TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021 How To Avoid Getting Rear-Ended Getting rear-ended at a stoplight is not your fault. After all, another moving vehicle ran into the back of your stopped car. Still, even an accident that isn’t your fault might cause your auto insurance rates to rise. As unfair as it sounds, this is because you still represent a higher financial risk to the insurer following any type of vehicle accident. It’s always better to avoid car accidents, including those for which you would have no culpability. Here are a few tips on avoiding the ramifications of being rear-ended. How Getting Rear-Ended Can Increase Your Auto Insurance Rates Any driver that is involved in a car wreck is probably going to have to file a claim against either their auto policy or the policy of the at-fault driver. Therefore, they are going to be a cost burden to the insurance company. As a result, the more accidents you have, the more you are going to cost your insurer. They might have to raise your rates after even one accident, even though it might not have been your fault. There are multiple reasons for why you might see these increases in your insurance rates. When and where you drive could mean you’re at a higher risk of an accident — either because you drive on more dangerous roads or at times of day when accidents are more common. An accident on your insurance record will be proof of this. Therefore, you might face a rate hike. If you have a history of at-fault accidents on your record, then the addition of a no-fault claim on your plan could still cause a rate hike. Even though one accident might not have been your fault, you remain a high coverage risk to the insurer. The other driver was at fault for rear-ending you, but they do not have liability insurance, or flee the scene of the accident, then you might have no choice but to file a claim on your own benefits. This is a cost to your insurer, which might increase your rates. Still, not all insurers raise rates if you are the victim of being rear-ended, simply because they won’t want to penalize someone for something that wasn’t their fault. All the same, you still don’t want to deal with the hassle of this type of accident. While you can’t be responsible for others, you can be responsible for yourself and your car. Therefore, to avoid the risk of being rear-ended, keep a few practical tips in mind: Always leave space between yourself and other vehicles. Make sure your turn signals and other rear lights always work appropriately. Never try to cut in front of someone at lights or intersections. Allow yourself plenty of stopping distance. Even though being rear-ended likely won’t be your fault, it never hurts you to do what you can to keep yourself as safe as possible.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021 Good Home Security Starts With Good Locks, Here’s Why Home security systems promise the latest in technology and connectivity, and offer users the chance to defend their home against countless liabilities, from break-ins to fires. However, the best home security is the original home security—a set of reliable locks on all of your doors and windows. If your home has strong locks, then they can really slow someone down who wants to enter your home without a key. However, what happens if they break a window? Even though you have strong locks on your windows already, there are always components you can add to the house to further enhance security. Here’s how to approach your security setup. Why Windows are High Security Risks A thief won’t just enter your home through a door. There are also the windows to think of as entryways, particularly those on the first floor of your home. All windows, particularly older ones with older designs, are often easy to access. Plus, if you have a glass door, particularly one that is single-frame, all it takes is a rock or crowbar for a thief to enter your home. Minimizing Window Entry Risks To build up your window security, there are quite a few practical steps you can take. If you have older locks on the window, then consider replacing them. Many locks now have a two-step unlocking mechanism. If the windows are made of wood, you can add an extra security step by drilling a small hole into your window frame from the interior, and inserting a slightly smaller nail into the frame to it as a catch. Remove it when you want to open the window. Keep your windows locked at all times, except when you have them open. Consider installing motion detection devices on your windows which will let you know if someone is trying to open it. Keep your blinds closed at all times when you aren’t at home, and be careful not to place valuables in windows that look out over the street. Someone might be quick to spot them and make a quick getaway. The Benefits of Smart Technology for Window Security If you have a smart home security system, then you might be able to further enhance your window security. Many smart systems have window sensors, which will detect when someone opens a window and then send a notification to your smart phone. If necessary, they can also notify the police. If you have a home security camera, then the potential entrant might be caught on video, too. Still, at the end of the day, no amount of security can replace a strong lock and personal vigilance. So, as you start to build your window security system, start with the basics and go from there.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 Life insurance usually gives parents a way to financially protect their children, not the other way around. Since you don't financially depend on your children, there's often no need to buy life insurance that covers them. However, there are situations where it can make a lot of sense to buy coverage. Medical Bills And Funeral Costs If one of your children became seriously ill or was hurt, their medical bills could quickly rise high enough to wipe out your life savings. While health insurance may help cover some of these costs, health insurance doesn't always cover everything — and it rarely covers funeral costs. Unlike medical debt belonging to other family members, medical debt you incur for your minor children becomes your responsibility — since you're financially responsible for them. A life insurance policy can help you pay off these debts. Co-Signed Loans Once your child turns 18, you may help them adjust to the real world by co-signing for an apartment, mortgage, credit card, or student loan. This is not just a routine signature that doesn't mean anything if you trust your children to stay on top of their payments. If something happens to them, their debts become your debts. While the creditors would likely look to their estate first, you'd need to pay off any remaining debts. Family Medical History Some people worry that if their children develop a chronic medical condition before they can buy life insurance on their own as an adult, they may never be able to qualify for a good life insurance policy. Most financial experts say this is a very remote risk; you're better off spending your money on something else if that's your only reason for buying life insurance. However, if a serious condition runs in your family that isolates your child as a greater risk, it may make sense to purchase life insurance early.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021 Common Freeze Risks Inside Homes For most of the United States, winter equals cold weather. Even in areas with mild climates, a cold snap is not unheard of. However, in areas with more traditional winter conditions, prolonged periods of cold are likely to hit. Though hard freezes aren’t something most people think of as dangerous (because they are not something you can see or hear) they can do a lot of harm to your home in the wrong situation. To stabilize your home against the threat of heavy cold periods, there are quite a few safety precautions to keep in mind. The better prepared you are, the less of a risk of damage you will face. How Cold Weather Affects Homes Your home is the place you go to be protected from the cold. It makes sense, therefore, that it is going to be durable when faced with freezing temperatures. However, nothing is perfect, and even your home’s natural insulation will begin to wear out over time. You might face damage threats like: Cracks in your foundations caused by shifts in the ground as freezes and thaws occur. Damage to your roof from high winds, heavy snow accumulation or similar weather. The risk of burst pipes within poorly insulated plumbing. Damage to your HVAC or electrical system caused by heavy usage. Fire risks that arise from using space heaters, furnaces or fireplaces. Of course, some of these damages are simply related to normal wear & tear. In those situations, your homeowners insurance won’t be able to cover the cost of the damage. However, when sudden damage like a fire or partial roof collapse occurs, your plan might be able to step in. All the same, it is always better to plan ahead to protect your home from the effects of freezes. How to Prepare for Freezes With a few simple steps, you will be able to get your home ready for the effects that cold weather might bring: Clean debris off your roof and clean out your gutters. This will make it easier for any moisture to run off the home and prevent debris accumulation. Make sure your water lines are not damaged. If you have exposed pipes, then wrap them, or keep a small stream of water dripping in them to prevent them from freezing. Keep an eye on your energy usage. If you use too much heat or electricity during cold periods, then you could overburden your system. If you use your fireplace or space heaters, never leave them unattended or place flammable objects near them. Use protective screens as necessary. It’s not easy to prevent every type of damage that a freeze might do to your home, so you should have homeowners insurance to help you out. However, there’s no excuse to not take the appropriate precautions to begin with. It might save you a lot of money in the end.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 Why Do Lenders Require Homeowners Insurance? There aren’t many people who choose to buy their home with cash. After all, it takes years to save money for a nest egg, and paying off the entire property in one swoop might seem completely out of reach. Still, if you choose to finance your home with a mortgage, you can afford the home you want and pay it off over time. However, if you do take out a mortgage, then your lender will likely require you to buy homeowners insurance. Why does this rule exist? Why is it something you have to follow? Why You Have Coverage Requirements When you take out a mortgage on your home, you receive a loan from the bank to make the purchase from the seller. However, you agree to pay that loan amount back to the bank over the years. The money doesn’t belong to you, and is instead the banks. They will have a long-term investment in your home for as long as you have the mortgage. Because of this relationship, most lenders require homeowner’s insurance. If there were to be something that came along and severely damaged the home, then both parties could lose out on the deal. The damage will cost money to repair, and in a worst-case scenario you might even face the total loss of your home. That is a threat to both you and the lender, and as a result, both parties can benefit from the assistance provided by homeowners’ insurance. In many cases, mortgage lenders are required by law to secure these investments by requiring the homeowner to buy home insurance. They won’t have reason to ever lose money on the investment. However, this requirement is equally important for the homeowner, too. If you can let your home insurance pay for repairs, then you won’t have to choose between meeting your mortgage and repairing your damage. Therefore, your overall financial security will remain intact. Getting the Right Homeowners Insurance When your bank tells you that you need to buy homeowners insurance, they will likely set a few minimum standards on what coverage you need. To cover their investment, they will usually require dwelling insurance that equals the replacement cost value of your home. This is an amount of money that reflects how much you would have to spend following the total destruction of your home. Furthermore, if you have other structures on your property, then your lender might also mandate that you buy detached structures coverage, which is part of most standard insurance plans. Some lenders require additional coverage, such as liability insurance and possessions coverage. It’s important to work with your insurance agent to determine which coverage will help you maximize the assistance you can receive from your plan in case of a claim. At times, this might even exceed the coverage required by the lender.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 The Importance of Avoiding Driving Citations We all probably know that we could stand to be a little more conscientious behind the wheel. Still, we’re all human, and we all make mistakes. The unfortunate thing is that when we make driving mistakes, we might pay to pay the price. Traffic citations are often frustrating penalties, not just because of the inconvenience, but also the cost burden they might cause you. At times, they could even cause your insurance rates to rise. Let’s take a closer look at why citations could drive up your insurance rates, and what you can do to if this ever happens to you. What is the Importance of a Traffic Ticket? Some people think that tickets or other driving citations represent no more than a warning and a fine. On one hand, that’s exactly what they are. However, they are also going to become notations on your driving record, which is the permanent record of your driving history. Therefore, the ticket will reflect that you have committed infractions in the past. As a result, it could impact your insurance future. If you get a ticket while driving, then you have a traceable record to reflect that you have broken the law. Therefore, when you go to renew your auto insurance policy, your agent will see that you have committed this infraction. As a result, they will have to note it on your policy, and this will indicate to the insurer that you have a higher driving risk compared to another driver who has never gotten a ticket. As a result, you might see your auto insurance rates increase. The greater your risk to the insurer, the greater your chances of having to file a claim on your policy. After all, by getting the ticket, you have already proven that you aren’t the safest driver. What’s to say that your next ticket will not be related to a car wreck that leads to a huge claim on your insurance. As a result, your insurer will likely have to raise your rates to cover this additional risk. What to do About Higher Rates If you get a ticket, then don’t worry. It isn’t the end of the world. Even though it might increase your auto insurance rates, you’ll likely find that you can keep your benefits affordable. A few things to keep in mind are: Let your agent compare the policies within their network to see if a different plan now offers you more affordability. Ask if you have maximized the discounts on your current plan. If you can qualify for new discounts, then you might save money. Consider increasing your policy deductible. However, never increase it so much that you won’t be able to pay it in the event of a claim. The good news is that most tickets will only remain on your driving record for a certain number of years, and they eventually might become moot points from your insurer’s standpoint. Therefore, if you get a ticket, the best thing you can do for your insurance purposes is to not get another one.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 Why You Need Commercial Umbrella Insurance Every business must have liability insurance, and the starting point is a general liability policy. However, while general liability insurance can prove essential to your long-term financial security, you should still not consider it a stopping point. Instead, you will likely need to buy other coverage, including a commercial umbrella insurance policy. Consider why investing in a commercial umbrella plan will make your risk management strategy a lot more comprehensive. Where General Liability Insurance Stops When putting together your business insurance package, liability insurance is one of your foundation stones. It will pay for bodily injuries or property damage that you might cause to others through your negligence, products or completed operations. Even if you didn’t mean for a problem to occur, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to repay someone because they accidentally got hurt. Liability insurance will make sure that you have the money available to reach a settlement with this party, or even fight a lawsuit if one occurs. However, liability insurance is not all-encompassing. The policy will not cover all claims of negligence that might cause someone harm. Additionally, they will contain limits on how much they will pay you for a qualifying loss. Therefore, if a claim either is not covered by, or exceeds the value of, your liability policy, then you might not have the coverage you need. It is at this point that umbrella insurance becomes necessary. The Necessity of Umbrella Insurance A commercial umbrella insurance policy is designed to enhance your existing liability benefits. Therefore, it can essentially take over once you are confronted with the limits of your standard policy. Suppose, for example, that you have $1 million in bodily injury liability coverage. However, a customer slips and falls in your store, and then sues you for $2 million. That is $1 million more than your liability coverage will pay. As a result, if you don’t have the benefits offered by commercial umbrella insurance, then you will have to pay for your losses out of pocket. However, your umbrella policy will be able to step in and assist you with the additional cost that is not covered by your standard benefits. The way it works is that you will first file against your standard liability benefits, which will then pay up to their limits. After you have reached those limits, you can file against your umbrella coverage for the remaining cost of the claim. In some cases, you will be able to use your umbrella benefits to cover the full cost of a claim that standard liability insurance won’t cover. Our job is to help you customize your commercial umbrella benefits to your advantage. That’s why we’re committed to helping you determine both where your standard liability coverage limits end, and where you can benefit from additional coverage.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 Why You Should Get Life Insurance Before a Child’s Birth Becoming a parent is perhaps one of the most life-changing things that any of us could ever experience. After the birth of a first child, you probably know that your future looks a lot different, and it might be time to take a step back and re-evaluate your financial goals. After all, you want to be able to support your child financially, no matter what. To be sure you are prepared for anything, it is a good idea to consider that now might be the right time to get life insurance. After all, you never know what might happen before your child comes of age, and they might need to rely on your life insurance benefits for their ongoing support. Let’s take a closer look at why, as a new parent, life insurance should be near the top of your list of priorities. Why First-Time Parents Need Life Insurance Buying life insurance for yourself means creating financial security for your loved ones in the event of tragedy. After all, if you die before the mortgage is paid, or before the kids go to college, then your family might face hardships. However, the death benefit provided by your life insurance will help enable you to leave a settlement to your loved ones and ease their burdens. This is particularly helpful when it comes to the costs of raising a child. No one wants to die while their child is still their dependent. However, the sad reality is that no one knows when they will die. The good thing about quality life insurance is that it will help ensure that a child will always be taken care of even if you aren’t there yourself. While your child is a minor, the money provided by life insurance can help with any number of their needs. It can support their college tuition, cover their medical bills if they have a health condition, or simply help their other parent or guardian cover the everyday costs of raising a child. Plus, if you want the money within your life insurance to go to a specific purpose, then you can direct that money into a trust. The trust will contain rules on how the money is to be used, and therefore you can rest assured that it will go to a child’s needs. Should I Consider Life Insurance for My Child? Many insurers offer child life insurance policies. Child life insurance policies are designed not only to cover the risk of a tragedy, but also to build a financial future for the child. Many insurers offer whole-life policies for young children, which the child can continue to carry even after they have grown up and moved away. These policies will also offer cash value incentives, which your child can use as an investment throughout their life. So, don’t hesitate to consider the benefits of a childhood life insurance policy, and use it in conjunction with the rest of your family’s life insurance benefits to create a lot of security for the future.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 Protecting Yourself from Uninsured Motorists In 49 out of 50 states, all registered drivers are required to carry minimum amounts of car insurance. If you are in one of them, then you could face penalties if you get caught driving uninsured. Just because you obey the law, doesn’t mean others will. And, if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, then they might not be able to provide the compensation to which you might be entitled. However, if your own auto insurance includes the appropriate coverage—uninsured motorist benefits—then you will have a solution at hand. Here’ why it’s important to look into this critical piece of coverage as essential to your security behind the wheel. What is uninsured motorist coverage? Many states have an at-fault insurance system, which means that drivers who are at fault for wrecks must pay for their own damage and the damage they cause to others. To pay for third-party damage, you will have to use auto liability insurance. As a result, this coverage is mandatory in most states. However, in the event that another driver is at-fault for a wreck, but doesn’t have liability insurance, then you won’t have a way to claim your own damage against their policy. However, by carrying the added benefit of uninsured motorist coverage on your own plan, you will have a place to turn for your own benefits. This benefit will allow you to make a claim on your own damage and injuries on your own plan, but you won’t have the disadvantage of being labeled an at-fault driver. Why do I need this benefit? You can only buy your own auto insurance; you can’t buy it for the driver in the car next to you. As a result, you never know what auto insurance they are carrying, or if they even have it. As a result, it’s best to take responsibility for yourself by enhancing your policy with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you get hit by an uninsured motorist, of if you become the victim of a hit-and-run accident, then you will have no way to claim your own damage against the driver’s liability insurance. So, if someone hits your car, causes $15,000 worth of damage, and flees the scene, your uninsured motorist coverage will kick in and cover the damages, instead of you having to pay out of pocket. By turning to your uninsured motorist coverage, you’ll be able to file for coverage for both the damage caused by the collision and the injuries you might have sustained. Therefore, your personal financial loss for these accidents will likely be lower than it would be if you lacked coverage. A further benefit to carry alongside uninsured motorist coverage is underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can come into play if the at-fault driver has liability insurance, but doesn’t have enough to cover 100% of your damage costs. Therefore, after your claim exceeds that person’s liability limits, you can file against your own underinsured motorist coverage for the additional benefits.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021 Staying Healthy During Winter Vacation Let’s face it, 2020 was not a year when most of us were able to travel extensively. 2021 will likely be much of the same, at least for the time being. However, there are still plenty of ways to travel safely as long as you commit to being conscientious. Still, if you plan to take a winter vacation, then you should not forget to keep your personal health in mind during your trip. Besides the obvious risk of COVID-19, there are plenty of other health risks present during winter travel, so it’s best to be prepared. How can you keep yourself safe? What care should you seek if a problem develops? Common Winter Health Risks Winter vacations might mean trips to visit family & friends, vacations in a warmer part of the country, or skiing trips. If you do plan to travel, then you will of course have to keep safety in mind. A few things to remember are: Participating in winter sports can lead to multiple injuries, including broken bones, head injuries and internal injuries. Sunburn is also a risk during winter, even if it is cold. Additionally, snow can reflect light, and enhance these effects. Cold is unhealthy, and if you go outside without warm clothing, you put yourself at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and other illnesses like pneumonia. Plus, winter is cold & flu season. Regardless of the presence of COVID-19, you can still catch any number of other illnesses. Influenza, the average cold, bronchitis, pneumonia and similar respiratory ailments could be very harmful if you are unlucky enough to catch them. Healthy Ways to Travel This Winter Of course, if you plan to travel this winter, there are plenty of extra precautions you should plan to take. You can expect face covering requirements, social distancing rules and capacity regulations to be in effect throughout the nation. However, there are a few other things to do to make sure you keep yourself healthy. Dress for the environment, keep a proper supply of medication and other remedies with you, and of course wash your hands. Additionally, take all of your regular prescription medication with you, and maintain your regular health maintenance schedule. If you do get sick, however, then don’t panic. Your health insurance network often covers a myriad of hospitals and other medical care providers, including urgent care services and walk-in clinics. Therefore, you should be able to receive covered care no matter where you are traveling. Still, you should make sure you visit the right network provider and have the highest portion of your care covered.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Easy Ways to Avoid Drunk Driving You know how dangerous driving drunk is, and how challenging the penalties might be if you commit this offense. That’s why you should never drive drunk. It is against the law and incalculably hazardous. Still, simply saying that you won’t drive drunk isn’t enough. You must commit to it. There are other transportation choices that you can make if you ever plan to drink when away from home. You’ll reduce your own liability as a driver and make the roadways safer for both yourself and for others. The Effects of Driving Drunk If you drive while intoxicated by alcohol or an illegal drug, then you are a huge safety risk. Your eyesight, reflexes, mental faculties and judgement are all diminished. Your chances of causing a wreck, damaging your car and harming others are extremely high. Most states have outlawed driving drunk, and if the level of alcohol exceeds 0.08 (in most states) then you might be charged with a DUI. A DUI is a costly charge and the authorities take it very seriously. If you are charged with this offense, then you could face multiple challenges. These might include: License/registration expenses Points on your driver’s license Requirements to attend AA, safe driving courses and other classes. Having tracking and breathalyzer ignition devices installed on your vehicle SR-22 penalties Of course, these charges could also lead to higher car insurance prices. After all, because you drove drunk, you are a huge risk to insure, and your carrier might have to charge you more. It is always better to not get a DUI in any case. Avoiding DUI It’s easy to tell yourself that you won’t drive drunk. However, once you start drinking, then so-called liquid courage might get the best of you. There are many other ways that you can take even more chances to help yourself avoid the risk. When drinking at a social event, do so in moderation. Everyone has a limit, and it’s up to you to police yourself so that you don’t drink regularly Don’t forget to eat and drink non-alcoholic beverages so that they can balance your system. If you are making plans to drink, also arrange for transportation. This might be a designated driver, taxi or car service. There are far too many alternatives available for you to choose to drive drunk instead. In worst-case scenarios, leave your vehicle. Restaurants and bars are usually happy to let you leave your car parked in their lot. This reduces their liability because they were the ones who served you the alcohol. If necessary, give your keys to a sober, trusted friend or even to a member of the bar staff. They can keep you from getting behind the wheel. It is always better to not drive drunk. This is a hazard that is easily controllable if you commit to it. In the end, you’ll be glad that you didn’t make the choice to do such an unsafe thing.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2020 Tips for Buying General Liability Insurance When insuring your business, you will likely need general liability coverage. However, getting this coverage will require attention to detail and an understanding of what this coverage offers you. What are some of the things that you should consider when buying general liability insurance? How do you know which plan is right for you? Here are some important things to consider. Understand Your Business’s Liabilities There are liabilities in every business, but these can vary even between two nearly identical companies. It is understandable why a grocery store might have different liabilities present than a clothing boutique. A consultant who works from home will face different risks from someone working in a carpentry shop. As a result, you will have to tailor your liability insurance appropriately to your company’s risks. While all plans might address certain specific liabilities, like bodily injuries or property damage, you might also need policy limits and extra coverage that is better tailored to your industry. Your agent can help you determine how to tailor your plan appropriately. Remember that Liabilities Do Not Have to be Physical Liabilities can cause more than just injuries or property damage to someone else. They might cause them reputational damage or financial harm, too. Someone might allege that you libeled or slandered them, committed copyright infringement or defamed them through your advertising. Your liability insurance will usually offer this coverage through a benefit called personal injury coverage. However, if your plan doesn’t contain this coverage, you still might be able to buy it as an endorsement. Understand Situations When Your Plan Will Pay General liability insurance covers harm done to others that you have a responsibility to repay. To do so, you might have to pay legal bills, settlement costs and other damages, third-party medical bills and other expenses. Therefore, your company’s general liability insurance needs to be structured so that you don’t sacrifice business assets as you try to pay for this damage. You will always need to structure your plan appropriately, and this might include buying extra coverage to receive higher benefits. Consider a Risk Management Plan There are things you will need to do in your business to make it a safe operation. Proper risk management will reduce liabilities, and could help you avoid potential lawsuits and other insurance claims. Some of the practical risk managements steps you should take include: Keeping the business clean and marking safety hazards like wet floors or hazardous materials. Placing emergency equipment and hazard protocols around the business. Giving every customer full instruction on how to use your products. Training employees to spot safety risks and report them. Managing your company’s brand in ways that make it competitive, but not threatening to others. Of course, proper risk management takes many hours and a lot of attention to detail. However, you can start this risk management with proper general liability insurance. We’re here to help you get it.