What does "live like you were dying" mean to you?

First, I hope you're safe during these unprecedented time we live in.

But the Tim McGraw song titled "Live Like You Were Dying" is relevant to us all
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=_9TShlMkQnc&feature=emb_logo

You may remeber that part of the song goes like this...

"I went sky divin',
I went rocky mountain climbin',
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu.
And I loved deeper,
And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."

And he said, "Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying."

Why do I bring this up?

Because you need to live like you were dying too.

You need to start chasing, and living, your dreams today...don't wait until tomorrow.


Doug Myrick | Insurance Policy Centres LLC | 305.941.3684 | www.dougmyrick.com

There's an awful lot of hullaballoo over masks these days.

Busting COVID- 19 mask myths

To mask or not to mask... that is the question. This isn't the first time we've had to decide between what we want as an individual and what is good for the greater collective population. At one time we all had the opportunity to decide on wearing seat belts, public smoking and motorcycle helmets too. Turns out that each of these actions saves lives.

Humanity has faced this crossroad since the beginning of time. When and where should we sacrifice individual liberties for the greater good?

The virus doesn't care about civil liberties. The virus doesn't care about an election year or any particular country. It just is and does what it does. We can argue about the numbers. Interpretations and opinions will vary but, infection numbers, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing worldwide.

We can choose to focus inwardly, on ourselves, or outwardly on others. I choose to wear a mask and to focus outward because it's not about me. It's about you.

The Virus Stops Here.

Love and Blessings,

https://lumen5.com/user/doug_myrick/theres-an-awful-lot-oebzw/?fbclid=IwAR3s7ZgGsaMq76wHA3n4lviX4yGWQ7edafQQYU4PB8ePSj8gFSUC6p6YrZE

Leading without Burning Out

With the unbelievably sad George Floyd tragedy, traveling the East coast & Midwest these past few weeks with my wife, listening to the stories of job seekers struggling in this climate (whether or not they are working...everyone is struggling in some way), the world is hurting. As a result, an article from Talent Smart titled, “How Successful People Beat Stress and Avoid Burnout” caught my attention. This is a taxing time for us “fixers”. We want to fix all that’s wrong and causing the hurt, but in so many ways this is immensely bigger than any one person. Which can make some feel overwhelmed and hopeless and inspire others to do better. Or make some vacillate between both positions ... which is where I think most of us “fixers” lie. We have to take responsibility for our roles in the world. Stand up for what’s right. Protect our families. Be there for our team. Be the resource for our clients and our tribes. There was a quote from this Talent Smart article that resonated with me to help us be better leaders during this time of crisis while taking care of ourselves (because we can only be of use to others if we take care of ourselves through this trying time.). “From Insights To Action. At the heart of EQ (emotional intelligence) and leadership lies a whole set of delicate balancing acts: Sharing without oversharing, emotional honesty without emotional dumping or lashing out, the needs of the company with empathy for individuals, and information in the right amounts while the right timing. Add these three behaviors to your leadership repertoire, and you’ll be surprised how far they go to carry your team through these changing times.” If you ever want to chat, or need a sounding board, please let me know. I read and respond to every email. Be well, Doug Doug Myrick | Insurance Policy Centres LLC | 305.941.3684 | www.dougmyrick.com

10 Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain

Rain, rain, go away …

If only it were that easy. Driving in wet conditions is a common occurrence, and contrary to popular belief, it is much deadlier than driving on snowy streets and roads, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Records show that 73% of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavements and 46% occur during rainfall. Snow, sleet and slush are involved in about 44% of crashes.

While you can’t sing a nursery rhyme to get the rain to go away, you can follow these 10 tips to tackle rainy roads like an expert.

1. Check your windshield wipers and replace them frequently. While it’s natural to check them before a long trip, it’s equally important to keep them working properly even if you are just driving locally.
2. Maintain good tire depth and inflation. Good tires can be a lifesaver by providing a good grip on the road, which helps prevent hydroplaning.
3. Apply a windshield repellent. Regularly apply a repellent, such as Rain-X, to your windshield, windows and mirrors to help keep them clear during rainfall.
4. Slow down on unfamiliar roads and before construction zones. Rain means lower visibility, and the only good remedy is to slow down and be cautious.
5. Slow down at night. The combination of rain, darkness and lights reflecting off wet pavement decreases vision capabilities even further so it is vital that you slow down.
6. Increase following distance. If the vehicle ahead of you suddenly stops, the normal 3-second rule will likely not suffice. Try staying at least 5 seconds behind the next vehicle to allow enough slow-down time on wet, slick pavements.
7. Watch out for debris on the road. Heavy rains can wash mud, stones and other refuse onto the road while storms can drop branches or even down entire trees. Heavy rains can also wash out chunks of pavement, leaving deep holes. Be vigilant and slow down—or pull off the road—if you see signs of danger ahead.
8. Be wary of water depth. Heavy rain can cause water to rush down curbs. It can even lead to flash flooding. Beware of standing or flowing water, which can hide holes in the road, damage or disable your vehicle, or wash it away.
9. Prepare for hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur in as little as 1 1/2 inches of water. If this happens, stay calm and turn in the direction of the skid. Never try to force the tires in the opposite direction.
10. Turn Your Lights On. If your wipers are on, your lights should be, too. This will help you see what lies ahead and will help other drivers see your vehicle.

Doug Myrick | Insurance Policy Centres LLC | 305.941.3684 | www.dougmyrick.com

RENTERS INSURANCE IS THE NEW BUY FOR TENANTS

There are more than 43 million renters in the United States, with over half of those being under the age of 30, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). Millennials, along with older members of Generation Z, are choosing to rent instead of buying condos or houses for a number of reasons, including affordability, flexibility and a greater focus on careers and education. As rentals and multi-family properties continue to be a growing part of society, we have an opportunity to aid the emerging market for renters’ insurance.

“More renters translates into bigger liabilities for landlords, particularly when the renter is a young person generally focused more on their careers, social lives and fun with less of a focus on the condition of their apartments,” said Doug Myrick, principal member of Insurance Policy Centres LLC.

In fact, less than half of tenants purchase renters’ insurance. Myrick says renters are often under the impression that their landlord’s policy covers them and their belongings and having their own coverage isn’t necessary, which simply isn’t true. In addition to that, those that do purchase coverage often underestimate the value of their possessions, which results in insufficient cover. Personal items like big screen TVs, a laptop, tablet, plus clothes and other items add up quickly, and need to be taken into consideration when looking at coverage options.

We work with property managers and owners to educate renters about the importance and benefits of renters’ insurance. These products protect not only personal property, but also personal liability if someone is injured.

“There is a fine line in what property managers can say because leasing managers aren’t licensed to sell insurance or discuss coverages, but they can definitely promote these products with informational material in the leasing office or online,” said Myrick. “A focus on the benefits is important.”

More property owners are requiring tenants to get renters’ insurance as part of the lease agreement. We remind our landlord clients that they also benefit from tenants purchasing renters’ insurance, because it acts as a stopgap to prevent nuisance claims.

“For property managers and owners who pay small damage claims from operating budgets, those add up,” Myrick said. “Renters’ insurance provides the benefit of covering those costs when a resident causes property damage or loss.”

There are other scenarios in which coverage comes into play, he added, such as for large losses like a multi-unit fire. Renters’ insurance claims can be activated so the property manager does not have to file a claim on the owner’s commercial policy, which may include a high deductible, as property repairs are paid for through the renter’s policy up to the policy’s liability limits.

In order to garner more interest from renters, we can provide information about some of the endorsements that can be of huge benefit. If a renter trips while carrying a new laptop and it is no longer functional, the renter would receive a check for the cost of the laptop, minus the deductible. The coverage goes beyond a manufacturer’s warranty, can circumvent a buyer’s lack of coverage at point of sale, and often covers more hazards and exposures than a typical warranty.

In current times, as most Americans spend more time at home due to shelter-in-place orders and work-from-home shifts, these endorsements may be of added value.

“We’ve seen a lot of people purchasing their own office equipment in order to have a more functional space for working from home, and once these items aren’t being reimbursed by the company, the electronic protection policy will cover any damages on these items,” said Myrick. The policy also covers exercise equipment, such as treadmills.

In addition, we continue to evolve our systems and processes as technology allows.

“We understand that millennial renters, especially, prefer to work online,” said Myrick. “So, if there’s a claim, they can file it online, communicate with adjusters via text and submit pictures of damages that way as well, making the process efficient and hassle-free.”

Doug Myrick | Insurance Policy Centres LLC | 305.941.3684 | www.dougmyrick.com