Member Benefits E-Direct
Spring 2014
Issue 10
7
Overlooked Homeowner Liabilities
Inside this issue: Home Repair Projects ..... .................pg 6 Selling Your Home? ..........................pg 7 Preparing For New Baby....................pg 9 Renting a Storage Unit....................pg 10
800 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110 800-626-8101 M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. memberbenefits.nysut.org
NYSUT Member Benefits Trust NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation ŠCopyright 2014
2 | Spring 2014
Table of Contents
Spring 2014 | 2
From the Director .......................................................................................................................... 3 Director Lynette Metz provides details on the new Member Shopping Program powered by PayCheck Direct. 7 overlooked homeowner liabilities ...................................................................................... 4 Property owners need to be aware of liability issues that could prove to be harmful and costly to themselves and their families.
Spring’s here: Take stock of your home repair projects ................................................ 6 Check out a list of items that should be on your to-do list in the next few months.
Planning to sell your home? .................................................................................................... 7 Consider whether it makes more sense to hire a licensed real estate agent to assist you or go it alone.
What’s in your medicine cabinet? ......................................................................................... 8 Have you given thought to the medications you take on a regular basis and how they could affect your dental health?
Kids Corner: Preparing a child for a new baby ............................................................... 9 With a little preparation, you can help to make the arrival of a second child a smooth experience for all members of the family.
Is a storage unit right for you? ............................................................................................. 10 Ask yourself some important questions before deciding whether to rent your next storage unit.
Member Benefits E-Direct is a quarterly publication produced by NYSUT Member Benefits designed to educate NYSUT members about a variety of topics and issues of importance to them and their families. The goal of this e-newsletter is to serve as an educational and informative piece that helps our hardworking members to make better informed decisions in their lives. For information about any of our programs or about contractual endorsement arrangements with providers of endorsed programs, please contact NYSUT Member Benefits at 800-626-8101 or visit memberbenefits.nysut.org. Agency fee payers to NYSUT are eligible to participate in NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs.
3 | Spring 2014
Spring 2014 |
From the Director Welcome to the Spring 2014 issue of our Member Benefits E-Direct electronic newsletter! The warmer weather is finally here and all of us here at Member Benefits are busy working on a number of new endorsed programs set to launch in the near future. The Directors of the Member Benefits Corporation recently voted to approve the endorsement of an Orlando, FL vacation program and a solar energy program. You’ll be hearing much more about these exciting new offerings and other programs in the near future. Meanwhile, we’re very excited about the recent launch of the Member Benefits Corporationendorsed Member Shopping Program powered by PayCheck Direct. This program – part of the national retail powerhouse Bluestem Brands, Inc. family – allows eligible NYSUT members to purchase what they want now and pay interest-free over 12 months. Eligible members now have access to thousands of name-brand products such as appliances, computers & tablets, electronics, furniture, jewelry & watches, home & garden items, children’s toys, and recreation & fitness items. NYSUT members are encouraged to shop and compare prices before making a purchase with
this program and consider it as an alternative to using their credit card. In other program news, New York Long-Term Care Brokers is now offering an alternative life insurance policy with a long-term care rider for those individuals not interested in or unable to qualify for long-term care insurance. While this new option will not be advertised, individuals who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance will be informed about this alternative. The Trustees of the Member Benefits Trust recently approved a five-year extension of the MetLife Auto & Home program, which will include offering access to alternate homeowners insurance carriers when MetLife is not able to provide desired coverage in coastal areas of New York and Florida. If members are denied coverage in these regions, MetLife will offer to refer them to its General Agency. MetLife’s General Agency acts as a broker to help members secure coverage through one of three to five companies that MetLife has vetted and approved. Please note that MetLife will only refer members to the General Agency if it cannot provide coverage based on underwriting guidelines and the member agrees to the referral. If members refuse the referral, they are free to find alternative coverage on their own. As always, make sure to visit the Member Benefits website at memberbenefits.nysut.org to learn about all of our endorsed programs & services. Feel free to call us with any questions at 800-626-8101 as well.
-- Lynette A. Metz Director, NYSUT Member Benefits Trust CEO, NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation
3
Spring 2014 |
4 | Spring 2014
7
overlooked homeowner liabilities
Although you may be quite friendly with your neighbors and spend time with them on a regular basis, relations can quickly sour when trees topple over, swimming pools beckon or your dog ends up biting someone.
2 Neighbors
And what about that contractor you hired who got hurt while working on a job at your home? Who’s responsible in that situation – you or the contractor? Well, answer this question... did you hire someone with their own liability insurance or did you get that handyman your co-worker suggested on the cheap? It’s crucial for property owners to be aware of various liability issues that could prove to be both harmful AND costly to themselves and their families.
1
Housesitting – You agree to let your 13-year-old daughter pick up your vacationing neighbor’s newspaper and feed their goldfish. Unless you’re a professional house sitter, there shouldn’t be liability issues if a problem arises that you or your family member fails to notice. Make sure the neighbors take precautions, such as turning off their water and locking the doors of cars left in the garage. And ask how to contact them while they’re gone.
Pets –
Whenever your dog is outside, he’s in the fenced-in backyard or on a chain. No matter Pets in yard where your pet is (even if he’s restrained), you may be held liable for his behavior – whether he bites someone or damages property.
Some states hold pet owners strictly liable, while others provide leeway. As a precaution, if children come in your fenced yard to retrieve lost baseballs or footballs, let them know you will do it for them.
3
Pools –
Your children are begging to have their friends over to swim in your pool whenever they want. Bad idea! A pool is already a draw – and a potential danger – without Backyard pools opening it to the masses.
Even if someone comes onto your property uninvited, you could still be liable. Most states and municipalities have laws and ordinances requiring that pools be enclosed by fences and locked gates. And make sure to always provide adult supervision.
4
5 | Spring 2014
4
Spring 2014 |
Hanging Branches –
You want to prune the neighbor’s tree, which is overhanging on part of Dangerous trees your property. Consider safety in this situation, not just aesthetics. If a branch falls on your son’s friend in your yard, you may be found negligent even though it’s not your tree. When it comes to storm-related damages, people are often surprised to learn that their own insurance company generally foots the bill for damages caused by a felled neighbor’s tree.
5
Parking – Your daughter recently got her learner’s permit and you’re worried she could hit your neighbor’s car parked in the street. Keep in mind that if someone in your family hits a parked car, you are responsible!
6
Lending Equipment – Your neighbor wants to borrow your chainsaw. As long as you’re not concealing mechanical defects and the equipment isn’t w a s in a h c d required to be Borrowe
registered, you shouldn’t be liable for an accident. Still, you can never rule out a lawsuit from an injured neighbor. If you’re uncomfortable loaning the equipment, you should probably trust your gut instincts and keep your tools in your own house.
7
Contractors – You hire a licensed contractor to put a new roof on your home. While on the job at your home, the contractor falls off his ladder Uninsured and injures handyman his back.
Who’s responsible? Avoid any confusion in a situation like this by steering clear of hiring your local handyman or a friend of a friend. Hire only contractors with their own general contractor liability insurance, covering any damage to you, your family or your property; any injuries to themselves or their employees; and any accidents involving their own equipment.
If you have questions about your current homeowners insurance policy or would like to learn more about MetLife Auto & Home, please call MetLife toll-free at 866-NYSUT-22 (866-697-8822) or visit the MetLife Auto & Home website. And if you do find yourself in a situation that you’re unsure how to handle, consider enrolling in the Member Benefits-endorsed Legal Service Plan for expert legal assistance. For more information about the plan, please call 800-626-8101 or visit memberbenefits.nysut.org. Special thanks to MetLife Auto & Home for providing the content for this article.
5
6 | Spring 2014
Spring’s Here:
Spring 2014 |
Take stock of your home repair projects
Check out the following list of items from ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions that should be on your to-do list during the next few months. Completing a few of these home maintenance tasks each month will help prevent smaller issues from escalating into larger, more expensive projects later on. And it’s a good idea to set aside some money each month to budget for home maintenance expenses and anticipate future repair expenses; that’s the best way to protect your investment and ensure a safe, comfortable living space.
Spring - Inside your home • Have your air conditioning unit inspected by a professional. • Examine your attic, crawl spaces, basement floors, walls, and corners for damp spots and address any moisture issues right away. • Check bathroom areas for signs of mold and clean surface areas; contact a professional expert if you suspect a mold issue. • If you have a sump pump, test it regularly throughout the rainy season.
Summer - Inside your home
Spring - Outside your home • Check to see if your siding, chimney or roof sustained any damage during the winter; replace any missing shingles as soon as possible. • Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for cracking or damaged bricks or mortar; fill gaps as needed. • Examine decks, porches, fences, walkways, and driveways for safety hazards or deterioration; make any necessary repairs.
Summer - Outside your home
• Replace cracked or bulging washing machine hoses.
• Have your home inspected by a licensed pest control expert if it’s in a termite-prone area.
• Repair or replace leaky faucets and showerheads.
• Clean and seal any wooden decks.
• Lubricate all door hinges (including garage door hardware).
• Walk your property line to check on the condition of your fences and how your exterior paint job is holding up.
• Consider purchasing a dehumidifier if your basement is humid.
• Make sure sprinklers don’t hit the house siding or areas near the foundation.
If your home needs extensive repairs: Even with routine maintenance, you’re likely to face a major repair job from time to time. If you’re a do-it-yourself person, consider whether you have the time and talents to do the job properly. If you need to hire a professional, always select services from well-established, licensed contractors who have submitted written, fixed-price bids for the needed work. And NEVER sign a contract that requires full payment before satisfactory completion of the work.
Member Benefits has an endorsed relationship with ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions that offers NYSUT members expert assistance on effective budgeting for home projects along with many other financial issues. For more information, call 800-479-6026 or visit clearpointcreditcounselingsolutions.org.
6
7 | Spring 2014
Spring 2014 |
Planning to sell your home?
W
ith the arrival of spring, have you decided that now is the best time to put your home on the market? And are you considering listing your home yourself to keep some additional money in your wallet?
Before you take this approach, however, consider the following questions and whether it makes more sense to hire a licensed real estate agent to assist you. 1. How well do you know the business? – Just as you would hire a plumber for their knowledge on plumbing or a financial advisor for their expertise on money management, a real estate agent is an expert in buying and selling homes. Even the most knowledgeable homeowners may not be aware of certain rules and regulations that can delay or prevent a sale. 2. How well do you know the law? – Selling a home involves a great deal of paperwork. For example, a purchase contract can come with numerous clauses that can be difficult to understand. If you decide to sell your home yourself, hire an attorney to avoid the risk of making errors. 3. How well do you know the market? – Setting a competitive price is crucial when selling your home. If you set the price too high, you could deter potential buyers. And if you set too low a price, you could potentially undercut yourself.
4. How well do you know how to advertise your home? – In addition to pricing, real estate agents know how to reach the most people. Unless you have a strong marketing background or sold a home yourself previously, you may want to hire an agent. 5. How well can you bargain? – Unless you are an expert negotiator, selling a home with an agent can be a less stressful experience. Agents usually have a great deal of experience discussing prices with potential buyers and the skills to attract and keep these individuals interested in your home. Take a look at your situation and figure out what makes the most sense for you. If you do decide to sell your home yourself, consider enrolling in the Member Benefits-endorsed Legal Service Plan or Financial Counseling Program for expert legal or financial assistance with the process.
For more information about these plans, please call 800-626-8101 or visit memberbenefits.nysut.org. Special thanks to Mercer Consumer for providing the content for this article.
7
8 |Spring 2014
Spring 2014 |
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
H
ave you given any thought to the medications you take on a regular basis and how they could affect your dental health? If you haven’t talked to your dentist lately about what medications you’re taking, now is the time! Tooth Decay – Many cough drops, liquid medications and antacid tablets contain sugars that can leave behind a sticky residue on teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. Sugar in medications can be particularly problematic for those undergoing long-term therapies for chronic medical conditions. Other Side Effects – Some oral contraceptives and blood pressure control medications have been linked to oral sores and inflammation. A number of medications – ranging from certain antibiotics to ibuprofen – can produce lesions or ulcers in the mouth.
Dry Mouth – Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is listed as a side effect on more than 400 medications. Without adequate saliva flow, bacteria and plaque can accumulate in the mouth and make a person more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay.
Gingival Enlargement – Another possible effect of medications is gingival enlargement, a condition in which the gums become swollen and begin to grow over the teeth. Eventually, this overgrowth of gum tissue can cause a severe periodontal infection. Calcium channel blockers (sometimes used to control high blood pressure and other health issues) are just one category of medications that can cause overgrowth of gums
If you are taking any prescription or over-thecounter medications, make sure to talk to your dentist about these medications and any side effects that you are experiencing. For more information about the Member Benefitsendorsed Dental Plan, please call 800-626-8101 or visit memberbenefits.nysut.org.
8
9 | Spring 2014
Spring 2014
Kids Corner: Preparing a child for a new baby
B
ringing home your first child can be an incredibly overwhelming and nerve-wracking experience for new parents. With the arrival of your second child, however, you’re likely to be a little more relaxed and have a better idea what to expect as parents.
Preparation:
Coming Home:
With a little preparation, you can help to make the arrival of a second child a smooth experience for all members of the family.
Consider buying or baking a birthday cake to commemorate the arrival of the new addition to your family once you get home from the hospital. And if gifts are going to be given for your new child, make sure your older child also has presents to open.
A younger child may notice that Mommy is getting bigger and is more tired than normal, while an older one may be curious where babies come from. It’s important, therefore, to consider your child’s age and talk to her about the situation accordingly. If your older child is not used to being around babies, now would be a good time to get him used to them. Try to spend some time with friends or relatives that have babies so your child can begin to interact with them AND get used to the idea of Mommy and Daddy holding other babies.
Getting Involved: You can get your older child more involved by having her help pick out baby clothes, toys & supplies for the new baby to use. You may also want to purchase or even create your own “I’m a big brother!” or “I’m a big sister!” t-shirt for your older child to help build a sense of pride in her. As the due date draws closer, make plans for who will be watching your older child and discuss these plans with him to let him know what to expect. And think about whether you want to have your older child visit you in the hospital after the baby is born.
As your family begins to adjust to the new little one in the home, try to keep your older child’s routine as normal as possible. Avoid making any major changes initially such as getting off the bottle, potty training or changing rooms.
Active Role: Let your older child take an active role with the daily tasks of your new baby, including helping during diaper changes, feedings, talking to the baby, or getting the baby dressed. Don’t try to force your older child to bond with the baby, though, as it may take time. Finally, set aside time each day for your older child to get your undivided attention. Knowing there is special time reserved exclusively for him can help to reduce any resentment or anger towards the new baby.
|9
10 | Spring 2014
Spring 2014
Is a storage unit right for you?
S
torage units have become very popular with homeowners who either don’t have the room for certain items or don’t want to store them in their home. They often lure people in with the convenience of a temporary solution, but these short-term solutions can quickly turn into costly long-term situations. Before you rent your next storage unit, ask yourself what type of unit you’re looking for, what kind of special conditions you have that need to be taken into consideration, and whether you even need a storage unit at all.
Tip #4: It’s all in the details – Find out the hours of operation of the facility and if you can access the unit at your convenience. And get any keys and access codes you’ll need to enter and leave the facility.
Check out the following tips to help select a storage rental unit that makes the most sense for you and your specific situation:
the time to shop around and compare various storage facilities for price, proximity to your home or work, cleanliness, security, employee knowledge/friendliness, etc.
Tip #5: Your storage unit’s safety is not guaranteed – Avoid standard or combination padlocks that can be easily broken; find out if the facility has alarms installed at each door to keep track of who is coming and going; and check to see if the facility has security cameras digitally recording 24 hours a day.
Tip #2: Rent only as much space as you need
Tip #6: Consider whether you need a climate-
Tip #1: Do your homework beforehand – Take
– If you rent too small of a unit, you could jeopardize your items by packing them too tightly in the unit. If you rent too large of a unit, you could end up wasting money.
Tip #3: Be careful about what you sign – Most storage facilities operate on a month-to-month contract, so make sure that you read AND understand the terms of the contract. Ask about any late fees or penalties as well.
controlled unit – If you need to store any items that could be damaged by heat, moisture or humidity, consider a climate-controlled unit.
Bonus Tip: Your items are YOUR responsibility – While most storage facilities offer their own insurance that you can purchase to protect your items, check with your homeowners insurance carrier first to see if these items are already covered with your existing policy. Also, let your family members know about your storage unit in the event that something should happen to you so it does not become an abandoned unit.
Under the Member Benefits-endorsed MetLife Auto & Home homeowners insurance policy, personal property located in a storage facility is covered up to the policy limit with the exception of loss by theft. If you have any questions about whether your current homeowners insurance policy covers certain items or would like to learn more about MetLife Auto & Home, please call MetLife toll-free at 866-NYSUT-22 (866-697-8822) or visit the MetLife Auto & Home website.
| 10