​Renters insurance may not be required, but having a policy is certainly a smart idea. Here are some reasons why you should have renter’s insurance.
Why you might need renter’s insurance
Avoid paying out of pocket for stolen or damaged goods.
Having to pay out of pocket for damaged or stolen personal items in your rented apartment, condo or house is not ideal for most tenants. Additionally, your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your personal belongings, making a separate renters insurance policy necessary for full coverage.
Protect yourself from liability
Keep in mind that renter’s insurance doesn’t just apply to your belongings. It can also protect you from liability in a situation such as a guest being injured in your home. If you don’t foresee having the funds to cover expensive medical bills or legal fees on your own, renters insurance can come in handy.
How to get renters insurance
Estimate the value of your personal property
The monetary value of your personal belongings in your rented space may be more than you think. Take an inventory of every item in your space – from electronics to art to home goods to clothing. Estimate the current value of these items (not what you paid for them) and tally them up. This is a good way to approximate how much insurance you will need in the event your belongings are stolen or destroyed.
Get a renter’s insurance quote
Just call one of our experienced insurance agents to help determine the best coverage and plan for your financial situation. Remember that a higher deductible means a lower insurance premium and a lower deductible means a higher premium – plan your renters insurance budget accordingly.

1. Verify your home is insured for its current value.

• The biggest risk you may face if your home suffers major damage during a severe storm or tornado is being underinsured. With changing costs of construction materials and labor, home insurance reconstruction costs have increased over the years.
• Some policies include guaranteed replacement cost, but the limit may be capped. Inquire about policy endorsements available to you to guarantee you are fully covered in a major loss.

2. Find out what kind of home insurance policy you have.

• Do you have an All Risk or Open Perils policy to ensure the maximum protection for your home and personal property?

3.  Find out if you have a specific deductible in the event of a tornado or windstorm.

• Higher risk areas may impose higher deductibles.

4. Understand the claims process before you have to make a claim.

• Find out what the basis of claims payment will be. Do you have Replacement Cost, Actual Cash Value (ACV) or a Replacement Value with Cash Out Option? Cash Out options are less common and only available for high-end insurance policies.

5. Does your policy have any special limits or policy features?

• You may want to purchase additional protection for valuable items, such as jewelry or collections.

6. Prepare an inventory of the contents in your home, including contents in additional structures like tool or garden sheds.

• Take video while you walk around your property or take photos and store these in a safe place, ideally with copies off-site or in the possession of someone you can trust.

7. Find out what kind of coverage you have if there is a power failure.
8. Find out what your limit is for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) and how you can expect the coverage to work.

• During a devastating loss, like damage to your home from a major windstorm or tornado, you may not be able to live in your home while repairs are done in the area, or to your property. This coverage will be vital in major losses. Homeowners who have a mortgage will still be expected to pay that loan back while the home is being rebuilt.
• Additional living expenses cover the increased cost of living due to the displacement, and this includes that extra rent you will have to pay for your temporary home or the higher costs of food if you have to eat out because you don’t have a kitchen to make your meals in for a while.

9. Make sure your car insurance includes comprehensive coverage, for damage such as hail, falling objects and windstorms.

• Vehicles are at risk to all kinds of damage in storms.

10. Ask if you have coverage for a rental car is your car needs repairs.

• It’s nice to have insurance coverage that replaces or repairs the vehicle, but the time you spend without a car while you wait to get your vehicle back can be challenging. If you need your car during that time, it could cost you a lot of money to rent one. Coverage for a rental loaner, while your car is repaired, is not expensive to add to your policy.

11. If you have a vehicle in “storage” make sure you haven’t forgotten about coverage (or deleted coverage) while it’s in storage.

• Liability coverage will not protect your car from physical damage that often occurs during storms and tornadoes.

12. If you sustain storm damage, contact your insurer as soon as possible and start the claims filing process.

• After tornadoes and other disasters, insurance companies will reach out to those with the worst losses first.

13. Do you have flood insurance?

• The risk of flood is substantial and it’s constantly and rapidly changing. Currently, only about 6% of the U.S. population is insured for the perils of flood.
• Choosing flood insurance used to be a relatively simple decision. Property owners had two options: no insurance or one-size-fits-all, government-issued insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Now, there are more choices. Private flood insurance is growing more robust, bringing new and relevant options that were never available before, such as coverage for additional living expenses, enhanced basement coverage and increased limits for various risk classes.

Our agency welcomes the opportunity to go over this checklist with you even if you are insured elsewhere. Don't wait until it's too late. Call us today.

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• When you leave your home empty, it is hard not to feel even more at risk for something to happen. In order to enjoy your time away on vacation, the best thing you can do is to leave your home knowing you have the proper home insurance coverage if something were to happen.
• While there are some ways to avoid a break-in, like keeping some lights on or having a neighbor take in your mail and mow your lawn, you home is still susceptible to break-ins. This makes it a great time to check up on your coverage limits, such as the protection you have for your personal belongings, especially the valuable ones. Our agency can discuss scheduling these valuable items on a policy specific to the item, such as jewelry insurance or fine art insurance.
• Another great insurance tip is to take a home inventory. Keep a list of items (with photos if you can) or simply take a video tour of your home to show your belongings. These are the best ways to be able to prove to your insurance company after a break-in, or other insurance issue, what you own. Talk with one of our agents to ensure your current coverage is enough.

​A common question asked of insurance agents is "Why are car insurance rates going up?"
This graphic shows the top 5 reasons.
​Are you ever guilty of one or more of them?
Fortunately, our agency represents many companies and uses software to find the best coverage to fit your budget.
​Call us today and see how much money you could be saving on your auto insurance.

​There are benefits to growing older! At this life stage, you may be able to take advantage of several age-related discounts.

• For example, as a mature driver (typically age 55 – 70), you may be eligible for discounts. After age 70, the incidence of serious accidents escalates significantly, so the discounts might cease.
• Discounts may also be available for seniors who limit the amount of driving they do – for example, to less than 7,500 miles per year – or agree to only drive during daylight hours. When you retire or change jobs and work or stay closer to home – and, therefore, need to drive less – you should inform your insurance company. You may be able to get lower rates.
• If you have worked for the same employer for many years, let your insurer know. Those who show stability in their employment may qualify for an auto premium discount.
• If your children have turned 18, left home and are regularly not driving your vehicle, alert your insurance company, as your auto premiums may decrease.
• Consider taking a senior driving refresher course, such as AARP’s 55Alive or a program run by the National Institute of Highway Safety or AAA. Participation in these programs may help you qualify for a discount.
• Since your net worth may still be growing, or is at its highest at this stage of your life, consider whether it makes sense to purchase an “umbrella policy” to raise your auto liability coverage, for example to $1 million, in order to protect your assets.
• If you are driving an older vehicle not worth much in current book value, consider dropping collision insurance. With older cars, the cost of collision coverage can exceed the value of the car.

​Home insurance is important for both homeowners and renters. Homeowners need to purchase insurance to protect their homes and personal property. Those who rent need insurance to protect their furniture and personal property. Everyone needs protection against liability for accidents that injure other people or damage their property.
Whether you live in tornado alley, wildfire zones or along coastlines prone to flooding and hurricanes – now is the time to properly insure your home and possessions.
In recent years severe weather disasters across the country have inflicted more than $43 billion in damage. But research suggests more than half of consumers do not have an inventory of their possessions. Now is the time to make sure you have properly insured your 'stuff.'
Creating a simple home inventory helps you track what you own and what it is worth, making important insurance decisions easier.
How to create a home inventory

• Group your possessions into logical categories, i.e., by hobby, by room in your home, etc.
• Your list should include celebration purchases like jewelry and art, as well as everyday leisure items such as televisions and guitars.
• Don't forget items you use rarely such as holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools, etc.
• Pull together copies of original sales receipts and/or appraisal documents. Also note model and serial numbers.
• Carefully photograph or videotape each item and document a brief description, including age, purchase price and estimated current value. Download a home inventory checklist (PDF).
• Store your home inventory and related documents in a safe, easily accessible place online, on your computer or in a fire-proof box or safe deposit box. Consider sharing a copy with friends, relatives and your insurance provider.
  • The NAIC’s free myHOME Scr.APP.book downloadable app lets you quickly photograph and capture descriptions of your possessions room by room, then store your inventory electronically for safekeeping. The app is available for Android devices. Click here to watch the demonstration video.

A home inventory can be invaluable when deciding how much insurance coverage fits your life situation and makes sure you are adequately protected should you need to file a claim. Let our agency help you in making this decision.

​With the start of a new school year just around the corner, college students who are moving out of the house or to a location off campus should strongly consider purchasing renters’ insurance in case any of their valuables are damaged or stolen.
Renters insurance for college students can be invaluable in the event of theft, fire, or any other unanticipated disaster. A policy can cover items such as laptops, jewelry, televisions, gaming consoles, speakers, and even furniture or clothing. In some cases, if you are living in a private, off-campus home, the landlord may require you to have renter’s insurance. Keep in mind that just because the owner of the home has insurance, it does not mean that your belongings are covered.
We strongly recommend that any parents sending their son or daughter off to college this year should consider purchasing renters’ insurance. A renter’s possessions are not covered under a landlord’s insurance policy. Nearly every freshman college student is being sent off to school with electronics, which are vital in completing their degree. Making sure these possessions are covered in the event of theft or disaster can save a lot of valuable time, heartache, and money.
There are many factors that can impact the cost of renters’ insurance which include, but are not limited to: location, credit score, whether you have pets, the company you choose, and how many items you are insuring.
There are three areas of protection offered by renters’ insurance: loss or damage to personal property, liability, and medical costs incurred by someone in your home.
If you decide to purchase a policy, talk with one of our insurance agents about what your individual needs are and they can tailor a policy that best fits your particular situation.

Your RV can help you and your family evacuate an area, and serve as a cost-effective, temporary living space if your home isn’t livable due to storm damage.
Here are a few tips to make sure your RV is hurricane ready.
Well in advance:

• Prepare an evacuation route.
• Store emergency supplies in your RV. The basics include a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, and prescription medications. Here are a few additional suggestions.
• Perform a thorough safety check. If you use gas-powered lanterns or cook stoves, be sure to have battery-operated fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If you use an electric generator, install a transfer switch to prevent shocks.

If a storm is in the forecast:

• Get a full tank of gas. Fuel may be in short supply after the storm.
• Make sure the windshield wipers are in good shape, and the tires (including the spare) are properly inflated.
• Pack sleeping bags and bedding in plastic to protect them from moisture.
• Place your auto and home insurance documents, vehicle registration, title, and other important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them with you.
• Charge your cell phone and plan to bring it if you evacuate.
• Empty the holding tanks, turn off the propane cylinders, and cover the regulator.
• If you have a travel trailer, tie it down and make sure it’s secure.
• If you expect to leave your RV behind, make sure it’s not in a flood-prone area. Rising water can seep in and damage upholstery, carpeting and electrical systems.
• If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.

Driving:

• Don’t drive during a hurricane. RVs are particularly vulnerable to heavy winds and rain because of their size and high center of gravity.
• If you have no alternative than to drive through standing water, do it slowly and steadily. If your RV stalls, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. But, be aware that restarting may severely damage your engine.
• If you can’t restart your RV and become trapped in rising water immediately abandon the vehicle for higher ground. If you’re unable to get out safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground.

What’s the best tip on the list? Contact our agency to make sure your insurance is "Hurricane Ready"!.

Know how to protect your boat if a hurricane or other severe weather event is approaching. We developed these tips with help from the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Administration. Ultimately, the best way to protect your vessel is to remove it from the water, and all other measures are supplemental in the event this can’t be done.
Whether your boat is docked, anchored, or in dry storage:

• Have a storm strategy and implement it well before the hurricane hits.
• Remove non-secure items, electronics, and excess gear.
• Remove important documents and valuables.
• Make sure openings are watertight and remove or stow non-essential canvas.
• Ensure that all self-bailing thru hull fittings are clear of debris.
• Check that batteries are fully charged and that automatic bilge pump switches are operational.

If your boat is docked:

• Double-up on chafe protection.
• Double all lines, attaching them high on pilings to allow for a storm surge. The longer the dock lines, the better a boat will move with high and rough tides.

If your boat is anchored:

• Do not tie it parallel to the shore.
• Leave plenty of room between your boat and other boats.
• Be sure to use enough line to allow for a storm surge.
• Clear all self-baling cockpit drains.
• Consider using several anchors.

If your boat is in dry storage:

• Place it in an area higher than the expected storm surge.
• Lash it to its cradle with heavy lines and consider adding water to the bilge to help hold it down. Never leave your boat on davits or on a hydro-lift.
• If your boat is on a trailer, take some air out of the tires and secure the wheels with blocks between the frame and the axles.
• Make sure all drains are free from debris and drain plugs are removed.

With any of these scenarios, if you’re out of town, ask a friend or relative with access to your boat to help. Sure, you’ll “owe him,” but that favor could help prevent some very expensive damage.
Of course, the most important thing to remember is to protect yourself. Never put yourself in danger while trying to protect your boat.
Today is a great time to review your watercraft insurance needs. Bring your current policy to our agency even if you are insured elsewhere

With most of your focus on your family and home, you may not think much about your car during a hurricane. But it may just be your key to safety if you need to evacuate.
Make sure your car is ready and that you understand how to drive in severe conditions.
Well in advance:

• Prepare an evacuation route.
• Store emergency supplies in your trunk. The basics include a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, and prescription medications. Here are a few additional suggestions.
• If a storm is forecast:
• Get a full tank of gas. Fuel may be in short supply after the storm.
• Make sure the windshield wipers are in good shape, and the tires (including your spare) are properly inflated.
• Place your auto and home insurance documents, vehicle registration, title, and other important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them with you.
• Charge your cell phone and plan to bring it if you evacuate.
• If you expect to leave your car behind, be sure it’s not in a flood-prone area. Rising water can seep in and damage your vehicle.
• If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If you’re ordered to evacuate or are returning home after an evacuation:
• Avoid driving through deep water. The average car can be swept off the road by as little as 12″ of moving water. Just try to find an alternate route.
• If your vehicle stalls in water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. But, be aware that restarting may severely damage your engine.
• If you can’t restart your car and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. If you’re unable to get out safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground.
• After you and your vehicle are out of deep water and in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly several times to help them dry.

What’s the best tip on the “Well in Advance” list? Contact our agency for a no-obligation quote on all your insurance needs.