Tag: protection

Your Boat Inspection Checklist

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Before you make the final purchase of that boat you have had your eye on for some time now, make sure that you look over it to make sure it is not inoperable and flawed. 

Boat insurance can help financially protect your boat from any covered incidents, but you must first check to see that there are no impending disasters. Here is your boat inspection checklist.

  1. A quick inspection.
    Are there any unusual stress patterns that you see on the stem, chines, and strakes? These are the portions of your boat that will take the majority of the impacts.
  2. Remove outboard cowling.
    Look for any signs of leakage. If you look past the head gasket and see a dry white residue, it should raise red flags.
  3. Inspect the wiring.
    Wiring that has shrink-sealed butt connectors are a good sign. Bare wires and wires connected using electrical tape is disastrous and may lead to future issues.
  4. Open the hatches.
    When you open the hatches and inspect inside, there are there two things you don’t want your senses to pick up: the smell of ethanol (gas), or the sight of standing water.
  5. Check all fluids.
    The fluids determine how efficient your boat could be. If the fluids are leaking or corroding the engine, you should consider another boat.
  6. Feel the upholstery. 
    The upholstery should be as dry as bone. If you inspect the upholstery and find that it is damp and moist, it is most likely teeming with mold and all sorts of nasty algal growth.

When it comes to the longevity of your boat, a proper inspection can find discrepancies. To protect it from the risks of the open sea, a boat insurance policy can give you the peace of mind that you deserve. Contact the experts at Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your commercial insurance coverage needs.

Tips for Preventing Identity Theft

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Identity theft is becoming a common problem in today’s society. Unfortunately, as technology advances, so do the minds and capabilities of cyber attackers and hackers. These criminals have become skilled in password guessing and privacy invasion. Gathered are some helpful tips for preventing identity theft, so that you and your identity can feel confident in your security:

  • One of the most vital steps in protecting your identity is password protection. Criminals know the common combinations that make up most passwords, stressing the importance of choosing a unique password that does not have connections to your middle name, high school jersey number, street address, pet’s name, etc. We recommend combining letters, numbers, unique words, symbols, and both capital and lower case letters to deter criminals. For example, “B0ot$!” would be a clever password that would be difficult to guess.
  • Protection starts with the security of the technology you store and access your sensitive data on. There are a variety of software programs you can install into your devices that will actually safeguard your identity to the fullest. If you are not sure which software to download, ask a computer retailer for their professional advice.
  • Stop traveling with your sensitive information! How many rarely used credit cards can be found in your wallet? Do a thorough cleaning of your wallet and take out anything that holds your sensitive information but does not need to be carried around with you.
  • It is imperative that you invest in a water shredder so that all sensitive documents can be disposed of properly. This will ensure that your information does not get in the wrong hands.

We hope these helpful tips assist in avoiding identity theft, but often there is nothing you can do to prevent such an occurrence. If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, do not hesitate to ask us for professional advice and assistance. Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta for all of your California insurance needs.