MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022
 In the new sharing economy, ridesharing allows vehicle owners to transport passengers in their own cars for a fee or a donation. Drivers sign up with a service that charges a fee to connect passengers with drivers via a website or smartphone app. Passengers arrange rides and pay with a credit card using the app.
Ridesharing is becoming more common around the state and the nation, particularly in large cities. Capitalizing on the new sharing economy and to a certain extent the coolness factor, this simple concept is thriving. Passengers and drivers for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) alike are generally little informed of the fact that under a personal auto policy, they may not be covered under a number of circumstances.
What Drivers Need to Know
Why is ridesharing an issue for drivers?
Most standard personal auto policies exclude coverage for “public or livery conveyance;” in other words, the use of the vehicle to transport passengers for a fee. Some policies have even stronger exclusions that exclude any coverage when the driver is available for hire.
Other restrictions could apply, so even if you don’t see a specific exclusion, you should not assume that there is coverage under the personal auto policy. Regulators in many states have been issuing consumer alerts to warn the public about possible implications when signing up as a driver – or as a passenger – with the ridesharing apps.
What if my Transportation Network Company tells me I’m covered when I drive for them?
An increasing number of TNCs are indicating that they are going to cover the driver’s commercial exposure for liability and collision coverage. Some may also offer Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage, something that can protect you when you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who had insufficient coverage or no coverage at all (which happens all too frequently). You should ask your TNC:
- What they would provide, and
- Whether their coverage would be primary.
How do I know if I’m covered as a driver?
If you are considering becoming a driver for a TNC, you should:
- Find out what the TNC will cover for your commercial exposure, including when coverage starts and when it ends, and
- Talk to your agent about what your personal auto policy may cover if you are involved in an accident.
Although insurance issues are often downplayed by TNCs, the coordination between the commercial and the personal auto policies can pose challenges. The timing and circumstances of the accident will have a bearing on whether coverage is afforded or not. At this time, coverage gaps still exist in a number of circumstances.
Can you give an example?
Examples are a great way to get a better understanding between you and the TNC and/or the insurer and to identify potential gaps. At the minimum, you should find out how the TNC will cover you when:
- You are available for hire (logged into the app) but not transporting a passenger.
- You are logged in and transporting a passenger.
- You are logged out and not transporting a passenger.
- You are logged out after dropping off your last passenger, and heading home.
Is this issue settled?
No. Between challenges from Public Utility Commissions, restrictions on licenses to operate, and the Legislature contemplating new laws to address proper insurance coverage, among other things, the issue is not settled.
What Passengers Need to Know
Why is ridesharing an issue for passengers?
Ridesharing is not the same as riding in a taxi or limousine. Taxis are licensed by the state or a local authority and subject to strict standards, from vehicle inspection and driver licensing to insurance that protects passengers and others who could be hurt in an accident.
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber or Lyft are not subject to the same requirements. However, they have drawn increasing attention from state regulators and legislators concerned that the public may not be properly protected. In fact, various state regulators have issued consumer alerts to warn the public about possible risks of using a ridesharing app when riding as a passenger.
How is the ridesharing company insured?
Insurance is the crux of the issue. Drivers are using their personal vehicles. Personal auto insurance generally excludes coverage when transporting passengers for a fee.
An increasing number of TNCs are indicating that they are going to provide some protection by covering the driver’s commercial exposure for liability and collision coverage. The nature and scope of coverage provided by the TNC varies from company to company, and its coordination with the driver’s personal auto policy can leave uninsured gaps, in some cases significant.
How do I know if I’m covered as a passenger?
If you are considering using a ridesharing service, you should:
- Research the companies that operate in your city
- Find out how these companies protect their drivers and passengers, including their liability limits
If you have a personal auto policy yourself, you may be able to claim some coverage under your policy if you are hurt in an accident as a passenger. If you do not own a car, you will not have that option, unless you purchased a “named non-owner” policy. Your agent can advise you about coverages.
Why should I worry? How likely is it that a bad claim will occur?
There is no way of knowing what kind of accident will occur. Hopefully, none. However, many of the insurance issues that have come to light have stemmed from catastrophic claims: one in California in which a six-year-old girl was killed in a collision with a rideshare car.
While often downplayed by those who have an interest in the ridesharing business, coordination between the commercial and personal auto policies can pose challenges. The timing and circumstances of any accident will have a bearing on whether coverage extends to the driver and the passenger. At this time, coverage gaps still exist in a number of circumstances.
Is this insurance issue settled?
No. Between challenges from Public Utility Commissions, restrictions on licenses to operate, and the Legislature contemplating new laws to address proper insurance coverage, among other things, the issue is not settled.
- Content used in this post is used with permission and was originally published by Insurance Agents and Brokers.
Posted 3:00 AM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022
 With the kids out of school for the summer, it's the perfect time to take a family vacation. And by family, I mean the whole family – the dog too!
Traveling with your dog can be difficult, but with planning and a little bit of research you can make it a fun and unforgettable experience. Here are some tips to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout all of your summer adventures!
Find Lodging that Allows Pets
There are a fair amount of hotels and rental homes that allow pets during your stay. Many online sites even allow you to filter search results so that you only see pet-friendly options. Before you book, call and confirm their pet policies – it will save you some trouble down the road.
Tip: Try a pet-friendly campground. With hiking trails and room to explore, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family.
Don't Leave Your Dog in the Car
Car rides can be challenging with a dog, especially if you are driving long distances. Leave someone outside with your dog if you stop to get food or go to the bathroom. Cars can get extremely hot when parked in the sun and, if left inside, dogs are at risk of overheating. Besides, it's probably time for a potty break anyways.
Tip: Some places allow dogs to come inside. Call ahead and plan your pit stops to make traveling a little bit easier.
Pack Water
Cars aren't the only place that dogs can overheat. Normal activities such as going for a walk can become a health hazard if you don't take the necessary precautions. Panting, loss of energy, lethargy, and a dry nose are all signs of dehydration and overheating. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it may be a good idea for everyone to take a water break in the shade.
Tip: Bring a collapsible water bowl. You can pull it out to give your dog water and easily fold it up to store it once you are done.
Watch out for Paw Burns
A dog's paws are sensitive to heat in the same way that our palms are. Even if they don't show pain, walking on hot pavement can cause serious burns. Make sure to test the pavement before taking your dog out for a walk. Be especially careful in cities with dark, paved roads. If it's too hot for your feet, it's too hot for theirs.
Tip: Try walking in the shade. The pavement will be cooler, and so will you!
Protect Them from Fleas and Ticks
Would you believe me if I told you there are monsters in the forest? Tiny little monsters called fleas and ticks are parasitic to humans and animals. They live in heavily wooded areas and tall grass. Make sure to check your dog's fur after being outside to confirm they are bug-free. Once you get home, wash their toys and bedding to get rid of any stowaways.
Tip: Did you know that fleas and ticks can’t fly? Walking on short grass or dirt will make it harder for the bugs to get on you or your dog.
Originally posted by Foremost Insurance Group: https://blog.foremost.com/vacationing-with-your-dog.asp
Posted 12:16 AM
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022
Beware of Flood-Damaged Vehicles
Cox Automotive estimates the number of vehicles lost to Hurricane Florence-related flooding between 20,000 and 40,000. And, as typically occurs after a mass-flooding event, there are concerns about these vehicles being resold throughout the country – to unsuspecting buyers and to those who don’t understand the financial repercussions of purchasing a flood-damaged car.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A FLOOD-DAMAGED VEHICLE
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a consumer alert with tips for identifying a previously flooded car, including:
- Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, a database of total loss and junk/salvage vehicles
- Look for suspicious signs of a flooded vehicle (e.g. rust, corrosion, mildew smell)
- Demand to see the title, as some car wholesalers will claim to have lost the title or will transfer it to avoid disclosing flood damage
Review the NAIC Consumer Alert
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CARRIERS, LENDERS
Insurance companies likely will not provide comprehensive and collision coverage on a flood-damaged car because its value and the extent of repairs are uncertain. In turn, without securing comprehensive and collision coverage, consumers likely cannot secure a car loan.
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman in a recent press release on Florence-damaged cars added:
Even if the vehicle is new, if a claim is later filed, the insurance company will research the vehicle history and see the prior claim for flood damage. If the vehicle is deemed to be a total loss, the insurer will likely pay out significantly less than would be paid for a vehicle that did not have flood damage.
REPUBLISHED FROM 2018 Originally published by Insurance Agents & Brokers www.iabforme.com
Posted 10:46 AM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020
Carve in a Clean, Dry, Well-lit Area
Wash and thoroughly dry all of the tools that you will use, including: carving tools, knife, cutting surface, and your hands. Any moisture on your tools, hands, or table can cause slipping that can lead to injuries.
Always Have Adult Supervision
"All too often, we see adolescent patients with injuries because adults feel the kids are responsible enough to be left on their own," says Wint. "Even though the carving may be going great, it only takes a second for an injury to occur."
Leave the Carving to Adults
Never let children do the carving. Wint suggests letting kids draw a pattern on the pumpkin and having them be responsible for cleaning out the inside pulp and seeds. When the adults do start cutting, they should always cut away from themselves and cut in small, controlled strokes.
Sharper is Not Better
"A sharper knife is not necessarily better, because it often becomes wedged in the thicker part of the pumpkin, requiring force to remove it," says Wint. "An injury can occur if your hand is in the wrong place when the knife finally dislodges from the thick skin of the pumpkin. Injuries are also sustained when the knife slips and comes out the other side of the pumpkin where your hand may be holding it steady."
Use a Pumpkin Carving Kit
Special kits are available in stores and include small, serrated pumpkin saws that work better because they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin tissue. "If they do get jammed and then wedged free, they are not sharp enough to cause a deep, penetrating cut," says Wint.
Help for An Injury
Should you cut your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on its own by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be required.
Originally published by American Society for Surgery of the Hand http://www.assh.org/handcare/
Posted 11:05 AM
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
James W Rutt, (Jim) of Elizabethtown PA entered into Heaven on Sept 9, 2020 at the age of 81 after almost a decade battle with dementia. His favorite verses were Romans 10:9-10 and he desires all his friends and family to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ TODAY while there is still time.
Jim is survived by his loving spouse of almost 56 years Cynthia F Rutt, children Jamie (Tiann) Rutt, Melisa (Jay) Cull, and Maribeth (Dan) Davis, sisters Marian Kreider, Kathryn Lois Shinn, Helen (Colin) Koser, brother Jere (Ellen) Rutt, and nine grandchildren.
Jim proudly served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He owned B. Titus Rutt Insurance Agency in Mount Joy.
Jim is thankful for the loving care he received at the Oak Leaf Manor North facility in Landisville PA. The patient help and care he received was such a blessing to him and his dear wife Cindy.
Due to his love for Christian education and missions, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Mount Calvary Christian School of Elizabethtown, 629 Holly St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 https://www.mcchristianschool.com/support-us/donate-2/ or Word of Life International, PO Box 600, Schroon Lake, NY 12870 https://give.wol.org/0B103C .
A celebration of Jim's life will be held this Sunday evening at Lebanon Valley Bible Church, 1482 Horseshoe Pike, Lebanon, PA 17042 at 6pm sharp (Please arrive early). Due to the covid concerns the family will not be greeting attendees formally but would ask that you wear a face covering as you enter the church auditorium to sit with your close family and loved ones. If needed, there will also be video overflow. This time will be a joyful one, a time for some stories, laughs and sharing memories of Jim's life and testimonies of God's faithfulness and goodness. Interment will be private.
To view the service please follow this link: https://youtu.be/l-3TgF3Ju5c
Posted 12:00 AM
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