Understanding your insurance coverage, and what to do before, during, and after a tornado hits, should be top of mind at this time of year for those residing in tornado-prone states and elsewhere, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
The eight so-called ‘tornado alley’ states—Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas—are where twisters are most prevalent, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, and they can occur in almost every U.S. state
“March, April and May are traditionally when most tornadoes sweep through the U.S., threatening both lives and property,” said Michael Barry, vice president of Media Relations for the I.I.I. The first day of spring this year is Saturday, March 20.
Reports published by NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center counted 1,156 tornadoes in 2009, which killed 21 people last year. The annual number of U.S. tornadoes over the past decade has averaged around 1,270.
Moreover, the findings of a new Georgia Tech study suggest that the size of a land-falling hurricane is correlated to an increase in the potential for tornadoes as the hurricane moves inland. Hurricane Ike in 2008, for instance, caused significant damage in Texas and multiple other states as far north as Ohio; the same year 1,691 tornadoes were reported in the U.S.
Having Sufficient Coverage
Standard homeowners and business insurance policies cover wind damage caused by tornadoes to the structure of the building and its contents but you should make sure your coverage limits reflect the cost of rebuilding the structure, or replacing your personal belongings.
Homeowners insurance policies also traditionally provide for additional living expenses (ALE). ALE coverage pays the costs of living away from home if you cannot inhabit your house due to damage from an insured disaster. The policy’s ALE provision covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt
Damage to cars from a tornado is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of a standard auto insurance policy.
If your business has been damaged, and you have business income (also known as business interruption) insurance, it covers the profits your business would have earned, based on your own financial records, had the disaster not occurred. The policy covers additional operating expenses incurred as a result of the disaster, such as the extra expenses involved in operating out of a temporary location.
The I.I.I. offers the following tips for preparing for and dealing with a tornado.
1. Before a Tornado
If a tornado watch has been issued, move cars inside a garage or carport to avoid damage from hail, which often accompanies tornadoes. Keep your car keys and house keys with you at all times. Move lawn furniture and yard equipment, such as lawnmowers, inside. Otherwise they could be damaged or act as dangerous projectiles causing serious injury or damage.
A tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and a tornado warning means one has been spotted in your area.
Be sure to always have an up-to-date inventory of your possessions and store it in a safe place, with at least one copy off the premises—in a safe deposit box, or with an online storage service. To help with this task, the I.I.I.’s free online home inventory software, Know Your Stuff, is available at KnowYourStuff.org.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommends that, as a tornado approaches, you go to the closest identified shelter immediately. If you do not have a storm cellar or in-residence “safe” room and do not have time to get to a community shelter, head to the centermost part of your basement or home, away from windows and preferably under something sturdy like a workbench or staircase.
2. During a Tornado
Do not open windows because you will put yourself at risk of injury from breaking glass. You also may make the damage to your home worse by giving wind and rain a greater chance of getting inside.
If you are in your car, abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in the nearest ditch if no other facility is available. Do not get under a bridge or overpass. You are safer in a low, flat location. If you live in a mobile home, you should vacate the premises and seek shelter elsewhere.
3. After a Tornado
The I.I.I. offers the following advice to speed the insurance claims settlement process following a tornado:
* Be prepared to give your agent or insurance company representative a description of the damage to your property. Your agent will report the loss to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible in order to arrange an inspection of the damage.
* If it is safe to access the area, take photographs of the damaged property. Visual documentation will help with the claims process and can assist the adjuster in the investigation.
* Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Make two copies—one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
* Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.
* Make whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows and damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save the receipts for any supplies and materials you purchase as your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
* Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home or business from a licensed contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.
* If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep a record of all expenses, such as hotel and restaurant receipts.
For more historical information about insurance and tornadoes, go to the I.I.I.’s Facts and Statistics and tornado-related Consumer Basics sections.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Volkswagen declares war on EV leadership
The modern electric car era took a new turn at the 2010 Geneva motor show.
The world's two biggest car makers -- Toyota and Volkswagen -- appear locked in a battle to become the biggest players in hybrid and electric cars.
In a startling milestone announcement, the chairman of the board of management of the Volkswagen Group, Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, said that the company wanted to be the number one global brand by 2018 -- and it was going to embrace hybrid and electric cars to help in its pursuit.
"The Volkswagen Group as a whole is moving with electric cars and hybrids into the fast lane. In the future, the heart of the Volkswagen Group will also beat electrically," Prof Winterkorn said.
The comments are profound given that, until now, Volkswagen has insisted that efficient petrol and diesel engines were the key to the future of the automobile.
While the German giant has played at the margins with electric and hybrid concepts in recent years -- and even dismissed them at times -- it now seems apparent that Volkswagen has fully embraced the new technology.
"The race for the drive technology for the future is on," he said at Volkswagen's invitation-only press conference on the eve of the show.
"With efficient internal combustion engines, lightweight construction, DSG [twin clutch gearboxes] and intelligent electronics, ... the Volkswagen Group already is a neck ahead in the race. And actually this is exactly what we'd like to do in terms of electric cars too.
"Volkswagen is the car maker that will bring hybrids out of a niche and put them into its volume models.
"Volkswagen will be the car maker that will mass produce the electric car for everyone."
The bold claims come as Toyota begins its 12th year of manufacturing mass-produced hybrid vehicles, with almost 2 million hybrids sold worldwide in that time.
Nevertheless, Volkswagen is bullish about the inroads it is taking into the Toyota-dominated world of hybrid technology.
"The course has been set for us. The necessary steps have been taken," Prof Winterkorn added.
"We have established a new and very ambitious launch plan for electric cars with very clear defined milestones."
In 2010 Volkswagen will launch the new second generation Touareg, the first hybrid to be mass produced in the company's history.
And in the next few months, VW will have electric-car test fleets on roads in Europe, North America and China.
In 2011, the car maker says, it will add to its test fleet 500 e-Golfs, ahead of the Jetta hybrid in 2012 and Passat and Golf hybrids in 2013.
The year 2013 will also see VW's first pure electric cars.
"First of all the Volkswagen e-Up (pictured) will be launched and two months after that we will be seeing the production version of the e-Golf. And then at the end of 2013 we'll be brining you the e-Jetta," Prof Winterkorn said.
"What's cruicial is that all of these cars are not just environmentally friendly but suitable for everyday use, and they're affordable and they're safe. It is only by offering all these things that we can make zero-emissions vehicles successful."
But VW also said more assistance was required from governments and energy companies to keep up with how fast automobile technology was changing.
"I am saying very deliberately that it's a challenge for all participants: car makers, utility companies, energy companies, and politicians. Only by working together extremely hard will we be able to make electric cars a reality on our roads.
"This means that research has to be strongly supported. We have to provide incentives for customers and we have to have strong infrastructure."
Prof Winterkorn said that while efficient internal combustion engines are the "foundation" of the Volkswagen Group, "now we are making electric cars the second strong pillar in the group".
"As a multi brand group with our modular systems, we have what it takes more than any other company, because we can put all of our drive systems flexibly and economically into all of our series and brands.
"Against this backdrop, by 2018 the Volkswagen Group is aiming at a three per cent share of electric cars in its annual deliveries.
"By 2018 the Volkswagen Group would like to be number one in the automotive industry in economic terms and environmental terms."
As examples, he said that in 2011 Audi will launch the Q5 hybrid and in 2012 Audi will launch the e-Tron, the first electric vehicle supercar. A hybrid version of the A8 will follow and an electric-only version of the new baby A1 hatch was at Geneva.
Prof Winterkorn also used the speech to welcome Japanese motorcycle and small car specialist Suzuki into its fold.
"There is no partnership with such a compelling logic as the one between Volkswagen and Suzuki," he said.
However, VW is yet to announce what mechanical or model sharing there will be. Volkswagen clearly wants Suzuki's expertise in light cars and motorcycles. The tie-up with Suzuki also gives VW a foothold in Japan and puts it on the doorstep of its main rival, Japanese giant Toyota.
Prof Winterkorn used the opportunity to outline VW's forecast on how 2010 would shape up for the car industry globally.
"The year 2010 will not be an easy year. In Europe and in Germany we are continuing to expect headwinds [in the wake of a boom last year following the successful cash for clunkers scheme supported by numerous European governments].
"[But] we are seeing a tailwind in China and also in the United States now. All in all, in 2010 the global market will grow slightly and the Volkswagen Group would like to outgrow its rivals. We are cautiously optimistic for the months to come."
The world's two biggest car makers -- Toyota and Volkswagen -- appear locked in a battle to become the biggest players in hybrid and electric cars.
In a startling milestone announcement, the chairman of the board of management of the Volkswagen Group, Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, said that the company wanted to be the number one global brand by 2018 -- and it was going to embrace hybrid and electric cars to help in its pursuit.
"The Volkswagen Group as a whole is moving with electric cars and hybrids into the fast lane. In the future, the heart of the Volkswagen Group will also beat electrically," Prof Winterkorn said.
The comments are profound given that, until now, Volkswagen has insisted that efficient petrol and diesel engines were the key to the future of the automobile.
While the German giant has played at the margins with electric and hybrid concepts in recent years -- and even dismissed them at times -- it now seems apparent that Volkswagen has fully embraced the new technology.
"The race for the drive technology for the future is on," he said at Volkswagen's invitation-only press conference on the eve of the show.
"With efficient internal combustion engines, lightweight construction, DSG [twin clutch gearboxes] and intelligent electronics, ... the Volkswagen Group already is a neck ahead in the race. And actually this is exactly what we'd like to do in terms of electric cars too.
"Volkswagen is the car maker that will bring hybrids out of a niche and put them into its volume models.
"Volkswagen will be the car maker that will mass produce the electric car for everyone."
The bold claims come as Toyota begins its 12th year of manufacturing mass-produced hybrid vehicles, with almost 2 million hybrids sold worldwide in that time.
Nevertheless, Volkswagen is bullish about the inroads it is taking into the Toyota-dominated world of hybrid technology.
"The course has been set for us. The necessary steps have been taken," Prof Winterkorn added.
"We have established a new and very ambitious launch plan for electric cars with very clear defined milestones."
In 2010 Volkswagen will launch the new second generation Touareg, the first hybrid to be mass produced in the company's history.
And in the next few months, VW will have electric-car test fleets on roads in Europe, North America and China.
In 2011, the car maker says, it will add to its test fleet 500 e-Golfs, ahead of the Jetta hybrid in 2012 and Passat and Golf hybrids in 2013.
The year 2013 will also see VW's first pure electric cars.
"First of all the Volkswagen e-Up (pictured) will be launched and two months after that we will be seeing the production version of the e-Golf. And then at the end of 2013 we'll be brining you the e-Jetta," Prof Winterkorn said.
"What's cruicial is that all of these cars are not just environmentally friendly but suitable for everyday use, and they're affordable and they're safe. It is only by offering all these things that we can make zero-emissions vehicles successful."
But VW also said more assistance was required from governments and energy companies to keep up with how fast automobile technology was changing.
"I am saying very deliberately that it's a challenge for all participants: car makers, utility companies, energy companies, and politicians. Only by working together extremely hard will we be able to make electric cars a reality on our roads.
"This means that research has to be strongly supported. We have to provide incentives for customers and we have to have strong infrastructure."
Prof Winterkorn said that while efficient internal combustion engines are the "foundation" of the Volkswagen Group, "now we are making electric cars the second strong pillar in the group".
"As a multi brand group with our modular systems, we have what it takes more than any other company, because we can put all of our drive systems flexibly and economically into all of our series and brands.
"Against this backdrop, by 2018 the Volkswagen Group is aiming at a three per cent share of electric cars in its annual deliveries.
"By 2018 the Volkswagen Group would like to be number one in the automotive industry in economic terms and environmental terms."
As examples, he said that in 2011 Audi will launch the Q5 hybrid and in 2012 Audi will launch the e-Tron, the first electric vehicle supercar. A hybrid version of the A8 will follow and an electric-only version of the new baby A1 hatch was at Geneva.
Prof Winterkorn also used the speech to welcome Japanese motorcycle and small car specialist Suzuki into its fold.
"There is no partnership with such a compelling logic as the one between Volkswagen and Suzuki," he said.
However, VW is yet to announce what mechanical or model sharing there will be. Volkswagen clearly wants Suzuki's expertise in light cars and motorcycles. The tie-up with Suzuki also gives VW a foothold in Japan and puts it on the doorstep of its main rival, Japanese giant Toyota.
Prof Winterkorn used the opportunity to outline VW's forecast on how 2010 would shape up for the car industry globally.
"The year 2010 will not be an easy year. In Europe and in Germany we are continuing to expect headwinds [in the wake of a boom last year following the successful cash for clunkers scheme supported by numerous European governments].
"[But] we are seeing a tailwind in China and also in the United States now. All in all, in 2010 the global market will grow slightly and the Volkswagen Group would like to outgrow its rivals. We are cautiously optimistic for the months to come."
HyundaiSantaFeEliteCRDi2.2R
HyundaiSantaFeEliteCRDi2.2R
* Punchy and willing diesel engine* Great economy
* Roomy and versatile cabin
* Sharp value
* Safety now competitive
* Bad
* Still not a great drive
* Fidgety ride
* Tiresome driving position
2 Minute road test (See full review)
Price and equipment
The V6 petrol and five-seat options have bitten the dust, simplifying the range. All models have seven seats and diesel power. Hyundai's five-year warranty is another potent lure.
Pricing starts at $37,990 plus on-road and dealer costs for the SLX manual, or $39,990 for the six-speed auto. We tested the $43,990 Elite, which adds keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat, auto headlights, a fish-eye mirror for monitoring children, a cooled centre console bin and mandatory auto to the SLX. The $48,490 Highlander adds leather, auto wipers, power sunroof, six-CD sound system, 18-inch alloys and other toys.
Under the bonnet
This update introduces the "R" series 2.2-litre diesel engine. It pumps out 145kW of power (up 31kW from the old 2.2) and, in the auto, 436Nm (up 93Nm) of torque.
There's no economy price to be paid, either. Manuals officially register an impressive 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, well down from the 7.3L/100km of yore, while autos clock a still-thrifty 7.5L/100km.
The on-road impression meets expectations, too. The Elite's new six-speed auto matches beautifully to the "R", providing an abundance of lag-free response and an effortless cruising demeanour. We averaged a commendable 7.9L/100km on test.
The new engine, though, can be a bit noisy when idling or under heavy load.
How it drives
Hyundai has refettled the Santa Fe's suspension for Australia and it seems a touch more responsive to the steering and flatter through the bends than before.
Its on-road talents, however, are still not a selling point. It goes where you point it without fuss in relaxed driving but push harder and the rubbery steering, less-than-disciplined body control and tendency to push the nose wide all catch up with it.
The ride, too, disappoints. It soaks up most urban uglies but lacks the finesse to deal with sharper, more sustained bumps. There's also plenty of crash and bash over dirt-road corrugations.
Comfort and practicality
The Santa Fe's cabin has picked up fresh trims and, on the Elite and Highlander, classy new instruments.
There's enough space for leggy types in the middle row, while the final row is great for children and just bearable for adults. You also get a plentiful supply of storage bins (one of them cooled) and details such as air vents and rear fan speed controls.
As with most part-time seven-seaters, boot space is tight with all seats occupied but split-folding the final row into the floor solves that. The middle row folds to liberate an even bigger, box-like space and you also get a full-sized spare.
Less endearing is a driver's seat that sits too high, isn't big on support and lacks steering reach adjustment.
Cabin ambience reflects a pedestrian design and plastics that lack distinction. Still, everything is assembled flawlessly.
Safety
All models now improve their safety to get six airbags, anti-lock brakes, a more sophisticated stability control system, rear parking sensors and an improved five-star NCAP rating. Highlander buyers also get a reversing camera.
Overall verdict
* Three Half Star
The current Santa Fe has made buyers sit up and take notice with its value and family-friendly versatility. This update maintains those virtues while adding a welcome dose of performance, economy and safety.
What the Hyundai lacks, however, is the polish that separates good from great.
Nuts & Bolts
Price
From $43,990 (auto only) plus on-road and dealer costs.
Engine Size/Type
2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel
Power
145kW/436Nm
Transmission/Driven Wheels
6-speed auto
Fuel Consumption
7.5L/100km and 197gkm CO2
Competitors
KIA SORENTO Si CRDi From $43,490 drive-away.
Same drivetrain as Santa Fe; well equipped; logical interior layout; suspension can get flustered on successive smaller bumps; cramped third-row seat; some oddities with driving position. 3 stars.
HOLDEN CAPTIVA CX DIESEL From $41,490 plus on-road and dealer costs.
Thrifty diesel drivetrain; capable road manners; practical and user-friendly cabin; competitive value; mediocre ride; average refinement; cabin feels a bit cheap. 3 stars.
TOYOTA KLUGER KX-R SEVEN-SEATER From $43,490 plus on-road and dealer costs.
User-friendly cabin; strong and refined V6; good economy for a big petrol soft-roader; strong safety; mediocre centre middle-row seat; FWD layout all too obvious on dirt; no diesel option. 3 stars.
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