Getting into a collision can be shocking and scary — and, unfortunately, most people will experience at least one in their lifetime.  While you can hope for the best, it’s also helpful to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Familiarize yourself with what to do following an accident so you can try to stay calm and collect the information you need if it happens. From checking on yourself and your passengers to filing a claim, here’s what you need to know about dealing with an accident. Make sure everyone’s okay. Examine yourself and any passengers for cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Take a moment to check for pain in your neck, shoulders, and other parts of your body. Move your vehicle. If you’re able, pull onto the shoulder to be safer and avoid blocking traffic. Call emergency responders. Dial 911 to report the accident and any injuries. The operator will dispatch emergency services as needed. It’s important to get a police report for your claim to provide evidence. Exchange information with the other driver. Regardless of how the accident happened, it’s good practice to exchange information with the other driver. Take pictures of their driver's license, insurance card, and license plates to help support your claim. Don’t assume fault. When talking to the police, the other driver, and witnesses, watch your words. You can answer the officer’s questions about what happened, but you don’t want to say you were at fault. The insurance investigation will make that determination. Take photos of the scene. This is another crucial step for your claim. Take pictures of your vehicle and the other car(s), as well as any visible injuries you and your passengers sustained. File an insurance claim. Finally, get in touch to start the claim process. If you need to seek medical treatment after the accident, keep a record of that. If your vehicle wasn’t towed from the scene, you can decide whether to take it to a body shop of your choice or an insurer-recommended one. Reach out if you need to file a claim, update your coverage, or have questions about your policy.

Flooring can make or break an entire room. For example, older carpeting can make a living room look smaller or less inviting, while newer hardwood flooring can open up the same living room and make it feel welcoming. Whether you’re making major renovations to your home or just want to change up the floors in one or two rooms, this guide can help you choose the right flooring materials for your needs, budget, and stylistic preferences.  Tile Ceramic or porcelain tile is a classic floor choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways because it’s waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. There are also a variety of colors and styles to choose from. However, tile can feel cold, and it’s prone to cracks or chips from dropped objects. Generally, ceramic is more affordable than porcelain. Carpet Carpeting can be a comfortable flooring choice for bedrooms and living areas. It’s relatively inexpensive, and there is a range of colors and materials to choose from. However, the carpet also shows wear and tear, including hard-to-remove stains. Hardwood This is a timeless choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. Many older houses come with hardwood flooring, which can be refinished to look like new. Installing new hardwood floors can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly manufactured options. These floors do require regular cleaning and protection, as they can be easily scratched and scuffed from furniture, children, and pets. Vinyl Vinyl is a popular flooring option for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic zones. With many styles to choose from, vinyl can mimic the look of wood or stone, plus it’s waterproof, long-lasting and inexpensive compared to other flooring options. Vinyl floors are easy to install, but they may not add much value to your home. Laminate Like vinyl, laminate flooring is affordable and made to resemble more expensive flooring options. However, it isn’t as durable, particularly in moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. If you’re curious about how renovations could impact your insurance coverage, reach out so we can discuss your situation.

Renters may be required to get a renters insurance policy. And even if it isn't, it’s a good idea to have renter's insurance to protect yourself against financial losses from property damage. Your landlord’s insurance covers the building and grounds, but it won’t help with your possessions. Is renters insurance new to you? Let’s break down the basics and answer some questions you may have. What does renters insurance cover? There are three categories of renters insurance coverage: Personal Property: Thi s includes furniture, electronics, clothes, and other possessions that are stolen or damaged by fire and other covered disasters. Liability Protection: If a guest in your rental home gets injured or suffers property damage, liability protection can help pay for medical bills, lost property, and legal fees. Additional Living Expenses: If you can’t stay in your rental home because of a covered disaster, this may help cover temporary costs of living such as a hotel room, meals, and other expenses. What doesn’t renters insurance cover? While renters insurance is fairly comprehensive, there are limits. Your coverage typically won’t include: Property damage or loss from floods, earthquakes, and other disasters not listed in your policy. Higher-value possessions such as jewelry, antiques, and artwork. Damage to the building or its systems, such as a sewer backup into your home. This is the landlord’s responsibility and should be covered by their policy. Damage or loss from your own deliberate acts or negligence. Pest infestations, such as mice or bedbugs. Of course, it’s always best to review your renter's insurance policy to confirm what is and isn’t covered. You may be able to get additional coverage or a separate policy. How much does renters insurance cost? It usually costs about $15 to $30 a month for the peace of mind renters insurance brings. Reach out to get a quote based on your location, the number of belongings you need covered, and your deductible. How much coverage do you typically need? To calculate your coverage needs, estimate the total replacement cost of all your belongings. This will tell you how much property coverage you need. We can work together to determine your liability and living expenses coverage, too. Do you have questions about your insurance coverage? Get in touch today for help.

When was the last time you reviewed your homeowners and auto insurance policies? If it’s been more than a year, it may be time to check-in. Both large and small life changes can affect your coverage needs, but it’s easy to forget in the bustle of everyday life. January is a perfect time to sit down with your policy documents or reach out so we can discuss the state of your coverage. Not sure if a check-in would benefit you? Benefits of Reviewing Your Policies Savings: Checking in can make you aware of certain discounts you may qualify for. Maybe you’ve maintained a record of safe driving or installed a home security system, which could both lower your premiums in some cases. Information Gathering: Do you have an up-and-coming teen driver or a large home renovation in the works? Let’s talk about these life changes before they happen, and look at how they may impact your coverage and premiums. New Asset Protection: Purchasing a new car or other large asset, such as luxury jewelry, artwork or antiques, may require updates to your insurance policy. When to Update Your Coverage Home Renovations: Finishing your basement, building an addition to your house or adding outdoor structures will likely require changes to your coverage. It’s important to have enough coverage for the updated replacement cost of your home. Life Changes: Getting married or divorced, having a baby, moving or having a child reach driving age are all life events that should prompt a discussion about your coverage needs. Car Finances: Buying a new car, getting a new auto loan or paying off your current loan can have implications for your car insurance. Reach out to make sure you have the right policies. Homebuying: A home purchase usually requires a new or updated homeowners insurance policy. You may be able to bundle your home and auto coverage for potential savings. A new year can be a great time to check in about your insurance coverage. Get in touch to review your current policies and discuss whether changes are needed.

Keeping your car neat and tidy can be hard, especially if you have kids or pets. If you’re not careful about eating and drinking in the car, spills and crumbs can leave a permanent stain. And this time of year can present even more challenges to a clean vehicle. Winter weather like snow, ice and freezing rain can leave the floor (and seats) of your car wet and grimy. Follow these five tips to keep the inside of your car clean, even when the weather is working against you. Declutter the interior and trunk. Cars tend to be a catchall for your belongings. Follow the rule of carrying out what you brought into your vehicle as often as possible. Once a month or so, take time to declutter everything, including the trunk. Protect the floors. Keep carpet and floor mats from being damaged by wiping up mud, slush and road salt after using your vehicle. Consider buying all-weather mats, which offer more protection and are easier to clean. Dust surfaces. Keep wipes or microfiber cloths in your car so you can easily clean dust and grime from the dashboard, steering wheel and surfaces. Clean and vacuum seats. Whether fabric or leather, regular use can cause wear and tear to seats. Protect them with conditioners and vacuum them regularly to keep dirt from building up. Prevent food and drink spills. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Try to avoid eating and drinking in the car. If you have to do it, try to use spill-proof containers and steer clear of messy foods. Following these tips can help you keep your car clean this winter and all year. If you have any questions about protecting your car with insurance, reach ou t for help.

In the past few years, credit card balances have trended upward nationally. While debt may be an unfortunate fact of life, there are steps you can take to improve your finances. Paying down debt takes time, but you’ll feel less stressed if you can maintain control over your budget and build your savings instead of making debt payments. Whether you’re struggling with credit card balances, medical debt or loans, these tips could help you create a solid foundation for your financial life and find an approach to managing debt that works for you. 1. Start budgeting. Making a budget is the first step towards getting — and staying — out of debt. Sticking to a budget will help you track the money coming in and going out of your accounts so you can avoid overspending. You can categorize your expenses and identify what to cut back on. You can also use your budget to determine how much debt you can pay off each month. 2. Choose a debt payoff method. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by debt. If you don’t know where to start, consider using one of these two popular payment approaches: The Snowball Method : Start with your lowest balance and throw everything you can at it while making the minimum payment on everything else. This approach helps you reach your first “win” faster, which can motivate you to keep going. The Avalanche Method : Start with the loan or credit card that has the highest interest rate. This method may take longer to clinch your first victory, but it will help you save on interest in the long run. 3. Get help from a professional. If you can’t or don’t want to do it alone, consult a professional for help. Credit Counseling : You may find this through a nonprofit organization with certified counselors. You can discuss your finances, then they can help you make a plan for paying off debt and gaining control of your money. Debt Consolidation Services : Also known as debt relief, these companies could help you consolidate multiple balances into a single payment. They may also negotiate with your creditors to pay off your debt for less than you owe, but be sure to use a reputable company. Financial Planners : If you’re looking for a long-term guide, financial planners can help you manage your budget, savings and debt to support your goals. Managing debt takes time, but it’s worth it. If you have questions about your homeowners, renters or auto insurance (financial or otherwise), reach out today.

Were you part of the decluttering craze ushered in by Marie Kondo in the 2010s? You might remember people trying to decide what sparked joy and getting rid of everything else. Minimalism may be losing steam, but it’s still good to reduce clutter. Messes can be stressful and distracting to look at, but they can also be dangerous. Overstuffed shelves can tip over or items can fall off and hit someone, while floor clutter can be a tripping hazard. The following steps can help you find a decluttering routine that works for you. Start small. Clutter can feel overwhelming. Consider starting with just a single shelf or drawer. You can also start small by setting a timer for 15 to 20 minutes and working until that time is up. Set achievable goals. Let’s face it; you’re not going to declutter your entire house on one Sunday afternoon. Set a realistic goal, such as making it through one room a week, so you will feel motivated by the win and keep going. Use the "four-box method." Making decisions about what to get rid of can be the hardest part of decluttering. Try to go with your gut, placing items in boxes labeled "keep," "donate" "sell," and "trash" to make it easier to get everything to its destination. Follow the “one-in, one-out” rule. Buying something and bringing it home is easier than sorting through your stuff later. Give your household a rule: If they want to bring something new home, they have to give away a similar item. Find storage solutions. Once you’ve decluttered a room, make it easier to find and put away the things you’re keeping. Shelves, bins, baskets and other organizing tools can help you store your belongings in an attractive and functional manner. Set a schedule. Make decluttering a regular habit and get your whole household involved. Figure out where you tend to gather clutter and pick a time each week to deal with these areas.  Tackle digital clutter. Photos, videos and other files may not be a tripping hazard, but they can clutter up your devices, making it harder to find the things you want to keep. And if you’re paying for cloud storage, you could save money by getting rid of things you don’t want or need. Do you have questions about keeping your property safe with homeowners insurance? Please reach out so we can talk about your policy.

Fire safety is important all year round, but it should be on the top of your mind throughout the fall and winter months. Between more indoor cooking, earlier sunsets, and colder weather, there’s a higher risk of danger from fires and electricity. Good habits are important so you can enjoy this time of year safely. Whether using fireplaces, space heaters, candles, or kitchen appliances, keep reading for some essential tips to protect yourself and your property.  Fireplaces and Space Heaters The most important tip is to never leave fires or heaters unattended. Before you leave a room, turn off the space heater and extinguish any embers from a wood-burning fireplace. You should also keep any combustible materials at least 3 feet away from a space heater or fireplace, and place space heaters on level surfaces to prevent tipping. Finally, when purchasing a new space heater, look for automatic shut-off and other safety features. Candles Consider flameless candles if you’re just looking for ambiance. As mentioned above, when using real candles, always blow them out before leaving the room. Keep candles, matches, and lighters away from kids and pets. Cooking and Kitchen Appliances Always stay nearby and watch over the stove, oven, and other appliances when cooking. Keep flammable towels and curtains away from heat sources, too. If a grease fire erupts, don’t use water. Cover the pan with a lid and use a compatible fire extinguisher . Regular maintenance and cleaning can remove grease buildup and help prevent fires. It’s also good to inspect appliances and cords for damage to avoid electrical issues. Make repairs or replacements as soon as possible; don’t continue to use damaged appliances. Be sure to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home monthly, and replace batteries or unresponsive devices as needed. Get in touch if you have questions about your homeowners' insurance policy and protecting your property.