Smoke Damage after a Fire – A potential total Loss? The insurance business is based on the law of large numbers and the use of historic data to guide its decision making. The past history of fire losses have treated smoke damage as a secondary issue. It meant smoke damage after a fire was a cleanup issue and if needed seal with a coating to make it go away. The primary issues were appearance and odor.  This approach was based on a hundred years of experience with fires that w

The eBike has changed the nature of the bicycle forever. It is now practical to commute for longer distances, over more challenging terrain and at higher speeds. eBikes are generally described within three different classes. Class 1 Electric Bicycle — A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles

Special Event Insurance There can be many events and celebrations in your life. Those that you host and organize may have some loss exposures that fall outside of your personal lines insurance program. You can reduce the stress around these events by placing a special events insurance policy to relieve the financial burden if things do not go as planned. Here are some of the things that a special event policy will address.   Event Cancellation – From a winter storm that make

Indentifying and Knowing When we ask a client who their insurance company is they often answer with the name of their agent. We are flattered that you identify with Driehaus Insurance, but beyond our company is the insurer who provides the policy terms and conditions that will ultimately determine your claim settlement. You should know exactly who this is. Here are some of the terms that are important in identifying and knowing your insurance company. Admitted versus Non-Admi

Getting the carriers to see you as a good bet means you have to take the process under your control.  You can avoid the pain.

Most businesses have cyber security protection for their laptops and desktop computers. There are two points of entry into your network that may not get the attention they deserve. Copiers and Printers A common office machine that can print, scan copy and fax is extremely useful. This machine can be shared by multiple users, including remote users. It can stage multiple print jobs and have a print queue when it is busy. The connection to a network and internal data storage ma

With the start of the holiday season there are safety and risk management considerations that will prevent you getting a lump of coal in your risk management stocking.   Lighted decorations  Everyone enjoys a festive light display. If you are creating your light show, keep these safety issues in mind. The lights you use should be UL listed for the location of use. Check to see that your lights are listed for outdoor use. Many low-cost lighting products that are not UL listed

Lithium-ion batteries are the power source for most portable devices and electric vehicles. The technology allows for a powerful power...

While parents focus on getting their children ready for school with new supplies, clothing and technology, they may be missing the need...

Deductibles have evolved into a tool for exposure and risk management for policyholders and insurance companies.

In the world of “only pay for what you need”, shopping for insurance has taken on a new feel. The decision making about coverages and...

The recent increase in home values on the market has many homeowners looking at the value of their homes. One of the most important...

The electronic picture frame was a Christmas present. It was made in China. Is this safe to plug in and leave powered up 24/7?  That...

Social media and the news feeds are full of stories with insurance companies cancelling policies. This headline makes for a strong click...

The ongoing wildfires in southern California have highlighted this hazard and the tragic results brought international attention. The...

If you are doing a large renovation or addition to your existing home, you will obviously need to report the increase in values at...

The use of solar energy has grown every year for the past decade. Solar power is now a mainstream energy source, producing more than 5%...

You see a lot of commercials selling service line protection. You may also get official looking mailers that ask you to sign up for this...

The roof of your home protects your possessions from wind, rain, snow, ice, hail, and fire. Roofing constitutes about 7% of the total...

Outdoor cooking safety Outdoor cooking and equipment have evolved into equipment that is more complex than the charcoal grill I grew up...