Debbie Lattin Insurance

07/31/2023

07/06/2023

This has been happening frequently in this area.

Roofing Replacement Red Flags

BOISE, ID (July 6, 2023) – Unexpected weather such as hailstorms and severe wind can cause significant structural damage to homes, particularly the roof. Contractors serve an important role in the property building and repair process. Unfortunately, there are some contractors and public adjustors attempting to take advantage of you.

The Idaho Department of Insurance is sharing tips with consumers on what to be aware of should your roof need replacing. We urge caution if any of the following occurs:

An adjustor knocks on your door unsolicited and says they are an insurance specialist/expert or can help you with your insurance claim.
Advises you that your insurance company will or must pay for a full roof replacement.
Emphasizes that your neighbor’s insurance paid to replace their entire roof.
Promises services at no charge to you, free upgrades, or offers to waive your insurance deductible.
Asks you to sign a contract without allowing you to review it before signing and before providing a detailed estimate.
Is not able, or is unwilling, to provide you with references for other work they have performed.
Is not willing to provide you with evidence of their Certificates of Insurance for General Liability and Workers’ Compensation.


Consumers can call DOI Consumer Affairs at 208-334-4319 with any questions or comments.

The DOI’s Roofing Contractor Red Flags flier can be found on our website at https://doi.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-06-Roofing-Contractor-Consumer-Flyer-scaled.jpg.

“Consumers should always be cautious when dealing with contractors and adjustors,” said Dean L. Cameron, Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance. “We hope Idahoans will utilize our Consumer Affairs section any time they have questions about insurance matters. Our priority is to protect citizens by providing free, unbiased assistance and advice.”
https://doi.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/NewsReleases/2023-07-06-roofing-red-flags_final.pdf

10/07/2022

BOISE, ID (October 7, 2022) – "The Idaho Department of Insurance is warning consumers shopping for Medicare health insurance to be wary of improper marketing by telemarketers and television commercials during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, which begins on October 15 and ends December 7. During that period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose the plans that are best for them for 2023. The DOI offers these reminders to Idahoans:

If anyone calls you who you did not have a scheduled appointment with, and requests personal or private information (Medicare number, Social Security number, bank or credit card information), hang up! CMS will not directly call you about Medicare coverage, and it is illegal for companies to market Medicare Advantage over the phone.

Be cautious of changing your insurance plan based on advertisements. Any extra benefits in Medicare insurance advertisements on television or in mailings might not be available where you live. Get all the details in writing before you sign up.

Ensure the plan is right for you. Before you sign up, reach out to your doctors to verify they are in that plan’s network, and check if your prescription drugs are covered.

You can’t have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan. Even if someone promises that you can keep your Medigap plan (supplemental plan) and have a Medicare Advantage plan, it is against the rules and is not beneficial to have both. "

Protecting Yourself From Improper Marketing The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) is warning consumers shopping for Medicare health insurance to be The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) is warning consumers shopping for Medicare health insurance to be wary of improper marketing by telemarketers...

08/24/2022

Be careful out there.

"Compared to the first quarter of 2019, the 2022 traffic deaths represent a 22% jump."

Fatal car crashes have increased since the start of the pandemic. Road safety experts attribute that to fewer seat belts and more speeding and impaired driving.

02/02/2022

Idaho Department of Insurance News Release

For immediate release: February 2, 2022
Contact: Julie Robinson, Public Information Specialist
208-334-4312 or [email protected]

Gas Detectors Urged by State Fire Marshal

BOISE, ID (February 2, 2022) – The Idaho State Fire Marshal is urging Idahoans to purchase and install gas detectors at their households. This safety reminder comes as the State Fire Marshal’s Office has investigated an alarming number of propane-related fires and explosions that have resulted in significant injury and deaths – one incident occurring as recently as January 17, 2022.

In all the cases, the occupants were either unaware of the propane leak or disregarded the foul odor that is purposefully mixed with propane. Propane itself is odorless. A chemical known as ethyl mercaptan is added to give propane a foul odor and alert occupants that a leak exists and to act appropriately.

The greatest number of incidents happen in winter, with snow slides and snow removal often being the culprit. Snow builds up on roofs and may slide off during daytime heating, or the homeowner will clear snow from the roof to reduce the risk of collapse. If the propane tank is located on the downside of the roof, snow can accumulate on piping or the propane regulator, causing additional weight on those items and leading to cracks. Homeowners should remember to clear snow away from the regulator and allow it to function properly.

Advances in technology now make available a home propane and natural gas detector that will sound an alarm, alerting the occupants of danger. These devices are available over the internet and big box stores. The cost is relatively low (between $30-$75) and some interface with the internet and communicate with cell phones.

11/02/2021

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends four layers of protection to safeguard against car and truck theft.

04/20/2021

BOISE, ID – The Idaho Department of Insurance Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) warns Idaho consumers of Medicare scams from unsolicited callers.


Medicare numbers along with other personal identification can be used by scammers to bill for services, medication and medical equipment never ordered or intended for use by the Medicare member. SHIBA offers a few tips to protect you from unsolicited callers asking for your private information:


**Hang up if you receive a call claiming Medicare needs your information to send you a new card. Medicare will only issue new cards at your request.
**Hang up if you receive an unexpected call from SHIBA requesting your information. SHIBA will not call you unless you call first.
**Do not give out your Medicare number, or any personal information, to someone who calls you that you were not expecting a call from.


Reach out to SHIBA if you have questions or believe scammers have your information. SHIBA is also available to answer questions about your coverage, review Medicare plan options and conduct free workshops. Please contact the SHIBA Helpline at 1-800-247-4422.

About the Department of Insurance

The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, please visit us at doi.idaho.gov.

11/11/2020

The scammers are also using Idaho Power under a similar scam. They say they will be cutting power in 30 minutes unless payment is made via a Green Dot pay card, because the payment "cannot be made via electronic transaction"(their words). They like to call during busy times so people feel rushed.

Like the Sheriff's office, Idaho Power is much nicer to deal with when it comes to billing issues, and never call folks demanding payments in such a manner.

11/07/2020

This cannot be overstated. Lights on during the day has been proven to decrease accidents by around 15%. So many cars and colors just disappear into the background, even at midday.

It is getting darker earlier which means more people are on the road in the dark. Even though many vehicles have automatic lights, a lot of the time that doesn't mean tail lights are on as well. Twin Falls Sheriff's Office Facebook shared a video as to why it is important to turn your headlights on....

12/24/2019

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

05/30/2019

Buyer beware!!