McGriff-Williams News

Spring Car Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Ride

Posted on by McGriff Williams in McGriff-Williams News, Tips |

As the seasons change and winter gives way to spring, it’s the perfect time to give your vehicle the care and attention it needs. The harsh winter months can take a toll on your car, causing everything from wear and tear on mechanical components to aesthetic damage from road salt and grime. Taking the time to perform thorough spring maintenance can extend the lifespan of your vehicle, improve safety, and enhance overall performance. Whether you’re planning road trips, commuting to work, or just running errands, a well-maintained car will ensure a smooth and stress-free ride. Below, we’ll cover a comprehensive list of essential spring maintenance tips, why they matter, and how they contribute to keeping your car in optimal condition.

Inspect and Replace Windshield Wipers

One of the first things you should do when the seasons change is check your windshield wipers. Winter conditions, including ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, can cause the rubber on wipers to become brittle and cracked. If your wipers leave streaks or fail to clear water effectively, it’s time for a replacement. Visibility is crucial for safe driving, especially during spring showers. Installing a fresh set of wiper blades is a quick and inexpensive way to improve your driving safety.

Check and Rotate Tires

Tires are one of the most critical components of your car, directly affecting handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, and as the weather warms up, it’s essential to check and adjust the pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Driving with improperly inflated tires can lead to poor fuel economy, reduced traction, and uneven wear. If you used winter tires, now is the time to switch back to all-season or summer tires. Additionally, rotating your tires ensures even wear and extends their lifespan, helping you get the most out of your investment.

Get an Oil Change and Check Fluids

Regular oil changes are vital to maintaining your engine’s health. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its ability to lubricate and protect engine components. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, schedule one this spring to keep your engine running smoothly. While you’re at it, check other essential fluids, including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. These fluids play a crucial role in your car’s performance and safety. Topping off or replacing them as needed can prevent costly repairs down the line.

Give Your Car a Thorough Wash and Wax

Winter roads are often treated with salt and chemicals to prevent ice buildup, but these substances can be highly corrosive to your vehicle’s paint and undercarriage. A thorough wash, including the underbody, will remove any lingering salt and debris, preventing rust and corrosion. Follow up with a coat of wax to protect your paint and give your car a fresh, polished look. Regular washing and waxing not only improve aesthetics but also preserve the longevity of your car’s exterior.

Test and Inspect the Battery

Cold weather can be tough on car batteries, leading to reduced performance and potential failure. As temperatures rise, check your battery’s charge and inspect the terminals for corrosion. If your car struggles to start, or if your battery is more than three years old, it may be time for a replacement. A well-functioning battery ensures reliable starts and prevents the inconvenience of unexpected breakdowns.

Examine Brakes and Suspension System

Winter driving, with its icy roads and potholes, can put extra stress on your vehicle’s braking system and suspension. Worn-out brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or unusual noises when braking should not be ignored. Have your brakes inspected to ensure they’re in good condition and replace any worn components. Similarly, the suspension system, including shocks and struts, should be checked for signs of wear, as they play a crucial role in handling and ride comfort.

Replace Air Filters

Spring brings an increase in pollen, dust, and other allergens, making it an excellent time to check and replace your car’s air filters. A clean engine air filter ensures optimal fuel efficiency and performance, while a fresh cabin air filter improves air quality inside your vehicle. Replacing these filters is a simple maintenance task that can make a big difference in both comfort and efficiency.

Inspect Lights and Signals

As daylight hours increase, it’s still important to ensure all your lights and signals are functioning properly. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lighting for any burned-out bulbs. Replacing faulty lights enhances visibility and safety for both you and other drivers on the road.

Examine Hoses and Belts

Under-the-hood components like hoses and belts are susceptible to cracking and wear, especially after exposure to extreme winter temperatures. Inspect them for signs of fraying, cracks, or leaks. A damaged belt or hose can lead to engine overheating or system failures, so replacing worn-out parts before they fail is a proactive step in preventing more significant issues.

Update Your Emergency Kit

With the arrival of spring, it’s a good time to check and update your car’s emergency kit. Warmer weather may require different supplies than winter, such as bottled water, sunscreen, and a flashlight with fresh batteries. Be sure to keep essentials like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and extra fluids in your vehicle. A well-stocked emergency kit provides security in case of unexpected breakdowns or road trip mishaps.

Check the Air Conditioning System

As temperatures start to rise, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning system is in good working order. Turn it on and check for any unusual noises or weak airflow. If the system isn’t cooling properly, it may need a refrigerant recharge or have a clogged cabin filter. Addressing these issues early will ensure a comfortable ride throughout the warmer months.

Clean and Organize the Interior

Spring cleaning shouldn’t just be for your home—your car’s interior deserves attention, too. Vacuum carpets and seats, wipe down surfaces, and remove any clutter that accumulated over the winter. A clean and organized car not only looks better but also creates a more enjoyable driving experience.

Spring car maintenance is an essential part of vehicle ownership, helping to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity. By addressing winter wear and preparing your car for the warmer months, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more reliable driving experience. Taking the time to perform these maintenance tasks can prevent costly repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and keep your vehicle looking great. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or just commuting to work, a well-maintained car will get you there safely and comfortably. Make it a habit to prioritize regular maintenance, and your car will reward you with years of reliable service. Happy driving!

 

Is Insurance Enough? continued… The value of HR Support

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Business Insurance, McGriff-Williams News |

Recently, we introduced the idea that a good insurance policy may not be fully sufficient if youre striving for true, overall risk management of your business. If you missed that message, you can catch up here.

There are lots of approaches you can take, in a non-insurance way, to gain confidence in your companys long-term stability. The first one well dig into is HR Support.

HR Support can be defined as any of the following:

  • Onboarding and Termination
  • Job Description Builder/Postings
  • Employee Retention
  • Benefits Management
  • Employee Leave and Time Off
  • Compensation and Bonus Structures
  • Employee Handbooks
  • State and Federal Regulations
  • Safety and Health in the Workplace
  • Tax Filing, Credits, Compliance, etc
  • Retirement Planning and Exit Strategies

There are resources, such as the program we use for our partners and clients, called Mineral (formerly Think HR) that provide countless tools for topics such as these. If you aren’t currently putting effort into these assessments… That have nothing to do with your insurance coverage You may be at a higher risk than you realize. And keeping a good team smoothly operating is too valuable to chance that.

Were happy to help guide you through some of these things when you’re ready. And don’t miss our next deep dive in the Is Insurance Enough? A Riveting Series: Part 3 where well talk about ERISA Compliance.

Happy Hurricane Season! Said no one ever.

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Home Insurance, McGriff-Williams News |

According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), there are twelve to seventeen anticipated named storms during the 2023 Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1st through November 30th. Five to nine of those are expected to be hurricanes, with one to four being major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Once a storm is named, insurance companies can and will suspend binding coverage as the storm approaches and will continue to suspend coverage following a storm hitting land.

The suspension of coverage can affect home buyers who don’t get coverage early. Without adequate home insurance, closing dates can be pushed back until companies end the suspension. Use these tips throughout storm season to prevent delays for you and your home buyers:

  1. Encourage buyers to purchase their coverage early. There is no reason to not start the insurance process as soon as possible. This is important any time of year with the current state of property insurance in Florida but especially during hurricane season.
  2. Connect the mortgage company and insurance agent early in the process. Most buyers rely heavily on whatever their mortgage company requires and what their insurance advisor recommends so making the connection between those two parts of the transaction early on is sure to help things run smoothly.
  3. If a storm is approaching and insurance is not in place, encourage your buyer to call an insurance advisor as soon as possible. The policy must be bound with an effective date to avoid being held up by the binding suspension. Just because they’ve received a quote, does not mean it can’t be suspended.

We can’t stress enough, more so than ever before with the state of our insurance and reinsurance markets, to start the process early. Please share this information with your clients and let us know if we can help in any way. Let’s all hope for an uneventful season but were here if you need us.

Are Airbnb’s insurable? What should you consider before investing in one?

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Home Insurance, McGriff-Williams News |

Up until just a few years ago, traveling meant making plans well in advance, booking through travel agents, and lots of planning ahead for hotels or other accommodations to explore desired locations. But with the internet at our fingertips and services like Airbnb, VRBO, etc now¦ it’s easier than ever to find a place to crash. Some, especially in the real estate industry, may even explore purchasing a property as an Airbnb as a long-term investment or for supplemental income. There are a few important things to consider though.

Regular home insurance policies are intended to protect you and your family from everyday risks, not from commercial renting. If a renter occupies your home for even a short amount of time, you and your family will be exposed to significantly different risks that weren’t considered when your policy was initially obtained. As a result, most homeowners and renters policies wont cover property damage that’s caused by Airbnb guests.

There are also issues that come with rentals being vacant from time to time, in which insurance carriers are not comfortable taking on. For example: If you have a property that doesn’t get rented for two weeks and a toilet overflows, no one is aware before the damage is much worse and couldve been prevented or mitigated sooner.

There are also liability concerns with different short-term renters coming in and out.

If you’re considering renting through Airbnb, your first step should be to contact your insurance advisor to review your current homeowners or renters insurance policy. While that policy may allow you to rent your property to a guest, it’s important to keep in mind that each insurer has its own restrictions and requirements. Some insurers may require advanced notice of any short-term rental, whereas others might insist that you purchase an endorsement to expand your coverage appropriately.

If you plan to rent your property out on a regular basis, many insurance companies will consider this commercial use. In many cases, regular Airbnb hosts will need to obtain a commercial insurance policy in order to be adequately insured. However, a growing number of insurance companies are now offering home-sharing liability insurance policies that can be purchased on a month-to-month basis, so this is also something to consider.

Lastly, there are Host Guarantee and Host Protection policies offered by Airbnb in particular but we would advise you to beware of coverage gaps and exclusions with these options. You can look into the details of these offerings on their website here. As always, we are happy to help navigate through this process anytime you or your clients are considering it.

 

What does the stormy season of 2022 look like and how can you prepare?

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Home Insurance, McGriff-Williams News |

As if there isn’t enough going on with Florida home insurance these days, we are now upon hurricane season. NOAA forecasters have estimated there to be a 65% chance that this year will have above average activity, which would make it the seventh consecutive year of unwanted overachievements.

For the 2022 hurricane season, they have forecasted a range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become full blown hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). This includes 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).

So what can you do? How can you best prepare and if in the process of a real estate transaction, avoid closing delays or lost deals? We can’t stress enough the importance of starting the insurance process early. This is helpful even outside of hurricane season because underwriting guidelines have tightened up and things can take time like inspections, appraisals, remedying any issues, etc. But the idea of starting early is more important than ever when it’s stormy season. If there is a named storm headed our way or posing as a threat to our area, insurance carriers will begin binding suspensions. This means that any policies in the quoting status cannot be bound regardless of closing requirements.

Here are a few other quick tips to help you prepare:

  • Trim trees and pick up any lawn debris
  • Double check the Other Structures coverage on your homeowners policy
  • Be sure you understand your hurricane deductible, it’s oftentimes different
  • Purchase household items, food, and water for an emergency backup kit
  • Be prepared to document and mitigate any damage

We are hopeful for an uneventful storm season so we can focus on the positive change we’re seeing with property insurance reform but if you need anything or have questions, we’re here in all kinds of weather.