With several storms hitting the country in the past few weeks there might be quite a bit of snow on your roof. The question: Can your roof handle it? The answer: It depends. According to Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, your roof should be able to support 20 pounds per square foot of snow. Of course, we don’t expect you to climb up and weigh it. Instead, we’ve created a guide to help you determine how much snow is actually on your roof.
Read MoreYour fireplace probably functions like a decorative part of your home rather than a heat source for most of the year. You may even go years without using it. Wood-burning and gas fireplaces need routine chimney inspections to ensure the area is clear, clean and safe for use. But how can you tell when to schedule a chimney inspection?
Read MoreYou go to start your car, but when you engage the ignition, your car won’t start — and your stomach sinks. If your car won’t start, it’s often due to a malfunction of either the battery or the alternator. If it’s one of those things, recognizing which one can be relatively simple.
Read MorePreventing roof damage to keep your family comfortable and secure all winter long is easier than it looks. Today’s homeowners don’t even need to get on their roofs to take necessary precautions. Here are ten timely tips to prevent roof damage as temperatures drop.
Read MoreEach year, 24% of weather-related car accidents happen on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement, and 15% occur during snowfall or sleet. Additionally, these types of accidents kill over 1,300 people and injure more than 116,800 people annually. Fortunately, winterizing your car can help you avoid accidents and troubling situations while driving during the colder months.
Read MoreWe would like to invite you to the Second Annual Back The Badge charity event on November 18th. We all know our police departments are having a very tough time with the rising crime rates and lack of support. We created a way to show our support by sending officers to the best training camp in the country so they can better protect themselves and the communities they serve more efficiently. Read on to learn more.
Read MoreIn the wake of major storms, the used vehicle market is often inundated with flood-damaged cars and trucks, many of which are cleaned and transported to other parts of the country to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. Keep reading to learn more about the potential problems that accompany flood-damaged vehicles and how to avoid being tricked into buying one.
Read MoreLeaky pipes, burst water heaters and soaked carpets are common home disasters that can stem from the same culprit: plumbing. You might think that you don’t need to worry about plumbing-related problems because you carry a homeowners policy. You’re partially right. However, most homeowners policies exclude coverage for some of the most serious and damaging plumbing disasters.
Read MoreAs the seasons start to change, it’s the perfect time to prep your home for the colder months by getting ahead on your home maintenance. Tackling a few tasks now can help you reduce energy costs and avoid property damage during winter, allowing you and your family to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Read our home maintenance checklist and learn tips on cleaning gutters, prepping your lawn, sealing cracks, and more.
Read MoreMost people can expect their homeowners insurance rates to go up this year — along with the cost of materials and supplies — in this economy. Several factors are behind the rising rates. Increasing frequency of severe weather events are causing more serious damage and more costly insurance claims. The rising cost of building materials, supply chain issues and unfilled jobs due to COVID-19 disruptions are driving up the costs of home repairs.
Read MoreMany panic when they see water leaking from the roof. The first instinct may be to fix it yourself to save a few bucks. However, roof leaks can cause significant damage to a home if the underlying cause isn’t discovered and repaired properly. Knowing how to prevent a leaking roof and what to do when your roof is leaking may save you time and money.
Read MoreA difference in conditions insurance policy is designed to cover losses that aren’t covered under a homeowner’s standard insurance policy. While a homeowner’s insurance policy covers essential parts of protecting property and belongings, potential gaps in coverage, especially in rural areas where different types of insurance only protect against natural disasters, can occur.
Read MoreIf you’ve noticed gas, sulfur, sweet, or burning smells coming from your car that you can’t get rid of, it may be time to bring your car to a mechanic for repair. These smells could be a sign of more serious problems with your car’s engine, such as overheating. Here are some types of smells to look out for and the car problems that are associated with them.
Read MoreSometimes, a basic homeowners policy just isn’t enough. So as your career advances and your income increases, it’s important to keep your insurance protection up to date. This helps you avoid expensive gaps in coverage and prevents you from paying too much out of pocket in case of a claim.
Read MoreCar theft is a frustrating occurrence no vehicle owner should have to deal with. Unfortunately, it’s becoming more common. Car theft is on the rise faster than ever with around a 16.5% increase in 2021 compared to 2019. There are many safety measures you can take to prevent car thefts in addition to tips for protecting yourself from the effects of a car theft.
Read MoreNavigating the roads as a new driver is an adjustment for parents and teens. Learn how to create a parent teen driving contract and gain confidence as the teenage driver in your home learns the rules of the road through teen driving lessons.
Read MoreIf you’re thinking of buying a home, the current housing market is less than desirable for potential homeowners. Housing inventory is low, home interest rates are rising, and buyer competition is as intense as ever. All of these factors beg the question: Should I rent or buy a house?
Read MoreDeductibles have been an essential part of the insurance contract for many years. Understanding the role deductibles play when insuring a vehicle or home is integral to getting the most out of your insurance policy. Know how your deductibles work to prevent surprise costs—and save money.
There is a good chance that you will need long-term care at some point in your life. Long-term care insurance can be important to help you have more choice and flexibility, as well as the type of quality care you want. Long-term care insurance can cover a variety of different services and be used to help pay for home health care, nursing home costs, adult daycare, and other qualifying services.
Read MoreLike any residence, your vacation home needs to be insured—but because the risks are different, the coverage might cost more than your primary homeowners policy. Before you leap into second-home ownership, consider the factors that will likely affect the price you’ll need to pay for insuring it.
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