Dear Valued Customers,

It’s been a crazy year and we hope this newsletter finds you well. Today, we bring you a crucial legislative update that impacts Underground Storage Tank (UST) owners and operators in California. Assembly Bill 1115 (AB 1115) has been enacted, extending the deadline for the UST Cleanup Fund and related programs.
Key Provisions of AB 1115:

1. •    Extension of Cleanup Fund and Companion Programs: AB 1115 extends the UST Cleanup Fund and companion programs, including Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading (RUST) grants and loans, through January 1, 2035.
   
2. •    Financial Responsibility Mechanism Extension: UST owners and operators will now be able to use the UST Cleanup Fund as a financial responsibility mechanism until December 31, 2034.
   

     For further details or inquiries related to AB 1115, we encourage you to visit the official California State Legislature website or contact the relevant regulatory authorities. We will continue to keep you updated on developments that may impact your business or industry.

Roofing Maintenance Reminder:

     We also want to take a moment to remind our valued customers about the importance of maintaining your building's roofing system. ALL insurance companies are now asking, on buildings that are over 30 years old, when was the roof either updated or replaced.

A well-maintained roof is crucial for safeguarding your investment and ensuring the longevity of your property.
Key Roofing Maintenance Tips:

1. Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to identify any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues. Early detection can prevent more extensive and costly repairs.
   
2. Clean Gutters and Drains: Ensure that gutters and drains are free from debris to prevent water buildup and potential damage to your roofing system.
   
3. Address Leaks Promptly: If you notice any leaks or water stains inside your building, address them promptly. Ignoring leaks can lead to more significant issues and compromise the integrity of your roof.
   
4.  Trim Overhanging Branches: Overhanging branches can cause damage to your roof, especially during storms or high winds. Trim branches to prevent them from scraping or puncturing the roofing material.
   
5. Professional Roofing Inspections: Consider hiring a professional roofing contractor for comprehensive inspections and maintenance. They can provide expert guidance on the state of your roof and recommend necessary repairs or upgrades.
   

A well-maintained roof not only protects your property but also gets you in better favor with the insurance carriers. We encourage you to prioritize roofing maintenance as part of your ongoing building management strategy.

We thank you for your business and wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving  

Dear valued customer;

With the rainy season upon us, we feel it’s a good time to re-address this very important issue;  Where insurance companies exclude claims that arise from normal wear and tear and/or improper maintenance.

Sometimes we think “Well, I’ve been paying all this money every year for insurance, therefore, I should be covered on any claim” unfortunately, this is not a valid argument.   ALL insurance companies exclude these type of claims which arise out of normal wear and tear and/or improper maintenance.

Examples of excluded wear/tear claims and improper maintenance claims:

•    Monument sign blew down and fell during heavy wind storm – after the insurance company did their investigation, they determined that the reason the sign fell was due to the fact that the base of sign had severely rusted and deteriorated over the years.  And if it was maintained properly, it would not have fallen down. The insurance company declined coverage.
•    Water pipe burst underground and caused severe damage – after the insurance company investigation, it was determined that the reason the pipe burst, was due to it being old and corroded. So the insurance company declined coverage.
•    During a heavy rain storm, water ran down the inside wall of the mini mart and did damage to walls and equipment. When the insurance company completed their investigation, they found that the drains on the roof were plugged, which then allowed the water to build up and spill over the water proofing material causing the leak inside the store. It was determined that if the drains were maintained properly and kept clean, this damage would not have occurred.  The claim was declined.

So, what’s the moral of this story:  Make sure to check and clean those gutters periodically, also check all your property periodically, and repair anything showing significant wear/tear BEFORE you find out the hard way and have your claim denied to due avoidable negligence.

We hope you find this information useful.  If you would like to add any thought to this subject, or have any suggestions you would like to know about for future newsletters, we would love to hear from you.  Your input is always welcome and appreciate.