GEM Newsletter

Are you prepared for the 2009 Hurricane season? Have you thought about things you should do different from before? What will you do before the next big storm? Or even the plain old rain event (April 28, 2009) that stalls over your home or business?
If you have not made your plans, now is the time. Click on or copy and paste the following link into your browser for valuable information: http://www.uthealthleader.org/archive/disaster_preparedness/2004/noahsark-0610.html If the link does not work try their main site www.uthealthleader.org
As always, if you need further information or help call us at 713-622-2330.
 
Property & Casualty
Is Your Business Insured For Flood Loss?
Insurance Information Institute Heavy rainfall coupled with the recent snowmelt from this winter’s heavy snowfall is causing streams and rivers to swell, increasing the likelihood of flooding. While the threat of flooding is very real in these high risk areas, about 25 percent of national flood insurance claims in recent years came from places not considered at high risk for flooding. Read More >>
 
Lightning Safety Guidelines
Safe Construction
Storms are always a big threat to employees working outdoors. They bring about harsh winds that may cause falling trees, downed power lines, swaying of scaffolds and erosions in trenches. Read More >>
 
5 Distractions that Cause Workplace Hazards
Safe Construction
In a perfect world, employees don’t have to worry about breaking their shoulder bone, falling off scaffolds, or catching a grave lung disease. They’d be provided with excellent training not only once but regularly. Read More >>
 
Personal Lines
Thefts an Issue as Economy Unravels
Catherine Ritter
As the economy starts to unravel in Houston be aware of an increase in thefts. I'm seeing more and more theft claims turned in. Most of the car claims have a broken window as access. Make sure there is nothing sitting on seats or floors that would entice someone to break your window. If you are shopping put all of your bags in the trunk so they can't be seen. Any electronics should be taken out of the car every time you get out. Don't leave your charger in sight as this might entice someone to see if the phone is hidden somewhere in the car. If you have an alarm set it every time you get out even if only for a moment. Do not leave your purse or wallet in the car even if it is out of sight. If you can put your car in a garage overnight do it. Read More >>
 
Spring Thunderstorms Usher In Hail Season
Insurance Information Institute
A swath of severe weather moved across the South this week bringing torrential rain, flooding and hail. Hail is often overlooked as an insurance concern, but even small hailstones can shatter windows, smash roofs, leave pockmarks in siding and cause thousands of dollars in damage to your property, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Read More >>
 
Safeguard Your Home Against Windstorms
International Risk Management Institute
Windstorm and hurricane losses account for an inordinate share of homeowners losses every year. In particular, people on the southeastern and central eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast face substantial loss exposures to hurricanes and tropical storms. Read More >>
 
Defuse Those Electrical Fires
International Risk Management Institute
Defective electrical wiring systems cause approximately 40,000 residential fires annually, according to a United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) study. Read More >>
 
U.S. Auto Theft Simmers, But Cali Hotbeds Remain

National Underwriter Company
Christina Bramlet
For the fifth consecutive year, data collected by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) points to a steady decline in U.S. auto theft. NICB’s latest “Hot Spots” report examines vehicle theft information obtained from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for each of the nation’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in 2008. Read More >>
 
Why You Need Uninsured Motorists Coverage
International Risk Management Institute
Uninsured motorists (UM) coverage provides insurance protection for bodily injury, and in some states property damage, caused by a motorist who is not insured. Read More >>
 
Boat Owners Risk Being Left High & Dry
National Underwriter Company
Phil Gusman
As consumers deal with the fallout from the recession, some are cutting back on coverage when insuring non-essential luxury items such as boats and other recreational watercraft—a short-sighted step that could come back to haunt them, carriers warn. Read More >>
 
Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Seventy-Three Percent of U.S. Consumers Have Raised or Maintained their Credit Score During Downturn
Insurance Information Institute U.S. consumers are shedding debt and spending more responsibly during the current economic downturn, resulting in higher credit scores for many Americans, according to Dr. Robert Hartwig, president of the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), who testified today before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Read More >>