DONOVAN INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

e You Can Us s rance New Insu Volume 2 Issue 12

December 3, 2012
Inside this issue:
Keeping our Holidays Keeping our 1 2

K e e p i n g o u r H o l i days

by Paul Donovan

Im tired of political correctness (PC) run amuck. The PC police try to limit Holidays continued socially offensive language, ideas, policies, and behavior all in the name of public Citizens Insurance good. They hide among us in the form of activist judges, politicians, elite educators Update and administrators (both public and private). They attempt to influence the culture in Encouragement the areas of acceptable public language and behavior. They have infiltrated the areas of occupation, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and age-related
Chronicles Christmas Movie Trivia

2 3 3 4 4

arenas. Unfortunately, in an attempt to judicially make us culturally neutral, we are losing our Beware Flooded Sandy Vehicles identity. Nowhere is this more evident than during our holiday seasons. Does anyone know anybody that is truly offended (regardless of their faith) when someone wishes a Retail Claims Merry Christmas or Happy Chanukah? Instead employees are told to wish everyone Happy Holidays. Blah! Throughout our nation we have traditionally set up Nativity scenes and Menorahs on public land for generations. Now its seen as forbidden, all in the name of separation of church and state! When did the majority of traditional America acquiesce to the smallest minority, and when are we going to stand up to those bullies (irrespective of the threat of lawsuits)? Clearly, many of our civic leaders are poor historians. Americas culture has distinct origins, ethics and traditions in the Judeo-Christian worldview. Our founding fathers knew that, equal opportunity separated us from every other nation on earth. Our plurality of ethnicity was united and strengthened under the banner of tolerance. Unfortunately, the modern teachings of Tolerance have come to mean the acceptance of every belief as true and the elimination of offense at any cost. Tolerance, properly understood, means that we respect people enough to permit them to hold to their beliefs even if we profoundly disagree with them. Only the intolerant would call for the eradication of our historical customs and no society can survive the eradication of their core beliefs. Therefore, I have a few reminders that should silence the critics of our red white and blue traditions.
Continued on Page 2

5 Tips Preventing

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4. Psalm 23 has been adopted by the U.S. military as the prayer for warriors. Please dont forget to pray for our troops this holiday season.

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INSURANCE NEWS YOU CAN USE

The Humbugs that want to tear down our beloved customs need to take a quick look towards other cultures to confirm that change doesnt always mean progress. Does our culture have problems? Sure, just like every other one. However, ask yourself this, is it fair the way women are treated in some countries? Is it fair that some countries dont allow the same 1st Amendment rights we enjoy? Is it right that some countries still have political prisoners? No, No, a thousand times, No! Theres a reason that Saudi Arabia, North Korea and China dont

celebrate Christmas (is the sarcasm clear?). Americans enjoy freedoms that have been bought and paid for at a huge price. We should not be tearing down, essentially wholesome fundamental social fences, due to a few Scrooges. The characterization of our country as primarily materialistic and greedy is not typically the case. In fact, our societal problems are lessened during this season of charity and giving. Our faith, freedom, families and traditions have molded our cultural mindset into the greatest givers in world history. Traditionally, Americans have big hearts and wallets. When the world hurts we tend to those needs. So forgive me, lets not evolve into neutrality. Lets keep our Christmas trees (not holiday trees), advent calendars, Santa Clause, caroling, Epiphany, and Chanukah celebrations. It is wise to realize, if we dont stand for something we will end up falling for anything? When we move far enough away from our cherished traditions we will end up destroying our heritage. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah from Donovan Insurance Solutions! Please remember the Salvation Army this year if you have some $$ to spare.

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Charles Dickens Citizens Update By Paul Donovan
Commercial Insurance The Office of Insurance regulation (OIR) in Florida has approved annual rates, rules and form changes for commercial policies. Here are some of the highlights. Please call us if you need additional clarification.

Effective 1/1/2013 - Commercial Nonresidential Multiperil (CNR-M) Commercial Residential Multiperil (CR-M) Effective 2/1/2013 - Commercial Residential Wind-Only (CNR-W) Commercial Residential Wind-Only (CR-W)

Base Rates will vary by policy both new and renewal but are subject to a 10%cap (excluding coverage changes). Sinkhole loss coverage rate changes and surcharges (including a required rapid cash buildup provision for FL Cat Fund). Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHFC) Buildup Factor

CR-M policies that include wind will increase based on occupancy: Apartment & HOA - from 0.040 to 0.066 Condo Association - from 0.044 to 0.063 (please call for additional increase %)

Deductible changesminimum deductibles for many classes of policies have changed from $1,000 to $2,500 as well as changes affecting % changes (please read your policy and call to confirm). Changes in windstorm or Hail deductiblesno longer offers a flat $1,000. Percentage Only Deductibles will apply. Multiple forms and definitions of loss/coverage have changed (please read your policy and call to confirm).

Free Follow Up Inspections and Outreach Program Free follow up inspections for homeowners that had inspections before 8/20/12 or call 888-685-1555 or our offices.

When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost. Billy Graham

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 12

PAGE 3
By Paul Donovan

En courag em en t Chroni cl es

Find the essence of each situation, like a logger clearing a logjam. The pro climbs a tall tree and locates the key log, blows it, and lets the river do the rest. An amateur would start at the edge of the jam and move all the logs, eventually moving the key log. Both approaches work, but the essence concept saves time and effort. Almost all problems have a key log if we learn to find it. Remember, each problem has hidden within it an opportunity.

B e s t C h r i s t m a s M ov i e T r i v i a
Guess the movie from this famous Christmas quote:

via the mind of Paul Donovan

1. "Aunt Clara had, for years, labored under the delusion that I was not only perpetually four years old, but also a girl." 2. He was wearing my Harvard tie. Can you believe it? My Harvard tie. Like oh, sure he went to Harvard. 3. I can't get the antlers glued to this little guy. We tried Crazy Glue, but it don't work. Did you try staples? 4. On Christmas Eve many years ago I laid quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets, I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound I was afraid I'd never hear: the sound of Santa's sleigh bells. 5. Clarence! Clarence! Help me, Clarence! Get me back! Get me back, I don't care what happens to me! Get me back to my wife and kids! Help me Clarence, please! Please! I wanna live again. I wanna live again. Please, God, let me live again. 6. I want the Turbo Man action figure with the arms and legs that move and the boomerang shooter and his rock'n roller jet pack and the realistic voice activator that says 5 different phrases including, "It's Turbo time!" Accessories sold separately. Batteries not included. 7. You guys give up yet, or are you thirsty for more? Hes only a kid Marv, we can take him! 8. I know how you feel about all this Christmas business, getting depressed and all that. It happens to me every year. I never get what I really want. I always get a lot of stupid toys or a bicycle or clothes or something like that.. What is it you want? Real estate. 9. Why am I such a misfit? I am not just a nitwit. You can't fire me, I quit. Seems I don't fit in. 10. "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." 11. You see, Mrs. Walker, this is quite an opportunity for me. For the past 50 years or so I've been getting more and more worried about Christmas. Seems we're all so busy trying to beat the other fellow in making things go faster and look shinier and cost less that Christmas and I are sort of getting lost in the shuffle. 12. How do we raise such a child? I wonder if I will even be able to teach Him anything 13. "I shot Santa Claus in the face! He's real, and I shot him in the face!" 14. Name each of Santas reindeerextra credit if done alphabetically.
Answers on page. 4

I got mugged by a magician. It's not funny: He took my wallet, my watch, and every silver dollar I had behind my ear. Craig Baldo

5 Tips to Help Prevent Retail Claims By Marc Tepper

The holiday season marks the annual sales highlight for most retailers. Often times, with the increase in revenue, comes the increase in litigation for claims.
1. Monitor the aisles. Designated employees should be tasked with constant monitoring of store aisles during peak hours. Be extra vigilant for non-liquid spills in the aisles. Cardboard boxes ripped open by overeager shoppers and discarded on the floor pose liability problems if not promptly cleaned up.

2. Practice Safe Shopping. OSHA provides Crowd Management Safety Guidelines on their website. 3. Dont forget Employee Safety. Ensure adequate employee safety is in place prior to opening. It was only 4 years ago that a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death. 4. Dont forget Security. Ensure adequate security is in place prior to opening. Procedures should be rehearsed and proactively taught.. Fire and Emergency response systems should be reviewed. 5. Think outside the store. Liability begins before customers squeeze through the front door. Prepare the exterior of the store for sidewalk injuries by checking lighting, clean streets and sidewalks. Also check for weather hazards. As always, please consult your insurance broker for additional loss control information.

BEWARE of FLOODED CARS FROM Hurricane SANDY

Based on claims information provided from the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics, the NICB now estimates that at least 230,000 vehicles were damaged in the storm. Not surprisingly, New York logged the most damaged vehicles, with 130,000 claims. New Jersey reported 60,000 auto claims and the remainder of the Northeast another 40,000. While it is not clear how many of these vehicles are considered a total loss, the impact is clear. If youre purchasing a used car in the near future, watch for signs of damage and demand full disclosure upon purchase.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Merry Christmas and happy Chanukah
We can be reached at 10 N. Pinellas Ave Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 727-935-4858 (Office) 877-226-9304 (Fax) 727-656-5371 (cell)

Donovan Insurance Solutions wants to thank you for the support you have given us throughout this year. We remember our saviors birth and wish each of you a very safe Christmas and Happy Chanukah. As your full lines independent insurance agency (Personal Lines, Commercial/Business, Benefits and Workers Compensation) we always look for suggestions or comments that we could use to improve our newsletter, please let us know. God Bless!

Trivia Answers from Page three

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Ralphie - A Christmas Story Dan Aykroyd/Louise WinthorpIII -Trading Places, Frank Cross/Bill MurrayScrooged Hero Boy Polar Express, George Bailey/Jimmy StewartIts a Wonderful Life Howard Langstone/Arnold SchwarzeneggerJingle All The Way Kevin McCallister/Macauley Culkin - Home Alone 9. HermieRudolph the Red Nose Reindeer 10. Buddy the Elf - Elf 11. St. NickMiracle on 34th Street 12. JosephThe Nativity Story 13. Harold - A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas 14. Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donner, Prancer, Vixen, Rudolph, & Vixen

8. Lucy Van PeltMerry Christmas Charlie Brown