When shopping for home or auto insurance, you have an abundance of choices. You can call the number on TV or shop with a local big-named brand, but then you only get one choice. Independent insurance agents offer insurance from many insurance companies, not one like most others you see on television. The benefits of shopping with a local agent are numerous. Not only will you get to compare pricing, but additional benefits include:

What’s Your Time Worth?

When you call an independent insurance agency, you’re presented with multiple insurance quotes at once from multiple companies. Independent agents will often make a recommendation for protection levels and companies that best fit your needs, but ultimately, the choice is yours.

Professional, unbiased consultations

As an independent agent, we offer clients unbiased advice. After all, we work for you, not a specific insurance company. So, when you get a quote or policy from us, we take care to ensure you’re matched with the carrier with the best options for your specific needs.

Who doesn’t love a discount?

Our agents are discount detectives. We can look at your situation and coverage request and match you with a company that offers you the most discounts along the way. Some of these include safe driver, claims free, home & auto bundles, teen drivers, paid in full, and more! There are so many discounts available.

Local Relationship

As a local agent, we appreciate our connection to the community and being able to speak to our local client base over the phone or in the office. Our agents work and live in your community, so we care about your care and coverage.

Adaptability

This might be the biggest benefit of all. Everyone throughout their lives will need to change their insurance coverage for a reason or another. Perhaps you got married, purchased a home, had a child, invested in a rental property or you want an umbrella policy to increase your coverage. When you work with an independent insurance agency, you don’t have to change agents. We can find you a new company with the coverage and pricing you want for your new lifestyle.

If you need an insurance policy for your auto, home, boat, RV, or even business, call us. We can help you find affordable coverage for your situation. Get a free insurance quote today.

If you’re a homeowner who lives in a colder climate, then you understand the importance of preparing for the winter. There are so many factors that can occur when the colder weather sets in and it’s important that you’re ready for various scenarios. Let’s go over some of the things that you can do to protect your home.

Have homeowners insurance

Purchasing insurance is one of the best ways to protect your house. Making sure that you have the right policy is important, so that it takes into account any seasonal concerns you may have.

Clear your gutters

Especially if your winters tend to be filled with lots of rain, it’s important that your gutters are clear. Water buildup can lead to roof leakage or pipes breaking, so it’s essential that any rain has a clear path away from your house.

Clean your chimney

Who doesn’t love a cozy fire after a long day of playing in the snow? If you’re planning on using your fireplace this season, it’s important that regular maintenance has been kept up on it. Not cleaning out your chimney could be dangerous, so it’s important that you make sure this is checked off your to-do list.

Maintain wood exteriors

If you have a wood exterior on your home, then it’s important to make sure that it’s sealed from the elements. This will help you make sure that your heating bill is as low as possible, as well as maintaining the integrity of your house.

Are your windows insulated?

If your heating bill is higher than you think it should be, consider the insulation around your windows. Many people don’t consider that windows are an excellent way for heat to escape and cold air to enter your home. Make sure that you’re protected from the harsh wind by insulating your windows.

Weather strips are a great way to make sure that your windows and doors are prepared for harsh winters. They’re relatively inexpensive and could end up saving you money in the future.

Take a look at your yard

There are lots of things inside that need your attention, but don’t forget to consider possible dangers in your yard. Trimming any tree branches around your house is a great way to prepare for winter storms and make sure that your house is as safe as possible.

Check your heater

If winter means cold weather where you live, then make an appointment to have a professional come take a look at your heating system. While they’re there, have them peek at your cooling system as well and make sure that everything’s in check. It’s best to have your systems checked sooner rather than later, so that you know you can use them as soon as you need to.

Have any questions?

We’re experts when it comes to protecting houses, so we know what it takes to prepare for the winter. Feel free to give us a call or send us a message if you have questions about home insurance. We can provide you with more specifics.

A Call for Facts of Loss

When you’re involved in a car accident the first thing that happens after you report your claim is you receive a call from the insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster looks at your coverages, listens to your statement about what happened (Facts of Loss), and then determines fault. This adjuster will also guide you through the remaining process to get your vehicle back to pre-loss condition. If it is found that another party is at-fault, you may elect to go through them for your repairs. If you use your insurance, you may have to pay your deductible up-front which your insurance company will attempt to close a damaged car headlight & to subrogate back for you.

Choices for Repairing Your Vehicle

When you need to get your vehicle repaired, the choice is up to you on who fixes your vehicle. Typically, the insurance carrier will work with a network of body shops in your area and can recommend one or two. Regardless of who you choose, the insurance adjuster or estimator will work with the body shop on your behalf to ensure your car is repaired.

Vehicle Parts

Oftentimes, insureds are surprised to hear that the insurance company authorized the usage of aftermarket (commonly referred to as Like-Kind-Quality or LKQ) parts on their vehicle. If your vehicle is new, it is unlikely this will occur, but if your car is more than a couple of years old, there will likely be many parts like bumper covers and fenders that are available for your vehicle that may be used when your vehicle is repaired. Most of the time, you will not have an option to choose, but if you see it on your estimate, you could likely opt to pay the difference yourself. Most insurance contracts say in the policy language they may use aftermarket parts.

Rental Coverage

When your vehicle is in the shop, you’ll likely be without it for at least a few days. If you need a rental car during this time, you’ll have to check your policy to see if you have one available. If you’re going through the at-fault party’s insurance company, they will provide you with a rental vehicle for basic transportation. If you have unique circumstances like an ADA vehicle or a truck or van that you have to use for work, be sure to let them know you have circumstances that require a similar temporary replacement.

Deductibles

If you are at fault for your accident, you’ll have to pay a collision deductible. The amount is unique to your insurance policy and typically is between $100 and $2500. If you’re not at fault and going through the at-fault party’s insurance company, there will be no deductible applied to your claim.

We hope you never have to experience an auto insurance claim but in the event you do, we’re here to help. If you’d like to discuss your auto insurance coverages prior to being in an accident, please schedule a time or call our office to review your existing coverage.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Since the pandemic, more individuals are using digital accounts for purchasing through the internet. This can leave you vulnerable & increase your risk for a cyber-attack.

The majority of cyber-attacks begin with phishing emails. Knowing how to spot a phishing email is critical for protecting yourself from a cyber-attack.

Phishing emails are designed to make you click on links. They will often come from companies you use regularly such as Amazon, Apple, Netflix, or other well-known companies. They will often use their logo to make it appear it is coming from the company itself.

What steps do you need to take to determine if it is a scam?

Hover over the domain or email address in your inbox. This quickly gives you the answer you are looking for. If the email address is long or doesn’t look correct, it is a phishing email. If you are unsure if this is a phishing email, contact the company directly.

Best Practices for Internet Use:

• Never click on links in emails. If you are concerned, go directly to the company’s website and login if this is possible.
• If an email is asking you to verify your login, payment information, or any other personal data, this should be a red flag. Do not provide the info. If you are concerned, reach out to the company directly.
• Don’t download attachments from emails.
• Always choose a strong password. This should be up to 15 characters long with a variety of letters, numbers, or symbols. You can even use a phrase.
• Change your password regularly. While this can be annoying, it is best practice.
• Don’t repeat your password for multiple accounts.
• If you share a computer with others, use individual accounts for logging in. Always log out of your account when you leave the computer.
• Have a firewall installed on your computer.
• If you are asked to save your password on your computer, don’t save it. This can leave you vulnerable.
• If you have the option for two-step authentication, always choose it.
• Always update the software on your tablet & phone.
• Be aware of public wifi. This can leave you vulnerable to a cyber-attack.

How Could You Determine If You Have Been Hacked?

Whether it is your email, social media account, or bank account, if you see something that looks off, change your password immediately. We also recommend running an anti-virus or malware software on your computer too.

Follow these tips to help lower your risk for a cyber-attack. If you have questions about your insurance, contact our agency.

FEMA, Ready.gov and Listo.gov are big voices in reminding Americans that September is National Preparedness Month. Ready.gov is a great resource for teaching you how to prepare for a natural disaster.

What do they consider a disaster? Wildfires, flooding, thunderstorms & lightning, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, landslides, severe weather, droughts and more. No matter where you live in the United States, you can be vulnerable to one or many natural disasters.

Ready.gov breaks down National Preparedness Month in four steps below.

Step 1 – Make a Plan

Step 2 – Build a Kit

Step 3 – Low-Cost, No Cost-Preparedness

Step 4 – Teach Youth about Preparedness

Every step is important in the event of a natural disaster and we encourage you to use this month to read through their information. You can read more here. Knowing information such as a shelter plan, evacuation route, communication plan or even having an emergency kit can be life-saving.

Proper Insurance & Natural Disasters

Having the right insurance coverage is essential if a natural disaster strikes. Many people assume that by purchasing home insurance, you are covered for anything and everything. This isn’t the case. By not having proper insurance coverage, countless people have been financially ruined.

First step with insurance, talk to your agent

Not only should you use this time with your agent to understand your current coverage, but talk about your risks. Should you purchase flood or earthquake insurance? If you were to experience an insurance claim, do you know how you will be compensated to repair or replace what has been damaged?

After talking with your agent, work on Step 2.

Step two includes creating your home inventory list, safely storing important documents and knowing exactly what to do if you experience a claim.

1. Do you currently have a home inventory list? This is a list of your most important belongings. A home inventory list can be as simple as taking photos of every room in your house. Some individuals have an itemized list on a spreadsheet too. In the event you have an insurance claim, you can quickly reference your items in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.
2. If you have an insurance claim, be sure to take pictures and videos of your damage. You will work with a claims adjuster so be sure to be timely with your response and save all receipts from purchases you have made regarding your claim. Examples – hotel receipts, meal receipts or other important items.
3. Are your records safe? Records such as insurance documents, birth certificates, social security cards, marriage or divorce license, passport, pet ID tags, immunization records, medication lists, lease or rental agreement or mortgage or real estate deeds of trusts should all be safely stored in a water or fire-proof box.

If you have questions about your current home or renters insurance coverage and would like to talk to a professional insurance agent, call us! We are experts in the insurance industry and can do a comprehensive review of your current coverage.