Month: December 2008

South Portland PD: Beware of Break-Ins

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The South Portland Police Department warned residents yesterday about a current string of burglaries in all areas of the city – averaging about one a day.

Most of the stolen items have been small electronics: video games, iPods, laptop computers and the like.
SPPD recommends that all residents:
  • Lock all doors & windows.
  • Leave an exterior light on at night.
  • Secure valuables in a safe.
  • Record serial numbers of electronics.
  • Mark video games to allow police to return them if recovered.
  • Report suspicious activity to police.

 

From an insurance standpoint, theft is covered by most Maine homeowners insurance policies, subject to the deductible (often $500 or more). Some items (jewelry, firearms, money, silver, and more) are subject to limitations on loss by theft. If you have significant amounts of these items, contact a Maine insurance agent to schedule them separately on your policy. Things stolen from your car are NOT covered under your auto insurance policy, but rather your homeowners or renters’ insurance policy (another reason to purchase a renters policy!).
If your home or vehicle is broken into, you must file a police report in order to file a claim.
Be safe and be smart.
If you have questions about insurance, we’re here to help. Contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance at 207-799-5541

Improved Maine Workplace Safety Likely to Lead to WC Rate Drop

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The Lewiston Sun Journal reported last week that Maine Superintendent of Insurance Mila Koffman approved a request from the National Council on Compensation Insurance for a reduction in Maine workers’ compensation rates of 7.6%.  NCCI is the primary gatherer of workers’ compensation data.

It’s up to each individual insurer to decide whether or not to follow NCCI’s advice, but most do at least base their rate filings on NCCI’s indications.

This is good news on many fronts. Lower accident rates obviously are good for workers and their families; lower workers’ compensation rates help Maine employers as they compete in the global marketplace; and the reduced costs come at a time when other business expenses are increasing and many industries face shrinking revenues.

Just last month MEMIC, the state’s largest workers comp insurer, returned about 10% of 2005 premiums to its policyholders in the form of a dividend. MEMIC has received well-deserved attention for its efforts to increase workplace safety in Maine.

Whether or how much Maine WC rates decrease in 2009 remains to be seen. What is certain is that the system is much healthier than it has been in a very long time.