Home insurance and home warranty…they sound similar and even seem like they mean the same thing, but there are actually some pretty big differences. Read on to learn more about some of the bigger differences between home insurance and home warranty plans and how they could be beneficial to you and your property. Let’s start with the basics. Home insurance provides coverage for: Your structure(s), such as your home, garage, deck, sheds, etc. Your personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing and jewelry (subject to individual policy limitations) Your liability, which covers damages to othe ..read more

Have you noticed an increase in your home and/or auto rates recently? If so, you’re not alone. But, we get it. Just because it’s happening to a lot of people doesn’t necessarily make you feel better. Let’s dive into the “why” behind these increases, so you can stay in-the-know. Let’s begin with home insurance. Accumulated claim history throughout the market plays a role in the increase of home insurance premiums along with severe weather events, labor shortages and the increased cost of building materials. Weather events were anything but quiet in 2023. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad ..read more

Cleaning can be a hassle and time-consuming, but the end result — a clean house — is definitely worth it. Check out the top 11 tips to cut down on the time it takes to scrub your house, top to bottom: 1. Create a housecleaning plan. To cut down on the time it takes to clean, start with a plan which you can use every time you scrub the house. Work one room at a time, starting and finishing at the same spot for each room. When you do the same thing every time you clean, it becomes a routine and decreases the time it takes. [1] 2. Declutter and organize. Before you even start cleaning, give your ..read more

According to a recent survey from PwC, more than half (52%) of those surveyed said they will travel this 2023 holiday season*. This is an important increase over past years where PwC’s data revealed that only around a third of the population traveled during the holidays. As we prepare to hit the road, get dressed up again and celebrate with loved ones, here are a few tips to keep your jewelry and watches safe when traveling: Make sure you have adequate coverage. Before you leave, contact your insurance agent or broker to confirm what coverage you have in place. With the different risks when t ..read more

Even in the wake of a global pandemic, the worst wildfire and hurricane seasons on record, civil unrest, and a host of other challenges, there are steps we can take to be prepared in uncertain times. Here are some tips to help you face disasters that may come your way with confidence, a plan, and the proper resources. Disaster Planning Steps 1. Know your risks (and hazards) 2. Create a plan 3. Collect supplies 4. Reinforce your home 5. Establish relationships with service providers 6. Protect your valuables 7. Help others Know your risks (and hazards) To he ..read more

Even in the wake of a global pandemic, the worst wildfire and hurricane seasons on record, civil unrest, and a host of other challenges, there are steps we can take to be prepared in uncertain times. Here are some tips to help you face disasters that may come your way with confidence, a plan, and the proper resources. Disaster Planning Steps 1. Know your risks (and hazards) 2. Create a plan 3. Collect supplies 4. Reinforce your home 5. Establish relationships with service providers 6. Protect your valuables 7. Help others   Know your risks (and hazards ..read more

According to a recent survey from PwC, more than half (52%) of those surveyed said they will travel this 2023 holiday season*. This is an important increase over past years where PwC’s data revealed that only around a third of the population traveled during the holidays. As we prepare to hit the road, get dressed up again and celebrate with loved ones, here are a few tips to keep your jewelry and watches safe when traveling: Make sure you have adequate coverage. Before you leave, contact your insurance agent or broker to confirm what coverage you have in place. With the different risks when ..read more

When shopping for insurance, it is important to know the difference between Replacement Cost (RC) and Actual Cash Value (ACV). These two coverage options have different ways of calculating the amount your insurance may pay you if you suffer a loss. What is Replacement Cost? Replacement Cost is the amount it costs to replace, repair, or rebuild damaged or stolen property without depreciation. In other words, it is what it would cost to replace, repair, or rebuild at today’s costs. For example, if you have a fire in your kitchen, and your stove is damaged, Replacement Cost reimburses you enough ..read more

Garage fires spread farther and cause more injuries than fires that start anywhere else in the home, according to FEMA.  Garages often are full of paints, solvents, and other chemicals that will fuel a flame. Plus, they are generally home to tools and large appliances that can generate heat and ignite a fire. Help prevent fires (and slow the spread if one occurs) by making safe choices: Step one: Charge safely  Garage fires are most often caused by electrical malfunctions, typically due to damaged wires, shorts, and overloaded circuits. When charging tools, only plug one tool i ..read more

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” That’s a quote from author Hal Borland – but another favorite saying might be even more appropriate for this time of year: “Be prepared.” After all, warmer weather brings plenty of risk to go with its beauty. If you aren’t ready, you could find yourself with more spring cleaning than you bargained for after heavy rains, hailstorms, and other hazards. Here are five things you can do to get yourself and your property all set for the season. Give your home’s exterior a check-up. This includes your roof, gutters, downspouts, and even your pai ..read more