Idaho Insurance News

Haddock Company Inc. Announces New Client: Mark's Gutter Service

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:49:00 GMT

ISU Insurance Services-The Hayden Lake Agency to Provide Comprehensive Policies for Mark’s Gutter Service

Today our Hayden Lake office announced the signing of their newest client, Mark’s Gutter Service.

Located in Post Falls, ID, they install rain gutters and drain spouts.

ISU Insurance Service-The Hayden Lake Agency will provide them with an exceptional level of service with Agent, Steve Yost, assisting them with their insurance needs.

Welcome, Mark’s Gutter Service, to the Haddock Company family.

Haddock Company Inc, is a full service insurance organization offering all lines of coverage through friendly and professional service at our convenient locations. We pledge to be the one responsible source of insurance protection and support for all of our customers.

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Steve Yost, please direct inquires to info@isu-haddock.com subject line: Hayden Lake PR.

Haddock Company Inc. Announces New Client: Cook Motor Sports

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:27:00 GMT

ISU Insurance Services-Pacific Far West to Provide Comprehensive Policies for Cook Motor Sports

Today our Sandpoint office announced the signing of their newest client, Cook Motor Sports.

Chris Cook, owner and former Service Manger of Six Star Automotive, purchased the established the established business this Spring and has given it a new name. He is now the proud owner of Cook Motorsports Inc. With over 20 years of experience in the field, they will provide a small inventory of used cars and specialize in the repair private passenger vehicles.

ISU Insurance Servicer-Pacific Far West will provide them with an exceptional level of service with Agent, Landon McArthur, assisting them with their insurance needs.

Welcome, Cook Motor Sports, to the Haddock Company family.

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Landon McArthur, please direct inquires to info@isu-haddock.com subject line: Sandpoint PR.

Haddock Company Inc. Announces New Client: Darrell Cozad Masonry

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:07:00 GMT

ISU Insurance Services-Haddock & Associates to Provide Comprehensive Policies for Darrell Cozad Masonry

Today our Coeur d’Alene office announced the signing of their newest client, Darrell Cozad Masonry.

Located in Coeur d’Alene, ID, Darrell Cozad Masonry is a private Masonry Contractor that has been in operation since 2008.

ISU Haddock & Associates will provide them with an exceptional level of service with Agent, John Naccarato, assisting them with their insurance needs.

Welcome, , Darrell Cozad Masonry, to the Haddock Company family.

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with John Naccarato, please direct inquires to info@isu-haddock.com subject line: Haddock PR.

Haddock Company Inc. Announces: Tri-Pro Forest Products, Inc. Recieves Safety Award

Wed, 16 May 2012 02:09:00 GMT

Liberty Northwest Insurance and ISU Insursance Service-Haddock & Associates Present Plant Owner Plaque

In April Liberty Northwest Insurance, in collaboration with ISU Haddock & Associates, presented Tri-Pro Forest Products, Inc. with a safety award. Owner Steve Linton and Plant Manager Pat Reno where there to receive the plaque from Liberty Northwest Loss Prevention Constulatnt Austin Anderson on April 17, 2012 at their plant in Oldtown, ID. The award is recognition for providing a safe work enviorment for their employees and for having 3 years with “no loss accidents.”

Agent John Naccarato, of ISU-Haddock & Associates, has proudly represented Tri-Pro Forest Products since 2010.

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with John Naccarato, please direct inquires to info@isu-haddock.com subject line: Haddock Company PR.

Haddock Company Inc. Announces New Client: Robert’s Home Restoration

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:09:00 GMT

ISU Insurance Services-The Hayden Lake Agency to Provide Comprehensive Policies for Robert’s Home Restoration

Today our Hayden Lake office announced the signing of their newest clients Robert’s Home Restoration of Hayden, ID

ISU Insurance Services-The Hayden Lake Agency will provide them with an exceptional level of service while assisting them with their insurance needs.

Welcome to the Haddock Company family.

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with the ISU Insurance Service-The Hayden Lake Agency Team, please direct inquires to info@isu-haddock.com subject line: Haddock PR.

Haddock Company Inc. Announces New Client: Alpaca Direct

Mon, 14 May 2012 21:49:00 GMT

ISU Haddock & Associates to provide comprehensive policy for Alpaca Direct

Today our Coeur d'Alene office announced the signing of their newest client, Alpaca Direct LLC.

Located at 1016 W. Hayden Ave in downtown Hayden, ID, Alpaca Direct provides luxurious Alpaca and Pima cotton apparel, yarn and gifts . This home grown business was inspired by Kelley and Jim's love for their animals. Since 1998 they have been wearing, sharing and shipping their products across the United States. They are located on the web at www.alpacadirect.com

ISU Haddock & Associates will provide them with an exceptional level of service with Principle Agent, Randy Haddock, assisting them with their insurance needs.

Welcome, Alpaca Direct, to the Haddock Company family.

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Randy Haddock, please direct inquires to info@isu-haddock.com subject line: Haddock PR.

Liberty Northwest Introduces Onboard Advisor® for Business Auto Fleets

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:36:07 GMT

What is Onboard Advisor?

Onboard Advisor is a first-of-its-kind Safety-Driven Insurance™ program that helps fleets identify and reduce at-risk driving behaviors. Participating Independent Insurance Agents can sign you up for Onboard Advisor®, provided you have a qualifying GPS fleet management system.

How does it work?

Onboard Advisor has teamed with industry leading Telematics Service Providers (TSPs) who supply the critical in-vehicle data collection and mobile communications components that allow you to monitor fuel consumption and safe-driving performance. Chosen for their technical expertise, these TSPs are proven innovators in the areas of fleet safety analytics and risk management. Customers who purchase GPS fleet management solutions from participating TSPs qualify for Onboard Advisor services and may be eligible for an insurance discount through Liberty Mutual Agency Corporation appointed Independent Agents.

How would my business benefit from using Onboard Advisor®?

Identify at-risk driving habits with an exclusive driver Safety Score
Mentor driving behavior (braking, speeding, cornering, and acceleration) and reward safe-driving performance
Increase fuel efficiency by tracking with our exclusive fuel score
Reduce at-risk behaviors which eventually result in accidents
Curb speeding and other traffic violations that put drivers at risk
Add a fuel card program for efficient billing and reduction in fraud
Reduce driver turn-over by improving long-standing driving habits
Enhance training effectiveness by providing real-time feedback
Provide scores that consider current safe speeds and weather conditions
Earn an insurance discount based on your fleet safety score

If you already have GPS fleet managment through Geotab, Teletrac, Telenav or Telogis, contact your agent for more information regarding Onboard Advisor®.

For more information visit https://www.onboardadvisor.com/

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:09:31 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues here in Idaho, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Haddock Company, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Controlling Product Liability Loss

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:11:00 GMT

When a company adopts certain management and operating principles, it can minimize or even eliminate products liability losses. Working these principles into your organization requires a systematic, coordinated loss control plan. At Haddock Company, we recommend that you consider these three components when developing your plan.

A corporate policy on product safety
A product safety coordinator or committee with clearly fixed responsibilities
Specific loss control measures

Corporate Policy

An official corporate policy regarding product safety is essential to demonstrate top management's commitment. The written policy should explain the company's objectives (e.g., to design, manufacture, and sell products that are reliable and meet applicable regulations and standards). It should also indicate who in the organization is responsible for product safety, and how the program will be implemented and monitored.

Product Safety Coordinator or Committee

In the complex field of products liability, every department plays a vital role. Fixing responsibility is the only way to achieve the desired result. The size of the company will determine whether one individual can be designated as the product safety coordinator or a product safety committee should be formed. For smaller companies, it may be possible to have one person responsible for product safety along with his or her regular job duties. Larger organizations may need a fulltime coordinator or a formal committee to ensure products liability control.

Regardless of which structure you adopt, you should:

Initiate procedures that support company policy and objectives
Develop product safety training programs
Learn and communicate changes in codes, regulations and standards
Coordinate product safety hazard analysis
Participate in organizations developing improved product standards
Communicate with the insurance carrier's loss prevention and claims departments
Coordinate accident and product failure investigations and take corrective actions for customers
Maintain loss data including accident reports and warranty claims
Alert management to potential product recalls
Audit and evaluate the effectiveness of the products program
Report progress to management
Recommend corrective action

If you appoint a committee to handle product safety, some of the departments that should be represented on the committee are engineering, quality control, manufacturing, legal, safety, service, marketing/advertising and purchasing (including buyers if you are a retailer). Committee responsibilities may include:

Conducting program activities
Monitoring product performance
Submitting patent applications
Designing labeling and warnings
Processing warranty claims
Documenting product design
Documenting product modification
Reviewing product literature and advertising
Monitoring quality control
Reviewing and responding to accident reports

Loss Control Measures

Products liability loss control involves four important measures:

Identifying the exposures
Guarding against the accident
Warning against the hazard
Defending against claims

Identify the Exposures

Take a good look at each of your products to identify possible ways that they could cause or contribute to accidents or injuries. This evaluation should consider the entire life cycle of the product, from design through disposal. It should also include the environment in which the product will be used and foreseeably misused. Consider intended product users and unintended users, who may also be exposed to potential hazards.

Guard Against the Accident

Understand and apply safety principles concerning product design and manufacturing. Once the hazards are determined, install adequate protective devices. We strongly recommend that the complete physical protection package, such as guards, protective accessories or devices, etc., be included in the product price rather than being listed as options. If they are offered as options, the customers should sign off on their decision not to purchase them. Keep those records for defense. The purchase of quality components and the establishment of high quality manufacturing standards are essential to meeting performance requirements.

As technological safety advances are made, offer consumers retrofit packages to upgrade older product models. Again document these offers and the customer's decisions.

Identify critical pats of the product and indicate their rated capacities clearly, prominently and permanently. Professionalism in all product sales, engineering and field services becomes increasingly important. Sometimes, even the most thoroughly designed controls can fail and a product with serious hazards can be distributed. This situation may require a recall, and your program should include procedures for identifying and tracing specific parts or products. Without actually recalling a specific product, test the recall program to verify its effectiveness.

When dealing with a retail or wholesale situation, develop a system to ensure that recalled products taken off the shelves are not inadvertently put back out for sale by uninformed sales staff or merchandisers. Instruct the lead salespeople and department managers to ask customers if the products being returned for exchange or refund have been involved in accidents or near accidents.

Warn Against the Hazard

The controls in this area are based on clear, accurate and complete product literature and proper packaging and labeling. Advertising and public relations releases should reflect sound accident prevention measures. "Warning" and "Caution" labels and pictorial symbols will help, along with a complete instruction manual for each product.

When packaging and shipping hazardous products, it is essential that the carrier, warehouser, distributor and consumer know what they are handling and how to use it in a safe manner.

Defend Against Claims

Even the best laid plans for prevention may not eliminate all accidents and claims. The key to successful defense is advance planning. You should work closely with your legal counsel and insurance company. Consider the following:

An established policy for record preservation
A set policy explaining how to handle customer complaints and claims
Prompt reporting and thorough investigation of accidents and complaints
A claims philosophy established in advance with the insurance company
Legal review of product literature, contracts, disclaimers, warranties, etc.

By following these important steps, you can take your company a long way toward preventing and solving products liability problems.

For more advice and complete help in protecting your business, your employees and customers, contact us today.

Haddock & Associates Joins ISU

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 15:56:00 GMT

Effective April first, we have affiliated with ISU (Insurance Systems Unlimited) Insurance Services. Along with this affiliation we’ll see several changes over the next several months. We will be using the new ISU supplies, our logo on the door has changed, and we are answering the phones with “ISU” before the agency name. Our email and website addresses have also been changed to isu-haddock. Click here for more information on what this change means to our customers.