Archives: 2017

Why Dion Dawkins’ Drifting Hobby (Probably) Isn’t Covered by His Auto Insurance

Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins has a pretty intense hobby off the field — car drifting. If you haven’t seen the clips, he’s out there burning rubber like a pro. But as an insurance agent (and a Buffalo sports fan), watching him drift immediately triggered a different thought:

“I hope he’s not relying on his personal auto insurance to cover that car.”

Here’s why: standard personal auto policies exclude coverage for racing, drifting, and competitive driving. And that doesn’t just apply to NFL players with high-performance vehicles — it applies to anyone who takes their car onto a closed course or participates in motorsports activities.

What Your Personal Auto Policy Doesn’t Cover

Many drivers assume their car insurance will protect them in any situation, but that’s not always the case. Personal auto policies almost always include a “racing exclusion,” which means they won’t cover damages or liability if the vehicle is being used for:

• Racing or speed contests (organized or informal)
• Drifting
• Practicing for a race or competition
• Time trials or stunt driving
• Driving on a closed course or racetrack, even for recreational use

This means that even if your car is a stock sedan, if you’re using it in a way that meets any of these criteria — even just for fun — you’re likely driving without coverage during those activities.

What Is Motorsports Insurance?

Motorsports insurance is a specialty type of policy that can offer coverage for activities excluded by personal auto policies. These policies vary based on the type of vehicle, use, and event, but generally offer protection for:

• On-track damage
• Liability during competitive events
• Vehicle transport and equipment coverage
• Participant or event-specific liability

This type of coverage is typically purchased through agencies or carriers that specialize in motorsports or performance driving.

Know the Limits of Your Policy

Even if you don’t consider yourself a racer, it’s important to understand the limits of your coverage. Driving on a closed course, even as part of a non-competitive driving school or track day, could fall outside the protection of your personal auto insurance.

So while Dion Dawkins might have the horsepower — and the skills — to drift like a pro, if he’s not using motorsports-specific coverage, he could be exposing himself to significant financial risk.

The same applies to anyone who occasionally takes their car off the public roads for racing or performance driving.

Final Thoughts

Car insurance policies are designed to protect drivers under typical road conditions — not during high-risk, high-speed, or competitive activities. If you or someone you know participates in motorsports in any form, it’s essential to understand what your policy excludes and where additional coverage might be needed.

While our agency doesn’t offer motorsports insurance, we’re always here to help you better understand your current auto policy and how it applies to your lifestyle.

Landlord Fire Safety: 3 Steps to Protect Your Tenants and Your Property

Recently, a four-alarm fire in our area injured five people and displaced sixteen from their homes. Thankfully, everyone made it out alive, but it’s a sobering reminder for every landlord: when a fire breaks out, your tenants may have only minutes to escape safely.

As a landlord, you’re not just maintaining a building — you’re responsible for people’s lives. Fires, smoke, and carbon monoxide incidents can happen without warning, and prevention is always less costly than the aftermath.

Here are three critical safety measures every rental property should have in place.

1. Working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

A smoke alarm isn’t just a box on the wall — it’s the first line of defense when seconds matter. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths happen in properties without working smoke alarms.

For maximum protection:

• Install alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement).
• Use hardwired alarms with battery backup, or sealed 10-year lithium battery models that can’t be disabled easily.
• Test alarms monthly and replace the entire unit every 10 years.
• Don’t forget carbon monoxide detectors, especially in homes with gas appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. CO is invisible and odorless — and just as deadly as fire.

2. Two Means of Egress from Every Bedroom

In a fire, hallways can become impassable within minutes due to smoke and heat. That’s why every bedroom needs two ways out: typically, a door and a window.

As a landlord, make sure:

• Windows open easily and are not painted or nailed shut.
• There’s no clutter blocking exits.
• Basement bedrooms meet local egress requirements — this often means larger window openings or escape wells.
• Tenants understand how to operate emergency exits.

3. Routine Safety Inspections

Even the best safety devices fail if they’re not maintained. Schedule regular property walkthroughs to:

• Test alarms and replace batteries if needed.
• Check that windows and doors open freely.
• Inspect fire extinguishers and ensure tenants know where they are.
• Review escape routes with tenants and encourage them to have a family plan.

The Responsibility — and the Reward

As a landlord, protecting your tenants isn’t just a legal obligation — it’s the right thing to do. A safe rental property protects lives, prevents costly damage, and reduces liability exposure in the event of a fire.

Hiring Employees? Here’s What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation Insurance in New York

Bringing on new employees is an exciting step for any business—it means you’re growing! But before you post that “Now Hiring” sign, there’s something every New York employer needs to have on their radar: workers’ compensation insurance.

At VanScoter Insurance, we work with local businesses every day, and we’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to get tripped up by workers’ comp—especially during audit season. Here’s what you need to know to avoid unexpected bills and keep your business protected.

🛠 What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation (or “workers’ comp”) is insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured on the job. In New York State, it’s required by law as soon as you hire your first employee—whether they’re full-time, part-time, or even temporary.

This coverage protects your team and your business from the financial impact of workplace injuries.

🎯 Where Businesses Get Caught Off Guard: The Audit

Workers’ comp works a little differently from other types of insurance. When you start your policy, your insurance carrier asks for estimates:

• How many employees will you have?
• What will their job duties be?
• What is your estimated total payroll?

Seems straightforward, right?

Here’s the catch: At the end of the policy term, your carrier conducts an audit to compare your estimates with what actually happened. If your payroll was higher or your employees worked in more hazardous roles than you reported, you’ll owe the difference—and that bill is due immediately.

💡 Real-World Example

Let’s say you told your insurer at the beginning of the year that you’d have $50,000 in payroll and that all your employees were clerical staff working behind desks.

But by the end of the year, your actual payroll was $75,000—and those employees were working in a manufacturing environment.

That’s a big difference in both payroll and risk level. The result? A much higher premium and a large audit bill that you weren’t expecting.

✅ How to Avoid Surprises

The good news is, these surprises are totally avoidable with a little planning. Here’s how:

1. Keep your agent in the loop.
   If you’re hiring, changing roles, or increasing wages, let us know! We can adjust your policy mid-term to keep things accurate.
2. Classify employees correctly.
   Workers’ comp rates vary based on job duties. Misclassifying someone can lead to big premium differences.
3. Keep clean, detailed records.
   Accurate payroll records make the audit process smoother—and protect you if there’s ever a dispute.
4. Review your policy regularly.
   Even if you’re not hiring right now, a quick annual review can help make sure your coverage and payroll estimates are still on track.

📍 Bottom Line

Adding to your team is a big step—don’t let a workers’ comp audit be the thing that trips you up.

At VanScoter Insurance, we’re here to help local businesses in Greece, Webster, and across the Rochester area navigate workers’ comp and every other piece of their insurance puzzle. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or your fiftieth, we’re just a call or click away.

Got questions about workers’ compensation insurance?
📞 Give us a call or visit us at www.vanscoterinsurance.com — we’ll make sure your coverage grows right along with your team.

Understanding the Basics: Types of Life Insurance and How They Work

Life insurance is a cornerstone of a sound financial plan. It helps protect the people you care about by providing financial support in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Beyond that, some policies offer additional benefits you can use during your lifetime. Whether you’re just starting a family, buying a home, or preparing for retirement, understanding how life insurance works can help you make confident decisions for the future.

Life Insurance at a Glance: Why It Matters

At its core, life insurance provides a death benefit to your chosen beneficiaries after you pass away. This payout can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, replace lost income, or fund future needs like college tuition. Without life insurance, your loved ones may be left financially vulnerable during an already difficult time.

Life insurance also offers peace of mind. Knowing that your family would be protected from financial hardship allows you to focus on living your life today while securing their tomorrow.

Term vs. Whole: Which Is Right for You?

There are several types of life insurance, but the most common are term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. It’s often the most affordable option and is ideal for temporary needs, such as covering a mortgage or raising young children. If you outlive the term, the policy will expire without paying out.

Whole life insurance offers lifelong coverage and includes a savings component known as cash value. Premiums are typically higher than term policies but remain level over time. The cash value grows over the years and can be borrowed against or withdrawn, although doing so may reduce the death benefit.

Universal life insurance is another permanent policy that combines life coverage with investment flexibility. Policyholders can adjust premiums and death benefits as their needs change, and the policy also builds cash value based on market interest rates.

Living Benefits: It’s Not Just About After You’re Gone

Some life insurance policies offer living benefits—features you can use while you’re still alive. This may include:

• Accessing the policy’s cash value through loans or withdrawals
• Accelerated death benefits for terminal illness
• Coverage for chronic or critical illness under specific riders

These options make life insurance a valuable tool not just for protection but for long-term financial flexibility.

What to Expect When You Apply

Applying for life insurance generally involves the following:

• Completing a health questionnaire
• Undergoing a medical exam (for some policies)
• Providing financial and lifestyle information
• Waiting for underwriting approval

Simplified issue and no-exam policies are also available, especially for those looking for smaller coverage amounts or faster approvals.

Life Stages, Life Policies: Matching Insurance to Milestones

Your life insurance needs to evolve as you do. Here’s how:

• Young adults may start with affordable term life to cover student loans or cosigned debt
• Married couples often buy policies to protect shared income and mortgage obligations
• Parents typically increase coverage to secure their children’s future
• Retirees may use life insurance to manage estate planning, legacy gifts, or final expenses

Matching your policy type and coverage amount to your current stage of life ensures you’re protected at every stage of life.

Secure Their Future—And Yours

Life insurance is more than just a safety net. It’s a proactive step in securing your financial future and supporting the people who matter most to you. Our team at VanScoter Insurance Agency can help you find a policy that meets your goals today and grows with you into the future. Reach out at (585) 663-2004 to start the conversation.

Exclusions in Business Insurance Policies: What’s Not Covered?

When purchasing business insurance, many policyholders focus on what is covered. But just as important is understanding what is not. These uncovered situations, known as exclusions, can leave your business vulnerable if you’re not careful. Knowing how exclusions work can help you choose smarter coverage and avoid costly surprises.

What “Exclusion” Actually Means

An exclusion is any situation, condition, or type of damage your insurance policy states are not covered. These clauses are in the fine print of your policy. They are essential for understanding your actual level of insurance protection. Exclusions exist to limit the insurer’s risk, clarify the scope of coverage, and often reduce premium costs. Failing to account for exclusions can result in denied claims when you need help most.

Common Exclusions

Most business insurance policies include several standard exclusions. These can include:

• Wear and tear: Damage from normal use over time is usually not covered.
• Intentional acts: Deliberate damage or criminal activity by the business owner or employees is typically excluded from coverage.
• Cyber incidents: Many standard policies do not include coverage for data breaches, ransomware, or other cyber events unless cyber liability insurance is purchased separately.
• Contract disputes: Breaches of contract are generally excluded unless specifically addressed with endorsements.

These exclusions can affect general liability, commercial property, and even professional liability policies. Always read the exclusions section to understand the limitations of your coverage.

Industry-Specific Exclusions to Watch For

Some exclusions vary based on your industry. For example:

• Construction: Exclusions may apply to work performed by subcontractors or damage resulting from poor craft.
• Healthcare: Claims related to malpractice or HIPAA violations often require specialized medical liability coverage.
• Retail: Shoplifting losses or customer data breaches may be excluded unless specifically covered in the policy.
• Technology: General business policies may not cover errors and omissions in software development or system implementation.

Every industry has unique risks, and your policy must be tailored to address them.

Riders and Endorsements Explained

Fortunately, many exclusions can be addressed through riders or endorsements. These are policy add-ons that provide additional protection for risks not included in a standard policy. For instance:

• A cyber liability endorsement can help cover expenses related to data breaches.
• A contractual liability rider can extend coverage to specific agreements.
• A pollution endorsement may cover environmental damage, which is often excluded from standard policies.

Ask your insurance provider about available riders that may help close critical gaps in your coverage.

The Fine Print Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Broker

When reviewing your business insurance, consider asking:

• What exclusions apply to each policy I hold?
• Are there any risks in my industry that are not covered by this policy?
• What riders or endorsements can I add?
• Are there bundled options that better suit my business?
• Can you provide examples of claims that would be denied under this policy?

These questions can help you uncover coverage limitations and make informed decisions.

Build Smarter Coverage for Your Business

Don’t let hidden exclusions derail your protection. Our agency can help you identify potential gaps and build a policy that fits your business needs. Contact us at VanScoter Insurance Agency to schedule a review of your current business insurance and ensure you’re protected where it counts most.

When the Road to Your Business is Blocked—Will Insurance Cover Your Lost Income?

A recent incident on Lehigh Station Road, where a vehicle struck a utility pole and prompted police to block off the area, raises an important question for local business owners: What happens when access to your business is suddenly restricted? Can your insurance policy help recover lost income?

The answer is: it depends. Here’s what business owners need to understand about business income coverage and what situations may or may not be covered.

The Two Keys: Coverage and Trigger

To potentially recover lost business income under your insurance policy, two conditions must be met:

1. Your policy must include Business Income (or Loss of Income) coverage.
   This coverage is not automatic and must be specifically added to your commercial policy.
2. There must be a covered trigger—such as a “Civil Authority” action.
   Civil Authority coverage applies when access to your premises is restricted by a government entity (e.g., police or fire department) due to damage occurring nearby. In the case of a road being blocked after an accident, this could potentially qualify.

Important Limitation: The 72-Hour Waiting Period

Even if coverage applies, most business income policies include a 72-hour waiting period (also known as a time deductible). This means the disruption must last longer than three full days before any benefits are paid. In many cases—such as utility repairs—the interruption may be resolved before this deductible period ends, resulting in no payout.

Power Outages and Utility Failures

Businesses that rely on electricity or other utilities to operate—such as manufacturers, restaurants, or service-based businesses—may face income loss even if their property isn’t directly damaged.

Off-Premises Utility Failure coverage may provide protection in these situations, but like business income coverage, it must be added to the policy and is also typically subject to a 72-hour time deductible.

Action Steps for Business Owners

To avoid financial surprises in the event of a disruption, business owners should:

• Review their current policy to confirm whether business income and utility failure coverage are included.
• Understand the conditions and exclusions of Civil Authority coverage.
• Consider policy enhancements or endorsements to better protect against short-term shutdowns.
• Discuss deductible options and waiting periods with their insurance advisor.

VanScoter Insurance Agency works closely with local business owners to ensure their coverage is aligned with real-world risks. With decades of experience serving the Greece and Rochester, NY communities, we’re here to help you evaluate your policy and prepare for the unexpected.

Looking for help reviewing your business insurance coverage? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Managing Premiums: Tips for Getting Lower Personal Insurance Rates

Insurance is vital to protecting the value of your home, car, and other personal assets. That doesn’t mean that the premiums should break the bank! Whether you’re trying to lower your monthly expenses or want to ensure good value, understanding what drives the cost of your premiums is the first step. Let’s take a closer look at how personal insurance rates are calculated and what you can do to keep costs in check.

What Goes Into Your Insurance Costs

Several key factors influence the cost of your personal insurance. While the exact formula varies by provider and policy type, insurers evaluate the following factors:

• Age: Younger and older drivers often face higher auto insurance rates due to increased risk profiles. Homeowners of varying ages may also see rate variations.
• Location: Living in a neighborhood with higher crime rates or prone to weather-related incidents can increase premiums.
• Credit score: In many states, insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score in risk assessment. A lower score means higher premiums in many cases.
• Claims history: If you’ve filed multiple claims in recent years, insurers may view you as being a higher-risk client.
• Coverage limits: Choosing higher coverage amounts or additional insurance protection, such as personal liability insurance, increases premiums but provides higher levels of protection.

Being aware of these factors allows you to make informed decisions when purchasing insurance.

Combining Policies to Save More

Bundling policies is one of the easiest ways to reduce overall insurance costs. Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts when you combine auto, home, renters, or other personal insurance coverage. Aside from convenience, bundling can save you up to 25% in many cases. It is advised that you find out about options to include additional types of coverage, such as umbrella insurance or recreational vehicle insurance, to access more potential savings.

Deductibles and Your Bottom Line

Your deductible is what you will pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can result in a lower monthly premium. For example, increasing your auto insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000 could result in a 10% to 20% reduction in your premium. Ensure you are financially prepared to cover that higher amount if you need to file a claim.

How Your Score Impacts Your Rate

It may come as a surprise, but your credit score can play a significant role in determining your insurance rates. Insurers often use credit-based scores to evaluate risk. A higher score typically means lower premiums. If you want to improve your credit and potentially lower your insurance rates, consider these tips: pay bills on time, keep balances low on credit cards, and review your credit report regularly for errors.

Discounts You Might Be Missing

Many overlook discounts that could lead to real savings on their personal insurance. Here are a few to consider:

• Good driver discounts or savings for completing a defensive driving course
• Smart home features such as smoke detectors or water leak sensors
• Anti-theft devices installed in your vehicle
• Low annual mileage or participation in usage-based programs
• Loyalty or multi-year customer discounts

Your insurance agent can help you identify which discounts are currently available from reputable insurance providers that could help reduce the cost of your insurance policies.

Let’s Lower That Rate Together

If you’re looking for ways to trim your premiums without sacrificing coverage, our agency can help. At VanScoter Insurance Agency, we’ll walk you through options tailored to your lifestyle and budget—from bundling to policy reviews to unlocking every available discount. Let’s work together to find personal insurance coverage that protects what matters most at a price that makes sense. Give us a call at (585) 663-2004.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Earthquakes and Tsunamis: What Is and Isn’t Included in Your Policy

Following the recent 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia and the resulting tsunami waves, questions about insurance coverage for such catastrophic events have understandably come to the forefront. As an independent insurance agency serving the Western New York community, we believe it is critical to clarify what a standard homeowners or commercial insurance policy does—and does not—cover in these situations.

Unfortunately, many policyholders assume they are protected against all forms of natural disaster. However, both earthquake and flood damage are typically excluded from most standard property insurance policies.

Flood Damage Is Not Covered by Standard Insurance

Flooding, including damage caused by tsunami waves or storm surge, is not covered under traditional homeowners or commercial property insurance. This is a common misconception that often only comes to light after a loss occurs.

To obtain protection against flood damage, individuals and businesses must purchase a separate flood insurance policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. It is important to note that most flood policies include a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.

Earthquake Damage Is Also Excluded

Similarly, most property insurance policies exclude losses resulting from “earth movement,” a category that includes earthquakes, landslides, and other seismic activity. This exclusion applies even if the structure sustains direct damage from the earthquake prior to any flooding.

In areas like Western New York, where the risk of earthquakes is relatively low, earthquake coverage can often be added as an endorsement to an existing homeowners or business policy. In higher-risk regions, such as parts of California, earthquake coverage typically must be obtained through a separate standalone policy.

Recommendations for Policyholders

To ensure appropriate protection, we recommend the following:

1. Review your current insurance policies to understand what exclusions apply.
2. Consult with your agent about adding earthquake coverage as an endorsement if you are in a lower-risk area.
3. Consider purchasing flood insurance, especially if your property is near a body of water or located in a designated flood zone.
4. Be proactive—do not wait for a natural disaster to review or update your coverage.

Why Your Home Insurance Replacement Cost May Be Outdated—And What to Do About It

When was the last time you reviewed your home insurance policy? If it’s been more than five years, there’s a good chance the replacement cost listed in your policy isn’t keeping up with the times—and that could leave you underinsured when you need coverage most.

Real Talk from the Front Lines

Just this week, I sat down with a client to review his homeowners insurance. We took a hard look at the rebuilding costs for his home and realized they were significantly outdated. We ended up increasing his replacement cost by $100,000.

You might think, “Rhett, you’re just trying to raise my premium.”

Trust me, I get it. I don’t like paying more either. But here’s the kicker: that extra $100,000 in coverage only added $23 a year to his premium. That’s less than two bucks a month for a massive upgrade in protection.

Replacement Cost vs. Market Value

Let’s clear up a common misconception: the replacement cost of your home is not the same as its market value. Replacement cost refers to what it would actually take to rebuild your home from the ground up, using current materials and labor costs. Market value includes land and location and fluctuates with the housing market.

In short, if you’re basing your insurance coverage on market value, you might be missing the mark.

Inflation Is No Joke

Over the past few years, we’ve seen sharp increases in construction costs due to inflation, supply chain issues, and labor shortages. Lumber, roofing materials, plumbing supplies—you name it—they’re all more expensive than they were five years ago.

That means the cost to rebuild your home today is likely much higher than it was when you last reviewed your policy.

Why This Matters

If your coverage doesn’t reflect today’s rebuilding costs, you could be facing a major financial gap in the event of a loss. No one likes paying higher premiums, but what you definitely don’t want is finding out you’re underinsured after a fire or storm damage.

Take Action Today

Give your insurance agent a call—or if you’re in the Greece, NY area, give us a ring at VanScoter Insurance. We’ll walk you through a review of your current policy and make sure you have the coverage you need to fully rebuild, should the worst happen.

It doesn’t cost much to bring your policy up to date, but the peace of mind? That’s priceless.

Thinking About Renting Out Your Pool? Here’s Why It Might Not Be Worth the Risk

With summer in full swing, it’s no surprise that folks are looking for ways to cool off—and maybe make a little extra cash in the process. One trend that’s been making waves (pun intended) is homeowners renting out their backyard pools by the hour. Sites like Swimply make it easy: list your pool, set your price, and watch the bookings roll in.

Sounds like a no-brainer, right? I mean, if you’re not using the pool 24/7, why not make a few bucks off it?

Well, I hate to be the party pooper here, but as your local insurance agent—and someone who’s been in this industry for over 20 years—I’ve got to give it to you straight: this is not a risk worth taking.

Your Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Business Use

The biggest misconception I see is people assuming their homeowners insurance will cover any accidents that happen on their property, no matter the situation. But here’s the thing: once you start charging money for people to use your pool, you’re running a business. And standard homeowners policies have very clear exclusions for business activities.

If someone gets hurt while swimming in your pool—even if it’s just a slip on the pool deck—you could be looking at a costly lawsuit. And if your insurance company finds out it happened during a paid rental? There’s a good chance they’ll deny the claim entirely.

That means you could be held personally responsible for medical bills, legal fees, and damages. Not to mention the potential for your policy to be canceled altogether.

Insurance Companies Don’t Love High-Risk Surprises

Insurance carriers like predictability and low risk. Strangers coming to your home, using your property, and engaging in potentially dangerous activities? That’s pretty much the opposite of what they want to see.

Even if you’re renting out a separate property, like a vacation home or Airbnb, hourly pool rentals add another layer of liability that most carriers aren’t comfortable with. It’s not just about coverage—it’s about how your insurance company views your overall risk profile.

What Should You Do Instead?

If you’re seriously considering renting out your pool—or any part of your property—for income, here are a few things to do first:

1. Call your insurance agent (that’s me!) – Let’s talk about what your policy actually covers and whether there are options for properly insuring this kind of activity.
2. Consider commercial liability insurance – This may provide coverage for business-related risks, but it comes at a higher premium and with more scrutiny.
3. Think long-term – Is the short-term cash worth the potential long-term headache?

A Friendly Word of Caution

Look, I get it. I’ve got four kids, I know how expensive summer can get—and the idea of turning your backyard into a side hustle is tempting. But as someone who’s spent two decades helping families protect what matters most, I’m here to say: don’t risk your financial future for a quick summer payout.

If you’ve got questions or want to review your current coverage, give us a call or stop by the office here in Greece, NY. We’re here to help you make smart, safe decisions for your home and your family.

Stay safe this summer—and keep the cannonballs in the family pool!