Follow These Simple Tips to Avoid Holiday Theft

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How to avoid holiday package theft in Salt Lake City, UTThe holiday season is a joyous time, but unfortunately, it is also top season for theft. If you walk around your neighborhood, it isn’t hard to see all the holiday deliveries left on porches of unsuspecting homeowners. Protecting yourself from theft is all about prevention. To avoid being a victim of holiday theft:

  • Have your deliveries sent to your work (if allowed)
  • Request valuable shipments be held by the shipper for in-person pickup. Most major shipping companies even have apps now that can help streamline this process.
  • See if your shipping company has additional options. Amazon recently introduced “lockers” where they will place your shipment in a locker with a special code just for you.
  • Does a retired relative live nearby? Have packages delivered to them. It is always a great opportunity to see family anyway.
  • Sign up for delivery notifications. Many companies send this to you by email, but many carriers have text message notifications.
  • Install a home surveillance system that focuses on the area where your packages are delivered. A pricier alternative if you can’t always be there to monitor your home.
  • Discuss with your neighbors to keep an eye out for unfamiliar vehicles.

Enjoying the holiday season is easy, but preventing theft isn’t always. We hope your holiday season is free of criminal activity.

Archibald Insurance Agency in Salt Lake City, UT is a different kind of insurance agency. We represent over 20 top-rated insurance companies to offer you comparative insurance quotes which means more coverage options, better pricing and flexibility.  Agency owner, Marc Archibald and his friendly and knowledgeable staff can quote your auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance & much more! With many payment options you’re sure to find the right company at the right price for your specific insurance needs! Both homeowners and auto insurance rates change, people change, situations change. Our goal is to be your preferred insurance agency for a lifetime.

This One Quick Tip Can Get You Your Stolen Bicycle Back

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What to do if your bike is stolen in Salt Lake CityAccording to the National Bike Registry, 1.5 million bicycles are stolen each year. With college campuses being the biggest source of bicycle theft, it would be great if there was a way to protect your investment that was quick and easy. The good news is that more than 48% of bicycles that are stolen are recovered, but of those, only 5% are able to be identified and returned to their owners.

The National Bike Registry and 529 Garage have partnered to create a database to track and store bicycle VIN numbers. Not only can you register your bike, but you can search their database for recovered bicycles in an effort to get yours back.

Bicycle theft is a rampant problem in the US and unless you want to submit a homeowner claim (please talk to your licensed insurance agent prior) you likely won’t see you bicycle again or be able to recover your losses. Bicycles are likely covered under your home, renters or condo insurance policy with your insurance carrier.

Register your bicycle today and rest assured that your bicycle is better protected and more likely to be returned in the event of being stolen.

Archibald Insurance Agency in Salt Lake City, UT is a different kind of insurance agency. We represent over 20 top-rated insurance companies to offer you comparative insurance quotes which means more coverage options, better pricing and flexibility.  Agency owner, Marc Archibald and his friendly and knowledgeable staff can quote your auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance & much more! With many payment options you’re sure to find the right company at the right price for your specific insurance needs! Both homeowners and auto insurance rates change, people change, situations change. Our goal is to be your preferred insurance agency for a lifetime.

What Insurance Coverage Do I Need for My Drone or UAV?

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Insurance for your drone in Salt Lake CityIt seems like everywhere we go we have a chance to hear the sound of a UAV, also known as a drone, commonly sounding like a disturbed hornets’ nest. Drones are fun to fly for both kids and adults. They are seemingly harmless besides the risk of it becoming non-responsive due to other remote signals, the battery dying and falling out of the sky, or the control operator simply being inexperienced and crashing the drone into a parked vehicle. Many, if not most, drone operators have experienced a drone crash or close call while learning how to pilot the fun UAV. While our first concern is typically, “is my drone okay?” we should be asking ourselves the question of “What happens if I crash this into someone’s house or vehicle?”

The good news is that if you’re using your drone purely for recreational purposes and your drone is a hobby-grade drone, your home, condo or renters insurance policy likely covers you for liability from most drone usage. Now, if you’re using your drone for commercial purposes, you will absolutely need a separate insurance policy to cover you for liability for your drone. Additionally, commercial drone operators now need to pass a certification process to operate and be a commercial drone pilot.

If you’re using your drone for commercial purposes, ask your agent about a commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy that includes drone usage.

If you’re a recreational drone pilot, talk to your local insurance agent to verify coverage before you have a claim. The best way to avoid a claim is simply prevention. Follow these tips to avoid a drone insurance claim:

  • Always fly your drone in an open space away from trees, power lines and other obstructions.
  • Be sure to follow FAA requirements and register your drone for flying.
  • Do not take your drone to restricted areas such as national parks
  • Do not harass wildlife or attempt to view wildlife up-close with your drone
  • Read your manual to ensure you’re familiar with the sounds and features that your drone has.

We want you to have fun with your drone, but also be sure you’re protected in the event you have a claim involving your drone usage. Call an agent in our office to discuss your plans before you experience a claim.

Archibald Insurance Agency in Salt Lake City, UT is a different kind of insurance agency. We represent over 20 top-rated insurance companies to offer you comparative insurance quotes which means more coverage options, better pricing and flexibility.  Agency owner, Marc Archibald and his friendly and knowledgeable staff can quote your auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance & much more! With many payment options you’re sure to find the right company at the right price for your specific insurance needs! Both homeowners and auto insurance rates change, people change, situations change. Our goal is to be your preferred insurance agency for a lifetime.

Renew & Protect the Interior of Your Car With These Easy to Follow Steps!

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6 Ways to Improve the Interior Of Your Car in Salt Lake City, UTProtecting and cleaning the interior of your car will improve resale as well as improve your overall enjoyment of your vehicle. With these easy to follow steps, you’ll have the interior of your vehicle in tip-top shape.

Vacuum

Remove your floor mats and using a high powered ShopVac type vacuum, clean your carpet with a vigorous back and forth motion to loosen dirt or small rocks that have become lodged in your carpet. Move your seats forward and backwards to get underneath the seats as well. You’ll be surprised what treasures might be found.

Clean the Carpet

Do you own a carpet cleaner? If not, they you can rent one at most home improvement stores. Using a carpet cleaning solution, wet your interior and vacuum up dirt that is stuck in your carpets interior. If you have kids, perhaps you’ll even be able to get out those cheesy snack stains! If you live in a wet environment, consider some all-weather floor mats to protect your carpet from moisture and mold growth.

Wipe Down & Protect Your Seats

If you have cloth interior, use your carpet cleaner on them. It works great. If you have leather or vinyl interior, use a specialized leather conditioner. Be sure to rotate your clean cloth multiple times to ensure you remove the grime instead of rub it further into your leather.

Clean Your Dash

Your vehicle’s dashboard is subject to more abuse than you think. During the summer, it bakes in the sun and dirt and dust that accumulates on the surface dries it out. Use a product like Armor All to protect and clean your dashboards surface as well as other surfaces of your vehicle. Be careful to avoid using it on a steering wheel as it can make it slick!

Clean your Windows

Your windshield will develop a thin film on it from condensation causing a glare during night time driving. It is important to keep your windshield clean and clear. Using a glass cleaner like Windex, clean and wipe down the windshield. If you haven’t done this in a while, you might need to do it a couple of times!

Change your Cabin Filter

If your vehicle has over 30,000 miles on it, consider pulling out your cabin filter and replacing it. Your cabin filter’s job is to clean the air of allergens, dust and dirt that enters your vehicle through the heating and air conditioning. Many cabin filters are located behind your glovebox and are easily changed yourself.

Keeping your vehicles interior clean and protected will improve your overall enjoyment of your vehicle as well as improve your resale value.

Archibald Insurance Agency in Salt Lake City, UT is a different kind of insurance agency. We represent over 20 top-rated insurance companies to offer you comparative insurance quotes which means more coverage options, better pricing and flexibility.  Agency owner, Marc Archibald and his friendly and knowledgeable staff can quote your auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance & much more! With many payment options you’re sure to find the right company at the right price for your specific insurance needs! Both homeowners and auto insurance rates change, people change, situations change. Our goal is to be your preferred insurance agency for a lifetime.

Consider This Before Jumping into Vacation Property Ownership

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Vacation Property Insurance in Salt Lake City Owning a secondary home or vacation property can be a rewarding experience and allow you to build so many memories! While owning a vacation home can have countless advantages, it does bring some unique responsibility and maintenance.

Regardless of whether you’re buying a cabin just a few miles away on the lake or an oceanfront condo in Hawaii, you’ll use twice per year, you’ll want to make sure your property remains adequately protected. Renting the property adds an entirely new level of complexity to secondary home ownership and yet a better reason to review your coverages with your licensed insurance agent.

Consider these items when talking to your agent:

  1. Will you need a separate insurance policy for your vacation property liability?
  2. What liability limits are adequate for a home that is vacant more often than is occupied?
  3. If you’ll be renting the property, consider purchasing additional liability limits as well as an umbrella insurance policy to protect you.
  4. Is your vacation home in an area that is affected by natural disasters such as forest fires, hurricanes, floods or earthquakes? You may need a separate additional policy for these.

Follow these insurance tips to reduce the risk of having a claim:

  1. Keep valuables out of your vacation home. Take them with you when you leave.
  2. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for any unusual activity at your home.
  3. Consider getting a video surveillance camera such as a Canary or Ring to alert you if someone enters your home. These do not require service contracts and alert you by phone.
  4. Keep your heater set to 60 to prevent any pipes from freezing.
  5. Turn off your water if you plan to leave for extended periods of time. This takes only a few seconds.
  6. Consider a management company if you want to rent the property. They will help keep an eye on things.
  7. Check for obvious liability concerns if you plan to rent the property such as rotten decking, trip hazards, or other deferred maintenance.

We wish you years of memories and relaxation with your secondary home or vacation property. When you’re ready to insure your property, give us a call.

Archibald Insurance Agency in Salt Lake City, UT is a different kind of insurance agency. We represent over 20 top-rated insurance companies to offer you comparative insurance quotes which means more coverage options, better pricing and flexibility.  Agency owner, Marc Archibald and his friendly and knowledgeable staff can quote your auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance & much more! With many payment options you’re sure to find the right company at the right price for your specific insurance needs! Both homeowners and auto insurance rates change, people change, situations change. Our goal is to be your preferred insurance agency for a lifetime.