Dover, DE – Much of Delaware has already seen snow this year, ahead of the official start of winter. “Winter weather and its impact on our vehicles and homes is a good reason for consumers to review their insurance policies and make necessary updates, if needed,” says Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart. The Delaware Department of Insurance has some tips and suggestions to help ensure peace-of-mind during the Holidays and in the year ahead.

Driving in a Winter Wonderland: As mentioned, many Delawareans have already had to deal with driving in snow and slush this December. Check your auto policy to confirm that it is appropriate for your needs. A new luxury vehicle will require a different level of coverage than an older car. You should also check your liability limits to make sure you have adequate protection against injury or damage if you cause an accident. Some discount policies do not cover uninsured motorists. If you aren’t sure if your policy has you covered for situations such as this call your agent or insurance company to find out if you should enhance your coverage.

Do you know what to do if you are involved in an accident? Always keep a copy of your insurance card and your insurance provider’s contact information in the car. To take the stress out of filing a claim after an accident, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created WRECKCHECK, a free smartphone app that walks you through the process of gathering information following an accident. You can then email the report directly to your insurance agent. WRECKCHECK is available for iPhone and Android devices. There is also a PDF version available for download. Visit the Department of Insurance website at www.delawareinsurance.gov for links to download the apps.

Home for the Holidays: Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy can protect you against common holiday debacles, so check your policy before you deck the halls. If someone slips and falls on your icy driveway, your homeowner’s policy will pay for some medical expenses, but ask your insurance provider if you have adequate liability limits. In addition, in the unfortunate event that your gifts are stolen, check to see if they are covered by your policy.

When you’re reviewing your policy you should confirm if you have “actual cash-value” coverage or “replacement cost” coverage. With actual cash-value coverage you will only be reimbursed for the current cost of the property at the time of the claim, minus the deductible. If you have replacement cost coverage, you will be reimbursed for the full value of the replacement item, minus the deductible.

A standard homeowner’s policy will also provide coverage, subject to your deductible, if your home suffers damage during a winter storm or a house fire. Some policies offer additional living expenses if you are unable to live in your home during repairs. Check with your insurance provider to determine what your policy covers. If you heat your home by woodstove or fireplace and haven’t had your chimney inspected or cleaned recently you should consider having a qualified chimney sweep confirm that yours is safe for use for the season.

Insurance Commissioner Stewart expressed that, “Anyone with a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy should have a home inventory, but numerous surveys show that 45% to 55% of consumers do not track their belongings. The holidays are a great time to create your first home inventory or update the one you have currently.” This will help ensure your homeowner’s or renter’s policy provides enough coverage for your belongings, as you may need a separate rider for high-cost items like jewelry, art or electronics. The NAIC’s free smartphone app, myHOMEScr.APP.book, makes the process of creating a home inventory quick and easy. You can download the app for Apple devices in iTunes and Google Play, or you can download a PDF version. Include as much information about your items as you can, such as receipts, photos and serial numbers.

In the unfortunate event that any of your Christmas gifts are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase and you bought the item(s) with a credit card call the card issuer to see if you qualify for a free purchase protection program. The benefits offered vary widely but some cards will provide 60-day or 90-day returns on items that are damaged or stolen. The per-incident dollar amount varies by card and you must follow all requirements for filing claims but there are numerous stories of consumers saving hundreds of dollars by utilizing these benefits. These services could potentially save you from filing a claim on your homeowner’s or renter’s policy saving you money on the deductible and potential premium increases.

Health: It’s important to do an insurance check-up on your current health plan – especially if you are considering new options, such as updated plans offered by your employer or your state marketplace. Make sure to check provider lists and take note of your co-pays for in- and out-of-network providers. Once you have decided on a plan, read through your policy and keep your insurance card handy in the event of winter illnesses or accidents. Your health insurance may offer alternatives to waiting at the doctor’s office or a trip to the emergency room. Ask your insurance provider if they have a nurse help hotline that can answer questions about your symptoms or if your pharmacy has an urgent care center that will accept your insurance.

If you are traveling over the holidays, review your policy and make a list of pharmacies, urgent care centers and hospitals that accept your insurance in your destination city. Prior to leaving town, it is also a good idea to check with your insurance company about in-network healthcare providers at your destination. If you receive care from an out-of-network provider, you could pay more for treatment. Bring this information and health insurance cards for all family members with you when you travel.

More Information: If you have questions about your insurance options or insurance coverage, contact the Delaware Department of Insurance at 1-800-282-8611 or visit our website, www.delawareinsurance.gov. For tips on picking the best insurance coverage that fits you and your needs, visit www.InsureUOnline.org.

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Mission of the Department of Insurance: Protecting Delawareans through regulation
and education while providing oversight of the insurance industry to best serve the public.

As we begin the New Year, Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart and the Delaware Department of Insurance would like to share a few helpful tips related to insurance coverage.

Homeowners/Renter’s Insurance

This is a great time to update your home inventory and make sure your homeowners or renter’s policy is up-to-date. Before placing your decorations back in storage, take some photos or video of your holiday belongings. Do not forget to make note of any antique items and their value so you can talk with your insurance agent to ensure that they are properly covered.

If you are starting a home inventory from scratch, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has created a free smartphone app, myHOME Scr.APP.book. This app takes some of the headache out of the process and can be found on our website, http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/.

Now that you have opened all your holiday gifts, remember to add them to your home inventory, as well. Include as many details as you can and take a photo of each item. Most basic home insurance policies have standard limits for big-ticket items like electronics, art, jewelry or sporting equipment. You may need special coverage, so be sure to call your agent as soon as possible to discuss changes for your policy.

Auto Insurance

Winter can be a challenge for all drivers. Whether you are trying to escape the weather for someplace warmer or just preparing for the first drive to work in the snow, there are a few insurance items you should review.

To make sure you are winter-ready, check your auto insurance policy. Here is a quick reference on how to read your declarations page.

Make sure your coverage is appropriate for your life situation. Liability is the part of the policy that pays for any injury or damage if you cause an accident. If your liability insurance is too low, it is possible that you could be sued for any damages above your liability limits.

Also take a look at your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the amount you will pay if your car is damaged or totaled without fault of another driver. Raising or lowering this amount can affect your premium.

Before hitting the road, make sure you have a copy of your insurance card and your insurance agent or company’s number in the car. It is also a good idea to have a way to record details of an accident if you are in one. The NAIC smartphone app “WreckCheck” walks you through the process of gathering information following an accident. You can then email your notes directly to your agent. This app can be downloaded for free and can be found on our website at http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/.

Health Insurance

Many families have recently gone through the open enrollment process for their health insurance at work or the Medicare Open Enrollment process. You may be receiving new insurance cards and paperwork related to health insurance matters in the mail. It is a good idea to get all this information together before winter illness or accidents happen.

Make sure to check your provider lists to verify visits to your doctor and any specialists are still covered by your policy, as in-network or preferred provider lists change from year to year. Also read through your documents and make note of your copays for in-network and out-of-network providers so you are not surprised later.

When you’re planning a vacation away from home, you should check with your insurance carrier to identify urgent care centers and hospitals that accept your insurance coverage near your destination and along the way. Be sure to ask your carrier about applicable co-pays and deductibles if care is needed.

If you have questions about your insurance options or about your insurance coverage, please call the Delaware Department of Insurance at 302-674-7300 or toll-free (in-state) at 282-8611. We are also available online at www.delawareinsurance.gov and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Delawareinsurance

Dover, DE – Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart today announced action taken with respect to workers compensation insurance rates and loss costs effective December 1, 2012.

Commissioner Stewart approved an amended filing submitted by the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau, Inc. (DCRB) which proposed an overall average increase of 14.6 percent in voluntary market loss costs and 19 percent in residual market rates.

The DCRB made an initial filing in August.  That filing was the subject of an intensive review performed under the direction of the Delaware Department of Insurance.  Two independent actuarial firms were hired to prepare reports in response to the DCRB filing.  A Target Examination of the DCRB’s data collection processes was conducted (which found the DCRB’s processes to be sound).  Public information sessions were held in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown.  Written public comments were requested and received.  Finally, a public hearing was held, which provided opportunity for Delaware citizens, and representatives of Delaware businesses and local governments, to appear and offer comments.

The residual market rates and voluntary market loss costs that are included in the DCRB’s amended filing were approved after consideration of all available information, including public input.  The rates and loss costs in the amended filing are lower than those in the initial filing, which proposed an average increase of 43.5 percent in the residual market and 38.3 percent in the voluntary market loss costs. They are also significantly lower than the rates and loss costs recommended by the two independent actuarial firms. Commissioner Stewart stated “I recognize that any rate increase in the workers’ compensation system is going to be tough on businesses during this economic climate. The amended rates I approved were the best balance between the several considerations that bear on the workers compensation filing. Using the 2010 policy year, the range of savings between the DCRB original filed amount and the approved amount is estimated to be more than $22 million dollars.

Commissioner Stewart further stated, “I look forward to continuing dialogue and cooperation between the Department of Insurance, the Department of Labor, the Health Care Advisory Panel, the DCRB and other interested parties to better understand the Delaware workers compensation system and to identify potential opportunities to make that system more efficient and effective in serving all of the key constituencies of the Delaware workers compensation system.”

For businesses that are not currently enrolled in the Workplace Safety Program and would like to learn about additional savings in workers’ compensation costs; please contact the Office of Workplace Safety at the Delaware Department of Insurance at 302-674-7378.

Dover – October 26, 2012 — As Delaware braces for Hurricane Sandy to arrive next week, Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart encourages Delawareans to make preparations before the storm hits. Now is the time to take several simple steps that could make filing a claim after the storm easier. The Delaware Department of Insurance offers these tips to help protect your family and your investments:

It’s Not Too Late to Create a Home Inventory

• To make the claims process easier, it’s imperative to have a complete list of the belongings in your home. An inventory should include all of the vital information about your belongings (brand name, price, date of purchase, model, serial number and receipts) and should be accompanied by photos of the items. There are several simple ways to start building a home inventory. You can download a home inventory spreadsheet that will help get you started. If you are using an electronic or paper spreadsheet, remember to take pictures of your belongings, and save them in the same place as the home inventory.

• Or you can download the free Home Inventory app for iPhone or the Android version. The app will guide you through capturing images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers, and then storing them electronically for safekeeping. The app even creates a back-up file for e-mail sharing. This app is available on our website at www.delawareinsurance.gov

• Talk with your agent or company to make sure your homeowners or renter’s policy is adequate to cover your new investments.

• If you don’t have time to create a comprehensive list of the items in your home, then quickly videotape and/or photograph every room. The more detail you include, the easier it will be for your insurance company to evaluate your loss. When making your list, make sure to open drawers and closets, and don’t forget to take stock of what’s in your garage and storage buildings.

• Once you have made your inventory, or taken photographs of your home, e-mail the information to family or friends living out of the hurricane threat or your insurance agent.

Collect Your Insurance Information

• Store copies of your insurance policies with your home inventory. Make sure to have a copy of your policy declarations page listing all of your coverages, as well as your insurance cards.

• It’s also important to have 24-hour contact details for your insurance agent and insurance company. Make a list that includes your policy numbers, your insurance company and insurance agent’s phone numbers, website addresses and mailing addresses. Also, check to see if the company or your agent has set up an emergency information hotline. It is a good idea to store this information, and your home inventory, in a waterproof, fireproof box or safe. If you evacuate your home, don’t forget to take this information with you.

• Before a storm hits, review your insurance policies. Make sure you know what is and is not covered. If you have questions, contact your insurance agent or company.

• NOTE! Flood damage is NOT covered by a standard homeowners or renter’s insurance policy. If you have a separate flood insurance policy, remember to include a copy of the policy and the contact details for the insurance company on your list. Be aware that there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy is effective. For additional information on flood insurance and knowing your flood risk, please see Consumer Alert 2012-1, or you may contact your insurance agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program at 1.800.638.6620, or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Prepare for the Worst

• There are steps you can take to help mitigate some of the damage caused by a hurricane or tropical storm. If your home is equipped with storm shutters, make sure you can quickly put them in place. Clear your yard of debris that could become projectiles in high winds and trim dead or overhanging branches from trees surrounding your home. It’s also a good time to make a quick review of your home to make sure the roof sheathing is properly secured, that end gables are securely fastened to the roof, and that doors and garage doors are latched properly.

• For personal safety, identify the nearest storm shelter and have an evacuation plan for your family. Also, make sure you have hurricane survival supplies including: bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, at least three days of non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies and enough cash for at least three days.

• If you are forced to evacuate your home, turn off all utilities and disconnect appliances to reduce the chance of additional damage and electrical shock when utilities are restored.

• For more information about how to prepare your family and home for the threat of tropical storms or hurricanes, visit the American Red Cross’ or download their Hurricane Safety Checklist at www.redcross.org

After the Storm

• The days following a natural disaster can be confusing and stressful, but it is important that you focus on filing your insurance claim(s) as quickly as possible to help protect your financial future.

• The first step to getting your home restored is to contact your insurance company and/or agent with your policy number and other relevant information. Be aware that your policy might require that you make this notification within a certain time frame.

• Take photographs/video of the damage before clean-up or repairs. After you’ve documented the damage, make repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). DO NOT have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage. Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs.

• If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company or insurance agent if you have coverage for additional living expenses.

• Cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file the claim. Keep a diary of all conversations you have with the insurance company and your insurance agent, including names, times and dates of the calls or visits and contact details.

• Be certain to give your insurance company all the information they need. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause a delay in processing your claim.

• If the first offer made by the insurance company does not meet your expectations, be prepared to negotiate. If there is a disagreement about the claim, ask the company for the specific language in the policy in question and determine why you and the company interpret your policy differently. If you believe you are being treated unfairly, or if the delay is unreasonable, contact the Delaware Department of Insurance at 1-800-282-8611 (in-state).

• Even after settling your claim, if you think of items that were not in your initial loss list, contact your insurance company. Unless the company has paid the entire limit for the coverage of those types of items, it is possible the company will make an additional payment.

Protect Yourself From Home Repair Fraud

• Home repair fraud increases exponentially following a major storm. Protect your investment by getting more than one bid from contractors and requesting at least three references.
• Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front or sign over your insurance settlement payment. A contractor should expect to be paid a percentage when the contract is signed and the remainder when the work is completed.
• If the contractor finds hidden damage that was not discovered in the original assessment by the adjuster, contact your insurance company to resolve the difference. For any disagreements that cannot be resolved, contact your state insurance department about your recourse.

These storm tips, as well as more information about homeowners insurance, the home inventory smartphone app and an online complaint form, are available on the Delaware Department of Insurance website at www.delawareinsurance.gov. Call the Department of Insurance at 1-800-282-8611 (in-state) with any questions you have about insurance coverage or if you have any problems with your insurance companies.

Dover, DE-October 11, 2012-Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart is encouraging people with Medicare and their families to begin reviewing drug and health plan coverage options for 2013. Commissioner Stewart reminds Delawareans that this year, seniors with Medicare now have access to cheaper prescription drugs, free preventive services, and lower costs.

“The Medicare Open Enrollment Period — which begins Monday, October 15 – has been expanded to last seven weeks and will end on December 7. This will give seniors and people with disabilities more time to compare and find the best plan that meets their unique needs”, said the Commissioner.

Beginning on October 16th, the Department’s ELDERinfo unit will be conducting a series of “Yearly Medicare Prescription Drug Check-ups” throughout Delaware.  You can find a date and location convenient to you by visiting the ELDERinfo Outreach Calendar on the DOI website at http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/departments/elder/elderinfo_calendar.shtml

“In 2013, people with Medicare can get certain preventive services for free and can get more affordable prescription drugs,” said Commissioner Stewart. “Open enrollment is seniors’ chance to review their Medicare choices and pick the plan that works for them, or keep the plan they have today.”

Using Medicare’s Plan Finder – available at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan – Users will see an icon showing which plans received a low overall quality rating for the past three years.  Due to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, additional benefits are available to people with Medicare, which include lower prescription drug costs through a 52.5 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap (also referred to as the “donut hole”), wellness checkups, and access to certain preventive care with no copayments – a benefit that all Medicare Advantage plans started offering in 2012.

Beneficiaries or their care givers seeking additional help can contact ELDERinfo, in-state, toll-free at 800-336-9500

Additional resources can be accessed by:

•       Visiting http://www.medicare.gov/, for a personalized comparison of costs and coverage of the plans available in their area. The popular Medicare Plan Finder tool has been enhanced for an efficient review of plan choices.  Spanish Open Enrollment information is available.

•       Calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for around-the-clock assistance to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Multilingual counseling is available.

•       Reviewing the 2013 Medicare & You handbook. It is also accessible online at: http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf — and it has been mailed to the homes of people with Medicare.

People with Medicare who have a limited income may qualify for Extra Help to pay for their prescription drug costs.  There is no cost to apply for Extra Help, also called the low-income subsidy, call ELDERinfo to find out more.

Protecting Against Fraud and Identity Theft

During this Open Enrollment Period, Commissioner Stewart recommends that people treat their Medicare number as they do their social security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls selling Medicare-related products or services. Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact Medicare (contact information above). If you suspect you are the victim of Medicare fraud, call 1-800-223-9074. More information is available at www.stopmedicarefraud.gov