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Utility Sets Aside $750M for Eaton Fire Victims

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:27:08 GMT

Most goods in the U.S. are delivered by truck. Trucking companies, businesses that deliver their own products, and their customers rely on well-functioning vehicles and drivers for the success of their operations.

Too often, though, driving a truck is not conducive to good health. That can spell trouble for the drivers and for the profitability of their employers.

There are a number of factors about the truck-driving occupation that contribute to poor physical health, including:

Drivers are hired to sit all day behind the wheel, with limited opportunities for exercise.
They eat at truck stops and other restaurants where they can get meals quickly, contributing to poor diets.
Their work schedules are not consistent, interfering with sleep patterns.
The job is stressful. They have to contend with the annoyances and hazards of the road all day long, including traffic delays, dangerous drivers, and poor weather. On top of that, they are under pressure to reach their destinations on time. This gives them incentives to skip sleep and ingest stimulants to help them stay awake.

Not surprisingly, studies have found that:

The obesity rate for truck drivers is double that of the general population.
Their smoking rate is almost triple that of the general population.
88% of truck drivers report having hypertension, smoking or obesity, and 9% reported having all three, quadruple the general population’s rate.
Truck drivers’ life expectancy is 16 years less than the national average.
Unhealthy drivers do not perform their jobs as well as healthy ones do.
Among private sector employees, truck drivers have the highest number of illnesses and injuries that cause them to miss work.

A 2017 study found that drivers with three or more serious health conditions like the ones mentioned above are two to four times more likely to have an accident than are those with only one.

One common affliction for many drivers is sleep apnea. Drivers who have untreated sleep apnea are five times more likely to have a preventable accident than are those who treat it.

What you can do

What can you, as an employer, do to maintain a healthy driving force? Plenty.

During the pre-employment screening process, evaluate candidates’ fitness levels through physical examinations and a review of their driving histories.
Review employer safety policies and driver wellness and fitness requirements during new employee orientation.
Implement injury prevention programs.
Offer free or discounted memberships at gyms with locations around the country.
Encourage drivers to take quick exercise breaks during trips.
Encourage healthy eating both at home and on the road.
Monitor drivers’ performance through data provided by telematics devices installed in trucks, review of accident reports, and in-person observation of drivers.

The takeaway

If a truck driver suffers a heart attack or dozes off while hauling a load weighing tens of thousands of pounds, the results can be catastrophic. In addition to the lives lost or forever changed, the cost to the employer could be millions of dollars in jury awards.

Making driver wellness a priority is the right thing to do, but it also makes business sense for employers.

Insurers Get More Selective About Roof Age, Type

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:18:34 GMT

As claims costs for roof damage caused by heavy storms and natural catastrophes have soared in recent years, homeowner’s insurers have become increasingly selective about the age and type of roof a policyholder has.

Insurers are increasingly requiring homeowners to replace old roofs to avoid policy non-renewal or limited coverage for roof damage. What is considered “old” varies by roof type. Slate and tile roofs have much longer lifespans if properly maintained, but insurers will scrutinize asphalt and wood shake shingles because they tend to erode more quickly.

The changes are leaving many homeowners in a bind as they seek coverage during a period of rising premiums fueled by frequent natural catastrophes and escalating rebuilding costs.

Roof repair and replacement costs reached $31 billion in 2024, up nearly 30% from 2022, according to data analytics firm Verisk. Wind and hail claims have been major drivers of these costs, and roof losses now account for more than one-quarter of residential claims costs.

What insurers are doing

Standard asphalt shingle roofs receive some of the greatest scrutiny. While underwriting standards vary, many insurers become more cautious once an asphalt roof is 10 to 20 years old.

Even if an insurer agrees to cover an older roof, it may only insure it on an actual cash value basis. That means a claim payment reflects the roof’s depreciated value rather than the cost of installing a new one.

Roof material also plays an increasingly important role.

Wood shake and wood shingle roofs have become more difficult to insure because they pose a greater fire risk. Some insurers no longer cover them, while others may require proof that the roof has been treated with fire-retardant materials.

Flat roofs also draw greater scrutiny because they don’t drain water as efficiently as sloped roofs. Standing water can accelerate deterioration and increase the risk of leaks, so insurers may require evidence that flat roofs are well maintained.

Regular maintenance has become more important than ever. Homeowners should promptly replace damaged shingles, keep gutters clear, remove debris, and repair small problems before they become expensive claims. Keeping records of inspections and repairs may help prove that an older roof remains in good condition.

Enter the drones

Insurance companies are increasingly using drones, aerial photography, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence to inspect roofs remotely.

These technologies can identify missing shingles, deteriorating flashing, ponding water, and other signs of wear within minutes. Some homeowners have received requests for repairs or even nonrenewal notices based on conditions discovered during aerial inspections.

The technology also allows insurers to inspect homes quickly after major storms and monitor roof conditions throughout the life of a policy. For homeowners, that means roof maintenance is more visible than ever.

Preferred roofs

While every insurer has its own underwriting guidelines, roofs made of durable, noncombustible materials generally receive the most favorable treatment. These include:

Metal roofs — Highly resistant to fire, wind and many weather hazards, these can last 40 to 70 years or longer with proper maintenance.
Slate roofs — Among the longest-lasting roofing materials available, slate roofs often remain serviceable for 100 years or more. They resist fire, insects and rot.
Concrete and clay tile roofs — These are durable, noncombustible roofing systems that perform well in many climates, although they can crack under heavy impacts.
Impact-resistant asphalt shingles — These are designed to withstand hail and high winds better than standard asphalt shingles. Some insurers may offer premium discounts for homes with qualifying Class 4 impact-resistant shingles.

The takeaway

Regardless of roof type, insurers are increasingly looking for one thing above all else: proper maintenance. Keeping up with repairs and replacing a roof before it becomes a significant underwriting concern may make it easier to obtain affordable homeowner’s insurance.

If you have questions about your roof and insurance, please give us a call.

Have a new Drone? Understand Your Liability Risks

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:28:23 GMT

More American homes include a new addition: a drone. While these gadgets can be loads of fun to fly, they also come with responsibility and risks of property damage and bodily injury.

And as people start flying drones, there will be accidents and injuries followed by claims and even lawsuits.

If you are like most people, you were not thinking about insurance when you purchased a drone. But you’ll want to make sure you are properly covered for accidents, particularly if you injure a third party or damage their property.

The liability protection in homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies will sometimes cover damage or injury from a drone crashing into a neighbor’s house, vehicle or child. Yet this coverage isn’t universal, and some policies specifically include an aviation exclusion that encompasses recreational drones, which the Federal Aviation Administration currently classifies as small aircraft.

While your homeowner’s policy would likely cover damage if your drone crashes into a neighbor’s car, your policy would not cover damage to your own property.

If you are uncertain about whether your policy covers drone liability, please call us, and we can check it for you.

In case it isn’t covered, you can buy drone insurance through individual liability coverage through us.

Other issues

Liability coverage for physical damage isn’t the only coverage you might need.

There’s also been a rise in invasion of privacy claims, which fall under personal injury. If your drone accidentally captures images of a neighbor and that neighbor feels you have violated their privacy, you could be sued.

An umbrella policy or the personal injury section of homeowner’s insurance may protect you in this case.

But if the invasion of privacy was intentional, like posting photos of your neighbor in a compromising position online, the insurer would likely not cover the claim.

Aircraft registry

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How To Keep Children Safe in the Pool This Summer

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:21:56 GMT

While summer is a time for fun and sun outdoors, at least 200 children lose their lives in pools each year during this season. The Red Cross sponsors several campaigns and provides safety tips to help Americans keep themselves and their families safe around pools and hot tubs. Here are some vital tips to remember.

Secure the pool with barriers. Every pool should be surrounded by a sturdy fence that is at least four feet high. There should be a self-latching gate with a self-closing hinge. If these rules are not followed and a violation is discovered during an inspection, regardless of whether an incident occurred, the pool may be excluded from liability coverage.

Keep unused pools and spas covered. Use a hard cover or an approved pool net. Do not use a tarp or any type of covering that is not fitted by a professional. Many children drown each year when they climb on inadequate covers. Keeping the pool or hot tub covered also reduces the risk of mosquito problems. Be sure to remove any access ladders or steps that are not in use.

Install a pool alarm. There are several types of pool alarms, which go off whenever someone enters the pool or fenced pool area. Since it only takes a few minutes for tragedy to strike, these alarms are essential during summer when children are at home and cannot be visually supervised every minute. Spend some time researching the right alarm for your needs.

Supervise children. An adult should always be present when children are in the pool. If young children are swimming, stay in the pool or by the pool’s edge. As a rule, they should never be more than an arm’s reach away. For young kids who cannot swim safely, use life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Enroll family members in swimming lessons. Everyone in the home should know how to swim. Lessons should continue until an entire course is completed. The Red Cross provides swimming lessons in nearly every city. Adults may want to take first aid and CPR classes from the Red Cross to be prepared for emergencies.

Keep pools and hot tubs clean. Water should be changed when necessary. Use nets to remove bugs and leaves. Test pools and hot tubs for proper chemical balance. Check the filtration and circulation systems for proper function. Many children develop rashes, illnesses and ear infections from unsanitary pools and hot tubs.

Implement pool rules. It helps to post the rules in a visible place. Ask children to recite the rules each time before they use the pool and take away pool privileges if they break them. Here are some important rules to include:

No dunking others
No running
No diving
Stay away from drains
No drinking pool water
Swim with a buddy
Use ladders safely

Be sure that teens know how to call for help if they are supervising younger siblings. Although an adult should always be present, it helps to teach kids how to call 911.

If an adult needs to perform CPR, a child could call 911, set the phone to speaker mode, and help the adult talk to the operator to arrange for help. Learn more about pool safety as a preventive measure and speak to us about your insurance coverage for pool accidents.

Solar Panels and Home Fires: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Your Property

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:17:13 GMT

Solar panels have become increasingly popular as homeowners look for ways to lower energy costs and reduce their environmental footprint.

But while rooftop solar systems are generally safe and rarely cause fires, they can create challenges if a fire starts in the home. Fires can be more difficult to extinguish due to access issues, which can increase the damage and overall repair costs.

Fortunately, homeowners considering solar panels can take steps before installation to reduce these risks.

Why solar panels can increase fire severity

When a home catches fire, firefighters rely on proven tactics to quickly access the roof, release heat and smoke, and extinguish flames before they spread. Solar panels can interfere with many of these efforts. Dangers include:

Energized panels. Even after utility power is shut off, solar panels continue generating electricity whenever exposed to sunlight, creating an electrocution hazard.
Limited roof access. Solar arrays can block areas where firefighters would normally cut ventilation openings.
Hidden fire conditions. Panels can make it harder to locate hot spots and assess how far the fire has spread.
Faster fire spread. The space beneath some panels can trap heat and allow flames to travel across a roof more quickly.
Additional roof weight. Solar equipment adds weight to the structure, which can affect roof safety during a fire.
Potential toxic smoke. Burning wiring, panel components, and batteries may release hazardous fumes.

As a result, firefighters may need to take a more defensive approach, which can allow a fire to burn longer and increase property damage.

The good news is that properly installed and maintained solar systems are considered relatively safe. Most solar-related fires are linked to electrical problems, damaged wiring, poor workmanship or improper maintenance rather than the panels themselves.

How homeowners can reduce the risks

Hire reputable, licensed, and certified solar installers.
Verify that the installation complies with local building and electrical codes.
Install systems that include rapid-shutdown technology.
Clearly label electrical disconnects and shutoff locations.
Schedule regular inspections and maintenance.
Keep leaves, branches, and debris from accumulating beneath panels.
Address damaged wiring or equipment immediately.
Consider adding smoke or heat detection systems where equipment is installed.
Keep records of maintenance and inspections.

One of the most valuable steps homeowners can take is to involve the local fire department before installation begins.

Consider inviting firefighters to conduct a pre-installation review of your plans. They may provide recommendations on panel placement, roof access, and emergency shutoff locations that could make a difference during an emergency.

Some fire departments appreciate having information about the location of solar equipment and disconnect switches so they can respond more effectively if a fire occurs.

The bottom line

While they rarely cause fires, homeowners should understand that solar installations can make firefighting more difficult and may increase the severity and cost of a loss.

By investing in proper installation, maintaining your system, and coordinating with local fire officials, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy while reducing the risks to your family and home.

Smart Coverage Insurance Solutions, Inc. Blog

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:22:05 GMT

Welcome to our new insurance agency blog!

This is our very first post. We're not quite sure what we're going to write about here, but the plan is to create helpful content for customers and prospective clients about information that is relevant to you.

We hope you'll come to view this as a top resource for keeping your family and your finances safe.

Here are a few of the topics we may be writing about:

Answers to clients' frequently asked questions.
Helpful information about insurance shopping.
Safety and Health Tips and Ideas.
Local Community Information.

Stay Tuned!

smartcoverageins-com

Utility Sets Aside $750M for Eaton Fire Victims

What you can do

The takeaway

Insurers Get More Selective About Roof Age, Type

What insurers are doing

Enter the drones

Preferred roofs

The takeaway

Have a new Drone? Understand Your Liability Risks

Other issues

Aircraft registry

How To Keep Children Safe in the Pool This Summer

Solar Panels and Home Fires: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Your Property

Why solar panels can increase fire severity

How homeowners can reduce the risks

The bottom line

Smart Coverage Insurance Solutions, Inc. Blog

﻿ Smart Coverage Insurance Solutions, Inc. ﻿ Blog

Smart Coverage Insurance Solutions, Inc. Blog