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Claudia McClain is the founder and president of McClain Insurance Services.
"I am passionate about insurance and about finding the right protection plan for my clients. Insurance is not just a commodity, it is a way to help folks protect what's important to them, now and in the future. I feel blessed to be able to help my clients with customized protection plans that can adapt to different insurance needs throughout the various stages of life.”
7 Tips for a Safe Snowmobile Season
27
Jan
2012
2012
Snowmobiling is certainly one of the most popular recreational winter activities. Over 120 Washington State Sno-Parks offer more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails for high-speed winter fun!
Following a few basic rules will keep this fun winter sport safe:
1. Register Your Snowmobile
Keep in mind that the same rules and regulations that apply for other motorized vehicles also apply for snowmobiles. All snowmobiles must be registered through the Washington State Department of Licensing, even if the snowmobile is only used on private property. Children ages 12 – 16 must pass the Snowmobile Safety Education Course and carry their certificate of completion with them while riding. (Please call the Winter Recreation Program at 360-902-8684 for more information about the Safety Education Course.)
2. Insure It
Although insurance for snowmobiles is not required by law in Washington State, we strongly advise all snowmobile owners and operators to carry adequate insurance. Neither your auto insurance nor your homeowner’s / renter’s insurance will provide coverage if you are held responsible in a snowmobile accident.
Keep in mind that a snowmobile – just like a car – is a motorized vehicle. You may hit another snowmobile and cause injuries or property damage to the other rider. Or, you might get hit by another driver and, if they are not insured, have to pay your medical expenses and repair costs out of your own pocket. Snowmobile Insurance will provide coverage. And, if you are a safe rider, hold a snowmobile safety certificate, own your home, or make your payments promptly, you even qualify for discounts. Please call McClain Insurance at 425-379-9200 for more information on Snowmobile Insurance in Washington, Oregon or Utah.
3. Plan Your Trip and Tell About It
Before heading out into the winter wonderland, decide which routes and trails you’ll want to ride, who you’ll go with, and how long you’ll be gone. Then, tell a friend or family member about it and check in with them at certain times during your excursion. Agree that they will call for help if they don’t hear from you within an appointed time frame.
4. Pack an Emergency Kit
- Carry personal items with you such as your driver’s license, insurance card, cash, cell phone, GPS and personal medications. Don’t forget a supply of high-energy food and water.
- Have basic safety and repair equipment on your snowmobile, including a tool kit, knife, compass, spark plugs, a spare drive belt and straps, flares, waterproof matches, a flashlight and an extra key.
- And of course, last but not least, don’t forget a first aid kit.
Pack all supplies in a waterproof container.
5. Don’t Speed – Keep Your Distance - Don’t Drink and Ride. And Know Your Snow.
All right, that’s 4 tips in one… But they are true!
- Always be in control of your vehicle, know your speed, and, at night, never ‘overdrive’ your headlights: Typically, snowmobile headlights have a reach of 200 feet. By the time you see an obstactle, you need to be able to react – and brake – before hitting the obstacle. If you are going too fast, you might not be able to see the obstacle in time to react and brake.
- Especially when you are riding in a group, it is easy to follow too closely. Follow the “3-second rule”: When the person in front of you passes an object, you should be able to count 3 seconds before you reach the same object yourself. Ride at a safe distance.
- As with any motorized vehicle, you should NEVER operate a snowmobile after you consume alcohol.
- It takes some practice to learn to ride a snowmobile in various conditions. Check the weather report before you head out, and be prepared for patches of ice, dirt or snowdrifts. Powdery snow can be ideal for riding – but it’s also easily whirled into the air by snowmobiles ahead, impairing visibility. Adjust your speed. Wet snow is also fun to ride, but heavy wet snow can make the snowmobile more difficult to steer.
6. Ice and Avalanche Safety
The safest rule is to never cross a frozen lake or river, since you can never be absolutely sure that the ice is thick enough to support the weight of a snowmobile.
Beware of collisions: If you enjoy riding and whirling on ice, others will too. Be extremely mindful of other snowmobilers.
Snowmobilers top the list of people who get caught or perish in avalanches in North America. In 90% of cases, the avalance did not just occur, but was triggered by the victim or a member of their group. Do your part in practicing avalanche safety, and help avoid avalanches. For more information, please visit http://www.fsavalanche.org/
7. Towing
- If you must tow a disabled snowmobile behind yours, be extremely careful.
- Always remove the drive belt from the machine that will be towed.
- If possible, use a rigid bar instead of a chain or rope. If you must use a rope, tie the left ski of the disabled sled securely to the hitch of the towing vehicle to keep it from veering into oncoming traffic.
- If possible, avoid pulling riders on the disabled snowmobile. If you have to carry passengers on the towed sled, they should help steering, braking, and be mindful of kicked-up chunks of ice and snow.
For more helpful tips on Snowmobile Safety, please visit the Safe Riders Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program.
McClain Insurance Supports Everett Cocoon House This Month
23
Jan
2012
2012
If you are a client of McClain Insurance and received the January newsletter, you may have noticed our new 2012 Referral Rewards Program with the motto “Pay It Forward”.
Every time you refer a friend or family member to our agency for an insurance quote, you will receive a $25 Gas Card as our “thank you” for your kindness.
In addition, for each referral, we will also make a $10 donation to our Charity of the Month. January’s featured charity is Everett’s Cocoon House.
Cocoon House has been supporting Snohomish County homeless and at-risk youth since 1991. The organization houses 230 youth each year, and provides valuable resources, training and life-skills to teens aged 13-17.
From emergency shelters to long-term housing, from meals to showers, from open hearts and available adults to the opportunity to just be a child in the process of growing up, Cocoon House has helped hundreds of youth discover their strengths, talents, values and ability to take their life into their own hands.
For more information about Cocoon House, please visit www.cocoonhouse.org
4 Ways To Prevent Damage As Snow Melts
20
Jan
2012
2012
Just in time for this week’s wintry snowstorm (and ensuing snow melt) that hit the Pacific Northwest, PEMCO Insurance published a very helpful article on how to prevent additional damage (after the risk of fender benders and falling trees) from melting snow and runoff water.
PEMCO offers these reminders:
1. Remove large accumulations of snow from areas where it could melt and enter your home. Shovel snow away from the perimeter of your home. Also consider clearing decks, patios, and driveways that slope toward the house.
2. Clean snow and debris from ground drains and gutters. Make sure drains near your home, typically around the driveway, as well as gutters are unblocked. Ice and compact snow can create dams that keep water from draining.
3. Consider where snow will go when it melts. The combination of melting snow plus rain can create extreme runoff conditions. When shoveling snow on your property, think about which direction it will drain when it melts. You may want to dig channels to divert water to the nearest drain.
4. Do not get on a ladder and do not attempt to climb onto your roof to remove snow. If you see the snow melting and dropping off the edge of your roof, that’s a good sign. It indicates ice dams are probably not developing. In extreme circumstances, if ice dams need to be removed from your gutters, call a professional specializing in this service.
You also should know what’s covered by your insurance policy. Not all household water damage is treated alike – freezing pipes may be assessed differently than seeping snow. Check your policy or call your local agent to determine what’s covered. At the first sign of dampness inside your home, call immediately for professional help before long-term damage sets in.
10 Tips To Drive Safely In The Snow
15
Jan
2012
2012
Some of us couldn’t be happier to see the white stuff falling from the sky. Others relate more to “First Snowflake Freakout Lady”. Whichever team you’re on – if you have to be out on the road in winter weather, be sure to get from A to B safely.
Here are 10 Tips for Safe Driving in Snow:
1. Carry A Winter Emergency Kit
This can save your life (or, simply make an unexpected delay a little easier.) A few weeks ago, we shared a list of emergency items to have in your car. Click the link to see it.
2. Clean Off The Snow
Before you start driving, be sure to clean the snow off all your windows and rearview mirrors. Don’t forget to clean your lights. Even if they don’t make a difference in visibility to you, other drivers will be able to see you better.
3. Have Plenty of Gas
As a rule of thumb, don’t let your gas tank drop below half-full in winter, and fill up often. You never know what delays or detours you may encounter on your route. Having plenty of gas will also help if you get stuck and need to run the motor periodically to stay warm.
4. Leave Lots of Room
Braking distances triple in icy and snowy conditions, so be sure to leave lots of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
5. Skid Right
If you find yourself skidding, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. That may mean you need to steer into the skid, which may seem counter-intuitive. Resist the urge to brake while skidding, and focus on regaining traction.
6. Use Low Gears & Avoid Cruise Control and Overdrive
Using low gears can help improve traction, especially on hills. Do not use cruise control and avoid overdrive on icy and snow-covered roads.
7. Brake with Care
Brake gently to avoid skidding and pump the brakes to keep wheels from locking up. However, if your car has ABS, do not pump the brakes but instead apply steady pressure. Antilock brakes will automatically pulse (you will hear it when applying the brakes), which is normal.
8. Beware of Bridges
Not because of the troll that lives under them, but because of to their exposure to wind, weather and cold temperatures. Bridges and overpasses tend to ice over first. Slow down and be prepared as you approach bridges or exposed stretches of road. Don’t forget that infrequently traveled roads freeze over quicker than heavily traveled highways.
9. Know How To Get Out If You’re Stuck
If you’re stuck, avoid spinning your wheels. Doing so will dig you in deeper. If you can safely get out of your car, check wheels and bottom of the car and clear snow away with your hands or a shovel. Move your wheels from side to side a few times. Consider rocking your car backward and forward, and use a light touch on the gas when the car is in gear.
A little sand, gravel or cat litter poured in front of the tires can help provide traction.
10. Stay Safe In Your Car If You Need To Wait for Help
If you are stuck – whether it’s due to snow, a breakdown, or an accident – opt to stay safely inside your car while you are waiting for help. If you wait near a heavily traveled road, wear your seat belt as you may still get hit by another vehicle.
Do not leave your car, unless you know exactly where you are at, where you are going to get help, and how long it’s going to take you. If you leave your car, leave a note with information where you went and when you left.
Open your window a small crack to allow for air to flow in, and to keep your windows from freezing. Snow and ice can quickly seal a car shut.
Clear and turn on your lights to attract attention.
Remove snow from around and inside your tailpipe. If you are sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked, run the engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm.
Test Your Snow-Driving Smarts with PEMCO:
Recycle Electronics – But Protect Your Personal Data
10
Jan
2012
2012
When speaking of Electronics Recycling, the question of data security is not far behind. Awareness and vigilance are your best friends when it comes to keeping your personal information safe. Here are some ways to protect yourself:
Disposing of Old Computers:
Simply deleting files, emptying the Recycling Bin or even reformatting the hard drive won’t do the trick: Even after all these measures, files can still be accessed and reconstructed by computer-savvy people. And identity thieves are smart.
After downloading all the files you’d like to keep to a CD, USB Flash Drive or a different computer, consider purchasing or downloading a special software program. Different options are available: Some clear the entire hard drive, others allow you to select files you wish to keep. Some wipe the hard drive once, others overwrite it multiple times. As a rule of thumb, consider using a program that wipes the hard drive multiple times to ensure that date cannot be retrieved.
Another option is to remove your hard drive and physically destroy it by drilling holes into it.
Many certified electronics recyclers provide Certificates of Destruction for a small fee. This is especially important for businesses and organizations who handle sensitive customer information.
Disposing of old Cell Phones:
If you consider recycling or donating your cell phone, here is what you need to do:
* Terminate the account service – or the recipient will be able to make phone calls while you are paying the bill. Confirm with your carrier, and check your bill carefully.
* Delete all of your stored information, including contacts, messages, e-mails, or incoming, outgoing and missed calls. Check your phone’s manual and follow instructions to do a factory reset.
* The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends the use of special data erasing tools that can be obtained on the internet, such as the Recellular Data Eraser Tool.
* Remove your SIM card and shred it or cut it in half. For assistance, please contact your service provider or your phone’s manufacturer.
Disposing of old Photocopiers:
Be aware that almost every photocopier built since 2002, especially the high-end machines found in copy shops and those that combine scanning, printing and faxing, contains a hard drive.
While the hard drive is necessary for the speedy processing of jobs, it also automatically stores the data of every page the machine ever photocopied. The problem: If machines are retired without their hard drives thoroughly cleaned, the data they hold may be available to whomever gets their hands on it.
Depending on what you (or your acccountant, employer or doctor) photocopied, your personal information may be jeopardized. Before using a public or employer’s photocopier, ask whether it contains a hard drive, and what the provider’s security policy is. In case of doubt, invest in a personal printer/scanner/copier and be sure to clean its hard drive thoroughly according to manufacturer’s directions before retiring the machine.
McClain Insurance Hosts Electronics Recycling Event on January 14th
29
Dec
2011
2011
Christmas is prime time for giving and receiving electronics. But many consumers wonder what to do with their old PC, Laptop, TV, monitor or cell phone. McClain Insurance Services and E-Waste, a local Premier Electronics Recycler, have partnered up to provide a solution:
Citizens are invited to bring outdated electronics to a FREE Electronics Recycling event, hosted at the McClain Insurance office at 10410 19th Ave SE in Everett, WA on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 from 10am until 2pm.
Electronic devices such as Desktop Computers, laptops, TVs, computer monitors and cell phones can be recycled FREE of charge. Simply drop them off at the event.
Items such as printers, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, small microwaves and various other household electronics that are NOT covered under the Washington State program will be accepted for a $5 fee.
Electronic devices have become part of our everyday lives, and the pace of new development is ever increasing. As today’s new gadgets quickly become yesterday’s old technology, consumers invest in upgrades while over 82% of electronic devices fill up landfills and incinerators, releasing mercury, lead, cadmium and other harmful substances.
E-Waste is proud to safely and responsibly recycle 99% of all received electronics while meeting or exceeding all environmental and safety laws and regulations. No unprocessed or end-of-life electronics are exported to undeveloped countries.
McClain Insurance is excited to serve as a drop-off location for this event, and to help bring value to the community while making a positive impact on the environment.
Why Your Insurance Should Be Part Of Your Holiday Party Planning
20
Dec
2011
2011
For many people, the holidays are a time of parties, gatherings, and open houses. And indeed, part of the magic of the Season includes being surrounded by family and friends. If you are hosting, however, your planning shouldn’t stop at the menu and the decor. Having a number of guests at your house increases the potential for injuries or other claims.
If you enjoy having guests over, give your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy a quick look to ensure you are covered for the most common claims situations. Even if your relatives don’t want to sue you, they may be forced to do so in order to get their medical bills paid. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so be sure to take some basic safety precautions:
Slips and Falls
- If your driveway or sidewalk are icy, sprinkle sand or salt to reduce the risk for accidents or injuries.
- Take care that the areas where guests will be walking are properly lit.
- If there are dangerous areas on your property, mark them clearly or fence them off, especially if your guest list includes children that might enjoy roaming through your yard.
Food Safety
- When preparing food, wash your hands and equipment often, especially when handling food that’s high in bacteria such as chicken.
- Choose appetizers and snacks that can handle room temperature, or be sure that foods requiring refrigeration don’t stay out too long.
- Cook meat, eggs and seafood thoroughly before serving.
Alcohol
- If you are serving alcohol, be sure to also offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks or virgin cocktails.
- Stop serving alcohol an hour or two before the party ends.
- Stop serving guests who appear intoxicated.
- If a guest had a little too much to drink, call a taxi service to get them home safely.
Serving alcohol can trigger uncomfortable situations, so when hosting a larger or more formal gathering, you might want to consider hiring a professional bar tender who is trained to recognize signs of intoxication in guests.
Be aware that if a guest leaves your party intoxicated and is involved in an accident, you may be held liable in a lawsuit. Your insurance may or may not provide coverage in this situation.
Hiring A Service Provider
If you opt to hire a service provider, such as a caterer, bartender or valet for your party, be sure that they are licensed, bonded and insured. Request to see a copy of the current insurance policy to ensure the coverage is active and includes a liquor liability endorsement.
Protect Your Valuables
- To limit the potential for damage, move expensive vases or other valuable items, especially if they are displayed in a high-traffic area.
- Put away jewelry or other small precious items and consider locking doors you don’t want opened, especially if your invitees include guests that you don’t know personally. A scheduled jewelry endorsement will cover your valuable jewelry in case of theft or ’mysterious disappearance’.
Consider the Type of Event
Of course, it makes a difference whether you are hosting a relatively small holiday gathering, or your daughter’s Christmas wedding. If you are hosting a large event, you may wish to invest in a Special Event insurance policy. Your insurance agent can help you with that.
Please give us a call if you have any questions. Happy Holidays!
8 Items To Have In Your Car Emergency Kit
12
Dec
2011
2011
Whether you are planning on traveling over the hills and through the woods this winter, or just down the highway, please don’t forget to get your car and equipment winter-ready! Snow storms can hit fast – and whether you have a break-down, an accident, or are simply stuck in traffic, sometimes it’s just that granola bar, pair of gloves, or merely the feeling of being prepared, that can change a situation from ‘disastrous’ to ‘manageable’.
Build an Emergency Kit
Your basic car emergency kit should include the following items:
1. Water and food (crackers, granola bars or trail mix)
2. Flashlight and batteries
3. First aid kit
4. Boots, hat, gloves and rain poncho
5. Blanket
6. Basic tool kit and spare tire
7. Paper, pen, insurance card, cell phone charger, list of important phone numbers car manual
8. Plastic garbage bags, paper towels
Please click the link for more information on how to assemble an Emergency Car Kit.
Don’t forget to adapt the kit for your family’s particular needs, such as including a small supply of emergency medicine, a supply of formula or diapers, or some pet food. It may be a good idea to carry an “everyday” emergency kit with the essentials, and to expand supplies to cover your family if you set out on a longer road trip.
Know Your Insurance Coverage: Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Having basic supplies in your car in case of emergency is one way to be prepared. Another is to make the necessary arrangements that help you manage through an emergency situation financially. This is where a good car insurance policy comes into play.
Having insurance is one thing. Knowing that you are protected with ‘little’ coverages that aren’t often mentioned, such as PIP (Personal Injury Protection), Towing, or Rental Reimbursement, is a different story. An independent insurance agent can help you put together a protecion plan that keeps you covered.
For example, Rental Reimbursement Coverage pays for a rental car if your car is out of commission due to a covered insurance claim. What might be a quick fix by a body shop any other time of year, could become a long-term wait if repairs are backed up after a Puget Sound storm. (One of our agents waited over 3 weeks for minor body work to be completed several winters ago.) Unless you have more cars than drivers in your home, the cost per car will seem minor compared to the hassle if you have a claim.
This winter, stay safe and mobile with both a pro-active insurance policy and a hands-on emergency kit.
So – Who Is “The Messenger” Anyway?
7
Dec
2011
2011
Perhaps you have heard about Progressive’s quirky representative “Flo”, who is not only charming and fun, but also makes sure each Progressive customer leaves her virtual store with no less than a pristine Car Insurance policy, at a price that can’t be beat.
Now, Progressive has added an equally caring and entertaining character to its team: The Messenger.
The Messenger is a passionate customer-turned-advocate, who made it his mission to ”Save It Forward” across the nation. And he’s saved a lot. Hundreds.
And, he knows the value of an Independent Insurance Agent:
We like that guy.
You never know exactly where he’ll show up next to spread the cheer… Except that we have heard from reliable sources that one of his upcoming destinations will be a certain Independent Insurance Agency in the Silverlake neighborhood of Everett, Washington!
McClain Insurance Services in Everett, WA - Just South of Costco
Please stay tuned for updates!
8 Chimney and Wood Fireplace Safety Tips – and the Value of Renter’s Insurance
29
Nov
2011
2011
As you get ready to spend cozy evenings by the fireplace, be sure to do a little “winter proofing” so you can safely enjoy the Holiday season.
Here are some tips to winterize your chimney and fireplace:
~Invite a chimney sweep over to your house! Not only will he bring you good luck (don’t forget to shake his hand or blow him a kiss) but he’ll also remove soot and creosote buildup from your chimney so you can safely use it this winter. Have your chimney inspected annually and swept as necessary.
~Screen or cap the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds, and keep branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the chimney.
~Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoints.
~ Make sure the fireplace damper is opening and closing properly.
~ Choose the right fuel: Split wood should be well seasoned and have been split for 6 months to 1 year. Never burn Christmas trees or treated wood in a wood fireplace or wood stove.
~ Keep the hearth clear and install a fireplace screen to catch sparks.
~ Never leave a fire unattended and keep a close eye on children and pets.
~ If you have a woodburning fire stove or fireplace, it’s so much more important to keep your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Detectors in good working order! Change the batteries regularly at Daylight Savings Time.
(If you have a furnace, call a HVAC professional to inspect the furnace and clean the ducts. Change furnace filters monthly.)
For more information on Chimney Fires, please visit http://www.csia.org/
One of our agents witnessed the effects of a chimney fire not long ago:
A house across the street had finally found new tenants after many months of vacancy. Tragically, less than a week after moving in, the young couple started a fire in the wood fireplace — only to notice an eery glimmer between the bricks and hear a distinctive crackling in the wall. They did the right thing: They immediately rushed outside and called 911. The fire department came with no less than six vehicles and was able to contain the fire quickly. Our agent awoke at 2:00 am to bright lights, running motors, and loud voices.
Thankfully, no one was hurt in the chimney fire. But there was some structural damage to the house and smoke damage inside the home to the tenants’ furnishings.
Did the young couple have Renter’s Insurance?
We don’t know…. We hope they did. A landlord’s insurance policy only covers damage to the structure of the home. However, a landlord is not responsible for the tenant’s personal property.
Even if you think you don’t own that much “stuff”, you’ll be surprise how quickly $35,000 or even $50,000 in personal property can accumulate! A renter’s policy will protect your belongings in case of fire, theft, broken water pipes, and other perils (including smoke damage) and will help replace items that are stolen from your car or while you’re away from home. Additionally, it provides liability coverage in case you accidentally cause damage or injury to another person.
All that for about $12 to $15 per month!
Here’s a “little different” idea:
If you someone on your gift list is renting but doesn’t have insurance, why not give them a special Christmas present this year? Aside from the personal property, liability protection, and discount on car insurance that a Renter’s Policy provides, you will give them a priceless gift: Peace of Mind!
Please give us a call to learn more!