September is Life Insurance Awareness Month

Is it Time To Purchase Life Insurance?

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September is Life Insurance Awareness MonthSeptember is Life Insurance Awareness Month. As your local independent insurance agency, we are here to make you aware of the benefits of purchasing a life insurance policy. There are many options to choose from so if you have specific questions, reach out to our agency!

Life insurance is designed to provide financial stability to your family if you pass away. Life insurance policies vary with how they can provide financial support. It could pay for monthly bills, and funeral expenses or provide a lump sum of cash.

When Should You Consider a Life Insurance Policy?

If your family relies on your income to pay monthly expenses, you should consider a life insurance policy.

Other scenarios typically can be:

  • You recently bought a home
  • You have a child or multiple children
  • You are getting married
  • You are a financial resource for your parents
  • You pay for long-term care for your child or parents
  • You plan to pay for your child’s college degree

The younger you purchase a life insurance policy, the cheaper your premium typically is. Life insurance is calculated by your age, health status, medical history, occupation, your behavior, and the type of coverage you want.

Coverage Options for Life Insurance

There are many types of life insurance you can purchase. The two most common policies are term life insurance or whole life insurance. Term life insurance is designed to cover you for a specific amount of years, whereas whole life insurance is for your entire life.

Other coverage options include universal life insurance, variable life insurance, mortgage replacement insurance, or final expense insurance.

Our agents are here to help you determine the best fit for your needs. Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all all. We will listen to how you want to provide financial support to your family through life insurance and can explain your coverage options.

If you currently have a life insurance policy, now might be a good time to review it.

  • Do you need to update your beneficiaries?
  • Are you happy with your current policy? If you need to make an adjustment to your death benefit or are seeking a better monthly premium, we can help.

Ready for a Life Insurance Quote?

If your spouse or family depends on your income each month, protect your family with a life insurance policy. Our licensed agents can find you the best life insurance policy for your needs and budget. By giving our agency a call or filling out a life insurance quote on our website, our licensed agents can provide multiple life insurance quotes. Our agency represents several life insurance companies and we can match you with the best fit.

Utilization of the latest technology to reduce your likelihood of a claim

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Technology has made significant strides in the past five years, offering homeowners the ability to control and monitor various aspects of their homes through mobile devices and Wi-Fi-enabled routers. By incorporating do-it-yourself tech items into your home, you can mitigate the risk of insurance claims related to burglary, water damage, fire, and freezing damage. Consider these innovative options:

Smart Thermostats: In addition to reducing energy consumption, smart thermostats allow you to monitor your home’s temperature even when you’re away. This feature is particularly useful in preventing frozen pipes and subsequent water damage caused by sudden drops in temperature. Adjusting the thermostat remotely via a Wi-Fi signal helps keep your home protected while you’re abroad.

Smart Garage Door Openers: Ever left the garage door open all night or questioned whether you closed it after leaving the house? Smart garage door openers connect to your Wi-Fi system and send notifications about the door’s status. With a few taps on your mobile device, you can ensure that your belongings remain safe and secure.

Water Sensors: Install water sensors in strategic locations such as behind toilets, near dishwashers, and behind refrigerators with water/ice makers. These sensors alert you to the presence of standing water, helping you detect leaks early and prevent extensive damage. They can be integrated with your existing alarm system or operate independently via Wi-Fi connectivity, with prices starting at around $60 per unit.

Smart Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms play a crucial role in safeguarding your home against fire and smoke damage. With Wi-Fi-enabled smoke alarms, you can link them to your home security system and receive alerts remotely. Prompt notifications ensure that you can take action immediately, even when you’re away from home.

Smart Locks: Never worry about whether you locked the front door again. Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your door using a battery-powered mechanism and a Wi-Fi signal. This convenient feature eliminates the risk of leaving your front door unlocked.

Humidity Monitors: High humidity levels can indicate water leaks or excessive moisture in your home, which can lead to damage. Humidity sensors integrated into devices like thermostats, furnaces, and home video monitors can provide early warnings, allowing you to address potential issues before they escalate.

Embrace these technological solutions to enhance the safety and security of your home. If you have any questions about your home or renters insurance, feel free to contact us for expert guidance on finding the right coverage and pricing tailored to your needs.

How to protect your home while away on vacation

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How to protect your home while away on vacationSummer is the perfect time to embark on a well-deserved vacation, but it’s crucial to take precautions to protect your home while you’re away. By implementing simple measures and adopting preventive strategies, you can deter potential thieves and ensure the safety of your property.

When it comes to safeguarding your home during vacation, there are several important factors to consider. Let’s delve into these points to help you keep your home secure from burglary while you enjoy your time off:

Social Media Awareness:

One common mistake people make is sharing their vacation plans on social media platforms before leaving. This essentially serves as an open invitation to burglars, indicating that your home is unoccupied. Avoid posting about your trip until after you return. By doing so, you prevent potential criminals from being aware of your absence.

Neighbors:

Maintaining a good relationship with your neighbors can be invaluable when it comes to home security. Inform them about your vacation plans, so they can keep a watchful eye on your property. Trusted neighbors can help by collecting your mail, removing newspapers from the driveway, and even putting out the trash, creating the illusion of an occupied home.

Utilize Technology:

Take advantage of the technological advancements available to protect your home. Home security systems have evolved significantly, making it easier than ever to monitor your property remotely. Consider installing devices like Canary, which provides video surveillance and sends you instant notifications when motion is detected at your home. This allows you to view live video feeds, record any suspicious activity, and even contact the authorities if necessary.

Outlet Timers:

A simple and affordable technology solution is the use of outlet timers. These devices can automatically turn on and off lights at different times throughout the night, giving the impression that someone is home. By investing in outlet timers, which cost around $9.00 each, you can create the illusion of activity within your house. For optimal energy efficiency, pair the timers with energy-saving LED bulbs in the lamps you plan to leave on.

Home Maintenance:

Before leaving for your vacation, ensure that your home is well-maintained and secure. Double-check all windows and doors to make sure they are locked properly. Repair any broken locks or hinges, and consider installing deadbolts for added security. Additionally, trimming any overgrown bushes or shrubs around your property can eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.

Alarm Systems:

If you haven’t already, consider investing in a reliable alarm system for your home. Modern alarm systems offer comprehensive security features, including motion sensors, door and window sensors, and even surveillance cameras. These systems often come with 24/7 monitoring services, ensuring prompt response in the event of an intrusion.

Home Watch Services:

If you plan to be away for an extended period, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional home watch service. These services typically involve regular inspections of your property, ensuring that everything is in order and addressing any issues promptly. Home watch professionals can also maintain your home’s exterior by mowing the lawn, watering plants, and performing other necessary tasks to give the appearance of occupancy.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Remember, a little bit of preparation and attention to detail can go a long way in protecting your home while you’re away.

Wildfires, home insurance & staying safe during poor air quality days

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Wildfire & home insurance With an increase in wildfires over the last few years, some insurance carriers around the country have needed to make adjustments to home insurance policies.

Here are two common scenarios we are seeing:

  • Depending on the state you live in, there is limited or no home insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.
  • An increase in home insurance costs across the board for all home insurance policy holders throughout the United States.

When insurance carriers see a spike in insurance claims, they will raise their premiums regardless if you live in a high-risk area or not.

This is a big reason why you may have noticed an increase in your home insurance premium at renewal. Unfortunately, this is out of our control since only insurance carriers can determine the rate of home insurance.

For homes that are located in high-risk areas, we understand your frustration with insurance coverage. Some states are offering special insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.

Contact our agency if you fall into this category and we will see what coverage is offered in your area. Our agency represents several top insurance carriers. With a quick phone call, we can shop all our home insurance carriers at once to see if we can find you the right coverage for your needs.

Wildfires occur in every state throughout the United States and it is important to know what to do if one breaks out near your home.

Steps to Take if a Wildfire Threatens Your Home:
1.) Stay up-to-date on evacuation info & remain calm. Stay inside and turn on a portable air filter inside your home. HEPA-filtered air cleaners are best.

2.) Pack your car with emergency supplies in the event you need to leave – include emergency supplies & valuables from your home.

3.) Put on protective clothing to protect your body, face and lungs. Be sure to have a respirator or good mask to reduce your smoke exposure when outside. N95 masks or P100 respirators are ideal. Make sure it is snug to your face. It should have two straps to go around your head to ensure it is tight.

4.) Keep your loved ones updated on where you are going if you decide to evacuate.

Steps to Take if You Are in a Low Risk Area, But Air Quality is Poor

1.) You can check the air quality in your area by checking AirNow.Gov. This will give you a good indication if it is safe to be outside.

2.) If air quality is poor, stay inside. If you absolutely have to be outside, wear a N95 mask or P100 respirator. Limit your time outdoors, even with your mask on.

Please enjoy your summer responsibly. If you have questions about your home insurance coverage when it comes to wildfires give us a call. We’re here to help.

How to do your part to reduce wildfires this summer

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Wildfire Prevention Tips To Know and FollowIt is that time of year when we like to remind you of the importance of wildfire prevention. Preventing a wildfire requires a collective effort and best practices need to be utilized to lower our risk.

Did you know the majority of wildfires are caused by humans? According to Wildland Fire Management Information, humans cause 85% of wildland fires. That is an alarming number. If we could educate everyone in the United States on how to prevent fires, we could see a major improvement.

Most common scenarios where human fires start:

  • Campfires left unattended
  • Burning debris
  • Equipment use or malfunction
  • Arson
  • Not properly discarding cigarettes

Other scenarios where wildfires start:

  • Natural causes such as lightning

How You Can Lower the Chance of Starting a Wildfire

1.) Pay Attention to Your State’s Burn Bans.

If the weather is hot and dry, burn bans may automatically be put in place. Always respect these rules and never burn during these times. This includes campfires and burning debris in your backyard. They are in place for a reason.

2.) If It Is Safe to Burn, Be Sure You Know the Correct Protocols for Burning

If you plan to go camping this summer or burn debris in your backyard, it is important to review the correct protocols to avoid starting a fire. Even using your family car, lawn equipment or farm equipment can increase your risk. Review fire safety here. 

Fires should never be started near flammable materials. This includes grass, leaves, logs and brush. Learn how to build a proper campfire here.

Did you know wind can play a role in starting a fire? Even if there is not a burn ban in place, you should never burn debris or start a campfire if it is windy.

By leaving a fire unattended or simply not putting out the fire correctly, you can be liable for starting a fire. A simple reminder, “If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.” Whether you are camping in the backcountry or at a campground, a shovel and a bucket can be a few key items you can use that will ensure your fire is out when it is time to leave.

3.) Don’t drive your vehicle or use equipment over dry grass.

A simple spark from your vehicle’s exhaust can cause a fire. By performing regular maintenance on your car or equipment, this lowers your risk of shooting off sparks.

If weather conditions are fine and you plan to explore off-road, it never hurts to have a few safety items on hand in the event a fire starts. Items include a shovel, bucket or fire extinguisher.

We hope you have a great summer! If you have questions about your insurance policy, contact our agency. We are here to help address your concerns or answer questions.