Category: Personal

Boost and Buckle – Using Child Booster Seats

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Most parents are readily aware of the need for car seats for their infants and toddlers.  Unfortunately, many parents are either unaware of or ignore recommendations that call for booster seats for older children.  In fact, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children age six to fourteen with children ages five to fifteen properly restrained only 68.7 percent of the time.  Additionally, over 47 percent of fatally injured children ages four to seven were completely unrestrained. 

NHTSA has made several important recommendations for children aged five to fifteen.  Every child between 40 lbs. to 80 lbs. and less than 4’9” tall should be restrained in a booster seat.  Children fitting these descriptions are usually ages four to eight.  In addition to those guidelines, any child who cannot sit with their back flat against the seat and their knees bent over the seat edge should use a booster seat.  Make sure to use both a lap belt and a shoulder belt when securing your child in his booster seat.  Never put the shoulder belt behind the child’s arm or back.  Instead of helping the child feel more comfortable, this improper use of restraint can cause severe injury in a crash.  Use only an approved booster seat that is secured to your vehicle following the manufacturer’s specifications.  And lastly, never place a child in any type of safety or booster seat in the front seat of your vehicle if it is equipped with an air bag.  By following these guidelines, you can ensure that, at any age, your children are as safe as possible when traveling with you.

Survey Shows Inattention to Homeowner’s Insurance Could Prove Devastating in the Event of a Disaster

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For the majority of Americans-even those making six figure incomes-their homes are their single biggest asset.  Furthermore, the value of homes continues to rise with the continuing strength of the real estate market.  Yet, a significant percentage of affluent homeowners are just not paying very much attention to protecting their most valuable personal asset, according to a survey conducted for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company by Harris Interactive.

According to the survey, 94 percent of the respondents nationwide stated that the value of their home increased during the past five years.  The National Association of Realtors® reports that median existing-home prices in 2004 were 6.6 percent higher than a year earlier.  In some states such as California, a strong real estate market saw home values jump more than 20 percent in some areas from the previous year.

Yet, more than a quarter (27%) of those surveyed said they had not increased their insurance coverage to reflect their home’s increased value. Some of the most common reasons cited were lack of time to look into the need to increase coverage, and simply not knowing that they needed to change the policy’s limits to reflect a home’s change in value.

In addition to the rise of property values, home reconstruction and replacement costs are also climbing at a steady rate. With a healthy rise in new construction, recent hurricanes and ongoing trade disputes, the cost for lumber, plywood and other building materials is continuing to rise. According to the lumber industry publication Random Lengths, framing materials alone, such as 2-by-4s, rose nearly 40 percent in 2004 over the previous year.  Without the right insurance coverage, homeowners who experience a loss could see these higher costs coming straight out of their own pockets.

The survey, based on responses from more than 1,000 affluent homeowners nationwide, uncovered a consistent gap between what homeowners think is included in their coverage, and what actually is covered. Of those polled, 88 percent said they know what their homeowner’s policy does and does not cover, yet further questioning revealed that many respondents also believed that their homeowner’s policy covered more property than would actually be covered in the event of a disaster.  Only 37 percent of respondents correctly answered six of 12 questions about basic coverage on their homeowner’s and auto policies, such as the maximum amount of stolen cash that would be reimbursed if a home were burglarized ($200) or how much a standard policy will pay in temporary living expenses while a home is being rebuilt ($60,000). 

The survey showed that most affluent homeowners spend far more time managing their investment portfolios (an average of seven hours a month) than they do staying on top of the insurance coverage for their homes.  Seventy-six percent of those surveyed had reviewed their financial assets or investments within the last two months, but only half had reviewed insurance for their property assets within the past six months.  The survey found that respondents spend an average of 4.7 hours per year-a fraction of the time spent on their investment portfolios-managing their insurance coverage on their physical assets including their home.  This is true despite the fact that for nearly half (47%) of respondents, the value of their non-financial assets exceeds the value of their investment portfolio.

“The survey findings show a critical need for homeowners to communicate with their insurance agents and learn what their policies actually cover and when they should be updated, to ensure they are fully protected in the event of a disaster,” said Scott Garfield, vice president of Fireman’s Fund. “Homeowners also need to know that all policies are not created equal, and to understand the array of insurance options available in comparison to their current coverage before they are faced with a costly disaster.”

Be Careful to Avoid Aggressive Driving

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Are you an aggressive driver?  The National Highway Safety Administration has outlined certain common aggressive driving behaviors. 

 

  • Do you find yourself speeding up when someone tries to pass you or weaving in and out of traffic? 
  • Have you passed cars on the right or tailgated slower drivers in front of you? 
  • Do you flash your lights at a vehicle, use your horn in a non-emergency situation, or make obscene gestures to other drivers? 

 

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be an aggressive driver.  Make a concerted effort to avoid those behaviors and set a good example for your passengers.  You never know, avoiding these behaviors might reduce your number of traffic tickets or accidents, and end up lowering your auto insurance premiums!

Is a Monitored Alarm System the Right Choice for Your Home?

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Residential alarm systems get a lot of attention when talking about home security, but what choices do you have and what benefits are there?  Can you get a discount on your homeowner’s insurance if you have a system installed?  It is possible that just a sign from a security company on your window or in your yard may deter potential burglars, but educating yourself about what security companies have to offer can help you determine if an alarm system is right for your home.

Security companies offer a host of options, including protection against burglary, fire, and carbon monoxide, as well as medical monitoring and mobile monitoring.  In security systems, you have two basic choices:  monitored and unmonitored systems. 

Monitored systems will contact your monitoring company by telephone when activated.  The monitoring company will then dispatch the police, fire department, or other emergency personnel to your home.  The drawbacks, however, could be quite serious, depending on the situation.  The monitored system uses your telephone line to notify emergency personnel.  That means that your phone line will be in use and you would need a secondary phone line or a cellular phone to call for additional help.  If an intruder is bold enough to cut your telephone line before entering your home, the advantages of a monitored system are cut short.  Also, in the case of a false alarm, the police department may charge you for a trip out to your home.

Some monitoring companies will sell you the security system, but will not act as your monitoring company.  They may sub-contract with a monitoring firm who will be handling your monitoring.  You can find a secure monitoring company on your own, but if your company has an Underwriters Laboratory rating, you can trust they will be secure.

Unmonitored systems have advantages and disadvantages as well.  An unmonitored system usually has an audible alarm and possibly flashing lights, which notify neighbors that the security of your home has been breached.  This, however, poses a specific problem:  you must rely on your neighbors to take action if they see or hear your alarm system activated.  Your neighbors may not be at home, or, unfortunately, some neighbors will not want to get involved.  Consider organizing your community by initiating a neighborhood watch program and having get-togethers, so that you become vested in protecting each others safety.

For many, the advantages of a home security system are also financial.  Informing your homeowner’s insurance company that you have certain security measures in place can save you 5% to 20% on your homeowner’s policy.  Insurers will routinely give a 15% to 20% discount for homes equipped with a burglary and fire alarm system that is monitored by a third-party monitoring company.1

Considering an alarm system for your home may provide you with peace of mind, whether you are home or away.  Developing close ties to your neighbors can also provide you that same comfort.  If you are considering a monitored security system, contact your homeowner’s insurance company for details about discounts that may be available to you.  While the financial benefit from your insurance company may be an advantage to a security system, it may be greatly outweighed by the peace of mind you will feel in knowing your home is properly defended against burglary, fire, or other threats.

 

1 See http://homes.wsj.com/buysell/taxesandinsurance/20031202-smartmoney.html.

Practicing Safe Electrical Habits in Your Home

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A new survey commissioned by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) has shed considerable light on a serious problem:  electrical hazards in the home. 1  The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) says that there are an annual average of 165,380 electrical-related home structure fires, taking an average of more than 900 lives, injuring almost 7,000 people, and causing nearly $1.7 billion in property damage.  Suffice it to say, electrical hazards in your home are a serious concern.

There are several areas in your home that can easily be checked to greatly eliminate risk of electrical hazards.  Wall outlets should be checked for loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire.  Never force a plug into an outlet.  If the plug does not fit into the outlet, it should not be plugged in.  Along those same lines, never remove a ground prong from a three-prong plug so that it can fit into a two-prong outlet, as this can cause electrical shock.  Do not overload plugs or circuits with too many items.  Make sure all switch plate covers are secure and take care to cover wall outlets when children are around.  If you notice any discolored or hot outlet plates, take action immediately, as this may indicate a dangerous heat build up and possible fire threat.

Power cords and extension cords are also a potential safety concern.  Make sure you are only using cords in good condition, with no frayed or cracked housing.  Never nail or staple an extension cord to the wall or baseboard and do not place cords in high-traffic areas, or under items such as rugs, carpets, or furniture.  Keep in mind that extension cords are not permanent wiring and should not be used for prolonged periods of time.  Additionally, use power cords approved by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or another independent testing facility.  Make sure the cord has been rated for the type of application you need it for.

Check your light fixtures and light bulbs.  Does the wattage of the light bulb exceed the recommendation on the fixture?  If so, replace it immediately with a light bulb that does not have higher wattage than what has been recommended by the manufacturer.  Make sure the bulb is screwed in tightly, as loose light bulbs may overheat and can be a potential safety hazard. 

Ensure that all appliances, from kitchen to bathroom, are certified by an independent testing laboratory, such as UL, CSA, or MET Labs, and follow the manufactures instructions carefully.

When it comes to circuit breakers in your home, get familiar with them.  Create a map to outline all outlets, rooms, fixtures, and appliances and where they are on your circuit breaker.  Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size and rating for their circuit.  Never replace a fuse with a different size from the one you are removing.

Required in homes since the early 1970’s, consider a GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, on all general-purpose circuits in your home.  A GFCI can prevent accidental shock and electrocution by shutting off a circuit when a “leak” of electric current is detected off the circuit.  GFCIs should be tested monthly and after every major electrical storm.

AFCIs, or arc fault circuit interrupters, help prevent fires resulting from outlets, switches, and frayed or cracked power cords.  The AFCI senses the particular signature of an arc and acts to immediately shut off the circuit.  AFCIs are required in all new home construction in bedroom circuits, but should be considered as a safety measure in all homes and on general-purpose circuits.

In summary, there are many simple steps you can take to ensure safe electrical habits are used in your home.  If you have questions about avoiding electrical hazards or how to further protect your home, consult a trusted electrician who can ensure your home is up to code and safe for you and your family.

 

1  See Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and the Electrical Safety Foundation International’s safety tips at:http://na.iiaa.org/ESSafetyTips_FINAL.pdf.

How to Prevent and Treat Mold in Your Home

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The impact of mold has become a prevalent topic recently, but do you know all you need to know about its impact on you and your home?  Although certain molds may be discussed more than others, all molds are treated the same when it comes to their potential health risks and their removal. 

It is easy to know if you have a mold problem.  Large mold infestations can be seen or smelled.  Mold grows naturally in the environment and may enter your home through open doors, windows, and ventilation systems such as heating and air conditioning.  Mold spores may even attach themselves to your clothing and pets, which then bring them inside the home.  Once inside, mold attaches itself to areas with moisture, such as a leaky roof, pipes, wet wallboard, plant pots, areas of condensation, and where flooding has occurred.  Many building products make a hospitable place for mold to grow.  

Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold, which grows in areas with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint.  Even carpet, fabric and upholstery can easily support mold growth.  

The most common health concerns resulting from mold exposure are allergy-type symptoms.  The severity of the reaction depends on the amount and duration of the exposure to the mold.  Individuals with chronic respiratory disease, including asthma, may experience difficulty breathing.  Also, those on immune suppression therapy may be at an increased risk for health problems associated with mold.  If you feel that you or your family members are at risk for infection, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention is the key to combating mold. Just as with termites, buildings should be inspected for mold growth.  Areas affected by water damage should be inspected thoroughly.  Leaks and other conditions that supply moisture should be corrected, so as to prevent mold from taking root.  Remove and replace flood-damaged carpets and carpet pads.  Helpful tips are to keep humidity levels in your home below 50%, using air conditioning or a dehumidifier if necessary.  Also, make sure your home is well ventilated, checking heating and air conditioning units as well as exhaust fans.  Clean bathrooms and kitchens with mold-killing products.  And, consider using paint that contains a mold-inhibiting agent.

If you are going to rid your home of mold, a bleach and water solution will suffice for most jobs.  Mix 10 parts water to 1 part chlorine bleach and never mix bleach with ammonia.  Clean walls and other flood-damaged items with the bleach solution and discard moldy items.  Professionals may be needed to clean larger areas of mold.

Understanding Mold Exposures for the Homeowner

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National estimates show that one in three houses has a moisture problem, and one in ten houses has enough mold that could cause allergic reactions.  All of us are exposed to some mold every day with no side effects. We may breathe in mold spores that are present in the air or eat foods in which mold has begun to grow. People with mold allergies, however, may have a reaction if exposed to too much of the fungus.

While not everyone is allergic to mold, if a person has a mold allergy it can cause a variety of reactions throughout the body, and in particular the central nervous system.  Symptoms can include the inability to concentrate, memory loss and headaches.  Children can react with behavioral and learning disorders, sometimes misdiagnosed as attention deficit disorder or asthma.  One form of mold, black mold, is extremely toxic and can be deadly, especially to children with mold allergies.

Recently, a jury awarded a Wichita couple $1 million in damages because a house they bought was infested with mold the plaintiffs claimed had caused allergic reactions.  The jury ruled that the sellers were negligent in failing to disclose a leaky roof that caused the mold.  Around the nation, juries have awarded damages in the hundreds of millions of dollars for mold lawsuits, not only against previous property owners, but also construction firms, engineers, architects, and others alleged to be responsible for mold problems.  In fact, mold lawsuits have been one of the fastest growing areas of litigation in recent years. 

A homeowner’s insurance policy usually covers mold damage only if it results from something sudden and accidental, such as a burst washing machine hose.  But if the root cause was a maintenance defect or neglect, mold removal most likely would not be covered.  Due to skyrocketing losses from mold and other water-related damage claims, some homeowner’s policies in 44 states have exclusions for mold and other water-related damage in standard policies, according to the Insurance Information Institute.  Homeowners facing this change have two options:  purchase extra insurance for mold in the form of a rider or take measures to prevent the problem from occurring.  Riders can cost from $50 to $1,400 per year, depending on the insurer and location, according to a spokesman for Tillinghast, the insurance-consulting unit of Towers Perrin.

     What to Do About Mold

Whenever water gets into a house-through a leak in the roof, a burst pipe, a hard rain seeping into the basement, etc.-the affected area must be dried completely within 48 hours (72 hours tops) to prevent mold.

Mold can also result from high humidity, but this problem can usually be solved with a dehumidifier.  Yet another cause of mold is clogged air-conditioning coils.  Ask a service technician to check the air-conditioning coil to make sure the condensation drain line is free flowing and the coils are clean.

Mold may be present in your basement without your knowing.  Hold a flashlight toward the floor so that the light shines down the wall but not directly at it.  Look for shadows cast by the fuzz of mold, usually in a band on the bottom of the wall.  Also look at the tack strip under carpeting for signs of rot and behind baseboards for mold.  If you find mold anywhere, it may be advisable to contact a professional for further assessment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold that covers an area smaller than a 3-by-3-foot square can be safely removed by a homeowner.  Many people use bleach on mold, but the EPA disagrees.  Bleach can kill mold, but the dead mold will remain and could cause the same allergic reactions as live mold.  Instead of bleach, just use detergent and water.  Detergent lifts the mold away.  Then dry the area as quickly as possible.   

For larger problems, you should consult a professional environmental consultant.  Fire and water damage restoration companies will provide free or low-cost assessments, too, but keep in mind there could be a conflict of interest with these companies.

For more information about mold, consult the EPA brochure, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.” It’s available online at www.epa.gov/mold.  For more in-depth information, see the EPA brochure “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” which also applies to homeowners.

Stay Dry with Sump Pump Coverage

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Outside a violent storm slams rain against your house, the streets fill with water, the rain rushes down the down spouts, but through it all you hear the comforting sound of the sump pump hard at work. Before going to bed, you check on the condition of the basement and find it remains dry. The sump pump is purring and easily removing the water rising in the pit. You sleep soundly.

The next morning, the storm has passed but you feel something is not quite right. You rush to the basement and find it completely flooded. The pump has broken down sometime during the night. You make a frantic call to your insurance agent to report the damage and what a relief when you learn you are covered — you elected sump pump protection with your homeowner’s policy.

Basements are areas that homeowners should never overlook when insuring their homes. Often valuable personal property is stored in basements, in addition to heating, cooling and refrigeration systems.

Subject to an additional premium and underwriting, homeowners’ policies may be endorsed to cover losses, either structural or personal property, caused by water that either backs up from a sewer or drain or overflows from a sump pump or similar system, even if the loss occurs from a mechanical breakdown of the sump pump (Damage caused by loss of electricity to the sump pump is not covered.). Such damage is normally excluded from basic homeowners’ policies. A deductible often applies to any occurrence covered by the endorsement and there is usually a maximum limit of liability for any loss.

Even with the sump pump or backup endorsement, water damage from flooding or from water below the ground’s surface continues to be excluded from homeowners’ policies. Most insurance policies are clear that if a flood is the cause directly or indirectly of the sewer back up or sump pump failure, the damage is not covered by either the homeowner’s policy or the sump pump endorsement.

But you can cover some of the losses from flooding by purchasing protection from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance program. This program will cover direct physical loss caused directly or indirectly by backups through sewers or drains; discharges or overflows from a sump pump or related equipment; or seepage or leaks on or through the insured property but only IF there is a general condition of flooding in the area and the flood is the proximate cause of the sewer or drain backup, sump pump discharge or overflow, or seepage of water.

Checking with your professional insurance agent and broker can forestall problems from water damage by making certain that you understand why you may need the optional coverages – sump pump and/or flood – to protect your home.

Sump Pump Tips

-A yearly check up of your sump pump can prevent problems in an emergency. A well functioning sump pump drains water from a pit and prevents water from overflowing into your basement.

-Check to see if any debris, garbage, or build up may have worked its way into the sump since the last time it was used.

-Connect a garden hose and fill the sump with water. If the pump does not start, you may need to replace the switch or even a fuse.

-While pumps do not have filters, they do have screens or small openings through which water flows. Check this area to make sure it is not plugged or clogged.

-While sump pumps are usually a good line of defense against flooding, under isolated conditions like a power outage, you may find yourself standing in knee-deep water surrounded by thousands of dollars worth of damage. If you live in an area where power outages are common, especially during severe thunderstorms, it may be worthwhile to invest in a generator to keep your sump pump operating.

Why Just One Speeding Ticket May Significantly Increase Your Auto Insurance Rates

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Most drivers drive faster than posted speed limits, at least now and then, and many speed every time they get behind the wheel.  It does not seem to matter that average speed limits across the country are higher now than they were a decade ago.  Whatever the speed limit is, a substantial percentage of drivers are going to push beyond it; whether it’s because they are running late, because they are not paying attention to their speed, because they have a new sports car or because they just plain enjoy driving fast, and so on.  Clearly, there are not enough highway patrol officers to give speeding tickets to all those who speed, which means that the odds always favor the speeder in terms of not getting caught and ticketed.  

Until they do have a speeding ticket, most drivers give little thought to how this may affect their auto insurance rates.  They may be in for an unpleasant surprise.  To the cost of the ticket itself may be added an even more expensive increase in their auto insurance rates.  In cases of extreme speeding, a driver’s cost for auto insurance could double even on a first offense.

Why do insurers often raise rates after only one speeding ticket?  It’s simple.  Numerous studies by highway safety experts show that “the faster you go, the more deadly it is,” says Jeanne Salvatore, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group. “There’s a higher possibility you’re going to cause a lot of damage to people or property.”

If you’re cited for speeding, your insurer may tack a temporary surcharge on your policy for three years.  At one large auto insurer, the surcharge may raise your rate by up to 26% the first year, then will gradually decline and disappear after three years, as long as you have no more moving violations.

The size and duration of the increase varies depending on several factors, including:

 

  • Your driving record and your relationship with the insurance company. Some insurers waive the surcharge if the customer has had a long relationship with the company and previously had a clean driving history.
  • Where you live. Insurance is regulated by the states, and different states have different laws regarding rate increases.  Some states don’t allow insurers to impose a surcharge for first-time speeding tickets, while others require insurers to raise rates for some speeding violations.  For example, a single male driver who lives in Phoenix and receives one speeding ticket will experience an average rate increase of 16%, but the same driver will pay no more if he lives in Philadelphia.
  • How much you were exceeding the speed limit.  An analysis by USA TODAY found that 10% of ticketed drivers in 2002 were “extreme speeders”-drivers who exceeded 90 mph or 15 mph above any speed limit.  Extreme speeding is considered reckless driving, a major violation. Even a first-time citation can more than double your insurance rates.

 

Speeding may also affect insurance rates other than for auto insurance.  Insurance companies may look at your driving record when deciding whether you’re a high-risk customer and could charge you higher rates for life, health, disability or long-term care insurance.

On average, auto insurance rates are expected to rise by 6% in 2004, following an estimated 8.5% increase in 2003, according to the Insurance Information Institute.  The average annual cost for auto insurance is estimated to be $898 this year, up $51 from 2003.  Avoiding speeding can keep your costs from going up even more.

Once upon a time in the ancient past-at least 30 years ago, anyway-there was a series of public service ads on television and radio with the overall message, “Speed kills.”  One showed a clock and then a car speedometer pushing up past 65: “Don’t try to catch this hand [the clock] with this one [the speedometer],” the announcer advised.  In other words, it might be better to be late than dead or seriously injured.  It’s been a long time since there was a public campaign aimed at getting America’s drivers to slow down and save lives.  But that doesn’t mean speeding is any safer.  Speeders are still more likely to have accidents injuring themselves and/or others than drivers who obey speed limits.  An increase in insurance rates caused by speeding is troublesome, but even worse is the increased risk of death or serious injury.

So-Called “Rugged” SUVs Sustain Costly Damage in Minor Accidents

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Let’s say you are in your 2003 Honda Pilot SUV backing out of a parking space and accidentally back right into another car.  Or you’re driving your 2003 Chrysler Pacifica into a gas station and you swipe a low pole you did not see.  Or you are in your 2003 model Infiniti FX35 or your Cadillac SRX accelerating after coming to a complete stop and another vehicle slams into you.  What do all these accidents have in common?  They involve midsize SUVs driving slowly that sustain major bumper damage. It may come as a shock to learn that these seemingly minor fender benders can result in repair costs as high as $2,814.     

To look at the advertising, you would think SUVs are rugged, but the truth is few have bumpers designed to withstand even a minor bump in a low-speed collision. Eight of nine 2003 midsize SUVs earned poor or marginal ratings for bumper performance in 5 mph crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Among the nine vehicles tested only the 2003 Honda Pilot is equipped with bumpers that resisted major damage. The Pilot earned an acceptable rating. The 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor, 2003 Nissan Murano, and 2004 Lexus RX 330 are all rated marginal. The 2003 Toyota 4Runner, 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, 2003 Infiniti FX35, 2004 Cadillac SRX, and 2003 Kia Sorento are all rated poor.

The Institute’s series of four bumper tests includes front- and rear-into-flat-barrier plus front-into-angle-barrier and rear-into-pole impacts. The tests assess how well bumpers can prevent damage in 5 mph impacts simulating the fender-bender collisions that are common in commuter traffic and parking lots. A good bumper system absorbs the energy of these minor impacts and protects expensive body panels, headlamp systems, and other components from damage.

Most of the tested vehicles sustained major damage in minor collisions at a fast walking speed.  Average damage per test ranged from about $400 for the Pilot to more than $1,600 for the Sorento and SRX. Of the 33 current midsize SUVs the Institute has tested for bumper performance, 23 are rated poor, 6 are rated marginal, and 4 are acceptable. None of those tested are rated good.

Three of the poor performers had the largest damage costs in the rear-into-pole test. The rear bumpers on the Chrysler Pacifica, Cadillac SRX, and Kia Sorento were not robust enough to keep damage away from the vehicles’ body parts and sheet metal.  Repair costs in the pole test were about $2,200 for the Sorento and more than $2,800 each for the Pacifica and the SRX. In each case, the tailgate was crushed and needed to be replaced.

The Sorento and SRX were the worst performers overall: Damage to these two vehicles totaled more than $6,500 in all four tests. Even in the front and rear flat-barrier tests, which are the least demanding because the crash energy is spread across the whole bumper, the Kia had repair bills of more $1,000.                       

Infiniti FX35 and Toyota 4Runner also rated poor. After the front-corner test on the Infiniti, more than $2,000 damage was calculated — much of it under the bumper cover. The bumper bar was cracked and bent, the radiator support was broken, and the headlamp assembly needed to be replaced. In the same test on the 4Runner the right fender buckled and the headlamp was crushed in part because the bumper is too short and leaves the corners of the front end unprotected.

The Honda Pilot was the only SUV tested that the Institute rated as having acceptable bumpers. Only the Pilot is equipped with bumpers that did a reasonable job of preventing damage to the vehicle.                   

There are the same inadequate bumpers on many other vehicles.  Of course, auto insurers must factor in the high risk of expensive bodywork for minor accidents when they set insurance premiums, so these costs get passed along to consumers in their auto insurance premiums.  “It’s not difficult or expensive to build a decent bumper,” says Adrian Lund, the Institute’s chief operating officer. “The Honda bumper system isn’t great, but it’s the best of a sorry lot. It shows that manufacturers can build SUVs with bumper systems that prevent costly damage in a minor collision.”