Attention Automotive Repair Industry........

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has made a new rule, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) (Subpart HHHHHH) that mandates by January 10, 2011, those that engage in spray applications to motor vehicles must comply. The primary focus is to limit the amount of heavy metal (chromium, lead, manganese, nickel or cadmium) that is emitted due to spray applications. These standards mandate a spray booth that contains and filters the emissions form spray operations, as well as spray guns that comply and training to the operators of the equipment. The point of this regulation is to protect the environment, but it does mandate the use of an approved spray paint booth. A summary of these regulations my be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/area/paint_stripb.pdf and http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/area/autobodybs.doc.

Insurance companies will also be looking to see that you have complied with the new rules.

Mars Insurance is here to help you plan ahead with your business so that you may comply with regulations.

Reconstruction versus New Construction

Information provided by Marshall & Swift/Boeckh

With the changes in the insurance regulations and with the rising insurance costs, many individuals are looking for ways to ensure that their homes are protected while also reducing their insurance costs. However, what you don't realize is that some of the ways to reduce your insurance costs is placing you at risk.

Today, many reasons individuals get property valuation is due to re-financing, a new mortgage, home equity line of credit, establishing a selling price and for insurance purposes. However, the way property valuation is calculated can vary depending on its ultimate and methodology.

Whether properties are insured adequately depends on the type of replacement cost estimate they depend on, the coverage they purchased, and that magic ratio. Insurance to Value (ITV). The ITV estimating methodologies are designed to calculate property estimates that represent the fullest exposure and insurance carrier may experience in the event of a loss.

Because Reconstruction Cost is more comprehensive than Replacement Cost New, it is a better representation of what a carrier may expect to pay following a loss, and thus the most reliable method for determining Insurance to Value at the policy inception or renewal.

The distinctions between Replacement Cost New valuations and Reconstruction Cost valuations are important to understand because a carrier's goal is to provide the homeowner with an equitable and fair settlement. Additionally, because policy and settlement terms are frequently subject to negotiation and court interpretation, it is essential that carriers receive premiums based on the fullest exposure on each building - the building's Reconstruction Cost.

Research shows the the actual cost to reconstruct a building after a total loss is on average greater than Replacement Cost New (Appraisal). This is because Replacement Cost New valuations do not include costs arising out of current building codes or from a variety of costs and fees which were presented above and these are commonly present in total losses.

Have questions? Call us! We'll help you understand.

Continuing our Education to better serve YOU

Mr. James Klocek attended the CIC institute in Burr Ridge Illinois on May 19th, 20th and 21st, 2010. Mr. Klocek, who is the president of Mars Insurance Agency in Crystal Lake Illinois, has successfully completed the annual continuing education requirement of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.

To earn this prestigious designation, Mr. Klocek attended five courses covering all phases of the insurance business and passed five comprehensive examinations. Additionally, The National Alliance requires annual attendance in the program to maintain the designation.

Mr. Klocek is a 26 year veteran of the insurance industry and has been a CIC since 1999. Mr. Klocek believes the insurance profession is best served by those who acquire and maintain a high standard of professionalism by meeting the continuing education requirements of the Certified Insurance Counselors Program.

Be Protected from the Flood

With the spring showers of April & May, sometimes come high waters and the potential for flooding. Here are some suggestions for protecting your home, business and possessions from flooding:

1. Seal doors and windows; build barriers around window wells; elevate washer, dryer and water heater in basements and relocate items. Much flood damage comes from basement floods.


2. Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water, and have the tools on hand to do the job.


3. Assemble a kit including first-aid supplies, required medications, canned food, a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person in your household, protective clothing or rain gear, a battery-operated radio and flashlights.


4. Store insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from home.


5. Buy flood insurance! Ask your agent about getting a flood insurance policy. Your home insurance policy does not protect against flooding, which is the most common natural disaster in the U.S.
   

Ask us about protection against flood.

There are a number of areas in your laundry room that if not properly maintained, may be putting your home at risk of water damage. Here are some specific areas in your laundry room that are at risk and what you can do to prevent potential losses.

Washing Machine Connections

Inspect for tiny leaks in the connections to both the hot and cold water lines. Repair even the most minor leak.

Check both ends of the water lines for possible leaks. Replace the small hose washer in the lines if they haven’t been replaced recently.

Check for discharge hose kinks and cracks. If the hose is brittle or old, replace it.

Money-saving Home Tip: The most destructive water damage losses in homes come from broken or burst washing machine hoses. In fact, the output of water from a broken hose is approximately 650 gallons per hour! It is recommended that you replace you machine’s rubber hot-and-cold hoses with woven steel hoses. For less than $15 you can get six feet of woven steel hose from your local home improvement store. This simple upgrade could save your home from serious water damage problems.

Hard Water Problems

In areas with hard or mineral-laden water, if the washer is slow to fill, there’s a good chance that the in-line filter is clogged. Turn off the water supply and remove the hoses. Remove the small wire filters from the washer inlets, or, if not removable, use an old toothbrush, cotton swab or shop vacuum to clean out the clogged filters.

Is there a steady drip into the washing machine? Grit has probably damaged the shut-off valve. Repair it yourself or call an appliance repair specialist.

Hoses & Filters

Inspect and replace periodically all types of hoses.

When replacing hoses, be sure to also install new hose washers.

Utility Sinks

If the utility sink drains sluggishly, take steps to remove the blockage.

Watch for any signs of dipping faucets, water damage to the flooring, or leaks in the drain pipe. Do not ignore even a small leak.

Dryer Connections

If the dryer vent hose isn’t tightly connected to the outside vent, repair the clamp or re-tape to seal.

If dryer lint is accumulating behind and under the dryer, the vent pipe may be clogged. Check that it is free of debris; both from the inside and outside of the house.

If there are too many twists and turns in the line for the dryer to vent efficiently, make the exhaust more short and straight.

Laundry Room Smart Tips

Give the utility sink periodic drain treatments to prevent clogs and promote free drainage.

If at all possible, connect the dryer hose in a straight line with the outdoor vent.

Metal dryer vent pipes are preferable to the plastic accordion types.

Hose clamps and good metal HVAC tape can help seal up a poorly connected dryer hose and eliminate excessive moisture and dust accumulation.

Make it a habit to vacuum around and behind the washer and dryer routinely.

Keep the laundry area clean. Dust and dirt combined with moisture can promote unwanted growth.

Remember to clean out the dryer lint trap after each load.

*Information brought to you by Kemper

Keep watching for more helpful tips from Mars Insurance Agency

Spring ahead with these home maintenance tips.

Your home is one of your most important possessions. By keeping it properly maintained, you can reduce the risk of a loss. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips.

• Test your smoke detectors monthly, and change the batteries annually or as needed

• Replace all high-intensity bulbs with fluorescent bulbs that don’t produce as much heat.

• Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material.

• Remove all dead trees in your yard, and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.

• Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walkways to provide a level walking surface.

These tips provided by Travelers Insurance. For more information contact Mars Insurance.

Help Fight Animal Cruelty

For over 140 years, the ASPCA has been making a difference in the lives of animals across the country. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Plans can make a difference in the life of your pet with affordable pet insurance.
Every plan that's purchased benefits the ASPCA, so you'll be helping thousands of animals by protecting your pet with us and make sure you'll always be able to give your pet the best care possible with pet insurance.

Visit the site today and get a quote for your pet and begin helping to fight animal cruelty today.

https://www.petinsurancestore.com/parsers/brokerparser.aspx?agencyid=87

Contact Mars Insurance today... we can help make a difference.