Umbrella Insurance

No matter what else winter may bring, you’re probably experiencing lower temperatures this time of year. That’s why this season can bring a specific set of challenges for your home and car. Snow and ice, heating systems, fire safety, pipes and tires should all be top of mind during the colder months. Keep reading for 12 tips on staying safe at home and on the road when the thermostat is at its lowest. Stay Safe and Warm at Home Heat : Have your heating system inspected or serviced annually. If you have a fireplace, have it and the chimney professionally cleaned before you light your first fire. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors : Make sure they are all working; if not, replace the batteries or install replacements. Gutters : Keep them as clear as you can throughout the cold weather season. Snow and Ice : If you get snow or ice, make sure to clear your sidewalk, driveway and entryway as soon as possible to prevent falls. Temperature : Even when you’re not home, keep your thermostat high enough to prevent the pipes from freezing (no lower than 55 degrees). Drive Safely This Winter Road Conditions : Adjust your driving to the weather. Slow down (or stay home) if it’s snowing or the roads are icy. Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads. Emergency Kit : Keep bottled water and snacks, a blanket, extra clothing, a flashlight and whatever else you may need if you get stranded in bad weather. Cover : If possible, keep your car in the garage or under a carport to save yourself the trouble of cleaning snow and ice from your vehicle. Tires : Before you drive in winter weather, check the treads and tire pressure to make sure your tires are in good condition. Battery : Cold weather can cause your battery power to plummet, so test it before any long drives. Wipers : Check your blades and replace them if necessary. You may even need winter wiper blades . Gas : Keep your car’s tank half full to prevent the gas line from freezing. If you have questions about winter safety or your insurance policies, reach out today.

No one wants to be in the position of filing a car or home insurance claim, but it may be necessary from time to time. Whether your home sustained damage or you were in an accident involving another vehicle, filing a claim starts the process of getting reimbursed. This may include repair costs, the value of lost or stolen property, or associated expenses (such as a rental car or hotel stay). Keep reading to learn when you should or shouldn’t file a claim and how the process works. When should you file a claim? Generally, it can be a good idea to file a claim on your homeowners or car insurance if: The damage is covered under your insurance policy. Someone was injured. The other driver is at fault, or the fault isn’t clear. Your home or vehicle is a total loss. Your car was damaged by something other than an accident, and you have comprehensive coverage. When is it not necessarily worth it to make a claim? There are times when you may not benefit from filing an insurance claim; for example, if the damage to your car or home isn’t covered by your policy. Additionally, if the damage is so minimal that it doesn’t meet your deductible or isn’t worth potentially higher premiums, you may not want to make a claim. Filing several claims in a short time frame could result in higher rates. How to File a Claim If you do decide to file a claim, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. You should provide photos and relevant details and respond to requests for additional information. Call the police if you’ve been in a car accident or if your home has been burglarized. Obtain a copy of the police report to submit with your claim. Stop using the damaged vehicle (or part of your home) until it can be inspected. You don’t want to cause further damage while your claim is active. Reach out if you have questions about your insurance coverage.

“Act of God” is a commonly used insurance term, but you may not know exactly what it means. When it comes to weather and other unpreventable events, it’s important to understand acts of God so you can protect your property by making sure you have the right insurance coverage. Keep reading to learn what an act of God is, the types of events that qualify and how it all factors into home and auto insurance policies. What does “act of God” mean? Simply put, an act of God (in property and car insurance policy terms) refers to events, such as extreme weather, that are out of your control. If it’s something you can’t prevent, it’s likely an act of God. What types of events qualify as an act of God? Examples of acts of God include windstorms, lightning strikes, hail storms, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. However, not every act of God is included in a standard insurance policy. You may need additional coverage. Does auto insurance cover acts of God? Car insurance will cover acts of God if you sign up for comprehensive coverage. This type of auto insurance covers natural disasters as well as other types of damage not caused by a collision. For example, if your car is vandalized or an animal runs out in front of you, comprehensive coverage can help you pay for repairs or a total loss. What about home insurance? A standard homeowners policy usually covers some acts of God. Flooding and earthquakes are two common exceptions. If you live in a flood zone or an area prone to earthquakes, you’ll need separate coverage for those natural disasters. Is an act of God the same as a force majeure?  The two terms are similar; however, the term force majeure is more commonly used in business and construction contracts. It refers to unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a contract from being fulfilled. Have questions about your insurance coverage for acts of God? Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to help.

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.

Are you prepping for a move? You might be wondering if you should make any changes to your home or auto insurance. While updating your paperwork might not be your top priority right now, doing so can keep you and your belongings protected during and after your move. You can start by adding your new address to your policy. Here are some other key things to consider. Home Your homeowners insurance premiums will differ when you move, even if you’re staying in the same area. Changes in home size, construction materials, natural hazards and property crime rates all affect policy costs. Reach out about your premium ahead of your move so you can budget accordingly. Possessions Consider whether you have enough coverage for all the furniture, electronics and other items you acquired since you purchased your policy. It’s easy to underestimate the value of your stuff.  Also, replacement cost coverage is more valuable than actual cash value coverage and may be worth the upgrade if you don’t have it already. Are your belongings covered while moving? Consult your policy or get in touch to find out. You may be able to purchase coverage from your movers or add it to your policy if you need it. Auto Your auto insurance premiums could also increase or decrease when you move. The risks of driving in your new location and parking at your new home may change because the weather, traffic and crime may be different. If you’re moving states, premium changes can be more pronounced. One reason is that minimum coverage laws vary by state. Changing location also means you’ll need to re-register your vehicle. Finally, avoid changing or canceling your current policies too early so you don’t have gaps in your protection. Do you have questions about your coverage while moving? Get in touch today.