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Auto Insurance Coverage With Delivery and Livery Services
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been brought to our attention that many people are utilizing ride share applications such as Uber and Lyft, along with food delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc. to provide extra income during these tough times. It is important to know and understand how participating in these services affects your auto insurance coverage. If you are participating in these services, please contact our office to verify your coverage options.
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Stronger Together
The last few months have been a strange place in this world. It has caused much pain, sadness, anger, confusion, and despair. It has been an inconvenience for some, devastation for others. It has disrupted the way we live, work, and play. As much as it has physically distanced everyone from each other, it also has brought many closer than ever. It has forced all of us to be more contentious of the way we communicate, how often, and to whom. It has made us realize what is important in life and what part of our “old” life we no longer want to continue.
As a small business, it has taught us gratitude. We are thankful for our technology so we may continue operating despite a pandemic. We are thankful for our leadership who lead our team through this ever-changing world. We are thankful for our staff who bring their A-game each day. We are thankful for our clients who have given us grace and been supportive throughout it all. Above all, it has made us thankful to be able to lean on each other during these hard times.
As the world continues to change, we hope we can all continue to lean on each other. Whether that be supporting your child’s teacher as they learn to navigate a new way of teaching, supporting and encouraging our community leaders as they make decisions on how to push forward, or just lifting those up who are hurting the most due to the pandemic.
Ourselves, our children, our communities are resilient. We may each survive on our own, but we will succeed when working together.
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When Do You Decide It Is Time for a Facelift?
From acknowledging our rich past to embracing a bright future
Who doesn’t love the feeling that comes with getting something new? A new pair of shoes; a fresh coat of paint; a fun new hairdo…there is just something about it that makes us feel good and draws others closer too. Sure the old shoes, walls and cut were reliable and served their purpose. There is just something about getting something new to bring on a whole new perspective. Many times you live with something day in and day out and you don’t realize it is dated, or a little tattered. You have to step back and take a look with new eyes. As other small business owners know, it is difficult to work IN your business and ON your business—yet it is necessary every single day. 
I co-own and work in an insurance agency that is the longest standing agency in the community, built from the ground up, serving thousands of clients and providing ‘peace of mind’ for the last 87 years. Several months ago we took a step back and looked at our agency from a different perspective…the outside in. In this new age of instant everything, push button, hands free, wireless, ageless yet aging world, we realized we needed to make changes. With all due respect to our forefathers and mothers, we just realized we didn’t have a brand that truly defined our team.
“All great changes are preceded by chaos”-Deepak Chopra
How true Deepak! We contacted IronGate Creative, a local branding firm that worked with us for several months to learn the true personality of our business. We interviewed current clients, past clients, companies, the mailman—anyone we could to ask ‘what was their perspective of Harrington-Hoch?’ Once we focused in on the results, we worked on our rebranding plan. We navigated our way through color changes, logos, mission statements, tag lines and billboards. In the end the dust did settle—and believe me, there was a lot of dust after 87 years of little to no change.
We are proudly displaying our new logo, tagline, billboards, website, stationary and signage. In the process we learned our true personality from those we serve. We are professionals with a sense of humor, along with a serious commitment to serve. A couple of new colors thrown in a redesigned ‘H’ and a new tag line that continually resonated with our team spirit might be the main two changes the community notices. But the process is what made the most impact on our team. We are renewed and excited way beyond the branding change. We are strutting a new spring in our step, glowing in the brightness of our new surroundings and one hundred percent committed to our new edgy ‘Do’!
Harrington-Hoch works best when things go wrong,
so that you can focus on the things that matter.
We got this!
Medicare
Quick Look At The Cost Of Medicare
Knowing exactly what Medicare costs and what it consists of is vital to you, so that when your enrollment period opens up, you are prepared for anything that may come your way. Researching during your enrollment period will help you to figure out what plan’s best for you. Read More
Medicare
What You Need To Know About Medicare Supplement Plans
Insurance Tips
GREEN BOATING TIPS FOR EARTH DAY IN INDIANA,
With Earth Day fast approaching, we here at Harrington Hoch Insurance thought it would be a good time to talk about preventative measures you can take to avoid harming the environment, in addition to carrying an insurance policy that provides coverage for fuel spills and pollution liability.
- Maintain a clean bilge – don’t pump oily water overboard
- Clean safely – Use detergent sparingly. Environmentally responsible boat cleaning products can be found at www.greenseal.org
- Observe all local (including Richmond) and federal sewage regulations for local waterways {/cond}
- For people boating at sea, chart your course responsibly – prevent damage to sensitive sea habitats and reduce fuel waste due to misdirection
- Stow your trash – take your garbage home, including fishing line, cigarettes and other disposable items
- Recycle your waste – properly dispose your batteries and other waste materials
- Carry a spill kit
- Report pollution
- Routine maintenance – keep up with the maintenance of your boat, just like you do with your car
Boat Maintenance
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your boat, reduce the need for costly repairs, and help ensure the safety of your passengers in Indiana, or elsewhere.
Cleaning & Care
Wash your boat regularly to prevent the long-term effects of environmental wear and tear. Routine waxing and the use of an anti-fouling paint can also help protect your boat from the elements. Consider using environmentally-safe products whenever possible!
Consider a Watercraft Cover
Invest in a cover to keep your boat clean and free from dirt, water, falling leaves and bird droppings, all of which cause damage if left unchecked. A cover can also prevent UV rays from breaking down hoses, and fading carpets and upholstery.
Routine Inspection
Proper boat maintenance means being actively involved in, and attuned to, all aspects of your watercraft. Keep an eye on everything from loose fittings, to fraying ropes, to any other areas of your watercraft that may need special attention or replacement. Many times, damages incurred to a boat could easily have been prevented by following a preventative boat maintenance routine. You can also have a professional boat inspection.
Battery Care
Depending on the type of battery your boat uses, check to ensure that it is properly charged and has the correct fluid levels. Always keep your battery clean, as dampness and dirt can drain your battery.
Motor Maintenance
Flush your engine after every outing, and check everything from your fuel tanks to the clamps on your fuel line for rust, damage or corrosion. Also, check your oil for correct levels, proper filtration, and cleanliness. Finally, remember to keep an eye on your engine’s cooling system to make sure it’s functioning correctly.
Bilge Pumps
A crucial aspect of boat maintenance is ensuring that your bilge pump is functioning properly. There’s not much that can cause more irreparable damage to a boat than having it sink. In the event that you need to use your pump, you’ll want to make sure that your battery system contains enough power to run the pump for a prolonged period of time.
Electrical Components
Many boating failures occur as a result of corroded electrical systems, so keeping electrical components dry should be a regular part of your watercraft maintenance routine. Electrical fittings can be protected with a water-repellent, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor.
For more information on boat insurance coverage or to get a boating insurance quote, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Medicare
Medicare Options: What Is Available And What Is Right For You
Just the Basics with Parts A & B
The money that you paid into Medicare during your working years entitles most people to Part A coverage from the government for free. Part B coverage has a monthly premium of $104.90 for 2015, for those who have a higher income this amount could be higher. Both Part A and Part B have coinsurance and deductibles. Read More
Insurance Tips
TORNADOES HAPPEN EVERY YEAR; ARE YOU PREPARED?
You don’t have to be directly hit by a tornado in Indiana to experience damage. Taking some time to prepare could save you thousands of dollars and hours of clean-up.
Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need
In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, but in April of 2011 alone, 875 tornadoeswere reported. Oftentimes, homes and businesses close to a tornado are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Check with us at Harrington Hoch Insurance to see if your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs.
If you can’t live in your home, see if your policy will pay additional living expenses. Harrington Hoch can review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.
Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs. Harrington Hoch Insurance recommends you work with an independent building contractor to get a precise estimate, and make sure you chat with us about your business or home’s unique features.
You Can Take Action to Reduce Damage
You can’t make your home or business tornado-proof, but you can take steps that improve the odds of surviving the high winds. Ideally, you may want to call on professionals for the more technical jobs.
- Start at the top – your roof. Fix any areas that need repair. If you are planning to replace your roof, select materials that are designed to withstand high winds.
- If you are planning to replace your windows, select impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm.
- Anchor door frames securely to wall framing. Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long.
If a Tornado is Headed Your Way in Indiana
- If you are in a building, move to an underground shelter, an interior room or a hallway on the lowest floor.
- Stay away from windows and corners.
- If you’re in your car, get out immediately and find safe shelter or lie flat in a ditch. Do not take shelter under an overpass or bridge.
- Flying debris causes most injuries and fatalities, so use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Additional Resources for Indiana
Check out some of these additional resources or let Harrington Hoch Insurance find the right insurance protection for you:
To view PDF files, you’ll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader, free for download from Adobe.
It’s necessary to get the right insurance protection for you. For more information on your policy or if you’d like to ask about additional coverage, please contact Harrington Hoch at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
SUGGESTIONS FROM HARRINGTON HOCH FOR DEALING WITH A WATER EMERGENCY
It’s happened. There’s water everywhere – in your walls, under your carpets and soaking into your belongings. Whether caused by a burst pipe, a broken water heater or flooding, there are things you can do immediately to salvage belongings and limit damage or loss.
Here are some suggestions from Harrington Hoch Insurance that will help you, wherever you live, including Indiana.
1. Stop the water. If the water is coming from inside your home, such as a burst pipe or water heater malfunction, shut off the main water valve immediately. (Make sure everyone in your home knows where the shutoff valve is located.)
2. Turn off the utilities* – if the situation calls for it. In a serious water event, turning off the power or natural gas might be necessary to ensure your and others personal safety.
3. Prevent electrocution. Do not use any electrical appliances if the carpet or flooring surfaces are wet. Use a wet vacuum to remove water, but check the manufacturer’s instructions before starting.
4. Use fans to circulate air and encourage drying. This is especially important in the first 24-48 hours after an indoor flood.
5. Get water out quickly (and safely). Fast action on your part can prevent further damage, help you save more of your belongings and minimize the time and expense of repairs. Clean up as much water as possible by mopping or blotting with towels.
6. Get property to a dry location. As much as possible, move belongings to a dry area. Put furniture on blocks or slide a square of aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent the wood stain from bleeding into carpeting.
7. Remove area rugs from the floor. The dyes in carpets can stain flooring, carpeting or wood floors.
8. Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. It could cause carpet to shrink.
9. Launder any clothes or other washables that have been soaked as soon as possible.
10. Wipe excess water from furniture. Open drawers and cabinet doors for faster drying. Spread out books to speed drying and prevent further damage.
11. Watch for debris and pests. If water is flowing in your house there may be dislodged materials such as nails, or pests such as snakes or vermin.
12. Report claims as soon as possible. The sooner you report damage, the sooner your insurance company can help you get your home and life back to normal. Call Harrington Hoch at 765-962-9502 or contact your insurance carrier directly.
13. Keep track of the time spent cleaning and save receipts for the costs of any rental equipment or payments to professional services. As soon as you can, make a thorough list of items that water damaged-this will help us process your claim faster. Document the damage with photos, video, bills, and receipts. In the meantime, don’t throw out damaged items – especially expensive items.
*In the case of a minor water situation there may not be a need to shut off the utilities, and doing so may leave your home without power until the utilities can be turned back on again.
Contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502 for more information about preventing water damage in your home.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
RICHMOND, SUMMERS MEAN BACKYARD GRILLING – SAFELY!
Just like hamburgers and hot dogs, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer in Richmond. And grilling isn’t just about great food. Backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with friends and family.
Keep in mind, however, that when you grill, you’re literally playing with fire. Thousands of Indiana residents each year learn this the hard way, suffering damage to their homes or even serious injuries in grilling accidents.
There’s good news, though: You can prevent grilling accidents by taking some simple precautions. The tips below can help ensure you cook only your burgers – and not your house – the next time you fire up the grill.
Harrington Hoch Insurance Tips For All Grills
- Your grill, whether gas or charcoal, should be on a level surface outdoors, away from anything that could be ignited by flames (bushes, fences, etc.).
- NEVER use a grill indoors. Odorless carbon monoxide fumes could kill you.
- Keep your grill clean and well-maintained. Check parts regularly to determine if replacements are needed.
- Never leave a hot grill unattended or let children play near it.
Charcol Grill Tips From Kingsford.com
- Do not add lighter fluid directly to hot coals. The flame could travel up the stream of fluid and burn you.
- Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire.
- Use flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbecue tongs, as coals can reach up to 1,000 degrees.
- To dispose of coals, allow the ashes to cool for at least 48 hours before disposal in a non-combustible container. If you cannot wait 48 hours, carefully place coals individually in a can of sand or bucket of water.
Gas Grill Tips From the National Fire Protection Association
- Check your grill’s hoses for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
- Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If you have a leak, and it will not stop after the grill and gas is turned off, call the fire department. If the leak stops when the grill and gas are turned off, have your grill serviced by a professional.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
- Do not keep a filled propane tank in a hot car or trunk. When getting containers refilled, make that your last stop before going home.
- Store propane tanks in an upright position, and never indoors.
From all of us at Harrington Hoch Insurance, happy grilling, and stay safe this summer!
Contact Us!
For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
