Auto Insurance / Car Insurance

Car thefts and break-ins are nowhere near as common as they were in the early 1990s or 2000s , but they do still happen sometimes. Having your window smashed or your car stolen isn’t just an inconvenience; it can also be expensive to repair or replace. So, what can you do to protect your vehicle from a break-in? Read this for eight ways you could protect your car, its parts, and your belongings. Keep windows closed and doors locked. No matter where your car is parked, double-check that doors and windows are closed and locked before you walk away. This can protect it from thieves who count on cars being unlocked. Don’t leave your keys in the car. Leaving keys in your car, whether it’s off or idling, is an invitation to thieves. And if you have other keys on the ring, those spaces are also vulnerable to theft. Keep valuables out of sight. As with keys, you don’t want to leave belongings visible in your car, including your phone, laptop bag, or other items someone might want to take. Be careful about parking. Park in well-lit areas. The visibility can help to ward off criminals who don’t want to get caught breaking in. Protect your car’s wheels. Yes, sometimes thieves will leave your car but run off with the wheels. Protect yourself with lug nut locks to prevent their quick removal. Use security cameras at home. Whether you park in your garage or driveway, installing a visible security camera can be a theft deterrent. If something does happen, you’ll have caught it on video. Prevent catalytic converter theft. While not every make and model is a target of this kind of theft, it’s an expensive repair if it happens to you. You can set your car alarm to respond to vibrations or ask your mechanic to install a lock or shield. Make sure you have enough auto insurance. Having comprehensive coverage will help ensure you’re compensated for your loss if your car is stolen. If you have questions or want to update your insurance policy, reach out today.

As your home begins defrosting from winter’s chill, it’s a good time to get everything ready for spring. Take advantage of the burst of energy you get from spotting that first flower or songbird to deep clean and maintain your property, from the bedrooms to the backyard. Does your home need some upkeep? Continue reading for five tasks that should be on every homeowner’s seasonal to-do list. HVAC Readiness Whether you have central air or use window units, you should: Inspect panels to ensure they’re still secured and undamaged from the winter. Remove debris such as leaves, twigs and grass from the compressor. Replace the air filter. Consider scheduling a professional tune-up visit if you’re unsure what shape your system is in. Tree Trimming Prune and trim shrubbery and trees as needed. This will boost the appearance of your landscaping and protect your home by keeping overgrowth away from doors, windows and HVAC units. Look for trees that have been damaged or died over the winter. You may need to have them taken down to prevent risks to your property (or a neighbor’s). Cleaning and Decluttering Now is the time to donate or sell unwanted items, dust and mop your whole home, wash your porch or deck, and finish other seasonal or annual cleaning tasks. Roof and Gutters Check for buildup in your gutters, make sure downspouts are pointing away from your home, and look for holes or cracks. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your gutters, you can hire a professional. You should also survey your roof to see if there are any damaged or missing shingles, and contact a roofing expert if there are repairs to be made. Drain Your Water Heater Sediment can build up in your water heater, which reduces efficiency. Draining and flushing it once a year can help the unit last longer, and it may also reduce your utility costs. If you’ve got questions about home upkeep or your homeowner's insurance policy, get in touch today.

Your car’s tires can dramatically impact the safety and efficiency of your vehicle, especially in bad weather. Worn-out tires could make your car harder to handle, lower your gas mileage and increase your stopping distance. It’s also uncomfortable to drive a car with tires that need to be replaced. Generally, you should replace your tires every six years (and no longer than every 10 years). But you should also check for wear and tear. Learn how your tires get worn out and what signs to look for. How do tires get worn out? The primary things that wear down and damage your tires include: Time. The more you drive, the more the rubber gets degraded and the tread wears down. Potholes and curbs. Hitting a pothole or a curb can cause a crack in your tire. If you don’t repair or replace it, you may end up with a blowout. Lack of maintenance. If your tires are under- or over-inflated, they will wear unevenly. Getting regular tire rotations can improve their performance and extend their lifespan. Environmental factors. UV exposure, temperature and other environmental factors can wear down the rubber and cause cracks or separation of the tread. What are some signs that your tires need to be replaced? As mentioned, six years is the rule of thumb for tire replacement, but your tires may need to be switched out sooner. Look for: Worn-out treads. Use a penny to check your tire tread depth. It should never be less than 2/32 of an inch. A bubble on the sidewall. Usually the result of hitting a pothole or curb, this can lead to a dangerous blowout. A shaking car. This could mean your tires are out of balance, so bring your car to a mechanic to get checked out. A tire pressure leak. If you keep getting alerts that your tire pressure is low, it may be time for a replacement. Do you have questions about your car insurance and what it covers? Get in touch for a chat.

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.