​What is Covered
Your coverage will not kick in unless you experience a loss that is caused by a specific peril, or reason for loss, that your policy covers. For most policies, the list of covered perils includes:

• Fire, smoke, wind, hail, lightning, explosions.
• Theft or vandalism.
• Trees and other falling objects.
• Weight of ice, snow and sleet.
• Damage from an aircraft, car or vehicle.
• Water damage caused by a ruptured pipe.

What is Not Covered
Some common perils occur with such frequency and predictability in certain areas that they are subject to exclusion from basic coverage. The most notable excluded perils include:

• Floods or sewers that back up into the home.
• Land movement, including earthquakes, landslides and mudflows.
• Damage from pets, birds, rodents or insects.
• Pollution damage.
• Deliberate damage to the home.
• Normal wear and tear.

Most of these are fairly clear-cut perils, but many people get confused by the types of water damage perils, as defined by insurance companies. They make a clear distinction between sudden water damage caused by a ruptured pipe (covered) and gradual water damage caused by rising floodwaters that seep into a home (not covered).
Pulling It All Together
For far too many homeowners, insurance is just another piece of paper that is signed and filed away, rarely to be thought of again. That is, until the worst happens. People who wait until they experience a loss before analyzing their own policies are not getting the full value – maybe little value – out of their countless premium payments.
Homeowners insurance is a financial covenant, but it should also be treated as a living, breathing entity to be nurtured over time. Only by reading the policy carefully, knowing your coverage limits and updating the property inventory can you ensure that your hard-earned dollars will keep that roof over your head – and another, stronger one after that. Our agency welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve that goal.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released an online quiz, “What the Flood!,” as part of its #YourRiskIsReal campaign, an ongoing effort to educate consumers about flood risks and the need to consider purchasing flood insurance.
The short, interactive quiz presents several insurance concepts in easy-to-understand terms. Sample questions include: “Is damage from a busted bathroom pipe and a burst levee covered by the same policy?” and “If a hurricane floods your car, do you file a claim with auto or home?”
Some erroneous beliefs about flood insurance commonly held by consumers include:

• Myth: Homeowners insurance covers damage from floods.
• Reality: Most homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding.
• Myth: FEMA assistance is just as good as an insurance policy.
• Reality: Not everyone will qualify for FEMA assistance after a disaster, and grants (averaging less than $8,000) are not enough to cover all costs after a flood.
• Myth: Flooded homes are fine once they dry out.
• Reality: Flooding can damage the foundation of a house, as well as the walls and subfloors, causing mold and other problems. Fixing the damage is expensive.

Take the quiz: https://naic.org/what_the_flood/index.html

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.
More information at https://www.ready.gov/kit.
The safety of you & your family is first and foremost. Houses can be rebuilt especially if you have the proper insurance in place. Our agency can help you customize coverages to fit your insurance needs. Call us today, please don’t delay.

Is your business ready to survive a disaster? Weather-related disasters cost the U.S. economy $91 billion in 2018 alone. In addition to hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires, you need to prepare for smaller-scale disasters, such as a broken pipe that floods your business or an electrical fire that destroys your inventory. Any of these catastrophes can put your small business out of commission—possibly for good. 
According to FEMA, between 40 and 60 percent of small businesses that close due to a natural disaster never re-open. Fortunately, taking some simple steps to prepare yourself, your store and your employees can help your business weather the storm (both literally and figuratively).
Proper insurance is your best assurance of being able to survive a disaster. Feel free to contact our agency for a no-obligation review of your business insurance needs.
Download this eGuide to learn how to create and implement a disaster plan for your retail business.
Click here to download eGuide
​

​When the warmer weather hits, there’s nothing better than the smell of food on the grill.
Seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker*, which translates to a lot of tasty meals. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires.
In 2013-2017, fire departments went to an annual average of 10,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 4,500 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $123 million in direct property damage.
Grilling Safety Tips
https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Grilling_safety_Tips.pdf
One more tip: it's time for an annual review of your insurance needs. We are great at finding coverage gaps and discounts that you deserve! Feel free to contact our agency from the comfort of your home.

We Love to help Uninsured Drivers!
No Insurance?
Insurance Canceled?
Too Many Tickets?
They don't want you? We Do!
​We love helping Uninsured Drivers get legal.

https://youtu.be/f9hL07XEt_s
There is nothing quite as relaxing as boating.
Boating can be a great summer activity, especially for people who live near lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
Because of the many dangers that are exposed around water, it is important for boat owners to make sure they are covered, when the unexpected happens.
Let us help you keep worry free, so that you are able to relax and enjoy the water, knowing you are well protected.
We have access to several products, enabling us to help you find the best coverage for you, with your specific needs in mind.
Here are just a few of the types of watercrafts that we can help provide coverage for: Small Boats, House Boats, Yachts, Mega Yachts, and Many More.
Let us help you give you peace of mind knowing your investment is well protected.
Please contact our agency today for a no obligation review of your insurance needs.

​Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, affecting every state. Flooding can be caused by storms, dams or levees breaking, new development changing how water flows above and below ground, snow-melt and much more.
Do You Need Flood Insurance?
Here are some important facts to keep in mind:

• FACT: Homeowners and renters insurance does not typically cover flood damage.
• FACT: More than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones.
• FACT: Flood insurance can pay regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
• FACT: Disaster assistance comes in two forms: a U.S. Small Business Administration loan, which must be paid back with interest, or a FEMA disaster grant, which is about $5,000 on average per household.  By comparison, the average flood insurance claim is nearly $30,000 and does not have to be repaid.

It’s easy to see that having flood insurance provides important recovery help.
Our agency can help you understand more about this important coverage. Stop by or call … we’re here for you!