Courtesy of iii.org Accidents happen—and if they happen to people you've hired to come into your home or onto your property to work, you're financially liable. It makes sense to understand how you're already covered and when to further insure household help. Appropriate and adequate insurance coverage depends on the nature of the employee’s position and the assets you're protecting. As always, consult your insurance professional with any questions or requested changes to your policy. Here's some information to get you started. If you contract a worker with an outside firm For many household and in-home care needs—for example, for a nurse, a physical therapist, a cook or a housekeeper—you may decide to contract with a business or agency that provides these types of pros. Determine who is the employer. When you're dealing with a firm or agency, in most cases the worker you hired is an employee of that business and insured under their auspices. (If for some reason …
Insurance
Dog Bites & Homeowners Insurance
Courtesy of iii.org Almost 90 million dogs are owned as pets in the United States according to a 2017-2018 survey by the American Pet Products Association. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Among children, the rate of dog-bite–related injuries is highest for those 5 to 9 years old. Over half of dog-bite injuries occur at home with dogs that are familiar to us. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits (typically $100,000 to $300,000). If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount. Dog bite liability and homeowners insurance Some insurance companies will not insure homeowners who own certain breeds of dogs categorized as dangerous, such as pit bulls. Others decide on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether an individual dog, regardless of its breed has been deemed …
A Guide to Car Insurance Terms
Courtesy of iii.org Don’t be intimidated by specialized insurance language. Below you’ll find definitions of some of the most common terms used when dealing with auto insurance. Adjuster An insurance company employee or contractor who reviews the damages and injuries caused by an accident and okays claims payments. Bodily injury liability Usually mandated by state law, this insurance provision covers costs associated with injuries and death that you or another driver causes while driving your car. Claim The formal request to an insurer for payment under the terms of your policy. Collision coverage Optional coverage that reimburses you for damage to your car that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or other objecte.g., a tree or guardrailwhen you’re at fault. While collision coverage will not reimburse you for mechanical failure or normal wear-and-tear on your car, it will cover damage from potholes or from rolling your car. Comprehensive …