Umbrella Insurance

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.

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.

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.