Evacuated? Don’t sleep on a cot

As Hurricane Ida bears down on the Gulf Coast, it brings to mind the images of the streams of cars on the highways trying to leave evacuated areas.

One thing that evacuees often don’t realize is that their home insurance can help them out in this situation: When there’s a mandatory evacuation, the “additional living expenses” coverage within your home insurance policy kicks in to pay for a hotel room. » read on…

Home insurance claims for swine flu? Not so fast

An article last week in National Underwriter, an insurance trade publication, warned that home insurance companies should expect to be hit by a wave of liability claims from policyholders being sued over the swine flu. » read on…

What’s the problem where you live?

The most common insurance claim in midtown Manhattan? Theft. It’s probably just smaller items — the average theft claim is just over $2,000.

In the “Windy City” Chicago suburb of Darien, where Insure.com is headquartered, the most common claim is — surprise! — wind. The cost tends to average around $5,000. » read on…

Does Oprah have an umbrella to protect her from a $1 trillion lawsuit?

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is being sued for $1 trillion (yes, trillion with a T), according to the National Enquirer. Author Damon Lloyd Goffe of New York says Oprah put her name on his original work. I assume the asking price is so high because Oprah has very deep pockets and makes a prime target for someone seeking easy money — whether or not his claim is valid. » read on…

Trampoline trouble

Summer sun brings out backyard fun. But when you set up your trampoline or fill your pool, you could also be setting yourself up for an expensive injury or lawsuit. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there were over 104,000 injuries last year due to trampolines, which are famous for leading to head and neck injuries – even when they’re used properly. » read on…