Mahan Insurance News

Safety Tips for Your Boat Trailer

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:27:36 GMT

When purchasing a trailer in California or elsewhere, stay within recommended capacity guidelines. When determining capacity, remember to include the weight of fuel and accessories in addition to the weight of the craft.

Trailers come with closed or open frames. Closed frames help protect the wiring, but problems can be more difficult to locate and repair. Open frames leave the wiring exposed, but make it easier to spot and repair potential problems. Open frames also drain water more easily and efficiently, so keep in mind that when you dip that trailer into lakes, or elsewhere.

Consider the method of personal watercraft (PWC) support, the frame strength and construction, whether lights and wiring are approved for marine use, whether rollers and bunks are properly positioned and attached to the main frame for proper suspension, and the durability of the finish. (Powder-coated or galvanized finishes are more durable than baked-on enamel.)

Purchase good quality tie-downs with the right hooks to attach to your trailer. Before each use of your trailer, check:

Tires for wear and inflation
Hitch and safety chain for signs of wear or stress
Braking system to make sure you can stop with a load
Electrical system for improper connections, corroded terminals, damaged wires, burned out bulbs, etc.
Wheel bearings are properly packed with a good bearing grease
Lug nuts and main nuts are tight
Stops, rollers and bunks for wear or cracks
Coupler and ball are compatible in size and are properly secured. Check for wear or stress
Both bow and stern of your PWC are secured to the trailer. Use extra tie-downs in case one should fail
Emergency supplies; carry basic tools, spare bulbs, bearings, grease, mounted tire and highway flares

Drive carefully. Give other drivers plenty of warning for any maneuvers. Allow for the extra length of the car and trailer when turning and passing, and allow extra time for stopping.

Pull off the road periodically to check the rig. Examine the tires and wheel bearings for signs of overheating, check the lights and test the tie-downs.

Before Leaving Shore

At the Launch Ramp:

It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern.
Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don’t rush, but don’t linger longer than necessary.
Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other boats, debris, etc.
Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.

Contact Us!

Be Safe on Your Motorcycle

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:12:48 GMT

To stay safe on Tustin streets, you need the right skills to control your ride, and the best safety equipment for just-in-case. Mahan Insurance cares about your safety – so keep these helpful tips in mind when you ride:

When You Ride, Be Prepared and Protected

Update your Policy when You Update Your Equipment
Make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your motorcycle insurance policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, contact us and let our team make sure your coverage is current before you head out on the streets.
Training Saves Lives
Smart riders are safe riders – that’s why many states encourage riders to take classes and improve their riding skills. Riders who attend safe riding courses may also qualify for insurance discounts – contact us to find out more!
Helmets Are For Every California Rider
A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider without a helmet.* Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots. Want to know what safety equipment is required in California? Contact us today!
Be Visible – In a Crash, the SUV Wins
When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car never saw the motorcyclist. With more and bigger cars on the road, you need to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps – both night and day – and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility when out on the streets.
Ride sober!
Driving impaired is more deadly for cyclists than other drivers. In fact, more than half of all motorcycle deaths occur when the rider has been drinking.*

* Source: NHSA's Traffic Safety report on Motorcycles.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us or call us at 714-505-3086.

Spring is Coming!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:18:38 GMT

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, we're starting to think about spring. (Or at least hoping that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether spring arrives on time, we've got you covered with tips to get you ready for the season.

Get Ready for Spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in California changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (see the full list)

Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition (stay safe doing that!), and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

Beat the Wintertime Blues

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting before spring.

Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.
Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.
Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”
Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.
Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

Contact Us !

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year – sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At Mahan Insurance we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just contact us or give us a call at 714-505-3086. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Managing the Cold Chain

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:09:01 GMT

Protect your restaurant, your customers, and your reputation

Restaurant and foodservice owners across California know the importance of managing “the cold chain” and how seriously it needs to be followed to prevent food borne illnesses to keep from hurting your reputation and your bottom line. That is why we at Mahan Insurance team up with Loss Prevention professionals who are technical experts in cold chain systems. They can help you implement a process which reduces your exposure to those pesky microbes that can “ruin your lunch” – and your lunch crowd.

Refrigeration is the key

Restaurants and food stores across California need to maintain the integrity of perishable goods throughout the entire shipping, storing, cooking and retailing process. From “farm to fork,” the temperature of perishable food must be maintained, and refrigeration is the key. Mahan Insurance has resources that can help you make sure you are following the proper temperature controls to keep your food fresh. They can also make sure your coverage is up-to-date for the type of food retail operation you own.

Receiving perishable goods

Trust your distributor, but it’s always best to verify the temperature of the food before accepting delivery. Many refrigerated trucks have a data log for temperature during the trip. Ask to see it – most perishables should be maintained at 41 F or below. Mahan Insurance encourages you to know the science behind the food. We can help you obtain the proper training for you and your staff on safe temperature controls for food.

When storing perishables at your restaurant or store

From your walk-in to your reach-in, you need to be sure you have adequate space, temperature controls, and properly working doors and seals on all your food storage equipment. Keep temperature logs or alarms on your equipment as mechanical refrigerators can malfunction and you may not even know it! Whether you lease or own your refrigeration equipment in California, contact us to be sure you have the right policy that covers you and your business should that equipment fail.

“Managing the Cold Chain” tools for restaurants and food services

Mahan Insurance has many resources for you and your business. We work with some of the most knowledgeable loss prevention specialists in California. They will work with you and train your staff on how to maintain a healthy and safe food service operation.

For more advice and complete help in protecting your business and your employees, contact Mahan Insurance at 714-505-3086 or fax [at] mahanins [dot] com today!

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:31:18 GMT

Buying a new car is an exciting time - but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

We can't really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you're looking around the lot - and when you're trying to answer the age-old question of "new, or used?"

Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented - with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other - and you probably already know what side you're on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn't seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new - and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO - Choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO - Maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won't need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO - Peace of Mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by "lemon laws" that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON - Cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It's also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it's a new model for the automaker), there won't be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren't necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you'd like.

Used Cars

Don't care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you'll want to be a little more careful. After all, it's hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO - Choices: While you won't necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO - Cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they're purchased. By buying used, you're letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON - Reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of "certified pre-owned" programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don't carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer's warranty is usually transferable to a second owner.
CON - Maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn't need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you'll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn't covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON - History: You'll need to check the car's title history to make sure it hasn't been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it's a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher car insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us before you buy.

Have fun shopping - and we'll see you on the road!

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:12:44 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues here in California, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Mahan Insurance, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:37:06 GMT

Summer has ended, but there’s no need to fret: Fall brings with it crisp, cool days, wonderful colors — and football season!

It also brings with it a few maintenance tasks that Mahan Insurance recommends to help ensure your home is ready for fall and winter weather in California.

Check out the following information for some general tips from the National Association of Home Builders, and don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions about what your home insurance policy covers.

Exterior maintenance

Gutters: Leaves, pine needles and other material can clog your gutters in the fall, preventing proper drainage and raising the risk of water damage to your walls, foundation, basement or landscaping. Remove all debris from your gutters and consider installing one of the many available gutter guard systems — it could be the last time you have to worry about clogged gutters.
Trees: Weak trees and branches can break and cause damage to your home, car or even someone walking on your property (the latter is a good reason to consider a personal umbrella insurance policy). Watch out for large dead or detached branches, as well as cracks or rotten wood along trunks and major branches. If there are potential hazards, call a professional tree service.
Roof: Damaged or loose shingles, as well as gaps where roofing or siding meets vents and flues, can mean emergency (and expensive) repairs later. Being proactive is the best way to avoid problems — if you see signs of damage, you’ll want to call a professional roofer.
Walls: The exterior walls of your home keep the weather out — so you’ll want to make sure they’re up to the challenge of a California winter. Look for possible damage or decay on siding and trim, and patch or replace pieces if necessary.

Interior maintenance

Insulation: Check the insulation in your attic, basement and crawl spaces, and insulate pipes in those spaces to protect against freezing.
Pipes: Nobody wants to deal with a frozen pipe, so if you live in a place susceptible to freezing, wrap exposed ones with heating tape every winter and keep your home above 65 degrees. Always check for cracks and leaks. And know where the main water shut-off is in your home so you can act quickly if there is a problem.
Heating: It’s a good idea to have your heating systems (furnace, fireplace, water heater, etc.) serviced every year.

For more information on home maintenance, visit the National Association of Home Builders website at www.nahb.com. A little action on your part now can make fall and winter a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.

For further questions and assistance, please contact our office.

Understanding Identity Theft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:23:44 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Mahan Insurance to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in California or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place
Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place
Shred papers with personal information
Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need
Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place
Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online
Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate
Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity
Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief
New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim
Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed
Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.
Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks

Keep This Information Handy:

Federal Trade Commission:
1-877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration
Fraud Line: 1-800-269-0271

Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Identity Theft Plan of Action

Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
Call and report to the police. Make several copies of the police report.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (see contact information above to request these forms).
Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver's License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Take the time to educate yourself on identity theft, and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today.

Controlling Product Liability Loss

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:04:43 GMT

When a company adopts certain management and operating principles, it can minimize or even eliminate products liability losses. Working these principles into your organization requires a systematic, coordinated loss control plan. At Mahan Insurance, we recommend that you consider these three components when developing your plan.

A corporate policy on product safety
A product safety coordinator or committee with clearly fixed responsibilities
Specific loss control measures

Corporate Policy

An official corporate policy regarding product safety is essential to demonstrate top management's commitment. The written policy should explain the company's objectives (e.g., to design, manufacture, and sell products that are reliable and meet applicable regulations and standards). It should also indicate who in the organization is responsible for product safety, and how the program will be implemented and monitored.

Product Safety Coordinator or Committee

In the complex field of products liability, every department plays a vital role. Fixing responsibility is the only way to achieve the desired result. The size of the company will determine whether one individual can be designated as the product safety coordinator or a product safety committee should be formed. For smaller companies, it may be possible to have one person responsible for product safety along with his or her regular job duties. Larger organizations may need a fulltime coordinator or a formal committee to ensure products liability control.

Regardless of which structure you adopt, you should:

Initiate procedures that support company policy and objectives
Develop product safety training programs
Learn and communicate changes in codes, regulations and standards
Coordinate product safety hazard analysis
Participate in organizations developing improved product standards
Communicate with the insurance carrier's loss prevention and claims departments
Coordinate accident and product failure investigations and take corrective actions for customers
Maintain loss data including accident reports and warranty claims
Alert management to potential product recalls
Audit and evaluate the effectiveness of the products program
Report progress to management
Recommend corrective action

If you appoint a committee to handle product safety, some of the departments that should be represented on the committee are engineering, quality control, manufacturing, legal, safety, service, marketing/advertising and purchasing (including buyers if you are a retailer). Committee responsibilities may include:

Conducting program activities
Monitoring product performance
Submitting patent applications
Designing labeling and warnings
Processing warranty claims
Documenting product design
Documenting product modification
Reviewing product literature and advertising
Monitoring quality control
Reviewing and responding to accident reports

Loss Control Measures

Products liability loss control involves four important measures:

Identifying the exposures
Guarding against the accident
Warning against the hazard
Defending against claims

Identify the Exposures

Take a good look at each of your products to identify possible ways that they could cause or contribute to accidents or injuries. This evaluation should consider the entire life cycle of the product, from design through disposal. It should also include the environment in which the product will be used and foreseeably misused. Consider intended product users and unintended users, who may also be exposed to potential hazards.

Guard Against the Accident

Understand and apply safety principles concerning product design and manufacturing. Once the hazards are determined, install adequate protective devices. We strongly recommend that the complete physical protection package, such as guards, protective accessories or devices, etc., be included in the product price rather than being listed as options. If they are offered as options, the customers should sign off on their decision not to purchase them. Keep those records for defense. The purchase of quality components and the establishment of high quality manufacturing standards are essential to meeting performance requirements.

As technological safety advances are made, offer consumers retrofit packages to upgrade older product models. Again document these offers and the customer's decisions.

Identify critical pats of the product and indicate their rated capacities clearly, prominently and permanently. Professionalism in all product sales, engineering and field services becomes increasingly important. Sometimes, even the most thoroughly designed controls can fail and a product with serious hazards can be distributed. This situation may require a recall, and your program should include procedures for identifying and tracing specific parts or products. Without actually recalling a specific product, test the recall program to verify its effectiveness.

When dealing with a retail or wholesale situation, develop a system to ensure that recalled products taken off the shelves are not inadvertently put back out for sale by uninformed sales staff or merchandisers. Instruct the lead salespeople and department managers to ask customers if the products being returned for exchange or refund have been involved in accidents or near accidents.

Warn Against the Hazard

The controls in this area are based on clear, accurate and complete product literature and proper packaging and labeling. Advertising and public relations releases should reflect sound accident prevention measures. "Warning" and "Caution" labels and pictorial symbols will help, along with a complete instruction manual for each product.

When packaging and shipping hazardous products, it is essential that the carrier, warehouser, distributor and consumer know what they are handling and how to use it in a safe manner.

Defend Against Claims

Even the best laid plans for prevention may not eliminate all accidents and claims. The key to successful defense is advance planning. You should work closely with your legal counsel and insurance company. Consider the following:

An established policy for record preservation
A set policy explaining how to handle customer complaints and claims
Prompt reporting and thorough investigation of accidents and complaints
A claims philosophy established in advance with the insurance company
Legal review of product literature, contracts, disclaimers, warranties, etc.

By following these important steps, you can take your company a long way toward preventing and solving products liability problems.

For more advice and complete help in protecting your business, your employees and customers, contact us today.

Saving Money on Classic Car Insurance in California

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:49:34 GMT

How much you pay for insurance depends on many factors. Following the suggestions below may help you lower the cost of your classic car or collector vehicle insurance in California.

Before you buy
If you’re thinking of buying a classic car or antique automobile, check with us to inquire what it will cost to insure. Usually expensive vehicles cost more to repair, maintain and insure.
Insure with one company
The more policies you have with one insurance company, whether it’s for your cars or home, the more substantial savings you may receive. Call us to find out what you might save.
Increase your deductible
Raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses can help you save more on your policy.
Safety saves
A clean driving record can potentially lower your insurance rates.
Manage your account online
Not only will managing your payments online save you time and hassle, but your payment will be made automatically. Think: worry free.
- Have your monthly premium deducted from your checking account (paperless).
- Pay your entire insurance premium in full by check or credit card.

Find out if your insurance company accepts online payments.

Check with us to find out more about your classic car insurance options.

And ask us about additional coverage options for vehicles (auto and RV) on your auto policy – including rental, roadside assistance, new vehicle replacement and more. Have greater protection and peace of mind knowing that you are better prepared for the unexpected.

To find out more, contact us for will with your specific California classic car insurance needs.