We’ve all known that paper files and Post-It notes weren’t going to cut it for much longer. But before Zoom became a household name, an IT department may have seemed more like a luxury than a necessity. As we all scrambled to adapt, technology has become an integral part of the workday for...
“You get what you pay for”—how true that is with insurance. Sadly, though, a lot of what we see from new customers are insurance policies that are all bun and no burger. This raises the question: what elements should every insurance policy have?
As the Internet of Things continues to grow, so do opportunities for devious hackers. A multi-national warning has been issued regarding our home and business network devices—think modems, WiFi routers, and repeaters. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has noted a large-scale attack launched against specific network devices. So together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), they’ve issued a Technical Alert warning everyone about ongoing cyber exploitation.
Far from Home Alone style, cybercasing brings crime into the 21st. Today’s criminals use your trusty devices against you. Tech-savvy bad guys let you do their work for them via geotagging, social media “check-ins,” and easily-identifiable features in posted pictures. Make a conscious choice to hold some key personal info close to the vest. That’s one simple way to protect yourself and those you love—case closed.
If you’re struggling to meet the costs of owning a home, finding an affordable insurance policy may seem daunting. So we did the research for you. Read on to learn what affects the price of homeowners insurance and how you can save.
The average life policy is underinsured by over $300,000. What’s really scary is that many people completely opt out of life insurance because of the perceived costs and confusion involved. Still others have found that they couldn't be without their life policy Life insurance can make your family’s future dreams, plans, and goals achievable. We're happy to say that finding the right policy doesn't have to be an impossible task.
Driving uninsured is treading on dangerous ground. But for many, cost is the primary concern. So what determines the price of auto insurance and how can you save? Read on to get the inside scoop.
Everyone wants to save money. And as the cost of living increases, scouting out deals is becoming like a second (or third, or fourth) job for some. So when it comes to insurance, how can you get the most bang for your buck? What determines the price of insurance anyway?
Some say that experience is the best teacher. Others might argue that it depends on the nature of the lesson. Yet, when it comes to new drivers, there’s little controversy: learning from others’ experience is critical for both parents and teens. Happily, we can help with some of that—at least the insurance part. So how about a little back-to-class peace of mind?
It may not seem true, but your baby is now an adult. As your child flies away to college and all it brings, be sure a wide, strong safety net is at the ready. And as you traverse new pathways, trust that you can lean on our experience. Here are a couple of questions that will likely surface: Since my child is now an “adult” and will be away from home most of the year, should I still list him or her on my auto policy? My child will be attending college out of state. How can I be sure our policy will cover any accidents that occur while my child is away at school?
From social to secular, your favorite college student is headed for a learning curve. While they’re busy hitting books and hanging out, take some time and do a little learning of your own. Here’s an auto insurance question we know you’re asking: I know that the risk posed by a young driver is high and our premiums still reflect that. Are there any discounts I can look into?
Part of the college experience is for a student to experience living ‘on their own.’ But all that extra elbow room could leave serious coverage gaps. Mom and Dad, make sure you’re asking these questions: Since my child will be living on campus, how can I protect all the things taken to school or bought there? Does insurance coverage differ when a student lives in off-campus, rented housing?
In any discussion about insuring teens and college students, the topic isn’t complete without delving into distraction. That’s because distracted driving takes a heavy toll on both age groups—society’s youngest drivers. Available resources can help you to stop distracted driving before it starts, and your family insurance agent is totally behind that. In fact, your agent is a key player in the fight against distracted driving. Get in touch and learn how you can have plenty of rewards without taking risks.
Experience is the best teacher, whether it’s yours or ours. So if you’re new to the world of teen driving, lean on this accumulated knowledge. Here’s a question you’ve likely pondered: Now that my teenager is driving, do I have to list them on my auto insurance policy, or should I take out a separate policy just for them?
New drivers (and their parents) do well to draw on others’ experience. Embarking on this new journey can be scary—we completely understand. So check in for a reliable answer to a commonly asked question: What level of coverage should we carry, now that our son/daughter is listed on our policy?
Do you have a new driver at home? That can be stressful—we totally get it. Feel free to pull from our accumulated knowledge, and see what you can learn. For instance, have you ever asked: It’s expensive to have my son/daughter on my policy; are there any discounts I can take advantage of to lighten the load?
From a customer standpoint, it may seem like the shortest path to saving money is to switch insurance companies. Which raises the question: Is there any value in being a long-time customer of an insurance company? Or what is the return on investment in loyalty—if that even exists anymore? The answer is not always clear. As an agent—the professional who connects you with a company—the answer is definitely a “yes.”
Hook, line, and sinker—phishing scams are always in season. And anywhere you’d hunt for jobs can be under attack. With disasters rendering thousands jobless, the basic need for employment could turn to desperation. That low ebb of emotion provides ideal phishing conditions. Wherever the compass points, phishers are trolling—don’t get hooked!
According to usual patterns, insurance agents typically speak with clients only two or three times in a year. Of course when there’s a problem or an urgent need, these calls are focused solely on resolution. Unfortunately, they provide little opportunity to review coverage suggestions that could both enhance your insurance and increase your agent’s value. When interactions with your agent are less problem-based, more time can be spent using these conversations to keep you informed.
It seems odd, the things we measure these days. Or at least the things we have to measure to ensure we’re doing what we should. And if you’re anything like me—far too many conversations these days revolve around “getting your steps in.” So what are we really measuring? Why is it so important? And how does an activity tracker relate to insurance?
Yards are teeming with spring blossoms, and torrential rain showers are just a normal part of the year’s cycle. But our modern, non-porous living spaces—think cemented or paved driveways, walkways and patios—can’t handle the downpours. When these and other factors collide, we can see flash floods, sewer drain backup, or sump pump overflow.
Are the insurance agents of days past still around? In today’s tech-centric world, it’s arguable that we don’t need them. But we’d argue that a good old-fashioned agent still has a place in today’s advancing industry.
Wild, unpredictable weather patterns call for preparation and forethought. Especially now, as abundant spring showers spur on summer growth, damage from hail—rain’s favorite cousin—crops up as a real threat. In fact, flooding and hail are the top two of five common dangers that regularly damage homes nationwide.
You’re a savvy homeowner—you likely realize the serious flood threat that spring rains can pose. And you may even be aware of hail’s sneaky tricks. Since those two are the top annual sources of damage to homes across the U.S., we’d say you’re up on things. Clearly, there’s a lot at stake. So let’s shift from possible dangers to ways you can prevent damage to your home should flooding or hail storms strike. As always, protection and prevention go hand in hand.
Insurance questions are always “and” issues when you turn off the marketing noise and commit to a little work with the right agent. In the 21st century of insurance, you absolutely can have it all. Every insurance product you select can and should have built-in options for those times you’ll inevitably want or need them.
