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5 Charitable Organizations Worthy of a Helping Hand

Charity: Happy group of volunteers collecting clothing donations

As the holidays are in full swing, the majority of us are thinking about gift shopping, visiting with family and loved ones, and the overall feeling of joy amplified by festive holiday music and warmth. However, it is important to remember that with all of the blessings that the holidays can bring, there are always those who have little to be cheerful about. From people facing hunger and homelessness to those battling life-threatening illnesses, the holidays can once again be the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ with our help. As you appreciate what you have this season, a little effort can go a long way by donating or volunteering to any of these charitable organizations:

 

1. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army was established in 1865 as an evangelical Christian organization with the goal of supporting people in need with social services, which include food aid, disaster relief, assistance for the disabled, help for the ill and elderly, clothing and shelter for the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. The organization’s store uses 82 cents of every dollar for these services, which provide help for over 130 million people in 5,000 communities across the country. You can help The Salvation Army in Norwich by volunteering at their holiday store, open December 11-24, or by donating at any time. Furthermore, by shopping at The Salvation Army, you help support the people receiving donations or assistance from this organization. Learn more by visiting ctri.salvationarmy.org/SNE/.

 

2. The Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project helps injured veterans or service members heal after serving their country on or after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Through projects that support the four pillars of mind, body, economic empowerment, and engagement, the organization helps veterans adjust to life with a service-related injury. You can help by donating to the organization or volunteering at one of their numerous events. Visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org for full details.

 

 

3. Save the Children

Save the Children helps support children facing hunger, disease, homelessness, abuse, and a lack of education in the United States and around the world. If you’re looking to help, visit www.savethechildren.org for fundraising tips and other ways to make a difference.

 

4. The Pink Fund

The Pink Fund provides financial support to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. They assist in paying for medical bills and other devastating financial losses for breast cancer patients so that their main focus is on healing and recovery. The Norwich branch of this organization needs your help with donations and volunteering at their awareness programs. To learn more, go to www.thepinkfund.org.

 

5. Connecticut Food Bank

One out of seven people struggles with hunger daily in the state of Connecticut. The Connecticut Food Bank provides food and other services for those who need, and deserve a warm meal and care during the holidays. You can become part of the solution by donating food, funds, or even your time to the Connecticut Food Bank by visiting www.ctfoodbank.org.

Together, we CAN make a difference in the lives of those in need! Waitte’s Insurance Agency wishes you and your family a festive December and the happiest of New Years! And remember, always drive safely and responsibly before and after holiday celebrations.

Health Insurance Changes in 2016: What You Need to Know

The passing of the Affordable Care Act, the launch of HealthCare.gov, and the establishment of numerous health insurance marketplaces all marked important changes in the infrastructure of health insurance around the country. More changes are coming in 2016, partly as a result of government changes on the national level and partly because of market shifts in response to these changes. Thankfully, you can make sure that you stay ahead of the curve by keeping track of the expected health insurance changes in 2016, including these five important projections:

1. Higher premiums

As in 2014 and 2015, health insurance premiums are expected to increase by about 5 percent – which may not seem like a lot, but adds up when considering the cost of insurance for employees, dependents, and spouses. Most large employers plan to have employees cover about 20 percent of their own premiums and 24 percent of their dependents’ premiums.

2. High deductibles

High-deductible health insurance plans will grow in popularity as 83 percent of employers turn to a consumer-directed health insurance plan in 2016. Depending upon your employer, you may have a choice to select the high-deductible plan, or may have it as the only option.

3. Higher non-compliance penalties

The Affordable Care Act mandated that all U.S. citizens must have adequate health insurance, and in 2016 the penalties for not complying with this law are expected to rise sharply. Consumers who choose not to purchase health insurance will have to pay the greater of either a $695 fee or 2.5 percent of their modified adjusted gross income.

4. Telemedicine options

Many health insurance plans will start to offer telemedicine options, which are medical consultations with a licensed physician that take place through digital means, such as video communication. This can affect how you meet with a physician as well as how much you have to co-pay for doctors’ visits.

5. Cash for wellness programs

Many employers, looking to prevent employees’ health problems rather than deal with them as they come along, plan to offer health insurance breaks for employees who join a wellness program, health assessment or biometric exam, otherwise known as “cash for wellness” programs. In 2016, this could affect your health insurance costs as well as your own well-being.

If you have any questions on how the expected insurance changes in 2016 could affect you, or if you would just like to review your current policy, contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency.

5 Tips on How to Prevent Ice Dams

When you have snow on your roof, it should melt gradually and drain into your gutters. If you have ice dams, though, melted snow isn’t able to drain properly. Ice dams form when parts of your roof near the top are warmer than the rest, causing snow in those areas to melt faster. Melted snow then runs down toward the eaves, which are colder, where it freezes and forms blockages called ice dams. These dams block additional melted snow from being able to drain into your gutters, causing it to flow under the eaves and potentially damage your home’s interior. Fortunately, you can take the following steps to prevent ice dams from forming.

Keep Snow Off Your Roof

After heavy snowfalls, clear off snow from your roof as soon as it’s safe to do so. Consider using a roof rake to clear away a few feet of snow from around the eaves without having to go up on your roof.

Keep Downspouts Clear

Clear snow and ice away from your downspouts throughout winter. This helps ensure that melted snow can drain from your roof to the ground through your gutters. It also stops you from having pools of standing water around your downspouts.

Add Attic Insulation

Insulation helps keep heated air from reaching your roof through your attic, which lowers the risk of having ice dams form. Make sure your attic has enough insulation, especially in places where heat can sneak through, such as around vent pipes and light fixtures.

Set Up Heated Cables

Heated cables placed around the edges of your roof can help prevent ice dams. These cables, which attach to your roof with clips, give off heat that helps ensure that melted snow from higher up has a clear path to your gutters.

Improve Roof Ventilation

Making sure your roof is adequately ventilated helps cooler air circulate below the whole roof surface. This prevents certain areas from becoming warmer than the rest, which reduces your risk of ice dams. Ideally, you should have a ridge vent and soffit vents that have openings of the same size.

If you end up with damage caused by ice dams, check your homeowners’ insurance policy. Depending on your policy, you might be covered for issues such as water damage, mold growth, damaged siding or shingles and damaged insulation.

Before having damages to your home repaired due to ice dams or any other circumstance, contact Waite’s Insurance Agency to find out if your current policy covers such repairs.

Valentine’s Day Gifts: Are Your Valuables Protected?

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year, and if you’re in a relationship then it’s probably a day that you can expect a great gift from your special someone.  In fact, Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest days of the year for getting engaged.  If you’re already married, then you can probably expect a beautiful piece of jewelry or another big present this year.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of criminals who also know that there will be a lot more valuable jewelry, electronics, and other gifts on the streets, in cars, and in people’s homes in the coming weeks.  While losing a sentimental gift will be hard emotionally, you want to make sure that you’re financially prepared as well.

For many people, their engagement ring and other jewelry are some of the highest value assets that they own outside of their home or car.  Losing a single piece can be a huge financial blow.  That’s why it’s important to insure these items just as you would your house or car.

A personal articles insurance policy can help to give you the peace of mind you need.  These insurance policies can be written to cover all kinds of items, including:

  •  – Jewelry
  •  – Appliances
  •  – Electronics
  •  – Collectables
  •  – Fine Art Work
  •  – Furs
  •  – Instruments

Personal article insurance policies are designed to supplement the coverage provided by homeowner’s policies.  Because homeowner policies have high deductibles and restrictions on what is covered, many people discover that after the theft or loss of a piece of jewelry they can’t use their existing policy to cover the loss.  With a personal article policy, however, the entire value of the objects lost can be covered.

While signing up for one of these policies is relatively simple, it is a good idea to hold on to some proof of the value of the items you are insuring.  A receipt or letter of appraisal can provide the proof of value that these policies often require.

If you have any questions on whether or not your particular items can be insured with a Personal Articles Policy, call Waitte’s Insurance Agency today at (860) 886-1961.

8 of the Worst Habits for Heart Health

The month of February is American Heart Month, which means that it’s time to start thinking about how your habits impact your heart health and what you can do to improve those habits. Heart month was established by The American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it, and one of the strongest methods of prevention is by educating yourself. Some of the worst habits for heart health include:

1.  Smoking:

The link between tobacco use and heart disease has long been established, and it is important to note that both regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes have negative impacts on your heart health. Surrounding yourself with people who smoke can also be detrimental as secondhand smoke can affect your heart in powerful ways.

2.  Stress/Depression:

Stress affects the levels of your body’s hormones and the way that they spread, and excessive stress hormones can negatively affect the way your heart functions. Watch your stress levels, look out for signs of depression, and take appropriate steps to relax when plausible.

3. Oral health:

The link between healthy teeth and gums and a healthy heart has been proven by researchers, and brushing adequately while avoiding excessive amounts of sugar will help avoid infections and cavities that can ultimately affect your heart health.

4. Saturated Fats:

Excessive levels of saturated fats lead to fat buildup in the blood and around the heart, which leads to blood clots and causes your heart to have difficulty functioning.

5.  Excessive alcohol consumption:

Although moderate amounts of certain types of alcohol have been shown to support a healthy heart, excessive alcohol intake can lead to heart disease (along with destroying your liver).

6.  Excessive sodium intake:

Rising sodium levels in the blood increase blood pressure, putting a strain on your heart and causing issues later down the road.

7.  Ignoring warning signs:

Getting regular checkups and scheduling visits to the doctor’s office is crucial. Many heart problems can be taken care of as long as they are caught early on, after which you can take steps to prevent them from escalating.

8.  Not exercising:

The heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle, it needs exercise in order to function properly. 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day is recommended, focusing on cardiovascular and aerobic workouts.

Did you know?…

In addition to decreasing your heart health, a number of these habits (such as smoking and excessive drinking) can also negatively affect your health insurance premiums. If you are concerned that your health habits could possibly increase the cost of your insurance policy, contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency and we’ll be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Online Safety: Identity Theft Protection With 8 Simple Tips

In the technological world we live in today, the dangers of identity theft are all too real. As it becomes easier to purchase items and services online, as well as check bank accounts, conduct business, and pay taxes, it also becomes easier for hackers to steal your identity and use it for their own benefit. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. Here are eight ways to help keep your personal information and identity safe while surfing or shopping online:

1. Maintain privacy on social media:

Although you have the option to show your email and phone number on accounts such as Facebook and Twitter, don’t – you don’t know who will be able to find that information and use it to eventually gain access to your other accounts online. Furthermore, check your social media privacy settings and make sure that your information is visible to “friends only”.

2. Strengthen online passwords:

Make sure to use a different password for each site you create an account for. You should also make your passwords complex or difficult to guess, using numbers, symbols and letters together.

3. Use a secure network:

Check that your Wi-Fi network is password protected, so that any hackers in your area can’t connect and use your internet connection to gain access to your computer.

4. Look out for scams:

One of the most common types of online scams is “phishing,” in which a cybercriminal sends an email that looks authentic but is actually a trap. You may think the email is from your bank or your insurance company, but once you click on the link, it sends you to a landing page that may require you to enter your username and password. The person that sent the email will then know your information and use it for malicious purposes.

5. Make sure you’re on a secure website:

When a web address has “https” before the URL, you know it’s a secure connection and can feel free to enter payment information. However, if it’s just “http,” be aware that the site may not be secured and thus you don’t know that your information will be protected.

6. Use security software:

Have antivirus, anti-phishing, and anti-malware installed on your computer and your phone for added security.

7. Keep track of your bank statements:

Make sure that you spot any suspicious activity immediately so you can report a case of identity theft as it’s happening. Also, keep an eye on your credit score.

8. Always use a firewall:

If your computer doesn’t come with one installed, you can find free and professional versions online, both of which deter hackers.

With these eight tips, you can significantly decrease your chances of having your identity stolen online. However, even with the proper precautions, identity theft can occur to just about anyone. Have you or someone you know fallen victim to identity theft and wish to share your experiences and provide further tips on how it could have been prevented? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below so that we can collectively abolish as much of this threat as possible.

Our Warming World: How YOU Can Help Reverse Climate Change

Climate change is an issue that often seems far away. We always hear about melting ice caps and rising sea levels, but few people realize that it is a pressing issue around the entire world. The winter of 2015-2016 tied as the hottest year on record for Connecticut, with an average temperature of 35.2 degrees Fahrenheit – and the three warmest winters in the state’s history have all occurred within the last 15 years. These changes show that climate change is a real threat and it is becoming stronger every day. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s too late to do your part to help slow the gradual warming of the earth. Here are several tips for fighting climate change on an individual level.

– Replace your light bulbs: Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs use 60 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs, and as a result can save up to 300 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere helps contribute to global warming.

– Change your thermostat: Try raising your thermostat just two degrees in the summer and lowering it two degrees in the winter. This can save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year; alternatively, you can install a programmable thermostat to automatically raise and lower temperatures for you.

– Use energy-efficient appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other appliances that have Energy Star labels are the best choice for your home.

– Turn off and unplug your appliances: A TV set uses 40 percent of its energy in standby mode, which means that by turning it off completely, you can save energy in the long run.

– Use renewable energy: Install solar panels on your home, which can ultimately prove to be a worthwhile long-term investment (as well as a sustainable energy source) because of the decrease in energy costs over time.

– Watch what you eat: Consuming food grown locally doesn’t just support local farmers; it also saves tons of carbon dioxide every year that is used in transporting food from around the country.

– Reduce, reuse, recycle: Garbage in landfills releases methane, which means that you should try to reduce your waste as much as possible. Compost food scraps, and recycle glass, paper and metal.

– Green your commute: Walk, bike or take public transit to work instead of driving, which releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide as well as other harmful exhaust such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

It may not seem like we are able to make much of a difference on a solo basis, but with everyone doing their part, our beautiful planet earth can once again blossom for future generations. For more articles like this one, day-to-day living tips, insurance information and a whole lot more, check us out on Facebook!

Workers’ Compensation & Employer Liability: Differences You Must Know

Many businesses and many employees get confused about the differences between Worker’s Compensation Insurance and Employers’ Liability Insurance.  For a business, it’s important to not only know the difference between these two policies but also understand that they go hand-in-hand and are sold together to effectively protect the business and its employees.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance:

If an employee is injured on the job or if the employee becomes ill from a work-related illness, they will need Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This will require their insurance company to compensate those who are injured or stricken ill based on the insurance policy that they have in place at the time of the incident. The employee, however, must provide proof that the injury occurred while performing job-related duties, but it is not necessary for them to prove that the employer was at fault in any way due to negligence.

There are five types of Workers’ Compensation benefits:

–  Medical Care
–  Temporary disability benefits
–  Permanent disability benefits
–  Vocational rehabilitation services
–  Death Benefits

Pain and suffering is not covered with this insurance.

Employers’ Liability Insurance:

This insurance is a protection for a business against lawsuits due to employment-related injuries or illnesses. A lawsuit can be filed by an employee, family members, or third parties.  Employers’ liability insurance is additional coverage above what is covered in Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

A workers’ compensation claim does not require a proof of negligence, but employer liability claims do.  The employee is required to prove that the injury they suffered was caused in some way due to negligence from their employer.  This can be as simple as not providing protective eyewear or earplugs in work environments where those safety devices might have prevented loss of sight or hearing.

There are four elements to this proof:

–  The employer has a duty by law to protect their employees from undue harm or injury.
–  The employer must have committed some action or omission of action that did not prevent the harm or the injury.
–  The employee was injured as a result directly due to the employer’s failure to prevent the harm or injury.
–  There must be evidence that the injured employee suffered some sort of provable damages that resulted from the accident.  This could be medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other problems and issues resulting from negligence.

Both Employer Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance offer protection of the assets for a business and protection for employees. For additional questions regarding workers’ compensation laws in Connecticut, click here. 

Boating Season is Here! Time to De-Winterize Your Watercraft

New England residents know how long winters in the region last – and yet, it is still disappointing every year when “spring” rolls around but it’s still too cold to use your boat out on the water, or enjoy other activities outdoors. Thankfully, however, winter has lingered in Connecticut for long enough this year, and fun-filled times in the sun are just over the horizon. If you’re looking forward to using your boat soon, you should keep these important tips in mind for de-winterizing your boat and preparing for boating season.

1. Check your oil and battery.

Over the winter, long periods of disuse tend to wear down your engine oil and can potentially kill your battery if temperatures dip too low. As a result, make sure to check both of these before you begin boating. Make sure that you change the engine oil and filter, and reattach the cables of your battery, checking that the terminals are not corroded. Above all, make sure that the battery works and hasn’t run out of juice.

2. Take a look at your belts.

Tighten the belts so they fit snugly in the pulley grooves, making sure that they are not too worn and that as a result they don’t slip out. Check for black soot as a sign that the belt is too worn and needs to be replaced.

3. Inspect your fuel and cooling systems.

The cold weather can make fuel hoses brittle and prone to cracking, so it’s important to check this before starting off. Top off your tank with gas and change the fuel filter, making sure that the fuel line is attached and not cracked. You should have drained your cooling system before the really cold weather set in to prevent it from freezing, so you should refill it at this point.

4. Clean your distributor.

Winter can corrode the distributor on your boat, so take the cap off and clean it of any residue. You should also make sure that the connections are restored before you begin boating again for the summer.

Finally, remember to renew your watercraft insurance policy before you hit the open water, so you can feel secure knowing that you are protected in any event that may occur. If you need to review, renew, or purchase a brand new insurance policy for your boat or other watercraft, contact the office of Waitte’s Insurance Agency by email or via phone at (860) 886-1961.

Just a Scratch? When NOT to File an Insurance Claim

So you’ve gotten into a car accident. You’re not alone. Each year, there are around 6 million crashes in the United States, from serious, fatality accidents to what may seem to be minor, non-incidents. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, accidents in the United States cost about $230.6 billion each year — about $820 per person.

Keeping unforeseen costs down is one of the main reasons for getting automotive insurance. In situations where there is significant property damage or medical injuries, auto insurance can help to cover the costs that might exceed what the individuals involved can afford. Sometimes, though, filing an auto insurance claim might cost you more in the long run, and it’s good to know whether that small bump in your door will cause a much larger bump in your premiums.

When it is Advised NOT to File a Claim:

 – When you can cover the damage repairs yourself

It’s a good idea to double-check your deductible if you don’t already know what you’ve set. If you have a high-deductible policy, it may be better, in the long run, to pay the costs yourself, rather than filing an insurance claim. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible, and your repairs are only going to cost about $1,300, paying the entire $1,300 out of pocket will keep the price at $1,300. If you file a claim, however, even in situations with little to no monetary impact on your policy, the mere act of filing a claim could cause a spike in your policy.

– When you’ve caused little to no damage to someone else’s vehicle

Sometimes a bump is just a bump. If you’ve barely tapped another vehicle, yes, it’s still good to talk to the other party and assess the damage if there was any. However, if both parties agree there was no damage, filing a claim could be a costly phone call. It is still advisable to file a police report, though, so that both sides are covered in the event that legal action needs to take place down the line.

– When you’ve been in a one-car accident with no injuries, or with medical expenses that you can cover yourself

Many people have accidently backed into items, with little to no damage, and the only injury being to their pride. In these situations, even if you did sustain some injuries, as long as the expenses don’t exceed your ability to pay, it’s better to cover the costs yourself and avoid filing an insurance claim.

– When someone has hit you with little damage, and they agree to pay for the cost of repairs

If you trust that the person who was at fault will indeed pay for the repairs, both parties could benefit from not filing an insurance claim. Even if you weren’t the party responsible for the accident, filing a claim could still increase your rates. WARNING: It is NOT advised to entrust a total stranger to pay for any repairs caused in an accident.

Do Your Homework

Before you decide whether or not you should file a claim, it’s important to remember that when there is more than one party involved, calling to get a police report is important to prevent any contradictory stories from coming out in the future. Also, keep in mind that insurance laws and requirements vary from state to state, and from company to company. Understand your policy requirement, consider the long-term implications of not filing a claim, and you could see some significant cost savings.

In some circumstances, not filing an auto insurance claim is unavoidable. Personal injuries and extensive vehicle damage are prime reasons for why insurance is so crucial to have as a licensed driver. If you need to file a claim or would simply like to review your current auto insurance policy, contact Waitte’s Insurance by clicking here.