Market Trends: Rising Home Insurance Rates
Home insurance prices fluctuate based on your home’s location, value, age, and construction materials. The national average for home insurance is around $2,614 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage, according to MoneyGeek. Rates have increased steadily in areas with extreme weather like floods, wildfires, tornadoes, or hurricanes. And with inflation driving up the cost […]
Sewer Backup Coverage for Homeowners
Homeowners: Let’s talk about sewer backup coverage We’re so happy that you have your homeowners policy with us, and we want to make sure you have all the coverage you need to keep your home safe and protected. Many people assume common catastrophes like sewer backups, earthquakes and floods are covered by their standard homeowners […]
Prevent Freezing Pipes in Extreme Cold
It’s that time of year again: cold snap season. Plumbing systems can freeze when temperatures take a sudden nosedive past the freezing mark, or 32 F. And when water freezes and expands within a pipe, the pipe can burst. Here are some tips to protect your plumbing during extreme cold: Turn one faucet to a […]
Homeowners, Solar Panels Are Green but Improper Insurance Might Make You Blue
Your rooftop solar system is installed, the panels are powering your daytime routine and you’re amped you’re doing your part to reach a zero footprint. Then the tornado touches down. Your home is destroyed, but it’s a covered peril, and your homeowners coverage responds without a problem. Your homeowners policy limit is $200,000. That’s just […]
Snowmelt Prevention Tips
As harsh cold warms to above-freezing temperatures, the accumulating water from melting snow and ice—also known as snowmelt—can lead to significant property damage. Review the following guidance for snowmelt prevention at your home. For more home guidance, contact us today. By Zywave, Inc.
Save Money on Energy in Your Household
According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, energy costs will reach a decade-long high this winter. Heating costs are predicted to rise 28% for U.S. households relying on natural gas and 27% for those using heating oil. Electricity costs are also anticipated to increase 10% per the U.S. Energy Department. Read on for tips […]
Keep Pests Out of Your House This Fall
As fall brings colder temperatures, the warm interior of your home can provide shelter, breeding spaces and access to nourishment for household pests. Any pest invasion—whether it’s flies, rodents, squirrels, wasps, ants or various bugs—can cause property damage and pose serious health and safety hazards for any homeowner. Use these tips to keep pests out […]
Preparing for a Summer Vacation
When preparing to leave for a vacation, it’s easy to overlook basic home safety precautions. To protect your residence while you’re away and enjoy a worry-free trip, keep in mind the following tips: Insurance Considerations Taking the proper precautions before you go on vacation can make all the difference when it comes to preventing damage […]
Making a Home Inventory
Your homeowner’s insurance policy is there to protect you from losses like fires and burglaries, but an often forgotten part of having this coverage is documenting your possessions. Insurance carriers are much more likely to reimburse you if you can show them a lost item’s value and condition. Plus, a completed home inventory can help […]
Claims That Will Increase Your Home Insurance Rates
Home insurance is important to help you financially recover from a disaster. Unfortunately, the more claims you file, the more expensive your insurance rates will be. Although all claims will likely raise your home insurance rates, these five will have the greatest impact on your home insurance premium. Keep in mind that any claims you’ve […]
Weather Damage and Your Home Insurance Policy
Depending on the terms of your home insurance policy, some weather-related damages may not be covered. To ensure you have sufficient coverage, you must first understand what weather claims are typically covered under a standard home insurance policy. Perils typically covered under your insurance policy include: Perils often excluded from your insurance policy include: Talk […]
Preparing for a Vacation
Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re Away When preparing to leave for a vacation, it’s easy to overlook basic home safety precautions. To protect your residence while you’re away and enjoy a worry-free trip, keep these tips in mind. There are a number of hazards that could affect your home while you’re away, including lightning, […]
Tips for Working From Home Efficiently
Being efficient while working from home can be a challenge. It’s up to you to motivate yourself and be just as focused and effective as you would in the workplace. Set yourself up for success, and consider these tips to stay accountable and productive: Lastly, it’s important to set boundaries with your kids, pets and […]
How to Prepare for a Power Outage
You can’t control the weather—but you can take proactive safety measures to protect your family and home against the threat of power outages. Consider these tips: When the storm is approaching or the lights are already out, consider unplugging or turning off electronics and small appliances. Remember to keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed as […]
How to Avoid Underinsuring Your Home
Your home is one of your greatest assets and a significant long-term investment. As such, it’s vital to protect your home and its contents with adequate homeowners insurance. Nevertheless, recent research found that many homeowners lack proper coverage. In fact, nearly 2 out of every 3 homes in America are underinsured—which means that the home […]
Candle Safety Considerations
When the weather gets cold, you may want to cozy up indoors by lighting a candle or two. However, it’s important to keep candle safety considerations in mind when doing so. All it takes is a single candle mishap to quickly escalate into a devastating fire within your home. In fact, the National Fire Protection […]
Prioritize Mold Prevention at Home
Mold is a fungus caused by excess moisture that can be damaging to your home, as well as a significant health hazard. Mold can look like spots and can be many different colors. If you see or smell it, remove it; you don’t need to know what type of mold it is. You just need […]
Avoid Swimming Pool Safety Issues
Hot summer days and swimming pools are a great combination to enjoy some summer fun. Many homeowners add backyard pools as a way to entertain and beat the heat. However, adding a pool to your property also increases homeowner responsibilities. Keep these tips in mind if you decide to add a pool to your home: […]
Homeowners Insurance and the Rising Cost of Building Materials
Recent findings from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) confirmed that household construction costs have surged over the past year. This rise in construction costs is directly tied to soaring building material expenses—namely, the price of lumber. According to the NAHB, current lumber costs are up 340% from 2020. What’s more, lumber prices have […]
Fall Home Maintenance
Fall signals a natural time of transition. Fall is also a great time to get maintenance tasks done if you live in an area where cooler weather is right around the corner. Care for your home this upcoming season by maintaining your home with the following tips: By taking the time to maintain your home […]
Space Heater Safety
The cold weather is here for many. You may be tempted to pull out your space heater this winter to stay warm. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment, such as your space heater, is the second-leading cause of home fires each year from December through February. To avoid becoming part of […]
Reducing Winter Utility Bills
As the temperature outside drops, your home’s temperature typically needs to increase by spending more energy and money to keep warm. There are several ways to lower your utility bill without turning the thermostat down. Consider the following tips to keep warm while reducing your monthly bill during colder months: Reducing your energy bill during […]
10 Summer Home Maintenance Tips
You may also download a PDF version of this infographic. Click here.
7 Home Theft Prevention Tips
Your home should always keep your family and possessions safe by keeping out any unwelcome visitors. But unfortunately, a report from the FBI found that a home theft occurs every 13 seconds, with an average loss of over $2,400. Thefts can happen in any neighborhood, since an experienced thief can enter any building. Help secure […]