Flury-Hinderks Insurance + Integrity Insurance Services Blog

Rental Car Insurance Explained

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

One of the more common questions we receive is “should I purchase the insurance from the rental car company”? Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer to this but we’ll try to explain the options and provide some education and guidance.

Does my existing auto policy cover a rental vehicle?

Yes, with some exceptions. A rental vehicle is treated like a temporary replacement vehicle for your own car. Your same personal auto insurance limits and deductibles would apply to the rental vehicle. For example, if you have a $500 collision deductible, that same amount would apply if you were in an accident with the rental vehicle just as if it was your own car. If you hit another vehicle and cause damage to another party, the same liability limits on your personal auto insurance would also apply.

What are some “gotcha’s” in the rental car contract that would not be covered by any personal auto insurance policy?

Rental companies may hold the renter liable for a "diminution of value" charge when a rental car is damaged. This represents the reduction in a vehicle's market value due to its having been in an accident. Also, with some types of damage, rental companies simply sell the damaged car for salvage. They then charge the renter the difference between the market value on the day of rental ("before") and the amount the car brought at the salvage auction ("after"). Even if your personal insurance covers damage to a car, rental car companies may also charge the renter for the time the vehicle is not being rented (loss of use).

What is a Loss Damage Waiver (the thing they try to sell you at the counter)

The upsell the person at the rental car counter hits you with is called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW. It’s not insurance and is simply a contract that releases you from responsibility for certain damage (for a fee of course). With the waiver, the renter will not be liable for any damage to the vehicle. He or she will not be charged for repairs to the vehicle, for diminution in value, for before-and-after assessments or for loss of use. The renter can walk away from all responsibility for damage to the vehicle if they have not engaged in any prohibited use. All rental car waivers have a clause voiding the waiver if the renter improperly operates the vehicle at the time of the accident. The downside to the Loss Damage Waiver is the cost can sometimes be as much as the rental car itself.

Wouldn’t I have coverage from my Credit Card Company?

Only some credit cards provide any coverage for a rental car and even then, coverage is generally not Primary Coverage. That means you would need to use your auto insurance first before claiming anything from the credit card company. It’s not a great option and is generally misunderstood. Unless the coverage is through a specific program like the one offered by American Express, it’s not a good idea to rely on this credit card benefit.

So, should I take the “insurance” option the person at the counter is trying to sell me?

Our best recommendation is to confirm with your agent that your personal auto insurance limits will apply to a rental vehicle (it should with the exceptions we discussed). Evaluate the cost of the Loss Damage Waiver to see if it’s worth it for you on this journey. If you are on a bucket list trip across the

Do I need the insurance plan the water company is trying to sell me?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

If you are a homeowner, you’ve probably received a letter from your water company soliciting insurance to cover waterline repair costs. You might have even opened it, wondered if you need it, then tossed it in the trash until they sent another one in a few months. That’s OK, it’s not an easy call for most homeowners to make. Inquiries regarding sewer and waterlines are some of the most common questions we receive when these mailers are sent out. We’ll answer questions and provide some guidance below.

Do I need this sort of coverage?

A broken sewer line in your yard can easily cost over $10,000 to excavate and repair. For that reason, service line coverage is something our agency recommends to all our homeowners. There are better ways however to get that coverage then the plan offered by the water company.

What about my homeowner’s insurance, doesn’t it cover that sort of thing automatically?

A broken sewer line or waterline in your yard would not usually be covered under a standard homeowner’s policy without having a special endorsement added. Standard coverage is usually from the foundation walls inward and is not extended from the house to the property line or the street. Homeowners should at the very least be made aware of their options and what is and is not covered on their policy so they can make an educated decision on the coverage they need.

Is there a better way to get coverage for all of my home’s service lines, not just the waterline?

Yes, most home insurance policies have some form of “Buried Utility Line Coverage” or “Service Line Coverage” available as options. It’s a special coverage item that is not usually included automatically. Coverage through your homeowner’s policy is superior to the plan offered by the water company since it covers all your utility lines including sewer, water, cable and not just water specifically. Coverage is usually less expensive when obtained this way and the limits of coverage are usually higher.

Preparation for Extreme Weather

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:20:04 GMT

Extreme weather events are becoming more common across the United States. These events can be a threat to your home and its inhabitants if you don’t take precautions. Follow these nine essential tips to stay safe and minimize the risk of danger to your residence when bad weather strikes.

Service Your HVAC System Regularly

In the spring and fall, have your HVAC system serviced professionally so it’s ready for the coming weather season. In the fall, check over the furnace and replace old filters. In the spring, make sure the air conditioning is working properly and trim back any plants encroaching on outdoor compressor units.

Prevent Burst Pipes

Burst pipes can result in huge plumbing expenses and interior water damage. You can prevent this by ensuring your pipes are properly insulated against freezing and by knowing what to do in a cold snap:

Apply insulation to pipes in cold areas of the home.
Use insulation in walls where pipes run.
Know the signs of pipes subject to freezing, such as condensation or frost on their exterior.
Open under-sink cabinet doors during deep freezes to allow room heat to warm pipes.
Never turn off the heat when temperatures approach freezing, even if you won’t be home.
If your power goes out and you worry about freezing pipes, open your taps to a slight drip to help keep them from freezing completely.

Sign Up for Power Outage and Other Emergency Alerts

Whenever possible, enroll in your area’s alert system for power outages and other emergencies. Many regions now have mobile device apps and alerts for when power will be cut due to fire risk, for example, or when a serious storm is approaching.

Keep Your Electronics Charged

During times when extreme weather is likely, it is a good idea to keep your devices and flashlights fully charged. Consider investing in a lithium battery pack to charge them when the power goes out. A battery-powered radio is also great to have around for emergency broadcasts.

Have a Safe Emergency Lighting Option

While candles used to be the old standby for power outages, there are safer options if you need light. The battery pack chargers mentioned above often come standard with an LED light, which you can supplement with flashlights. Most smartphones also have a bright flashlight feature. Electric candles and battery-powered camping lanterns are other smart choices.

Store Food, Water, and Essential Personal Items for Emergencies

Don’t forget to keep emergency supplies on hand for times when the power goes out. Stock up on these items in advance:

Nonperishable food items
Foods you can eat without cooking if you don’t have a gas stove you can light manually
An extra can opener
Batteries in the sizes you need
Drinking water, including enough for pets
Extra water for washing and cleaning (wipes and dry shampoo are handy, too)
Personal care and essential household items
Medications and first-aid supplies
Battery-powered fans and cooling bandanas
Emergency heat blankets or sleeping bags
Hand and foot warmer packs

Understand Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risks

Every year, during extreme weather events, Americans suffer tragic deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This is usually due to using things like using outdoor grills inside or trying to provide heat by turning on a gas stove, both of which are dangerous and should never be done.

Combustion of gas, wood, and charcoal without the proper ventilation can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air, which can be fatal if inhaled, as it replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. Signs of CO poisoning include sleepiness, loss of consciousness, confusion, and blue hands, feet, and lips. Call 911 immediately if you or a family member experience these symptoms.

Never use outdoor grills or camp stoves indoors, and never use your oven for heat. Make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean before using them in cold weather. Buy a few carbon monoxide detectors for your home to alert you if dangerous levels of CO are present.

Make Sure Everyone in Your Family and Community Are Safe, Too

Remember to check in on family members and others in your community during extreme weather emergencies. People who are especially vulnerable include folks who live alone, seniors, families with babies, and those who are disabled.

Have an Emergency Plan If You Must Leave Your Home

Finally, develop an emergency plan in case staying in your home isn’t feasible due to extreme temperatures or storm damage. Know ahead of time where you can head for shelter and heating or cooling, such as public libraries, schools, and other facilities designated for assistance. When you plan in advance, you’ll stay safer and worry less, no matter when bad weather visits your town.

Avoiding Water Issues in Your Home

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:20:04 GMT

Water damage is one of the worst problems that homeowners can run into. Not only can it be incredibly expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but it can also create the potential for mold and mildew to form. This can pose a serious health risk to you and your loved ones, especially if anyone has allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems. Follow these helpful tips to minimize your risk of water issues in and around your home.

Know Where the Shutoff Valve Is

Everyone in your home should know where the water supply shutoff valve is located. In many homes, it is in the garage, in the basement, or along the side of the house towards the front of the property. Make sure that everyone knows how to operate it as well. This way, if you encounter a burst pipe or other complication, you'll be able to turn off the water supply as quickly as possible to minimize the extent of the damage.

Maintain Your Sprinkler System

As long as your plants and lawn are healthy, you probably don't give much thought to your sprinkler system. However, this is one of the most common areas for burst pipes, as plant and tree roots are often strong enough to puncture the pipes and hoses throughout your sprinkler system. When your system is running, take the time to inspect your yard, looking for any areas that are especially wet, as this could be a sign of an underground leak. Fixing the leak not only prevents the damage from spreading to your home but stops your water bills from skyrocketing as well.

Winterize All Outdoor Pipes and Faucets

If you live in an area that is prone to freezing in the winter, it is crucial that you winterize any exposed pipes. Water expands as it freezes, which can rupture the pipes, leading to a massive leak when the water thaws once again. Thermal wrappings for pipes are relatively inexpensive, but they don't last forever. Be sure to inspect them before the cold weather hits each year, replacing them as needed to keep your pipes protected.

The better you are able to keep watch on your water system, the easier it will be to spot any potential leaks before they can cause major damage to your property. So, stay vigilant throughout the year to keep your home safe!