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.
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.
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.
No one enjoys worry. But someone of your insurance-savvy ilk knows that informed concern leads to sound decisions, especially when safety and security are in view. So let's broaden that vista—and our understanding—with a plunge into the wide world of the aptly named "umbrella" insurance. We’ll learn the ins and outs, and come to see both how umbrella coverage reaches further, protects more, and why that’s so very necessary for each one of us.
Crisp, cool mornings mean fall is on its way, and students are back in class. But with this year's projects and papers already looming, your favorite students probably aren't thinking about protecting what's theirs. So let's talk it out and see how back-to-college can mean taking a fresh look at your insurance.
Whether a distant memory or yesterday's ordeal, ultimately, buying your home was worth it. You have a place that's truly your own. And while, over the years, your home's intrinsic value compounds, you can't always say the same for its market value. So when your homeowner's policy comes time to renew, and your provider's valuation outstrips your home's current market value, questions could surface—and then linger. Why doesn't my insurance provider have it right? Where's the discrepancy? Am I getting a fair shake? Good questions -- Let's get those answered.
Not just for businesses. In the event of natural disaster, fire or theft, a comprehensive accounting of personal property is priceless. Yet who of us can itemize by rote what's stashed in the living room, let alone the attic, hall closets, basement, etc.? Especially when it comes to determining replacement value on damaged, destroyed or "irreplaceable" items, your annually-updated inventory could save you.
Many of our customers have described reading their homeowner’s policy as equivalent to having a tooth pulled! We agree that it can be a challenge and would like to help. Thus, we give you a collection of explanations and suggestions to streamline the process.
