Most people think the biggest risk to their home is a fire or a bad storm. It’s why they buy insurance (and the fact it’s required by their mortgage lender).
But in reality, the biggest concern is protecting your assets from a liability claim. Consider this... Warm weather has arrived and everyone is beginning their yard work. Mowing, planting flowers, and digging those vegetable gardens. There is a lot of work to be done. So let's say that you dig a large hole in the front yard so you can plant a new tree. You walk away for a moment and while you're gone the kid next door runs through the yard, falls in the hole, and breaks his ankle. Unfortunately, you could be held responsible for his injury. But not to worry, your homeowner's liability insurance is made for these kind of situations. It will pay if someone is injured on your property. It's also the coverage that protects you if the dog bites your child's friend (as long as it's not a restricted breed) or if your cousin falls down your front steps. If you have a large number of assets, then you'll want higher liability coverage. If the injury exceeds your liability coverage amount, then you could be sued for the difference. Work with us to determine the amount of coverage that you are comfortable carrying. No one can protect themselves by just being careful alone. There are too many possible scenarios that you could never avoid. But with the right insurance coverage, you'll never have to worry. Call us today for a free review and to discuss how much liability coverage you need.
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You’ve proudly watched your child graduate from college (and celebrated the last of the tuition bills!) Now they’re searching for their first “real” job and ready for a new phase of life.
This is what you and your new grad need to know about their insurance. First, in most situations, they can remain on your auto insurance policy as long as they are living in your household. If they’ve moved back home while job hunting, you can keep them on the policy. But once they move out, it’s time to look at other options. Some of this will depend on who is the owner of the car and if you’re living in the same state. The best option is to talk to one of our agents to discuss your particular situation in detail. Remember, regular on-time insurance payments can help establish credit history and serve as a reference when renting an apartment. If your graduate is moving out on their own, you’ll also want to get some information on Renters Insurance. It will protect their belongings and protect you from any liability for damage they might cause to a residence (even if it’s just an accident, like a small kitchen fire.) In most cases, a parent is a co-signer for a lease and needs to make sure this protection is in place. The end of college marks some big transitions into adulthood. Help your new graduate to make smart financial decisions and establish a great start. We can help! Schedule a personal review and quote today. Ready to head out of town on vacation? Temperatures are climbing, school is ending, and everyone is eager for a break. But there are a few things to keep in mind before you leave town in order to keep your possessions protected.
Don’t Advertise That You’ll Be Out Of Town Think about the things that happen around your home on a daily basis, so that your home doesn’t look empty when you leave. First, contact the Post Office (and the newspaper) and put your services on hold. A full mailbox and a driveway full of newspapers are a sign to thieves that you’re an easy target! Can you put a few lights on a timer so that your home isn’t dark all night? Even leaving on a few lamps will help. Motion sensitive lights on your porch and driveway are a great idea too! Do you have a neighbor that you trust? Let them know of your plans, share your contact number, and consider leaving a spare key just in case. What if a severe thunderstorm hits while you’re out of town? It could knock out power or even cause a tree in your yard to fall. Your neighbor can make sure that your freezer is back on when the power restores or verify that there aren’t any leaks in the roof from the storm damage! This can help prevent some bad surprises when you get home. When You’re On The Road The biggest tip I share with my clients is to avoid leaving valuables in the car! Many people believe that their belongings are covered by car insurance, but that is not the case. The only coverage for your luggage and computer would be on your Homeowners Insurance and it’s subject to your deductible. Also, most policies offer coverage for road side assistance and towing. This can be invaluable when you are stranded (or accidentally lock your keys in the car in an unfamiliar town). This coverage is inexpensive and quick to add to your policy. Have questions about your insurance before your next trip? Give us a call anytime to discuss your policy or to get a quote! |