Forest Agency Insurance

Health & Safety: Just a tap away with these mobile apps

gina — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:35:16 +0000

Now that you have that hot new smartphone or tablet, you are going to do something more than play games and make calls, aren't you? They're called smartphones for a reason, you know. In fact, there are literally hundreds of programs or applications – apps for short – that can support and strengthen your knowledge, including many apps that deal with health and safety. Where you can find them depends on the type of device you have – iTunes exclusively for iPhones, and the Android Market (market.android.com) or the Amazon Apps Store for most others. Here's a sampling of some general health and safety apps that we like:

Nutrition: The best apps enable you to check the calorie and nutrient content of thousands of products and track your diet and weight-loss progress. Try the free MyFitnessPal, available for all devices.

Workout Programs: They can provide daily routines, measure progress, provide streaming video classes and even act as a pedometer using GPS to track your location. Try the free, Wall Street Journal recommended Cardio Trainer. (Remember to always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program.)

First Aid Guides: For a good, all-around guide that includes advice on giving CPR, try Pocket First Aid and CPR from the American Heart Association. It's available on most platforms and costs 3-4 dollars. For a free alternative, consider WebMD or the well-rated Everyday First Aid.

Other Useful Apps: Whatever your safety need, there's almost certainly an app for it. For example:

Safety Button (iPhone) or Emergency + (Android) sends a text message when you're in trouble or in danger
Medscape (both platforms) – check interactions from a database of 8,000 drugs
Recalls (iTunes) or Recalls.gov (Android) lists consumer products and drugs that have been recalled

And don't forget that most mobile devices also have reader apps that enable you to download and store digital books. They can hold thousands, so you can build up your own first aid or fitness library – and always have it with you!

Now that you've gotten the best health and safety apps loaded on your new device, you can get back to Angry Birds!

Fire Safety Quiz

gina — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:50:19 +0000

For more safety tips and quizzes, become a fan of our Facebook page today!

Watch out for windshield repair fraud

gina — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:58:30 +0000

They're turning up all over…at gas stations, car washes, parking lots, even in your own driveway! I'm talking about "windshield bullies." They're on the loose and a major contributor to the 23 percent increase in fraudulent insurance claims this year.

Here's the scenario: a stranger approaches your car and points to a little spot on your windshield. He or she assures you he can easily fix it and file a claim with your insurance. In fact, this person may know nothing about windshield repair and might just be seeking an easy way to acquire your insurance information, using it to submit a fraudulent claim.

If you do have a damaged windshield, here are a few points to keep in mind:

Windshields provide important structural support that keeps drivers and passengers safe.
Damage up to the size of a dollar bill can often be repaired without having to replace the windshield.
Some small chips and pits may not threaten the windshield’s integrity.
Contact your insurance agent and ask for a referral to a trusted vehicle glass company who can properly diagnose and repair the damage.

And from your friends at Forest Agency, be careful out there!

We’re Moving and Will be Closed Friday Sept. 30

gina — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:33:22 +0000

Forest Agency is moving and our offices will be closed on Friday September 30. We will have limited phone service available only for emergencies, and our voicemail system will be down all day. To report a claim, click on the link to “Our Companies.” If your issue is not urgent, please wait to contact us until Monday, October 3.

If you have an issue with your Aviation policy, please email us or refer to our Contact Page, and we will respond to you on Monday October 3.

We are looking forward to being in our beautiful new office, which will be bigger and offer easy access for visitors, with a convenient ground-floor entrance and plenty of street parking. Here's our new address:

7310 W. Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130

Our phone number will remain the same: (708) 383-9000

Thank you for your understanding during this transition!

Don’t become a victim to auto theft

gina — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:10:23 +0000

Every 30 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States. Using Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that annual property losses from these thefts are approximately $5 billion. Although technology and aggressive law enforcement actions have lowered the auto theft rate in recent years, you should still be cognizant of this loss exposure. The following tips may prove helpful in reducing the chances that your vehicle or property in it may be stolen.

When temporarily leaving your vehicle, never leave it running or with the keys in the ignition.
Always lock your car and roll up the windows, even if it is in your driveway. If you have a garage, park your car in it, and close and lock the garage door.
Park in busy, well-lit areas.
When purchasing auto stereo equipment, choose items that can be removed and locked in the trunk.
When using valet parking or taking your car in for repairs, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.
Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking since this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow the vehicle. Always use your emergency brake, and leave the transmission in park or in gear.
Look into various antitheft devices for your auto. Ask about auto insurance discounts for antitheft devices, including alarms and window etchings.

Get more insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

*****

Life Insurance: What are you waiting for?

gina — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:33:41 +0000

No one likes to think about it. What if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness, or suffered a fatal accident? What if your were suddenly gone and your family members had to manage on their own? Have you done the math to figure out what they would need to remain financially secure? When was the last time you reviewed your life insurance needs with your agent?

Life insurance can provide substantial benefits to your family. It can provide loved ones the time to grieve. It can pay off outstanding debts, loans, and funeral costs. It can allow a family to continue living its established lifestyle, and may be able to fund a child’s college education. Unfortunately, many Americans do not carry enough life insurance to maintain their family’s financial security. Recent research indicates that 30% of US households carry no life insurance whatsoever. But you shouldn’t put it off any longer. Life insurance is often more affordable than you’d think. The sooner you evaluate your coverage needs, and attain the appropriate coverage, the more money you’ll save.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and the perfect time to sit down and review your needs with an agent. Forest Agency is a licensed life insurance provider and our agents can advise you on what coverage amount is appropriate for your family’s needs. Contact your agent today to discuss your options: (708) 393-9000.

Wondering whether your family needs life insurance? Take a look at this short video NBA great Lamar Odom made for the LIFE Foundation.

Cleaning up water damage in your home

gina — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:32:46 +0000

Curling rolls of soggy carpeting and area rugs…Soaked cardboard boxes of photos and other treasured documents… Matted and misshapen stuffed toys…Water-stained sofas, recliners and lampshades…

Sadly, mounds of these and other damaged goods are becoming an all-too-frequent sight at our curbsides and alleyways. The intense storms of the last few years have brought record amounts of rain, leaving many homeowners with water damage from flood, backup or seepage. But whether you’ve got rainwater seeping in your basement walls, or a leaky pipe, water has the potential to cause a large amount of damage in very little time. If you are currently dealing with water damage in your home, be sure to follow these steps to minimize the effects and additional loss.

Locate the Source

If the water is caused by a leaky pipe, faucet or appliance in your home, you’ll need to locate the source of the leak. Always be sure to turn the electricity off before searching for the cause in order to avoid electrical shock. In the case of weather damage—be it hard rain or hail entering your home through a leaky roof, or a backup through a sewer drain—you may not be able to stop the flow completely. Take any action possible to block or divert the water from entering your home, and insure that all exterior drainage systems are working effectively until the rain subsides.

Assess Damage

After you have located the source of the water damage and mitigated the potential for further loss, you should assess the damage. In cases of minimal damage, you can likely clean up the mess on your own, with the right tools and equipment. In severe cases, where flooring or drywall is flooded or warped, you will need to consult a professional restoration company who can take proper precautions to avoid irreparable long-term mold damage. As a homeowner, it is important to act quickly in situations of water damage. Delaying even a few hours can be harmful to your home and the health of your family.

Drying Out

In cases of minor damage, the first thing you should do to reduce the chance of mold is get a breeze of fresh air running through your home. If the rain has stopped, open windows, turn on ceiling fans, and bring in additional high-powered fans. Not only will the air flow decrease your drying time, it will reduce the chance of lingering mildew smells. Setting up a quality dehumidifier will help remove the moisture molecules that cannot be seen. Check the tank often and clean it as necessary. Taking these precautions swiftly and diligently will reduce the chance of long-term mold and mildew.

Damaged Valuables

When you have the fans and dehumidifiers in place, scan the area for any damaged valuables including papers, bills, photographs and books. For items that can easily be replaced, throw them away as soon as possible. Photograph or photocopy anything of significant value. Photographs and other items of sentimental value can be placed in a freezer to be preserved at a later date.

Cleaning Up

A wet/dry vacuum is one of the most important tools for water damage cleanup. If you have wood floors, water will need to be removed as soon as possible to avoid warping. For carpets and furniture, clean up quickly, and if salvageable, try to allow for sufficient drying time before replacing. Treat submerged surfaces with mild detergents to kill bacteria and prevent odors. Professional cleaning services can help in situations of extensive damage.

If you are cleaning up water damage in your home, and you think you might need a referral for professional help, or help filing a claim, contact us today–we can help!

Be prepared to weather summer storms with business income insurance

gina — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:53:59 +0000

A recent survey of small business owners indicated that over half of those that responded do not have business income coverage. In fact, over 60% of respondents said they were unfamiliar with the very concept of business income insurance. Business income insurance, or business interruption insurance, covers the loss that a business suffers following a disaster, while its facility is being rebuilt. A property insurance policy will cover the physical damage to a business's facility, while the additional coverage of a business income policy will protect the profits lost during the time of rebuilding.

As we find ourselves in the thick of summer storm season, can small businesses really afford to go without this important coverage?

Here are a few sobering facts:

43% of businesses that experience a serious loss never reopen; 28% of those that do open, close within three years.
40% of South Carolina small businesses closed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 never reopened.
75% of small businesses in Florida were found to be underinsured following Hurricane Andrew.
95% of business income losses countrywide do not adequately compensate the insured–85% are underinsured by 40-50%.

If you have concerns about your own business income insurance, contact your agent before it is too late. For a business insurance quote, call 708-383-9000 or click here, and an experienced agent can recommend the business income insurance that is appropriate for your small business.

What do you know about distracted driving?

gina — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:07:07 +0000

For more fun quizzes and tips on auto safety, become a fan of our Facebook page today!

Which part of your car do experts suggest you check every month?

gina — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:46:14 +0000

For more fun quizzes and tips on auto safety, become a fan of our Facebook page today!