Let Every Day Be Christmas
 Norman W. Brooks
Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.


Presidential Matters 
Happy Holidays
Peter Elliott, TIG President & CEO
The holiday season is a whirlwind, with three occasions for celebration in quick succession. As one holiday follows closely on the heels of the last, we see a beautiful transition. Thanksgiving reminds us to show gratitude, Christmas encourages selflessness and generosity by giving to others, and the impending start of the new year is the perfect opportunity to reflect.
 
In my own experience though, it’s easy to miss the real meaning behind each holiday. My memories, while cherished, prove this. It’s easy to get swept up in the festivities and forget what each holiday is really about. Perhaps I’m getting an early start on my improvement plan for the new year with this reflection!
 
Here at Telcom Insurance Group, our resolution each year is to provide each client with incredible service and to form genuine, long-lasting relationships. In the 22 years since I started at this company, I’ve been honored to watch many of my clients become personal friends. And finally, as our dedicated team looks ahead to 2023, we plan to do more of the same.
 
Wishing you a holiday season filled with peace and happiness! Happy holidays, from our team to yours!
 
Peter Elliott, President
Safety Matters
Holiday Hazard Checklist
Marilyn A. Blake, AU, CRM
Home Safe Home
The holidays should be a magical time for children, but each year, emergency rooms are flooded by thousands of injured people. Festive décor, like holiday lights and Christmas trees, can result in dangerous falls, cuts, and shocks – and turn the most wonderful time of year into a nightmare. Because we take a holistic approach to safety here at Telcom Insurance Group, we would like to pass along these holiday safety tips to keep in mind.
Follow these tips to stay safe this winter – and please pass them along to your employees as well! To learn more about protecting your business, contact our team today!


Safety Matters
When Festive Turns Fatal: The Risk of Drinking and Driving
Craig Rapp, Risk Manager
It’s hard to believe that 2022 is nearing its end. This year has been a busy one, and the final weeks will surely fly by. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let safety slip – and to forget the very real danger that driving presents this time of year.

As a society, we know that drinking and driving are a lethal combination. But 30 people still lose their lives each day in car crashes involving alcohol, according to the CDC. That, unfortunately, amounts to one fatality every 50 minutes. The good news is that recent data shows a 3% decline in accidents due to intoxicated driving since 2010.
Statistically, younger drivers (21 to 34 years old) tend to take the most risks regarding alcohol. The arrest records confirm this, with drivers under 21 comprising 5% of arrests, while drivers in their 20s and 30s make up 60% of arrests. People aged 40 and above make up the remaining 35%. Perhaps we do indeed get wiser with age.

Gender is another factor, with men tending to think they are sober enough to drive 1½ times more often than women. Because of this, male drivers are involved in more collisions overall. In fact, four out of five drivers in deadly accidents in 2019 were men. Women, it seems, are more likely to call a friend for help. You may also be surprised to learn that there are more arrests for DUI than murder, rape, aggravated assault, and burglary combined. 

With the holiday season in full swing, more people are celebrating. Many choose driving over air travel to reach their destinations, not only increasing the number of cars on the road, but the risk of a serious wreck.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of a crash with an intoxicated driver doubles around the major holidays. Since most drunk driving accidents happen after dark (between 6 pm and 5 am), we recommend planning your holiday travel for the daytime hours. 
We are here to help with any of your insurance or risk management needs. Feel free to contact Marilyn Blake at mab@telcominsgrp.com or 800-222-4664x1085, or Craig Rapp at csr@telcominsgrp.com or 903-424-7453.

Claims Matters
Claim Subrogation
Rebecca (Beckie) Menard, AU, CISR
Insurance coverage is a key form of protection for your company, used to prevent financial loss due to accidental property damage or injury to another party. It’s essentially a risk management strategy used to transfer risk in exchange for the premium’s payment. In some cases, coverage is required – such as the purchase of Workers’ Compensation coverage for your employees.
Accounting: Ways to Pay Your Bill
Not sure where to send your payment? For your convenience, there are two simple ways to pay your bill. Submit payment electronically via ACH or mailed a check to our lockbox. If you are interested in sending payments electronically, please call 301-220-1084 or email your request to kne@telcominsgrp.com. If you would prefer to send a check, the appropriate addresses are listed below. 
Reminder: Payment is due 15 days from the date of the invoice. Invoices are generated by your Account Manager and are emailed throughout the month as policies are bound and issued. We DO NOT mail invoices unless requested to do so. 

Our goal is to make sure you are informed about the status of your account and any past due invoices. To do that as efficiently as possible, the Accounting Department will send a payment reminder email once an invoice is over 30 days old. After 60 days, Accounting will call to check the status of payment. If your account becomes over 90 days old, you may receive a call from a member of our management team. The best way to avoid any hassle is to make sure we have the updated contact information for invoicing, including an Accounts Payable email address. Feel free to contact your Account Manager or Kyra (kne@telcominsgrp.com) in Accounting if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation!
Christmas Teambuilding Ideas
These activities are designed to encourage teamwork and collaboration, and they can be done in person or virtually. Set aside an hour in your jam-packed schedule to make some holiday memories!
Industry Terms Explained:
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
Jordan Roberts, Vice President
Actual cash value (ACV) is defined as the amount required to replace your damaged or stolen property, minus depreciation, at the time of the loss. It doesn't replace what you lost, but instead, reimburses you for the item's current value.
Replacement cost value (RCV), on the other hand, refers to what it costs to replace damaged or stolen property without depreciation. In cases involving contractors’ equipment or typical inland marine equipment, standard insurance carriers will only pay replacement cost value if the item is less than 8 years old. However, if you have a policy with Rural Trust Insurance Company, your damaged beyond repair or stolen property will be replaced at full replacement cost value regardless of age. With Great American, you’ll receive the property’s full replacement cost, up the item’s scheduled amount, regardless of age of the equipment.
This can make a huge difference from a budgetary standpoint. 
Another area where this distinction is particularly relevant is on bucket trucks and specialized truck work beds. We can schedule those items on the mobile equipment list at replacement cost values and then your bucket assembly and work beds would also be covered at replacement cost. Nearly every commercial auto policy is only going to pay ACV on the vehicle, but to take the time and schedule the work bed and the bucket could potentially save thousands if you had to replace it after an accident.
This is yet another benefit to choosing Telcom Insurance Group! No matter what the future holds, our team has you covered. Get in touch to learn more!
Christmas Party Favors & Goodie Bag Ideas
These fun and festive items work well as:
  • Holiday office party favors
  • Table centerpieces
  • Christmas treats for kids
  • Goodie bag fillers for adults
Fun Facts
Holiday Websites
Looking for a little extra holiday magic? It's just a few clicks away! Check out these kid-approved online resources this season:
  • Santa Tracker
  • Reindeer Cam
  • Personalized Video from Santa
  • North Pole Crafts and Activities
  • Catch Santa in Your Home!
  • Christmas Information
  • Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
  • Email Santa
  • Christmas Song Karaoke
  • Fun Facts
Holiday Crafts
Kids' Craft Corner: DIY Snowman Lantern
Supplies:
  • Mason Jar
  • Mod Podge
  • Paintbrush
  • White Tissue Paper
  • Construction Paper
  • Glue Stick Pipe Cleaner
  • Fuzzy Ball
  • Scissors
  • Batter-Operated Tea Light Candle
Want to learn more about how we can help at
Telcom Insurance Group?

Contact Us Today!
Phone: 301-220-3200

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