Month: October 2022

While many people enjoy getting into the Halloween spirit, it’s important to prioritize your safety and the safety of trick-or-treaters. When decorating your house and preparing for visitors, it is a good idea to consider potential risks and take precautions to protect yourself, including:

• Be mindful of dangers that might not be visible during the night. Help trick-or-treaters stay safe by ensuring your yard is clear of debris and obstacles, and is well-lit.
• Decorate safely. Keep extension cords away from walkways, use battery operated candles or lighting, and tie down any inflatable decorations.
• Don’t forget about your furry friends. Keep candy, wires, and decorations out of your pets’ reach, don’t allow them near lit jack-o-lanterns, and have them in a quiet, safe area.
• Slow down and be vigilant. Whether you are planning to be on foot or in a vehicle, be patient and alert as trick-or-treaters make their way through local neighborhoods.
• Trick-or-treat safely. Make sure your little ones wear reflective tape, have flashlights, look both ways before crossing the street, and avoid dark homes.
• Protect your unattended home and vehicle. If you’re planning to be out, remember to lock up, set alarms, and make your home look occupied to avoid any uninvited guests. Take the necessary precautions to prevent against theft and vandalism.

Don’t be frightened by the risks. Our team of advisors can help you prepare for a safe and happy Halloween by reviewing your insurance policies. You may even want to consider purchasing an umbrella policy for added protection beyond existing limits and coverages of your other policies.

We look forward to helping you stay safe this spooky season!

Time slows down and scenic destinations become a picturesque surprise as you hit the road in your recreational vehicle. Whether you are planning an RV road trip to cheer on your favorite football team, explore different camp grounds, or enjoy the fall foliage, it’s important to make sure safety protocols are in place. It’s wise to start by reviewing your insurance coverage with your advisor to make sure your vehicle is adequately protected. Before you plan your next adventure, here are a few safety recommendations to consider:

• Take your vehicle for a test drive, especially if this is your first trip. RVs, especially when fully loaded, have a myriad of driving considerations that go far beyond those of a typical vehicle. Cornering, turn radius, braking distance, blind spots, towing, acceleration, and height are just a few of the operational considerations you should be comfortable with before beginning your trip.
• Be mindful of propane safety. Many RVs use propane for kitchen appliances, hot water systems, and heating systems. But the amount of propane stored can also pose a significant hazard. It’s important to properly inspect your equipment before traveling. You’ll also want to be knowledgeable of filling procedures, your maximum capacity, and what to do if you suspect or discover a leak.
• Treat your RV as you would your home or car. Consider installing deadbolt locks, ensure smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are operational, inspect headlights, turn signals, all belts and hoses, and check all other equipment to be sure it is defect-free.
• Assemble a safety kit with flashlights, batteries, road flares, repair tools, tape, jumper cables, and food and water. You never know what type of emergency or natural disaster you will encounter while on the road, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Buckle up when the RV is moving. This is particularly important since passengers often act as they would in a home — sitting around a table playing games, snacking, and cooking. Travelers are subject to being thrown about by a sudden stop or collision because they are in a moving vehicle, so it’s best to wear your seat belts.
• Understand the threat to your safety from overloading. While it may seem obvious that RVs are going to be far heavier, and thus more difficult to drive than a standard vehicle, don’t overlook the further complication of your own cargo and how you load it.

RVs can immeasurably add to the enjoyment of your road travel as long as you prepare beforehand and follow proper safety precautions during your trip. Our advisors stand ready to offer insights and advice to help you find the right insurance policy for your RV. Safe travels!

Source: Trusted Choice®

When you’re moving to a new house, it can seem as though your to do list is constantly growing. From packing, selling your current home, unpacking, and setting up your utilities, there is no shortage of work to be done. To help you check one item off of your list, our insurance advisors have answered a few questions to help you manage your homeowners insurance when moving:

• When should I tell my insurance advisor I’m moving? It’s best to give your advisor as much notice as possible to help them shop for new homeowners insurance. They can give you an estimate of how much homeowners insurance and flood insurance will cost on the property you’re planning to purchase. It’s important to consider these factors in the overall price of your home, as they can vary greatly from one home to the next.

• Who covers my belongings during a move? This type of coverage could be included in your current policy, but it’s best to check with your advisor to confirm. If you hire a professional moving company, they often offer coverage you can purchase to protect your belongings while in transit.

• How long should I keep homeowners insurance for my old house? You need to maintain coverage on your home until it is sold. If you don’t plan to sell your current home and intend to keep it as a rental or second home, you will need to contact your insurance advisor so they can update or rewrite your coverage.

• How do I update my homeowners insurance policy for my new house? Your insurance advisor can help you shop for new homeowners insurance. Having all of the information on hand, like home details and safety features, may help you qualify for discounts and will help us find coverage options to fit your needs.

• Will the rate for my homeowners insurance policy go up? It depends on multiple factors including the age, size, condition, and location of your new home. If your home has a much higher replacement cost, for example, it may result in a higher premium. Your insurance advisor can shop multiple companies to help find a policy to fit your needs and budget.

Working with our advisors can help you make managing your homeowners insurance during a move one of the easiest tasks on your list. Our team can help you understand your coverage and determine what changes you need to make as you settle into your new home. Call or email us today to learn more.