7 Ways to Prevent Accidents at Home
Did you remember each of these 7 home safety tips? Read more to help protect your family.
Accidents happen.
Sometimes an accident can cause a broken arm, a burned finger or a few stitches, but in
the United States, hundreds of times a day an accident turns tragic. The CDC reports that
in 2014, 136,053 deaths (or 5.2% of total deaths) were caused by unintentional injury.
What's more is that accidents also caused over 31 million visits to the emergency room.*
the United States, hundreds of times a day an accident turns tragic. The CDC reports that
in 2014, 136,053 deaths (or 5.2% of total deaths) were caused by unintentional injury.
What's more is that accidents also caused over 31 million visits to the emergency room.*
At times, accidents can seem almost inevitable. It's not likely that you'll be able to prevent
every slip, fall or scrape, but that doesn't mean you can't try. Making your home and
family safer can happen in just a few steps.
every slip, fall or scrape, but that doesn't mean you can't try. Making your home and
family safer can happen in just a few steps.
Prevent Poisonings
Have a list of phone numbers on the fridge. Program the poison control hotline
number (800-222-1222) in every cell phone in your home, and list it on your fridge.
Research other emergency numbers that might be helpful and do the same. Saving
time in an accident could be paramount to preventing death.Install a carbon
monoxide detector. A carbon monoxide detector can help you identify if you have a gas
leak in your home. To cover your entire home, make sure that there is one on each floor,
nearest to bedrooms. These devices are relatively inexpensive, and when installed
properly, can help prevent gas poisoning.
Prevent House Fires
Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home. If a fire were to occur in your
home, your first priority would obviously be to make sure that your family got out
unscathed. Putting a smoke detector on every floor of your home (nearest the bedrooms)
can help ensure that you are alerted at the first sign of smoke. If you have small children,
you may always want to consider a smoke alarm that you can program with your voice,
providing warning and escape instructions. Changing batteries annually is also
recommended. Some suggest doing it on your birthday or another easy to remember
date.
home, your first priority would obviously be to make sure that your family got out
unscathed. Putting a smoke detector on every floor of your home (nearest the bedrooms)
can help ensure that you are alerted at the first sign of smoke. If you have small children,
you may always want to consider a smoke alarm that you can program with your voice,
providing warning and escape instructions. Changing batteries annually is also
recommended. Some suggest doing it on your birthday or another easy to remember
date.
Have a fire extinguisher accessible (and know how to use it). To have a first
extinguisher on hand is obvious, but many people have never had the opportunity to use
one. If you haven't learned how to use a fire extinguisher, don't wait to learn until you
need it. Make sure that your entire family is trained.
extinguisher on hand is obvious, but many people have never had the opportunity to use
one. If you haven't learned how to use a fire extinguisher, don't wait to learn until you
need it. Make sure that your entire family is trained.
Keep a grate around an open fire. You can decrease your risk of house fire by putting
a grate, or other fire-retardant barrier, between any open flame and your home. In doing
so, you could prevent a log from rolling out of a fire place or embers from blowing into
your home.
a grate, or other fire-retardant barrier, between any open flame and your home. In doing
so, you could prevent a log from rolling out of a fire place or embers from blowing into
your home.
Prevent Falls and Slips
Install railings and rug pads around your house. Slips and falls around the house can
happen at any age. Making sure that any slippery areas, indoors or outdoors, have railings
can help prevent accidents. It may also help, if you have any area rugs around your house,
to install rug pads underneath them. Rug pads keep area rugs in place, making them safer
for your family.
happen at any age. Making sure that any slippery areas, indoors or outdoors, have railings
can help prevent accidents. It may also help, if you have any area rugs around your house,
to install rug pads underneath them. Rug pads keep area rugs in place, making them safer
for your family.
Reinforce heavy furniture. Whether due to an earthquake or a young child that likes to
climb, furniture, like dressers, television and bookshelves, can fall and become hazardous
when not properly attached to a wall. Ideally, heavy furniture should be attached to a
wall stud. When that isn't an option, furniture straps can do the trick, generally securing
items up to 200 lbs.
climb, furniture, like dressers, television and bookshelves, can fall and become hazardous
when not properly attached to a wall. Ideally, heavy furniture should be attached to a
wall stud. When that isn't an option, furniture straps can do the trick, generally securing
items up to 200 lbs.
To help keep your family safe, it is also recommended that you seek out first aid
education. With your whole family trained, you may be able to prevent major accidents.
Look for first aid and CPR classes that you can take together so that you'll be prepared.
education. With your whole family trained, you may be able to prevent major accidents.
Look for first aid and CPR classes that you can take together so that you'll be prepared.
Changing Life Insurance – What You Need To Know Before Switching Life Insurance Policies
When you take out a life insurance policy, the level of cover you opt for (how long the policy lasts
for, how much it would pay out), is based on your financial situation at that time. Over time your
financial commitments can change – for example, as you gradually pay off your mortgage and
reduce the outstanding debt, or children who used to be financially dependent on you grow up
and leave home.
To make sure you are getting the most out of your life insurance policy, it is important to check
it regularly and consider changing the terms so it keeps up to date with your changing financial
needs.
If you are thinking of changing your life insurance policy, there are a few things you
need to consider first.
need to consider first.
Can you change your policy, or do you need to cancel it?
If you have reviewed your current life insurance policy and decided you would benefit from
changing it, the first step you need to take is to contact your current provider.
changing it, the first step you need to take is to contact your current provider.
A lot of life insurance companies allow for their policies to be changed – you may want to reduce
the amount of cover if you have paid off a chunk of your mortgage, or you might want to increase
the cover after certain life events (having a child or grandchildren, moving house etc.)
the amount of cover if you have paid off a chunk of your mortgage, or you might want to increase
the cover after certain life events (having a child or grandchildren, moving house etc.)
If you are looking to reduce the amount of cover, or length of time you are covered for, then you
can benefit from reduced monthly premiums. If you are looking to change your policy to increase
the cover then your premiums will increase. However, if you are not happy with the quoted
premium price – whether it is a reduction or an increase – then you still have the option to cancel
your policy and shop around for a better deal.
can benefit from reduced monthly premiums. If you are looking to change your policy to increase
the cover then your premiums will increase. However, if you are not happy with the quoted
premium price – whether it is a reduction or an increase – then you still have the option to cancel
your policy and shop around for a better deal.
You may also have no choice but to cancel, as some life insurance policies do not allow for any
changes to the terms.
changes to the terms.
Bear in mind, though, that if you are looking for a new life insurance company you may
have to face new health and occupation checks before you are accepted.
have to face new health and occupation checks before you are accepted.
Another thing to consider is whether it would work out as more cost effective to keep your current
life insurance policy in place and just take out some form of ‘top-up’ cover with a new provider.
life insurance policy in place and just take out some form of ‘top-up’ cover with a new provider.
As life insurance premiums tend to be cheaper the younger you sign up, your existing policy
could be at a much better rate than any other policy you can find now you’re a bit older. So if you
need extra cover it might be cheaper to keep your current policy and get the extra cover
elsewhere. The difference in price could be even greater if you have suffered any health
problems since you took out the original policy.
could be at a much better rate than any other policy you can find now you’re a bit older. So if you
need extra cover it might be cheaper to keep your current policy and get the extra cover
elsewhere. The difference in price could be even greater if you have suffered any health
problems since you took out the original policy.
There are many different forms of life insurance, all of which offer different benefits and policy
features.
features.
Depending on your circumstances at the time you took out the policy, you could have opted for
a whole of life insurance policy, a mortgage-only life insurance policy, a level term life insurance
policy or simply an income protection policy.
a whole of life insurance policy, a mortgage-only life insurance policy, a level term life insurance
policy or simply an income protection policy.
However, circumstances can change and what your current life insurance policy offers you may
not be what you need right now. Perhaps you want to change to a policy that is trust based so as
to avoid inheritance tax, or now the mortgage is close to being paid off you want to change your
payment plan.
not be what you need right now. Perhaps you want to change to a policy that is trust based so as
to avoid inheritance tax, or now the mortgage is close to being paid off you want to change your
payment plan.
Whatever the reason, we can help you identify the life insurance product that is ideal
for your current circumstances.
for your current circumstances.
Common reasons for changing your life insurance policy
There are many reasons why you might want to consider changing or switching your life
insurance policy. For example:
insurance policy. For example:
- Your life circumstances change
- You need to add or change a beneficiary of your policy
- You find a better type of policy that suits you e.g. whole of life or term insurance
- You see a cheaper policy elsewhere
Below we go into more detail about some of the reasons you may want change, cancel or
switch your life insurance.
switch your life insurance.
Changes to your mortgage
For a lot of people, life insurance is taken out to cover a mortgage – and in many cases, this
financial commitment will increase, for example, if you move into a bigger house in the future.
If you do not review your life insurance terms at this point then you could end up not being insured
for the full value of your mortgage – which could leave your family in a financial hole if you were to
pass away.
financial commitment will increase, for example, if you move into a bigger house in the future.
If you do not review your life insurance terms at this point then you could end up not being insured
for the full value of your mortgage – which could leave your family in a financial hole if you were to
pass away.
The same could also apply if you have remortgaged in order to release equity from your home.
Alternatively, when you moved you may have extended your mortgage term so that the monthly
repayments are manageable – which could leave you with a life insurance policy that will pay
out in the next 20 years, but a mortgage that will need paying for another 25 years.
repayments are manageable – which could leave you with a life insurance policy that will pay
out in the next 20 years, but a mortgage that will need paying for another 25 years.
Changes to your family
As life insurance policies are generally taken out to protect our family, another common reason
to review and change your policy is if there is a change to the size or make-up of your family.
to review and change your policy is if there is a change to the size or make-up of your family.
For example, if you originally took out a life insurance policy when you and your partner bought
your first home, then you may want to amend the policy when you have children.
your first home, then you may want to amend the policy when you have children.
As your family grows, your responsibilities change – so you may want to increase the level of
cover to not only pay for the mortgage when you pass away but to also make sure your children
are well provided for e.g. make sure they have enough money to go to University.
cover to not only pay for the mortgage when you pass away but to also make sure your children
are well provided for e.g. make sure they have enough money to go to University.
Changing your life insurance beneficiaries
When you pass away, your life insurance payout goes into your estate along with any other
assets such as your home and investments. Your estate is then distributed among your
beneficiaries in accordance with your will (if you have not prepared a will then intestacy laws
are used to distribute your estate).
assets such as your home and investments. Your estate is then distributed among your
beneficiaries in accordance with your will (if you have not prepared a will then intestacy laws
are used to distribute your estate).
Another option is to set your life insurance policy up in a trust. This will mean your
beneficiaries/dependents can access the payout with the lowest amount of tax applicable.
beneficiaries/dependents can access the payout with the lowest amount of tax applicable.
Writing your life insurance policy in trust means that any payout from the policy is not included
as part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. The standard inheritance tax rate is 40% on
any assets above £325,000. So depending on the value of your other assets, as much as 40%
of your life insurance payout could be paid as tax unless the policy is written in trust.
as part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. The standard inheritance tax rate is 40% on
any assets above £325,000. So depending on the value of your other assets, as much as 40%
of your life insurance payout could be paid as tax unless the policy is written in trust.
Get a free life insurance quote
Whatever the reason, if you are considering a new life insurance policy it is important to shop
around to find the best deal suited to your own individual needs. Our life insurance experts are
on hand to help you find the perfect life insurance deal.
around to find the best deal suited to your own individual needs. Our life insurance experts are
on hand to help you find the perfect life insurance deal.
How To Reduce The Cost of Learning To Drive
According to advice from the Department for Transport, learner drivers should aim to
have around 47 hours of driving lessons before taking their test, and with the average
one-hour driving lesson costing between £24 – £27 learning to drive is increasingly
becoming an expensive financial commitment.
have around 47 hours of driving lessons before taking their test, and with the average
one-hour driving lesson costing between £24 – £27 learning to drive is increasingly
becoming an expensive financial commitment.
On top of the lessons, learners also have the expense of studying for their driving theory test, the
cost of taking the theory test (currently £23) and the cost of the practical driving test (£62 for a
weekday).
cost of taking the theory test (currently £23) and the cost of the practical driving test (£62 for a
weekday).
Once they’ve passed their test, young people are then hit with the highest car insurance
premiums – so it’s no surprise then that many young people feel that it is too expensive to learn,
and many are leaving it later before they get their driving licence.
premiums – so it’s no surprise then that many young people feel that it is too expensive to learn,
and many are leaving it later before they get their driving licence.
Although a new driver over 25 will pay more for car insurance than an experienced driver, the
costs tend to be a lot lower than if they were in the 17-24 year old range – as car insurers tend to
view you as a more responsible driver (for example, someone over 25 will likely be using their
car to commute to work.)
costs tend to be a lot lower than if they were in the 17-24 year old range – as car insurers tend to
view you as a more responsible driver (for example, someone over 25 will likely be using their
car to commute to work.)
Regardless of your age, if you are thinking about learning to drive we have outlined
some tactics to help you save money below…
some tactics to help you save money below…
Keeping down the costs of your theory test
It doesn’t matter how well your lessons are going, you can’t book your practical driving test
before you’ve passed your theory test – which means shelling out for the revision materials and
paying for the test itself.
before you’ve passed your theory test – which means shelling out for the revision materials and
paying for the test itself.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Theory Test Kit costs £4.99 from the app store and
its Guide To Learning How To Drive book costs £9.99. However, there are websites out there
that offer the information you need to pass for free. You can also take a practice theory test at
the official Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/take-practice-theory-test
its Guide To Learning How To Drive book costs £9.99. However, there are websites out there
that offer the information you need to pass for free. You can also take a practice theory test at
the official Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/take-practice-theory-test
The problem with using third-party websites that claim to offer all the revision material is that you
can never be 100% sure that the information you are receiving is accurate and up-to-date. If that
concerns you and you would prefer to go with the official DVSA study materials then there are
still ways you can save money.
can never be 100% sure that the information you are receiving is accurate and up-to-date. If that
concerns you and you would prefer to go with the official DVSA study materials then there are
still ways you can save money.
Cashback websites such as TopCashback can offer cashback when you buy the revision
material, and websites like HotUKDeals also offer regular discounts on theory test products.
material, and websites like HotUKDeals also offer regular discounts on theory test products.
Another quick way to save a bit of money when you’re starting is to apply for your provisional
licence online, which costs £34 – £9 less than the cost of applying through the post.
licence online, which costs £34 – £9 less than the cost of applying through the post.
How to find cheap driving lessons
It should go without saying that doing your research and comparing driving instructors is the
best way to save money, rather than just plumping for the first one you find.
best way to save money, rather than just plumping for the first one you find.
Don’t just go with the cheapest one though, as you’re also looking for someone with a good track
record of passing new drivers quickly. You may find that you end up doing a lot more lessons with
a cheaper instructor, which will cost you more in the long run. So look at customer reviews of
instructors in your area, and ask your friends and family for recommendations before you make
your choice.
record of passing new drivers quickly. You may find that you end up doing a lot more lessons with
a cheaper instructor, which will cost you more in the long run. So look at customer reviews of
instructors in your area, and ask your friends and family for recommendations before you make
your choice.
Another thing to consider is the availability of your instructor. If they can only offer you one lesson
a week then you may find it takes you more lessons overall to get test-ready than if you were
having two or three lessons a week.
a week then you may find it takes you more lessons overall to get test-ready than if you were
having two or three lessons a week.
Many driving instructors offer introductory rates, so whoever is offering the best deals should
play a part in your initial decision. As well as introductory deals, you can also reduce the cost of
lessons by bulk booking them in advance – so look out for instructors who offer deals like 10
lessons for a reduced rate.
play a part in your initial decision. As well as introductory deals, you can also reduce the cost of
lessons by bulk booking them in advance – so look out for instructors who offer deals like 10
lessons for a reduced rate.
Practice driving for free
Although you can’t avoid the cost of professional driving lessons with a registered instructor, you
can limit the number of hours you pay for by practising driving in your own car or a family car.
can limit the number of hours you pay for by practising driving in your own car or a family car.
Learner drivers get extra practice in a family car, as long as they have a provisional licence and
are accompanied by an adult over 21 who has held a full driving licence for at least three years.
Whoever is accompanying you must be sitting in the front passenger seat and must be fit to
drive – so you can’t be the designated driver after a night at the pub if you only have a provisional
licence! You should also fit L plates to the front and back of the car when you are driving.
are accompanied by an adult over 21 who has held a full driving licence for at least three years.
Whoever is accompanying you must be sitting in the front passenger seat and must be fit to
drive – so you can’t be the designated driver after a night at the pub if you only have a provisional
licence! You should also fit L plates to the front and back of the car when you are driving.
The more time you get behind the wheel, the quicker you will pass your test – so this can be a
great way of gaining experience without having to pay an instructor.
great way of gaining experience without having to pay an instructor.
You will need to be insured though, so you can either get added to a parent’s insurance as a
provisional named driver or you can get your own learner driver insurance. The benefits of
getting your own insurance are that you won’t affect your parent’s no claims bonus if you have an
accident while driving, plus you can start building up your own no claims with your own policy –
which can mean cheaper premiums when you pass your test.
provisional named driver or you can get your own learner driver insurance. The benefits of
getting your own insurance are that you won’t affect your parent’s no claims bonus if you have an
accident while driving, plus you can start building up your own no claims with your own policy –
which can mean cheaper premiums when you pass your test.
Don’t rush to take your test
As you get more comfortable behind the wheel it can be tempting to get the test out of the way
with. However, despite the savings you could potentially make by taking your test quickly and
limiting the number of lessons you pay for, you also risk failing your test if you are not ready and
having to pay for it again.
with. However, despite the savings you could potentially make by taking your test quickly and
limiting the number of lessons you pay for, you also risk failing your test if you are not ready and
having to pay for it again.
Despite how confident you are, you should only take your test when your instructor agrees that
you are ready.
you are ready.
If you are using your own car to take your test, you need to make sure it is suitable for a driving
test. This includes having L plates fitted, having no engine warning lights showing on the
dashboard and having an extra rear-view mirror fitted for the examiner to use.
test. This includes having L plates fitted, having no engine warning lights showing on the
dashboard and having an extra rear-view mirror fitted for the examiner to use.
If your car is not fit for purpose, then your test will be cancelled before it has begun and you will
lose your fee. A recent study has found that learner drivers are collectively losing £100,000s
every year by turning up to tests in an unsuitable car – so do your research and make sure your
car complies with the DVSA standards.
lose your fee. A recent study has found that learner drivers are collectively losing £100,000s
every year by turning up to tests in an unsuitable car – so do your research and make sure your
car complies with the DVSA standards.
Saving money on car insurance
Once you’ve passed your test, you will likely be hit with high car insurance premiums. This is
because car insurers see young and new drivers as a higher risk of making a claim, as they
are less experienced than older drivers.
because car insurers see young and new drivers as a higher risk of making a claim, as they
are less experienced than older drivers.
There’s no way to avoid this until you get a few years of no claims behind you, but before that,
there are few things you can do to at least reduce the cost of your car insurance as a newly
qualified driver.
there are few things you can do to at least reduce the cost of your car insurance as a newly
qualified driver.
California Supreme Court Review of Insurance Case on Implied Disparagement Presents Opportunities for Coverage in Intellectual Property Litigation
In 2012 two published decisions from the California Court of Appeals and one unpublished
decision from the Ninth Circuit shed new light on the contours of implicit disparagement coverage
under California law.
The first such Court of Appeals decision, Charlotte Russe, clarified and reasserted the broad
scope of implied disparagement coverage, a position the second Court of Appeals decision,
Swift, distanced itself from. Subsequent to both decisions, the Ninth Circuit in Michael Taylor
opted for the coverage-friendly approach of Charlotte Russe over Swift.
Under an implicit disparagement theory, IP claims may trigger non-excluded potential coverage
requiring a duty to defend, even when the labeled causes of action are expressly excluded.
requiring a duty to defend, even when the labeled causes of action are expressly excluded.
Travelers Prop. Cas. Co. of Am. v. Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.,
207 Cal. App. 4th 969, 981 (2d Dist. (Div. 1) June 21, 2012)
Charlotte Russe addressed a retailer’s use of clothing tags and signs to promote significantly
discounted goods, which were alleged to false imply that the claimant’s goods were not of high
value (even though there was no direct statement denigrating its products).
discounted goods, which were alleged to false imply that the claimant’s goods were not of high
value (even though there was no direct statement denigrating its products).
Hartford Cas. Ins. Co. v. Swift Distribution, Inc.,
210 Cal. App. 4th 915 (2d Dist. (Div. 3) Oct. 29, 2012)
Swift concerned trademark infringement claims premised on use of the name “Ulti-Cart,” which
allegedly misled by implying a reference to the competing “Multi-Cart” even though
advertisements only explicitly named the Ulti-Cart. Under the dilution claim, the court drew a
distinction between blurring, which was not covered as it alleged no more than palming off
another’s goods as one’s own, and tarnishment, where implicit statements denigrating another’s
product could be inferred.
allegedly misled by implying a reference to the competing “Multi-Cart” even though
advertisements only explicitly named the Ulti-Cart. Under the dilution claim, the court drew a
distinction between blurring, which was not covered as it alleged no more than palming off
another’s goods as one’s own, and tarnishment, where implicit statements denigrating another’s
product could be inferred.
Michael Taylor Designs, Inc. v. Travelers Prop. Cas. Co. of Am.,
No. 11-16052, 2012 WL 5385598 (9th Cir. (Cal.) Nov. 5, 2012)
The district court’s opinion in Michael Taylor was affirmed after Swift was decided and brought
to the Ninth Circuit’s attention via 28(j) briefing. Nevertheless the Ninth Circuit elected not to
address Swift in its opinion, which was not surprising as Swift specifically distinguished itself
from a series of implicit disparagement coverage cases including the Michael Taylor district
court opinion.
to the Ninth Circuit’s attention via 28(j) briefing. Nevertheless the Ninth Circuit elected not to
address Swift in its opinion, which was not surprising as Swift specifically distinguished itself
from a series of implicit disparagement coverage cases including the Michael Taylor district
court opinion.
Swift distinguished its facts from the Michael Taylor district court opinion, but criticized
Charlotte Russe. Charlotte Russe was more nuanced and relied upon coverage principles
Swift did not take time to address. These included: (1) potential coverage existing where the
pleadings may be amended to state a covered claim; (2) “disparagement” coverage not being
limited to claims specifically for the tort of “trade libel”; and (3) California’s rejection of the “all
elements” rule, concluding that aspects of disparagement such as falsity need not be expressly
alleged.
Charlotte Russe. Charlotte Russe was more nuanced and relied upon coverage principles
Swift did not take time to address. These included: (1) potential coverage existing where the
pleadings may be amended to state a covered claim; (2) “disparagement” coverage not being
limited to claims specifically for the tort of “trade libel”; and (3) California’s rejection of the “all
elements” rule, concluding that aspects of disparagement such as falsity need not be expressly
alleged.
The California Supreme Court denied the Petition for Review and Request for Depublication of
Charlotte Russe on September 26, 2012, suggesting that it is valid law. In contrast, on February
13, 2013 the California Supreme Court granted review of Swift. Thus, while review is pending it
is no longer an impediment for intellectual property practitioners to seek coverage under
Charlotte Russe and Michael Taylor. Review also suggests that the Court is inclined to bring
Swift in line with the other two cases and the longstanding principle that a defense is owed if a
covered claim could “conceivably” be stated under the facts alleged.
Charlotte Russe on September 26, 2012, suggesting that it is valid law. In contrast, on February
13, 2013 the California Supreme Court granted review of Swift. Thus, while review is pending it
is no longer an impediment for intellectual property practitioners to seek coverage under
Charlotte Russe and Michael Taylor. Review also suggests that the Court is inclined to bring
Swift in line with the other two cases and the longstanding principle that a defense is owed if a
covered claim could “conceivably” be stated under the facts alleged.
Issues expected to be addressed in review of Swift are (1) whether a claimant’s goods, products,
or services can be referenced by implication without being expressly named in the disparaging
publication, and (2) whether a false affiliation with an inferior product or a reduction in price
constitutes “disparagement” as used in a CGL policy’s definition of “personal and advertising
injury.”
or services can be referenced by implication without being expressly named in the disparaging
publication, and (2) whether a false affiliation with an inferior product or a reduction in price
constitutes “disparagement” as used in a CGL policy’s definition of “personal and advertising
injury.”
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