3 Home Renovations to Consider This Year 4 Mar 2022, 5:24 pm

Have you been thinking about taking on a home renovation project?

Whether you want to boost your home’s value, make it more comfortable or find peace of mind with safety and security upgrades, now is a good time to get started.

Here are a few popular home renovations for 2022. Which ones are at the top of your list?

Fresh Colors

If you want to make a noticeable change without tearing down any walls or spending too much time or money, refreshing your home with paint could be the answer. Check out the major paint companies’ colors of the year for inspiration and consider painting an accent wall, your kitchen cabinets or your home office.

New Windows

New windows can give your home a facelift, reduce the noise from outside and make your room brighter. On a more practical note, they can also help keep the cold and heat out and reduce your energy bills.

Need a more affordable alternative to completely replacing your windows? Energy-efficient window coverings can add to your long-term savings and comfort.

Safety Features

Now more than ever, many homeowners are focused on feeling safe and comfortable at home. Weather-resistant upgrades or new roofing could help you protect your property from the elements, while innovations in smart technology can make your home more secure.

Note: Some of these upgrades can also lead to homeowners insurance discounts.

Even if you don’t have plans to renovate or improve your home this year, reach out anytime to make sure you have enough property coverage in place. 

How Umbrella Insurance Can Protect You 4 Mar 2022, 5:23 pm

Your auto and home or renters insurance is there to protect you in the event of an accident — but are you sure you have enough liability coverage?

Adding an umbrella policy, which goes above and beyond existing policies, could be a smart decision.

Learn more about an umbrella policy, including examples of when you might need one and how to get started.

What is umbrella insurance?

Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection on top of what your automobile, homeowners or renters policy covers.

For example, if someone sues you for a covered event and the loss exceeds your policy’s liability limit, your umbrella policy can cover those extra expenses.

What does umbrella insurance cover?

Here’s another example: You’re driving home when a cyclist swerves out of the bike lane — and you can’t react fast enough to avoid hitting them.

The cyclist sustains injuries and sues for medical expenses and lost wages. Unfortunately, your auto insurance policy maxes out in liability coverage, and the cyclist is seeking payment. Fortunately, you have an umbrella policy, so you don’t have to worry.

Not only will an umbrella policy help in a situation like this,  you’ll have the same benefits if someone is injured while visiting your home.

Who needs umbrella insurance?

Umbrella insurance can be a valuable tool if you have assets to protect.

It can also provide quite a bit of coverage relative to the price, because you may need to carry the maximum liability coverage available for your auto, homeowners or renters policy before you can purchase an umbrella policy.

Get in touch today to discuss adding an umbrella policy or anything else.

3 Trends in Car-Buying You Need to Know 4 Mar 2022, 5:21 pm

Let’s face it: Buying a car has never been easy.

If you’re looking for a better way to shop for a new vehicle, you’ll want to learn about recent trends in car-buying that may be changing the market for good.

Here’s what to know about today’s hot car market and what these changes can mean for your auto insurance policy.

3 Car-Buying Trends to Know

1. There’s a chip shortage. 

Computer chips, wiring harnesses, plastics and glass are in short supply — and some experts expect this shortage to continue through 2022. Prices may continue to be high because of the reduced supply in new vehicles.

2. Used cars are in high demand. 

With fewer new cars available, used vehicles are becoming more popular. Prepare for a competitive market: You may have to search longer, pay more and make faster buying decisions compared to a couple years ago. If you have good credit, low-rate financing can help alleviate sticker shock.

3. It may be easier to buy a car online. 

Online car sellers can spare you a trip to a dealership. Car vendors are increasingly offering to let you view detailed photos, make a purchase and fill out car-buying paperwork online. Some sellers even offer fixed prices, so there’s no stressful negotiation process or uncertainty about what you’ll pay. You may even be able to have your new car delivered to your home.

What does this mean for your auto insurance?

Since most cars are more expensive now, there’s a possibility that your premiums could be a bit higher. Also, if you buy a car and already have auto insurance, you’ll have a short grace period to add your new vehicle to your policy.

Reach out anytime to update your coverage, ask questions about your insurance or discuss anything else.

What Basic Homeowners Insurance Covers 4 Mar 2022, 5:20 pm

Do you know what’s covered by your homeowners policy? Or that you can purchase additional coverage for more protection?

Even if your current policy meets your needs, it’s always a good idea to learn about your options, especially as we start a new year.

Here’s what you should know about standard homeowners insurance (and when you might need to supplement it).

What does standard homeowners insurance cover?

• Structure of the Home: If a tree falls onto your property, for example, your policy may cover the damage.
• Personal Belongings: Also known as contents coverage, your policy may help replace items (such as furniture) after a loss.
• Liability Coverage: If someone slips on your porch and hurts themselves, your policy may protect you financially.
• Additional Living Expenses: If extensive damage keeps you from living in your home, your policy can help you afford short-term housing during repairs.

If you’d like a more detailed list of what’s covered by your policy, reach out anytime.

Do you need additional coverage?

Every home is different, which is why it’s important to carefully review your options to make sure you’re considering your property’s unique needs.

Your policy may not cover:

• Flooding: You’ll need a separate policy for flood insurance.
• Property Wear and Tear: Protect your home by completing regular maintenance, because a poorly maintained structure may not be covered by your policy.
• Jewelry: You can purchase a rider to cover valuable pieces like wedding rings or family heirlooms.
• Collectibles: Do you have valuables or vintage items? Ask about special coverage.

While typical homeowners insurance offers many benefits, additional coverage can help give you and your family more peace of mind.

Do you have any questions? Or are you ready to check in about your 2022 coverage needs? Get in touch today.

Year-Round HVAC Upkeep Tips to Know 4 Mar 2022, 5:18 pm

Does your policy cover your HVAC system? Your insurance may only cover damage due to unexpected hazards, not normal wear and tear. That means it’s up to you to keep your system in good shape.

Regular maintenance can keep your unit running safely and smoothly and save you the cost of a repair bill. Learn which HVAC tasks you can do yourself and when you might want to call in a professional.

And if you want to know more about your coverage (or what you can add on), reach out anytime.

The Benefits of Maintaining Your HVAC System 

Routine inspections can identify minor problems before they become more significant issues. For example, if your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant, it’s better to find out you have a slow leak and get it fixed before the system fails on a warm day.

Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself

Check your air filters and replace them as needed. Dust buildup can cause increased energy usage, a shorter equipment life span and more frequent breakdowns due to poor airflow and overheating.

Filters usually need to be replaced every one to three months, depending on the filter quality, your home’s air quality and how often you run your system.

When to Call in a Pro

It’s best to have your system professionally serviced at least once a year. An expert has the tools and experience to test and maintain your unit for safety.

Plus, a pro can access systems in challenging locations like a cramped attic and perform tasks such as:

• looking for leaks, cracks and corrosion
• cleaning dust, dirt and debris
• lubricating moving parts
• checking electrical connections
• calibrating the thermostat

If you know someone who may need a friendly reminder to get their HVAC system serviced, feel free to share this newsletter with them.

We’re always here to help if you have questions about protecting your property or vehicle.

4 Easy Solutions for a Cluttered Space 4 Mar 2022, 5:16 pm

Have you been meaning to give your space a deep clean? Do you want to get more organized before the holidays? It might be time to declutter.

And cleaning up around the house doesn’t have to be an overwhelming project. You can take your time going room by room to purge and put away all your belongings slowly.

Not sure where to start? Follow this guide to decluttering your home.

Start Small

First, remember to take it one step at a time.

Set a timer for 30 minutes, then focus on one area of your home. Maybe you’ve been meaning to clean up your entryway or reorganize your closet. Work only in your chosen space instead of trying to tackle your whole house at once.

Sort and Label

Once you’ve picked your area, sort your items into three piles:

• Keep what you need, such as important documents and sentimental items
• Donate what you don’t use, including clothing and furniture
• Toss or repurpose broken and torn items

Get Organized

After you’ve made your donation pile, it’s time to organize what’s left behind. This could require new shelving or storage baskets. The important thing is that you’re able to find your belongings (and keep them organized) more easily from now on.

Clean Up

Nothing feels better than a newly decluttered home. Sweep or vacuum the floor, clean surfaces and organize as you go through each room.

A decluttered home is more comfortable and may be easier to maintain. After tending to your space, you might also work on updating your home inventory list.

Have questions about your insurance policy or anything else? Reach out today.

How to Protect Your Car From a Break-In 4 Mar 2022, 5:15 pm

Unfortunately, car break-ins happen, but you can take steps to minimize your risk and keep your vehicle and belongings safe.

By taking a few minutes to review these tips now, you could avoid the hassle of repairing (or replacing) your car later.

Here are 10 smart ways to keep your vehicle safe from theft.

Don’t Make a Break-In Easy

• Lock your car and never leave it running unattended, even if you’re just heading inside your home for a minute.
• Close your windows and sunroof when you’re not in the car.
• Take your key fob with you, and don’t leave a spare house or car key hidden in your vehicle.

Plan Ahead (Even in Your Neighborhood)

• Stow valuables in your trunk.
• Avoid driving or parking in high-crime areas. If you’re driving to an unfamiliar destination, research your route ahead of time.
• Seek out well-lit parking spots, garages and lots. And if you park in your driveway at night, consider installing a motion-sensor light.

Hide What’s Important

• Don’t leave anything a thief might want, including spare change, shopping bags or other personal belongings.
• Take your garage door opener, wallet, purse, phone and keys out of your car. If necessary, hide your items — but not in an obvious place like the center console.
• Keep your vehicle title in the house and your registration in your wallet.

What to Do After a Crime

If you’re the victim of a vehicle break-in or theft, take photos of the damage, file a police report and reach out for help filing an insurance claim.

We can also help you be more proactive. Get in touch to learn about additional coverage for your vehicle or home.

5 Essentials for a Home Emergency Kit 4 Mar 2022, 5:14 pm

If you ever needed to evacuate or shelter in place, would you be prepared?

You can’t always predict things like severe weather or power outages. But you can prepare for the unexpected by packing a home emergency kit for you and your family.

Review this list of must-have items, then get in touch to make sure your home has enough coverage to bring you peace of mind.

• First-Aid Kit: In addition to bandages, gauze, antiseptic and petroleum jelly, keep an extra supply of pain relievers, stomach soothers and prescription medications for all the people and pets in your home.
• Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (preferably with charging capability) may be good options. A radio may be the best way to get local news in an emergency that affects cellular and internet services.
• Lights: A flashlight will do, but a headlamp or lantern can also be helpful. Make sure to have extra batteries and backup lights, such as candles and lighters or waterproof matches.
• Water and Nonperishable Food: Pack at least three days’ worth of water and nonperishable goods. Protein bars are compact and may provide you with more energy. And don’t forget about food and water for your pets.
• Miscellaneous Items: Cash, personal documents and paper maps might not seem essential now, but they could come in handy. Other nice-to-have items include duct tape, cleaning products and a multitool.

Together, we can make sure you have the right protection for your home and car so your losses are limited in case of unexpected events.

Reach out if you have questions about what’s covered in your policy or anything else.

6 Steps to Take After a Car Accident 4 Mar 2022, 5:12 pm

We never expect to get in a car accident. And even though accidents are common, they feel like a big deal when they happen to us.

It’s natural to experience shock, anger, fear and other emotions in the moment and after the fact. But, preparing in advance can help make a collision more manageable.

If you’re ever involved in a car accident, taking these six steps can help you better handle the experience.

Step 1: Make sure no one is hurt. 

Call 911 if you, another driver, any passengers or any bystanders need immediate medical attention.

Step 2: Keep everyone safe. 

The accident scene can be a hazard for other drivers. If the collision is minor, move the vehicles to the side of the road or the nearest parking lot. If the accident is major, carefully exit your car and walk to a safe place.

Step 3: Call the police. 

Ideally, law enforcement will come to the scene quickly and take an official report. However, the local police department may not have the resources to respond to a minor accident, in which case you can file a police report yourself later.

Step 4: Gather necessary information. 

Use your phone’s camera or a pen and paper to note the other driver’s name, address, phone number and insurance information. Record the other vehicle’s license plate, vehicle identification number, make and model.

Step 5: Document the accident. 

Take photos, videos and voice recordings to capture vehicle damage, road conditions and any details you remember about the events leading up to the crash.

Step 6: File a claim. 

Get in touch as soon as possible to get your claim started. We can work to get your car repaired or replaced and minimize the disruption to your life.

Reach out if you have questions about your accident coverage or anything else.

Get to Know 3 Home Security Innovations 4 Mar 2022, 5:11 pm

Do you ever leave your home and second-guess if you locked the front door? When you’re in a rush, security isn’t always the first thing on your mind.

We all want to protect our homes and our valuables from a break-in. And you may already have a home security system, but do you know about the latest technology that could make your property more secure and easier to manage?

Here’s a look at three recent innovations in home security.

• Secure Home Access: Now, you can unlock your front door with your fingerprint. Smart locks aren’t inherently more secure than regular locks. But if you often forget to lock up, a smart lock’s programming and accessibility through your smartphone can help you keep your home more secure (and you don’t have to worry about anyone guessing your PIN).
• Compatible Smart Home Devices: If you find it annoying to have one app to control your thermostat, another for your light timers, and another for your alarm system, know that improvements are on the way. A project called Matter, set to launch before the end of this year, should allow consumers to operate more devices using a single system.
• Intruder-Sensitive Cameras: Some outdoor security cameras can tell the difference between someone who is just going for a walk down your street or delivering a package and someone who is hanging around for too long. The camera can sound a warning tone to scare off potential criminals and send a lurker alert to your phone.

A home security system could make you eligible for a property insurance discount, too. Get in touch today to discuss your policy or anything else.