Landscape Maintenance Tips for Your Yard

Jun 3 2022 You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order... more ›

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Avoiding Water Issues in Your Home

May 6 2022 Water damage is one of the worst problems that homeowners can run into. Not only can it be incredibly expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but it can also create the potential for mold and mildew... more ›

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Commonly Overlooked Spring Cleaning Tasks

Apr 1 2022 Spring is a common time for people to take on all of the cleaning tasks that they put off during the winter. With the weather getting warmer, it's the perfect time to tackle jobs both inside and outside your home. While... more ›

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Upgrading Your Windows - How to Choose What's Best for Your House

Mar 4 2022 You may not give the windows on your home much thought, but they can actually make a big difference not just in your comfort level, but also in the value of your home. You'll have a wide range of options to choose from,... more ›

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Tips for Saving Money on Heating and Cooling Your Home

Feb 4 2022 If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills... more ›

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How to Evaluate and Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Jan 7 2022 Today's modern appliances are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors, and some are even better than the rest. When shopping for appliances, you'll likely be overwhelmed by choice, so it is important to know... more ›

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How to Choose Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Dec 3 2021 Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for any home, so you should ensure that your house is equipped with them. You should have detectors in the main living areas on each floor, including in every bedroom... more ›

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How to Make a Fire Safety Plan

Nov 5 2021 No one likes to think about the possibility of a fire in their home, but this is one situation where it definitely pays to be prepared. This is especially true if you have children or pets in your home. Read on to learn... more ›

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How to Decide If Solar Panels Are Right for Your Home

Oct 1 2021 Solar panels can provide clean electricity for your home, helping you to save money on energy costs while also doing your part to help the environment. However, not all homes are suited to solar energy. Here's what you... more ›

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How Independent Agents Are Different from Captive Agents

Sep 3 2021 When it comes to buying insurance, you have two primary options available to you: independent agents like us, and captive agents. While both can provide insurance services, these two types of insurance agents are not... more ›

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Benefits of Using a Dash Cam

Aug 6 2021 More and more people these days are choosing to add dash cams to their vehicles, and for good reason. These small cameras can be highly useful to you, especially in the event that you get a traffic ticket or are... more ›

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Swimming Safety: 10 Tips for Summer

Jul 2 2021 Summer is here and people are flocking to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and... more ›

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Why You May Need Personal Offense Coverage

Jun 4 2021 In today’s digital world, slander and libel lawsuits are more common than you may think. Comments made in haste or anger on social media can have lasting and far-reaching effects on a person’s reputation or character,... more ›

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Inexpensive Fixes for a Safer Home

May 7 2021 Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can... more ›

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Why a basic Homeowners policy isn’t always enough

Apr 2 2021 Sometimes a basic homeowners policy just isn’t enough. So as your career advances and your income increases, it’s important to keep your insurance protection up to date. This helps you avoid expensive gaps in coverage... more ›

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10 Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft

Mar 5 2021 Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do from day to day, there’s the risk of identity theft. You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you’re... more ›

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Own a home? Here are two policy options you should know about

Feb 5 2021 If you have a homeowners policy, you probably expect it to cover all the costs of rebuilding your house in case it’s damaged or destroyed by a covered hazard. But are you certain you have enough coverage? Read about two... more ›

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Porch Safety: Should You Leave the Lights On?

Jan 8 2021 It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this... more ›

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Don’t Delay — Start Thinking About Winterizing Your RV Today

Dec 4 2020 Unless you’re headed to a warmer climate for the winter - or you live in one already - fall is the time to start preparing your RV for winter (as long as you’re done using it for a while, that is). And just because you... more ›

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10 Things to do to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Nov 6 2020 Fall is a wonderful time - if your home is ready for it. So enjoy the last few weeks of warmer weather, but do a little preventative maintenance while you’re at it. You’ll fix small problems before they become big, and... more ›

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It’s Back-to-School Time — Is Your House Ready?

Oct 2 2020 We’re not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven’t noticed, the new school year is upon us. And as you get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing for something else - your home. It won’t... more ›

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Tips for Power Tool Safety

Sep 4 2020 What would you do without power tools? Well, you’d probably take on fewer home-improvement projects — and probably have a lot more calluses on your hands. Thankfully, you don’t have to do without. But you do have to use... more ›

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What is water backup coverage and why is it important?

Aug 7 2020 Water damage can be disastrous to your home. Imagine discovering that your entire basement is filled with brown water and sewage from a backed-up water main or other pipe. It’s not only disgusting and potentially... more ›

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How to Update your Home — Without Spending Thousands

Jul 10 2020 It doesn’t take a massive remodel, or a big budget, to make your house feel a little more like home to you. Inside or out, small improvements can make a significant difference - and whether you’re handy or not, you can... more ›

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I Just Bought a New Car. What Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

Jun 5 2020 Congratulations! After weeks of research, comparing makes and models, and taking test drives you finally bought that brand-new car you wanted. But before you take that well-deserved road trip, check one more item off... more ›

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Keep Your Pets Safe in a Disaster

May 1 2020 A safe home, a regular routine, a soft bed – the things that bring you comfort bring your pet comfort, too. It’s so important to give some advance thought to how you’d handle your pet responsibilities during and after a... more ›

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Why You Need Service Line Coverage

Apr 3 2020 Let’s spare a moment for something most of us use every day yet probably take for granted: our service lines. We rely on them for access to water, electricity, gas, Internet connection, and more, but only think about... more ›

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What to Consider When Choosing Auto Insurance

Mar 6 2020 Carrying a minimum amount of auto insurance is required by state laws, so you can’t legally drive without it. Yet while the minimum amount keeps your premiums lower, it can also put you at great risk if you have an... more ›

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5 Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

Feb 7 2020 Every year, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (not linked to fires) sends 20,000 people to the emergency room and causes more than 4,000 hospitalizations. And, you might consider them the fortunate ones. CO... more ›

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When Roadside Assistance Isn’t Enough

Jan 3 2020 If you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the highway with an RV issue, you know what a life saver roadside assistance can be. Whether you need a battery charged, a tire changed, or a tow you’re often back on the road in... more ›

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How to Protect Your Classic Car

Dec 6 2019 The collector car market evolves with each generation. While the Silent Generation started collecting cars, it was Baby Boomers who really got it rolling. They fell in love with the Chevrolet Bel Air, the Ford Mustang,... more ›

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Why You Might Want to Live Like a Minimalist

Nov 1 2019 Decluttering is having a moment these days. Organizing guru Marie Kondo has her own show on Netflix, people everywhere are going through their things and asking, “Does this bring me joy?” and many are even exploring the... more ›

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What Car Drivers Need to Know about Motorcycles

Oct 4 2019 Fall is here, and there are still plenty of motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is “see.” People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they’re not... more ›

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How to Ride Your Motorcycle Safely in a Group

Sep 6 2019 Group riding is a favorite activity among many motorcycle riders. Whether you’re part of a riding club, a social event, a charity ride, or out for a leisurely cruise with friends, group riding can be a rewarding way to... more ›

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Five Tips to (Finally) Get your Garage Organized

Aug 2 2019 There’s perhaps no organizing task more daunting than the garage-it’s often the dumping ground for the stuff that has no other place in the house, or the things you don’t use but just can’t bring yourself to toss. How... more ›

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How to Make Your Family Vacation a Great One

Jul 12 2019 Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.) The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You... more ›

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Boating Season is Here – Are You Up to Speed on Safety?

Jun 7 2019 With spring in full bloom and summer just on the horizon, prime boating season is upon us. And you might notice more people on the water than ever, because sales of recreational boats have been growing at a steady clip... more ›

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Three Ways to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

May 3 2019 April 22 marked the 49th annual Earth Day, when more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries were expected to take part in what the Earth Day Network calls “the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.”... more ›

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Spring Cleaning Tips

Apr 5 2019 Spring is a time for new beginnings, and cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle the monumental spring cleaning chore, read on for some helpful... more ›

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Home Security Technology: Keeping you ahead of the burglars

Mar 1 2019 Back in the early days of home security “systems,” around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire “door shakers”-night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were... more ›

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Looking at a new piece of jewelry? Make sure to look at your insurance, too

Feb 1 2019 Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life. However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or a fire or some other... more ›

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Is your home as efficient as it could be? An energy audit can tell you

Jan 4 2019 Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters. All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying-they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills. The U.S.... more ›

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Keep Pets Happy and Safe on Vacation

Dec 7 2018 You’re not just imagining it—a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days. According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and... more ›

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Five Common (and Potentially Costly) Homeowner Mistakes

Nov 2 2018 Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up-whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost certainly going to require time... more ›

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Five Ways to Protect Your Personal Electronic Data

Oct 5 2018 Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now-as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. That’s why we... more ›

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Let's Keep Our Lawns and Ourselves Safe

Sep 7 2018 For many of our neighbors, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard – often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Each year about 400,000 people are treated for... more ›

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6 Tips for Getting to Work on Two Wheels

Aug 3 2018 Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States commute to work by bicycle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of cars off the road each day, a lot of gasoline saved and a ton of... more ›

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Essential Safety Tips for Nighttime Boating

Jul 6 2018 If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone with a boat), you’ve probably thought about spending some evenings on the water - especially in the summertime. It’s a great thought, of course. But,... more ›

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Summer Driving Tips

Jun 1 2018 Summer’s almost here. The sun will come out of hiding, and people will, too. As crowds swell at the beach, in parks, and even on roadways, it all makes for some challenging driving conditions. More people are out and... more ›

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Protecting Your Home: Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy

May 4 2018 As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home isn’t something you use daily. And it isn’t something flashy you show off to friends. It’s your homeowners insurance policy, and it protects you in more... more ›

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Do I Need to Tell My Insurance Company If My Dog Bites Someone?

Apr 6 2018 You probably don’t think your dog would ever bite someone, let alone cause a serious injury. But dog bites are more common than you might realize-4.5 million occur every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for... more ›

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Protect yourself from Carbon Monoxide at Home and at Work

Mar 2 2018 Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of people in the U.S. die from carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning-and the invisible, odorless gas sickens thousands more. The numbers seem... more ›

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Insuring Jewelry: How to Know if Your Coverage is Enough

Feb 2 2018 A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason it should be insured. However, calling... more ›

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Tips for Buying a Safe Car

Jan 5 2018 You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars - but unfortunately, we’re still years away from living in a world where you just tell your car where to go, kick back and relax with a book (or, more likely, your phone).... more ›

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Why Today’s Homes Burn Faster

Dec 1 2017 From building materials to furnishings, many of the things in your home likely aren’t as flame-resistant as those from yesteryear. A fire in a modern home is a “perfect storm,” according to safety consulting and... more ›

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How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Bill

Nov 3 2017 It’s easy to lower your insurance costs - especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles. Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad... more ›

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Do You Need Umbrella Insurance?

Oct 6 2017 One of the most certain things in life is uncertainty. Your dog could bite the neighbor’s kid. Your teen driver could hit a cyclist. A guest could fall down your stairs. A rainy morning commute on worn-out tires could... more ›

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Three Ways a Pool May Affect Your Homeowners Insurance

Sep 8 2017 That oh-so-covetable experience of taking a dip in your very own pool? Millions of American households enjoy it, at least when the weather’s nice. With the summer heat ratcheting up, you may be coming down with a... more ›

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Easy to Forget Cleaning Projects

Aug 4 2017 As a busy homeowner, it's easy to fall into the trap of pushing off tasks that maintain the long-term value of your home in favor of more pressing problems. That’s OK, to a point, as certain house-cleaning projects... more ›

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Heavy Rain? Be on the Lookout for Heavy Damage

Jul 7 2017 Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry. Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many... more ›

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Want a Safer Home? Consider these Inexpensive Fixes

Jun 2 2017 Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can... more ›

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Help Your Dog Love Apartment Living

May 5 2017 Apartment living can have many advantages: low maintenance, close to work and entertainment, and ease of changing residence. But, if you’re a dog owner, apartment living can present some difficulties. You probably won’t... more ›

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Love Bites – Get Umbrella Coverage

Apr 7 2017 In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies. So why worry about umbrella coverage? Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered? Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits. Large damages can be... more ›

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Teen Driving Safety

Mar 3 2017 Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving When teens begin to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, the sobering statistics start to pile up:Car... more ›

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Car Shopping With Safety in Mind

Feb 3 2017 You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars. Yet we’re still years away from living in a world where you can just tell your car where to go and then kick back and relax with a book or your phone. Even still,... more ›

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7 Driving Habits That Are Bad for Your Car

Jan 6 2017 No matter how safe you are behind the wheel, you’ve probably done things like: Shift into drive while the car is still rolling backward. Ride the brakes on steep hills. Roll into the gas station on empty. Guilty? If so,... more ›

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Burglary Prevention: Should You Leave the Lights On?

Dec 2 2016 It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this... more ›

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Which Home Alarms Do You Need?

Nov 4 2016 Technology has made home alarms of all kinds — from security to smoke, radon to radiation — more accessible than ever. Many of them can be configured to work together, and some even alert you to trouble through your... more ›

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Device Insurance: Cover Your Personal Electronics With the Policy You Already Have

Oct 7 2016 It seems everyone these days has a smartphone. Or a smart TV, a tablet, or an ebook reader. Or all of the above – and more. When you add it all up, you may find you have thousands and thousands of dollars tied up in... more ›

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How to Deal With Road Rage

Sep 2 2016 Have you ever noticed that, with roadway anger, it’s always the other guy’s fault? And, it very well could be. The thing is, you can’t control how other people drive. But, you can control how you respond to situations... more ›

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Safety Tips for Your Summer Swims

Aug 5 2016 When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people flock to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for... more ›

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Safety Tips for Summer Thrill Seekers

Jul 1 2016 The family summer vacation is a time-honored tradition, and it often includes a trip to one of our country’s incredible amusement parks. But, while the rides and other attractions at these parks are typically safe, it... more ›

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What Should Go in Your Home Safe (or Safe-Deposit Box)?

Jun 3 2016 Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your... more ›

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The Type of Fire Extinguisher Every Home Should Have

May 6 2016 A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each one. So, which is... more ›

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Navigate Rainy Roadways With Care

Apr 1 2016 It’s just rain — how much impact can it really have on your driving? The answer: a lot. You’re likely to experience lower visibility, reduced traction and increased difficulty in handling your car both during and after... more ›

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Identity Protection Tips for Tax Season

Mar 4 2016 What’s the most important number for you this tax season? The amount of your refund? The amount you owe? The number of hours spent poring over all the other numbers? All of those are pretty important, but none of them... more ›

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Winter

Feb 5 2016 Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road, especially if you’re on vacation and aren’t used to driving in winter conditions. And, it’s an even worse time to... more ›

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How to Avoid Animal-Vehicle Collisions

Jan 8 2016 About 2 million times every year, animals and cars collide on U.S. roadways — often causing serious and even fatal injuries to drivers and passengers, along with about $1 billion in damage, according to the U.S.... more ›

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Thrifty Security: Burglar-Proof Your Home for the Holidays

Dec 4 2015 It's not unusual, when you set out on that holiday trip, to look back at the house a little nervously. Sure, you remembered to lock the doors, but just how secure are things? What might happen while you're away?One way... more ›

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Safe, Secure Shopping: Tips for Black Friday

Nov 6 2015 It's become almost as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and football: Black Friday, the morning-after (or in some cases evening-after) shopping spree. It's the biggest shopping day of the year, an event in its own... more ›

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4 Ways to Help All Children Have a Great School Year

Sep 15 2015 It's back-to-school time, and, if you have school-age children, your household is likely bustling with activity and filling up with books and backpacks. There are other households and school districts in your community,... more ›

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