If you're lucky, you might never need to make a major home repair. Cars, on the other hand, will eventually need some parts replaced. Tires don't last forever, and neither do spark plugs, brake pads or timing belts. So, it's worth asking whether auto insurance will cover those replacements when they need to be made.
The answer is no. Car insurance will not cover normal wear and tear. In fact, if you are in an accident because you failed to maintain your car, such as driving on bare brake pads, your auto insurance provider might not approve your claim.
​The reasoning is simple: Car insurance is designed to cover unexpected damages and losses. A smashed windshield, a stolen car, liability costs. Wear and tear damages are losses that we can plan for.
You can generally expect your provider to cover damages and losses relating to the following causes:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Traffic accidents
• Damages suffered while parked (a falling tree, for instance)

You can generally not expect your insurer to cover damages and losses such as the following:

• Bald tires
• Worn brake pads
• Exterior rust
• Ripped or worn out upholstery
• Electrical problems
• Worn down axles

It is a general rule of thumb in insurance that you cannot expect the anticipated to be covered. Insurance will not cover the inevitable, only the possible. Even if damages or losses are common, there is a good chance that you can find a provider. If damages or losses are unavoidable, there's simply no motive for insurers to cover the risk.

​Further, insurers do expect you to take good care of whatever it is that you are insuring. A homeowner who discovers a leaky pipe and simply leaves it to drip will likely see their claim rejected when they file for the damages they've suffered as a result. The same goes for your car. If you want to make sure that you are covered in the event of an accident, make sure that anything that needs to be replaced is replaced. Also remember to take the vehicle in for regular maintenance.

Has it been over three years since you compared your coverages and rates?
Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance.
Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.

Most insurance policies are designed to cover the following:

• single individuals
• traditional married couples
• traditional family - husband, wife, children
• relatives sharing the same household

However, when two or more unrelated individuals live in the same residence and/or share the use of the same vehicle(s), the coverage situation becomes confused. It’s still common for either policy wording or company underwriting rules to limit or bar convenient coverage for an unrelated person. Why one or more unrelated persons are together is their business; the relevant consideration is how are their insurance needs met?

Homeowners Insurance
If you share an apartment or rent a home and each of you retains separate ownership of your property, each of you should carry your own tenant's policy. If you own the home jointly, but maintain separate ownership of your personal property, you might consider the following strategy:

1. Name one individual as the "named insured" on the policy. The named insured is covered for his interest in the dwelling and personal property (such as clothes, appliances, furniture, etc.). Further, the named insured is also protected against losses involving his legal liability to others including payments for medical services.
2. Add the other owners as additional insureds, residence premises. The other owners then will have coverage for their interest in the dwelling, premises liability and medical payments to others.
3. Finally, each additional insured should buy their own tenant's policy to cover their personal property.

Auto Insurance
If each person has his or her own vehicle, the insurance question couldn't be simpler. Each vehicle should be insured by the individual owner. However, if two unrelated people share ownership of a vehicle, the policy covering the car should have a joint coverage endorsement added to it. A joint coverage endorsement (which may have various names) should result in giving the co-owners the same coverage as if they were related. (This endorsement is not available in all states.) The same strategy may be used when only one person owns the household's vehicle. The other person (who does not have his/her own car) may be added via a joint coverage endorsement. However, other options may exist such as (depending upon the insurer): the non-owner resident may be added to the owner's policy as a part-time driver or the other person might purchase a "non-owned" auto policy to get automobile coverage.
​
The insurance industry is making halting steps to acknowledge a broader range of ownership arrangements, including policy forms that allow policies to reflect domestic partnerships. How can you be sure about whether your interests are properly covered? Easy…speak to one of our insurance professionals; discuss your situation in detail and then determine the best way to structure your policies.

Gifts are an important part of many holiday traditions, and while you can’t put a price on their sentimental value you certainly can—and should—insure their financial value in case a costly item is lost, stolen or destroyed by a fire or other disaster.
If you receive a sparkling engagement ring, a stunning piece of art or even took advantage of the end-of-year sales to treat yourself to a new set of golf clubs or fast new bike, it is important to contact our insurance agency to make sure the items are properly insured.
Generally speaking, personal possessions are covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. However, there may be a limit on the amount covered for theft. Typically, items such as jewelry, furs, collectibles and precious stones are limited to $1,000 to $2,000.
To properly insure jewelry, consider purchasing additional coverage through a floater. In most cases, a floater also provides coverage for ‘mysterious disappearance,’—for example, if your wedding ring falls off your finger or is lost, you would be financially protected.
Floaters (also known as endorsements) are available as an addition to homeowners and renters insurance policies, carry no deductibles and frequently provide the option of having the insurance company replace the item for you. Prices vary depending on the type of jewelry, the insurance company you choose, where you live and where the item will be kept. In addition to jewelry, floaters are also available for furs, fine art, musical instruments and even sports equipment.
If you receive an expensive present and want to make sure it is adequately protected, we suggest that you contact our insurance agency even if you are insured elsewhere. Let us know that you now own a piece of jewelry, a fur or other expensive item. We will review your insurance to find out how much coverage you have under your current policy and whether additional insurance is needed.

Has it been over three years since you compared your coverages and rates?
Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.
Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance.

Coverage for mobile/manufactured homes is generally offered using two approaches. Some policies include a laundry list of items (or perils) that may cause a loss. Other policies protect your home against everything EXCEPT for a host of specified perils. Either approach includes liability coverage that protects you for injuries or losses to others which you accidentally cause.
Property Insurance Needs
Any coverage option you choose is likely to reflect the fact that mobile homes are, well, mobile. Therefore coverage is affected by the fact that mobile homes:

• are able to move under their own power (or are capable of being easily transported);
• are more susceptible to wind damage,
• tend to lose value with age.

The mobility of such homes creates a special need to protect the financial interest of the business that lent the money to purchase the home. For example, a mobile homeowner who lives in Georgia decides to drive his home to Florida. The soon-to-be Florida resident "forgets" to mention his plan (and his new address) to his Georgia Mortgage Company. The Georgia lender would be out of luck if the policy didn't include protection for this whimsical act. Another way in which a mobile or manufactured homeowner policy differs from conventional homeowner coverage involves coverage for unattached buildings. This coverage is usually minimal for, say, $2,000. Such a provision helps keep the premiums for policies lower by avoiding paying claims on very low value structures. The coverage is likely to be offered on an actual cash value basis. Unfortunately, mobile and manufactured homes tend to lose value over time.
The policy is likely to include a provision that requires you to get permission to move your home. Once granted, you're likely to get thirty days of special transportation protection for collision; sinking, upset or stranding (a special, higher deductible may apply during the move). Another common coverage feature is coverage for your attempt to move the home in order to prevent damage from an insured cause of loss. For example, you move your mobile home fifty feet to get away from a neighboring trailer that is on fire. IMPORTANT: coverage for moving endangered property usually has a modest limit (several hundred dollars is typical) because of owners who may be too heroic or clumsy for anyone's good.
​Liability Insurance Needs
The liability protection connected with mobile or manufactured homes is, for all practical purposes, identical to the liability provided to conventional homeowners. Why? The likelihood of guests to be hurt at your home, or your probability of being sued, tends to be the same.
The important thing to remember is that our agents are a tremendous source for getting the information you need to be sure that your home and property are adequately protected at a reasonable price.

Liability Insurance Exclusion
Drivers involved in carpools and other group arrangements may wonder if the situation is covered under their auto policy. This concern is valid as many auto policies have restrictions.
Typically, liability coverage under personal automobile policies does not apply to "…liability arising out of the ownership or operation of a vehicle while it is being used as a public or livery conveyance." (A public conveyance is a vehicle used indiscriminately in transporting the public without being limited to certain persons or occasions. A livery vehicle is one that is offered for rental).
There is slight variation in language among policies issued by various insurers, but the intent is the same: to exclude the use of a personal auto for transporting people or property for income. However, this exclusion does not affect coverage for car pool, driver group, and share-the-ride arrangements.
​Feel free to call our office today. Most transactions such as quotes, binding and payments can be handled from the comfort of your home.

Holidays? Vacations? Coverage?
Usually, insurance decisions are made on a static basis, related to life’s milestones such as the following:

• New adults leaving home for their own apartment
• Getting a new job
• Marriage
• Children
• Major purchases
• Moving to a new home
• Acquiring cars, boats, or other vehicles
• New drivers in the household
• Divorce
• Retirement 

The above events often trigger a need to evaluate one’s insurance landscape. It may spur a need to buy renters coverage, a homeowners or auto policy or secure wedding coverage, an umbrella policy, or endorsements for jewelry etc.
 
However, there’s an issue with milestones. Typically, years pass between these events and that may cause you complacency about your coverage needs. You may not recognize that having adequate protection is more dynamic.
 
Not to worry, there is an easy way to consider making necessary changes. Often, holidays and vacations include acquiring more personal items, such as Christmas, anniversaries, and birthdays. These are times that, besides fun and memories, are also accompanied by gifts, such as jewelry or other high-value items. After these special days, take a moment to evaluate whether you received property that might make it prudent to update your coverage.
 
How about vacations? Generally, any coverage concerns are unnecessary for routine trips within the country. However, what about dream vacations in foreign destinations or in-country getaways for extended periods? In either case you may need to consider whether your existing policies cover the situation. For instance, do you need temporary, separate coverage for protection in other countries? Will your travel create any special liability issues? Did you acquire new property that needs protection? Will you be away so long that you have to address any issue created by your absence from your residence?
 
Having proper coverage means taking the steps to make sure that it protects you in the manner you need. Use these special days and events as touch points to contact one of our insurance professionals to make sure you have needed protection.

Many businesses are exposed to the financial consequences of their ownership, use or maintenance of vehicles used in their operations.
Most coverage needs can be handled by a business auto policy (BAP) or similar form which covers operations such as:

• Product or food delivery
• Transporting business products to wholesalers or retailers
• Retail product delivery to consumers
• Carrying persons for short, intermediate, or long-distance routes
• Picking up customer items for cleaning, repair, storage, etc.

Coverage is flexible. It may be purchased as a separate policy or as part of a package of coverage that can also protect buildings and business property (equipment, furniture, etc.). A BAP generally offers:
Liability Coverage–protection for physical injury to other persons or their property because of an accident related to your covered vehicle, including legal defense cost or expense.
Comprehensive Coverage–handles loss from any cause except collision. A limited, less expensive option is available. It only protects against a set of specific causes such as fire, lightning, explosion, vandalism, and several others
Collision–takes care of damage from crashes with another object or overturn of the vehicle
Towing And Labor Costs–handles expenses for moving disabled vehicles
Loss of Use/Rental Vehicle Coverage–if you damage a rental car, this option helps to reimburse the rental company for income it loses because the vehicle is out of use. Also, there may be limited coverage for injury or damage that you cause to others while using a rented vehicle anywhere in the world.
Typically, a business auto (or similar form) bars coverage for the following:

• any injury/damage that you expected or intended
• responsibility for damage you assume under a contract
• losses that should be handled by a Workers Compensation, Disability

Benefits or Unemployment Compensation Law

• Bodily Injury to an employee caused by a Fellow Employee
• Damage to property that is in your Care, Custody and Control
• Any bodily injury or property damage that occurs because of Pollution
• Any loss that is related to racing, demolition or stunts

​Are you protected against business auto losses? Drive over and discuss your situation with one of our insurance agents. The trip will be worth it.

It happens every year when it suddenly turns cold.
You switch your HVAC system over to Heat for the first time since Spring.
Nothing happens or, even worse, it starts a fire that's out of control.
Check the following list to be sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter.
1. Turn on the thermostat.
Switch from cooling to heating and set the temperature a couple of degrees higher than the current room temperature. If you don’t hear the heat kick on within a minute, pull off the cover and make sure the wire connections are secure (if you feel comfortable doing so). If the connections are snug, make sure the power source to the HVAC system is turned on. If it’s still not working, you could check the furnace fan, blower, or heat pump — but it likely makes better sense to call in a professional.
2. Change the air filters.
You probably have air filters behind a vent grill in the wall or ceiling, or a single filter in the HVAC system itself. Change these filters every few months. Or, if you have a permanent electrostatic filter, you can wash and reuse it. Cleaning or replacing your filters regularly keeps particles out of your HVAC system and can prolong its life. While you’re at it, change your humidifier filter and set the humidistat, if your HVAC includes a humidifier.
3. Test the igniter switch.
On an old system, you might have to relight the pilot. Newer systems have electronic ignitors. If the ignitor isn’t working, push the reset button. If that doesn’t do the trick, check your breaker. Still not working? Call in a professional.
4. It’s also a good time to check up on your home or renter’s insurance.
We invite you to contact our agency for a no-obligation review so you can rest easy and enjoy the cozy days and nights of the coming Winter season.

Are you a Painter?
Are you a Carpenter?
Are you a Handyman?
Are you a Landscaper?
Are you a Bricklayer?
Are you an Electrician?
As a skilled craftsman, what are the worst situations that could happen to you or your business?
A client might deny you the opportunity to place a bid, due to lack of appropriate insurance.
If regulations in your State require you to possess insurance, you may face hefty fines, or risk losing your business license.
An accident or incident while on the job may cause physical harm or other forms of damage to clients or third parties.
Your workers may sue for compensation for unpaid work if a client's contract is breached.
These are only some of the scenarios skilled craftsmen face on a regular basis. To keep yourself grounded amidst all these concerns, it is important to remind yourself that you are a small business owner. You have invested a significant amount of money to start up your business, let alone run it. Regardless of whether you take on larger projects or not, you will need to protect your business in whatever ways you can.
If you are an artisan wondering how to avoid going overboard on business insurance you do not need, while receiving the insurance you do, contact our agency! We will advise you on everything you need to know, as well as get you fast and affordable insurance plans for your business.