyright © 2007 International Risk Management Institute, Inc.