1.800.473.5772

1114 Main Street
Buhl, Idaho 83316
(208) 543-6464
(208) 734-9210

Hours of Operation
M-F 8:00 to 5:30

(Back to top)

(Back to top)

(Back to top)

(Back to top)

(Back to top)

(Back to top)

I. Garden Hoses - Summer Drinking Fountains

Q1: Are your garden hoses sanitary?

A1: Cold water from a garden hose sure quenches your thirst on a hot summer day. But lets stop and think about where that hose has been. Is it really safe to drink out of it?

We don’t give it a second thought when we use it to fill wading pools, water our lawns, or wash the car. Many outside chores are made easier through the use of garden hoses. All those new attachments that connect to the end of the hose allowing us to apply pesticides and fertilizers, can add to the problem of drinking water from the same hose.

Hoses are usually stored outside, and are exposed to bugs, rodents, and many sources of dirt. Would we drink out of a glass that has been sitting outside on the back porch for a week or even a day? Next time a family member is tempted to grab a quick drink from the garden hose, you might want to think about the residue that could have been left behind from the chemicals, germs and bacteria. Think again, and play it safe. Don’t drink from your garden hose.    

II. Playground Safety - Trampolines

Q1: Should trampolines be used in the public school system either for physical education or as play equipment?

A1: A revised policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that trampolines should not be used at  home - either indoors or outdoors. The policy goes on to recommend that  trampolines should not be part of routine physical education classes in schools,  and that the trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds and should never be  regarded as play equipment.

Despite all currently available measures to prevent injury, the potential  for serious injury while using a trampoline remains. The need for supervision and trained personnel at all times makes home use extremely unwise,” states the  revised policy.

Playground Safety Tips

• Carefully maintain all equipment.
• Swings should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
• Make sure children cannot  reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
• Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned.
• Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.

Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/maytra.htm
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/playgrd.htm

III. Teenage Drivers - Taking Charge

Q1: Am I insured if I drive someone else’s car?

A1: Typically, you would be insured through the vehicle owner’s policy, but only if he or she gave you permission to use the car. Your own policy may also cover you once the owner’s coverage is used up. Because insurance policies differ from state to state and from one insurance company to another, be sure to review your policy to determine if you’re insured when you drive someone else’s car.

Q2: What if someone else is driving my car, and has an accident?

A2: Lending your car to a friend is often a bad idea. At a minimum, you would be responsible for paying the deductible-not your friend. Also, taking the car for repairs could be expensive and inconvenient. Again, insurance policies differ. Before lending your car to a friend, be sure to review the specifics of your policy to make sure you’re covered.

If you have further questions contact: sharb@clearlakesagency.com

IV. Vacationing in a Rental Car

Q: Will the Auto Insurance that I have on my own personal car cover my vacation rental car, also?

A: It depends, most companies have many “gaps” in coverage. In the event you would wreck the rental car, your auto policy would cover a loss on comprehensive or collision, subject to your deductible, but you could be responsible for loss of use and depreciation on the damaged vehicle.

Some credit card companies have limited rental car coverage and the differences will vary. “Be sure to read and follow the contract guidelines.” For example: Coverage is often excluded on non-paved roads.

In the event, you rent a car because your vehicle is in the auto shop for repair call your agent as circumstances vary with each policy.

“We do have a company that could cover the gaps in your current auto policy on rental car coverage”, however, in most cases we recommend that you purchase the insurance from the rental car company.

V. Prescription Costs - What can you do to lower them?

Q: Can I save money if I buy a generic drug? And is a generic drug as good as a brand-name drug?

A: Yes. A generic drug has the same active ingredients as a brand-name product, but may have a different color or shape. To be approved by the FDA, a generic is proven to be bioequivalent, meaning it performs in the body in the same way as its brand-name counterpart. You can discuss this matter with your physician to select high quality, lower cost drug therapy.

Always ask for the generic equivalent of a drug if there is one available and you could cut your cost in half.

Generic drugs are used to treat many medical conditions, and when available, generic drugs are safe and effective. Generics are particularly effective in the areas of antibiotics, pain-arthritis, and blood pressure.

VI. Complete your Collections with Insurance

Q: You have taken the vacation of a lifetime and return to discover your home has been burglarized. The burglar has cleaned out your home and also made off with your prized doll collection. Your homeowners policy would cover the other possessions, but would it also cover your dolls?

A: While most homeowners insurance policies cover collectibles, such as dolls, baseball cards, antiques, and stamps, an especially valuable or unique collection may require additional coverage. A personal articles floater can help you broaden the protection of your homeowners policy.
 

Q: How do you know if you need a personal articles floater?

A: Get an appraisal to determine your collection’s value. Update it regularly and keep it in a safe place outside your home, together with any pertinent sales receipts. Also, inventory your collection with a camera or video camera. This proof of ownership can help expedite your claim if loss or damage occurs.

 If your hobby turns into a profit-making venture, you may not be protected by either your homeowners policy or a floater. For instance, if you improve your collection by buying and selling dolls you would probably need a business owners policy.

A Collection that starts out modest can grow over time to represent a considerable investment of time, money, knowledge, and love. To make sure your valued collection is fully protected, call or e-mail sharb@clearlakesagency.com