Our Blog

Household Air Conditioner Safety

July 27, 2017

Air conditioners are a staple for many American households during the warmer summer months.  If not properly maintained, air conditioning units can present a fire hazard.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, air conditioners were involved in an annual average of 2,800 reported home structure fires and $82 million direct property damage.

ABC News reports that air conditioners can catch nearby combustibles on fire if they experience electrical issues or are overworked / overheated.  The good news is that you can follow some simple tips to reduce your risk of fire when using an air conditioner:

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  • Check that the air filter is clean and change it if necessary.
  • Ensure adequate power supply to the unit.
  • Avoid using extension cords or power strips.
  • Keep the space around air conditioning units clear, especially of combustible items.
  • Check for product recalls specific to your air conditioner.
  • Have a professional check your air conditioning unit once or twice a year.

For early detection of a fire, check your smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries every year.


Resources

http://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research/fire-statistics-and-reports/fire-statistics/fires-by-property-type/residential/home-structure-fires

http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/experts-warn-rising-temperatures-turn-air-conditioners-fire/story?id=48176911


This blog entry is created for informational purposes only.  Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company.  The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.

Trip Interruption Coverage on the Personal Auto Policy

July 12, 2017

It’s the weekend, and you’re heading to Florida with the family.  Your car engine seizes up halfway through your trip.  The repair shop is not open until Monday morning.  Now you might be faced with the cost of a night or two at a hotel along with meals you did not account for.  Did you know that trip interruption coverage on a personal auto policy pays for those extra costs?

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Trip interruption coverage pays for the unplanned extra expenses you experience when you’re away from home and your car breaks down.  Extra expenses include unplanned meals and lodging due to the vehicle’s break down.

The only requirements are:

  • The breakdown must be mechanical or electrical on your covered auto,
  • You must be more than 100 miles from home, and
  • Your covered auto is out of service for more than 24 hours.

This coverage has no deductible, but it is limited to $600.  Also, coverage only applies to the period of time that is reasonable to resume your trip or return home.  This benefit is excess over and will apply after other vehicle warranties or auto clubs that you may have to pay for similar situations.

This coverage is only found on Goodville Mutual’s Personal Auto Plus endorsement.  The endorsement also includes additional coverage for towing and labor costs up to $100.  This coverage may also prove useful in the event of a break down away from home.

Ask your local Goodville agent about trip interruption coverage and the other benefits of the Personal Auto Plus endorsement, which include:

  • First Accident forgiveness,
  • Transportation expenses,
  • Parked car collision deductible, and
  • Damage to your car caused by an uninsured driver.

This blog entry is created for informational purposes only and does not provide coverage.  Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company.  The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.  Please refer to your policy for actual contracted coverages.

Goodville Mutual Named to Ward's 50 List of Top P&C Performers 2017

July 19, 2017

Yesterday, Ward Group revealed its 2017 Ward’s 50 Property and Casualty Top Performers list.  For the eighth consecutive year, Goodville Mutual has been named one of the top 50 performing Property and Casualty companies in the nation.

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President and CEO David Gautsche expressed his excitement for the accomplishment.  “It's a real honor to be named to the Ward's Top 50 for the eighth year in a row.  These results are a reflection of the diligent work of our committed employees and the strong and mutual partnership we enjoy with our agents and policyholders!   We’re happy to celebrate another great year by reaching this milestone!”

To compile this list, Ward Group annually analyzes the financial performance of nearly 3,000 property and casualty insurance companies domiciled in the United States.  From these companies, Ward Group will identify the top performers.  Each company on the list has passed all safety and consistency screens and achieved superior performance over the five years analyzed. 

Learn more about the 2017 Ward’s 50 P&C Top Performers list.