Homeowners insurance remains a vital safeguard for families nationwide, yet many policyholders feel uncertain about their coverage amid today's market shifts. With rising construction costs, evolving home features, and frequent premium adjustments, common questions include: "Is my policy still sufficient?" and "Why did my rate increase again?" At our agency, we focus on simplifying these concerns so clients can feel…

Every year, people report fraud, identity theft and bad business practices to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and law enforcement partners. According to FTC data, nearly 3 million people reported fraud in the past year, and 1 in 4 said they also lost money. The median loss in scams that start with a call is $1,200, higher than any other contact…

Here are some things to think about when it comes to carrying insurance as a couple. Use the topics in this article as a way to start a discussion about your insurance needs. We can then help you narrow down your options. Auto Insurance If you and your spouse have separate auto insurance policies, it may be wise to combine…

Hosting a party at your home can be a fun way to connect with your friends and family. However, it’s important to ensure that your guests will be safe and secure while you’re hosting them. Here are some considerations for protecting guests and your home during a party: Slips and falls are the most common dangers in residential properties. To…

When purchasing coverage for their home, too many policyholders often make the mistake of simply insuring it for the resale value. However, should a flood, storm or other event occur, they may find that the cost to rebuild far exceeds the original purchase price. This discrepancy can occur for a variety of reasons, including inflated construction costs following catastrophic events…

Unfortunately, many people wrongly assume that auto and umbrella insurance policies will provide reimbursement for all aspects of an accident on the road. Instead, both of these policies cover your own liability and provide compensation to others in the event that you are responsible for an accident. However, if another driver causes an accident and doesn't have enough insurance coverage…

Vehicle technology seems to advance each year, as new features improve driver and passenger safety. The following are just a few driver-assist features to be aware of the next time you’re in the market for a new vehicle: Adaptive cruise control: This type of cruise control automatically speeds or slows down your car based on the actions of the vehicles…

What do I give up by not using a licensed independent agent to purchase insurance? The disadvantage of not using a licensed agent to purchase insurance is that the policyholder does not receive as much, or often any, personal service. A licensed agent with whom there is direct contact can be vital when purchasing a product and absolutely necessary when…

Lightning storms are incredibly dangerous and more deadly than tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. When a storm is on the verge of striking your area, you need to know the steps to take in order to protect your family and home. Use these tips to stay safe during a lightning storm: Seek shelter in an enclosed building, if possible. If you…

Recreational vehicles (RVs) can be a fun way to see the country and spend time with your family. However, because they’re bigger and heavier than an average car, there are additional hazards that come with owning and operating an RV. Many RV accidents can be avoided by following these helpful tips: Know the weight capacity of your RV. Perform a…

Guaranteed asset protection, or gap insurance is an optional automobile coverage that helps you transfer the financial risk if you are involved in an auto accident and you owe more for your vehicle than the amount that it’s worth.

For many the high school experience comes with social pressures and obligations to fit in and belong, and sadly this can lead to exclusion and isolation of some students. At some point everyone probably said something in their teen years in the heat of the moment that they now wish could be taken back, but today's teens face the added…

There are a wide variety of silly and somewhat funny things we can do from time to time, like telling people that dihydrogen monoxide is coming out of the sink (dihydrogen monoxide is the chemical name for water), but one thing you should avoid falling for as a consumer is being told that carrying only the state mandated minimum coverage…

Do you have a mortgage? Yes? Then at some point in your home-owning life, you have received a letter telling you that your mortgage has been sold to another lender. There's certainly nothing unusual about it when this happens, as home loans are sold every day in the United States. It is a very common practice. Typically, the letter tells…

This time of year can be just great here in . However, you won't get much fireside snuggling done if your chimney clogs or your roof springs a leak. And while prepping your home for winter weather isn't much fun, once you do it, your peace of mind can last all season long. Here's a handy checklist to make sure…

TRYING TO SAVE MONEY? AVOID THE FIVE BIGGEST INSURANCE MISTAKES. With far too many Americans out of work, and others forced to make ends meet with less money, many people are looking for ways to cut costs. There are smart ways to save on home and auto insurance; however, there are also mistakes that can result in being significantly underinsured.…

SCHEDULING ITEMS UNDER YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Perhaps it's the latest electronic gadget or large screen hi-def television, or new sporting goods gear or maybe a piece of sparkling jewelry. If you happen to receive or purchase a particularly expensive item, you may consider purchasing extra protection, just in case. Why would I need to schedule valuable items? The protection provided…