If you lost your home in a fire, how much would it cost to rebuild it? The answer may be different than you think. And if your home isn’t insured to its full replacement cost, your homeowners policy may not cover the full cost for you to rebuild it in the event of a covered loss.
Read MoreWhenever you're buying car insurance or filing a claim, the term “deductible” has probably come up, and maybe you’re unsure what it is or how it works. We’ll dive deeper into deductibles and why they’re an important factor when determining your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
Read MoreEvery winter, snow blowers save the backs of thousands of people. You can clear a driveway and walkway much faster with a snow blower than you can with a shovel. And although you can spend a lot on a snow blower, you can also find a new one for under $200. There are drawbacks, though, especially when we ignore snow blower safety protocols.
Read MoreThe Highway Loss Data Institute late last year reported that bargain-priced vehicles were being targeted for theft at rates similar to muscle cars and SUVs, based on an analysis of 2021 insurance claims. This is due, in part, to the fact that the models being stolen don’t have electronic immobilizers that stop thieves from bypassing the ignition. Thefts of vehicles or components like catalytic converters only increase that pressure to raise rates.
Read MoreWith 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.
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