Our homes serve as sanctuaries, providing us with comfort, relaxation, and a treasure trove of cherished memories. Given the significance of our homes, it becomes imperative to protect them from a range of potential dangers, including fires, theft, and an often underestimated threat: carbon monoxide (CO).

Carbon monoxide is an insidious gas that lacks odor and color. It is produced when fuels like wood, oil, natural gas, and propane are not burned efficiently. Common household equipment, such as generators, lawnmowers, barbecues, and furnaces, can be sources of carbon monoxide emissions.

Startling statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission reveal that each year, carbon monoxide poisoning claims the lives of 170 people in the United States alone. Such fatalities occur due to equipment malfunctions or when these products are used in inadequately ventilated spaces, such as enclosed rooms.

Recognizing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, as listed by the Centers for Disease Control, is crucial. They include headaches, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Prompt action is necessary to prevent further harm.

The encouraging news is that safeguarding your family against carbon monoxide poisoning is relatively straightforward. By following these essential tips, you can significantly reduce the risk:

Regularly have your gas-burning furnace, water heater, and fireplace professionally serviced. An expert will ensure that these appliances are functioning correctly and are adequately vented.

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. If you reside in a newly constructed house, apartment, or condominium, these detectors are likely already in place. For an added layer of protection, consider placing a CO alarm in each bedroom.

Never leave a car idling in a garage, as this can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.

Keep portable generators at least 20 feet away from any open windows to prevent fumes from seeping indoors.

Never utilize a charcoal barbecue inside a home, tent, or camper. Always ensure proper ventilation when using such equipment.

Under no circumstances should you employ a gas oven to heat your home. This can generate copious amounts of carbon monoxide and pose a severe risk.

The installation of even a single carbon monoxide detector can potentially save lives. If you are renting a home or apartment lacking such a detector, kindly request your landlord to provide one. Many states mandate the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residential properties, recognizing their life-saving potential.

By prioritizing carbon monoxide poisoning prevention measures, you are taking a vital step towards safeguarding your family and ensuring the continued sanctity of your home.

As the summer season comes to a close, you may be tempted to cancel your insurance policies on your summer toys like motorcycles, RVs, boats, and ATVs. However, it’s important to consider the potential risks and expenses that could arise during the off-season.

While you may not be actively using these vehicles, they can still be vulnerable to damage, theft, or accidents that would require an insurance claim.

Here are some reasons why it’s advisable to keep your insurance policies in effect even when your toys are parked:

Comprehensive Insurance Claims: Even when your vehicles are securely stored, theft or vandalism can occur at any time. Without comprehensive insurance coverage, you would be responsible for covering the costs of repairs, repainting, or even replacing your toys out-of-pocket.

Additionally, catastrophic events like floods or fires can happen during the off-season, and having comprehensive insurance can provide the necessary assistance from your insurance carrier.

Liability Insurance Claims: Accidents can happen unexpectedly, even if your toy is safely parked. For example, someone at a party at your home decides to take a picture on your Harley and accidentally falls, damaging both themselves and your bike. In such cases, you may be held legally responsible for their injuries, even if you didn’t give them permission to use the vehicle. Without liability insurance, you would be liable for their medical bills and recovery costs.

Other potential claims scenarios to consider include:

• A storm knocks over a tree onto your parked camper (Comprehensive claim).
• Hail damages your vehicle (Comprehensive claim).
• Your garage catches fire and burns your motorcycle, boat, or ATV inside (Comprehensive claim for the vehicle, not covered by home insurance).
• Your RV or boat is damaged while parked in an off-season storage facility, and the responsible party leaves without providing their information.
• A thief vandalizes your vehicle while looking for valuable items.

These examples demonstrate the various risks that can occur during the off-season. Some insurance carriers offer premium adjustments to reflect the high and low seasons of vehicle usage.

By keeping your motorcycle insurance, RV insurance, ATV insurance, or boat insurance in effect year-round, you not only avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses but may also be eligible for premium savings.

Speak with your insurance agent today to discuss the benefits of maintaining comprehensive and liability insurance coverage on your summer toys throughout the year. Don’t let the off-season leave you vulnerable to financial burdens.

Technology has made significant strides in the past five years, offering homeowners the ability to control and monitor various aspects of their homes through mobile devices and Wi-Fi-enabled routers. By incorporating do-it-yourself tech items into your home, you can mitigate the risk of insurance claims related to burglary, water damage, fire, and freezing damage. Consider these innovative options:

Smart Thermostats: In addition to reducing energy consumption, smart thermostats allow you to monitor your home’s temperature even when you’re away. This feature is particularly useful in preventing frozen pipes and subsequent water damage caused by sudden drops in temperature. Adjusting the thermostat remotely via a Wi-Fi signal helps keep your home protected while you’re abroad.

Smart Garage Door Openers: Ever left the garage door open all night or questioned whether you closed it after leaving the house? Smart garage door openers connect to your Wi-Fi system and send notifications about the door’s status. With a few taps on your mobile device, you can ensure that your belongings remain safe and secure.

Water Sensors: Install water sensors in strategic locations such as behind toilets, near dishwashers, and behind refrigerators with water/ice makers. These sensors alert you to the presence of standing water, helping you detect leaks early and prevent extensive damage. They can be integrated with your existing alarm system or operate independently via Wi-Fi connectivity, with prices starting at around $60 per unit.

Smart Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms play a crucial role in safeguarding your home against fire and smoke damage. With Wi-Fi-enabled smoke alarms, you can link them to your home security system and receive alerts remotely. Prompt notifications ensure that you can take action immediately, even when you’re away from home.

Smart Locks: Never worry about whether you locked the front door again. Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your door using a battery-powered mechanism and a Wi-Fi signal. This convenient feature eliminates the risk of leaving your front door unlocked.

Humidity Monitors: High humidity levels can indicate water leaks or excessive moisture in your home, which can lead to damage. Humidity sensors integrated into devices like thermostats, furnaces, and home video monitors can provide early warnings, allowing you to address potential issues before they escalate.

Embrace these technological solutions to enhance the safety and security of your home. If you have any questions about your home or renters insurance, feel free to contact us for expert guidance on finding the right coverage and pricing tailored to your needs.

With an increase in wildfires over the last few years, some insurance carriers around the country have needed to make adjustments to home insurance policies.

Here are two common scenarios we are seeing:

• Depending on the state you live in, there is limited or no home insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.
• An increase in home insurance costs across the board for all home insurance policy holders throughout the United States.

When insurance carriers see a spike in insurance claims, they will raise their premiums regardless if you live in a high-risk area or not.

This is a big reason why you may have noticed an increase in your home insurance premium at renewal. Unfortunately, this is out of our control since only insurance carriers can determine the rate of home insurance.

For homes that are located in high-risk areas, we understand your frustration with insurance coverage. Some states are offering special insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.

Contact our agency if you fall into this category and we will see what coverage is offered in your area. Our agency represents several top insurance carriers. With a quick phone call, we can shop all our home insurance carriers at once to see if we can find you the right coverage for your needs.

Wildfires occur in every state throughout the United States and it is important to know what to do if one breaks out near your home.

Steps to Take if a Wildfire Threatens Your Home:
1.) Stay up-to-date on evacuation info & remain calm. Stay inside and turn on a portable air filter inside your home. HEPA-filtered air cleaners are best.

2.) Pack your car with emergency supplies in the event you need to leave – include emergency supplies & valuables from your home.

3.) Put on protective clothing to protect your body, face and lungs. Be sure to have a respirator or good mask to reduce your smoke exposure when outside. N95 masks or P100 respirators are ideal. Make sure it is snug to your face. It should have two straps to go around your head to ensure it is tight.

4.) Keep your loved ones updated on where you are going if you decide to evacuate.

Steps to Take if You Are in a Low Risk Area, But Air Quality is Poor

1.) You can check the air quality in your area by checking AirNow.Gov. This will give you a good indication if it is safe to be outside.

2.) If air quality is poor, stay inside. If you absolutely have to be outside, wear a N95 mask or P100 respirator. Limit your time outdoors, even with your mask on.

Please enjoy your summer responsibly. If you have questions about your home insurance coverage when it comes to wildfires give us a call. We’re here to help.

Inflation Continues to Impact Insurance Policy Premiums in 2023

We all feel the impact of inflation. Whether it is at the gas station, grocery store and your insurance policies at renewal. Unfortunately, the insurance industry continues to be impacted as insurance carriers are forced to adjust their risk based on inflation and claims.

We know it is frustrating to see your premiums increase even though you may not have experienced any activity such as an insurance claim. Inflation is the main reason insurance premium rates continue to increase across the country.

Another strike against policyholders is the rise in insurance claims across the country. Not only are insurance carriers receiving more insurance claims than before, but it is also costing insurance carriers more with settling claims.

Anytime insurance carriers see an increase in claims and the cost to settle these claims, they will raise their premiums to all customers around the country. Some insurance carriers have even dropped offering specific policies in certain states which experience a high severity.

Summary on why your insurance policy went up even though you didn’t file a claim or receive a vehicle infraction:

• Building materials for homes have increased (some materials are 20% to 50% higher now).
• There are less skilled workers available to work. This means companies are now paying higher wages to those who are available to work.
• Car parts and equipment are more expensive (some over 22% higher now).
• It costs more to maintain and repair vehicles.
• Used cars prices increased over 37% since 2020. New car prices have increased over 20%.
• Medical bills for insurance claims have increased.
• Most companies are now using underwriting holding periods by asking for proof of ownership, photos of interior and exterior of home, proof of when roofs, plumbing and HVAC systems were updated. I.e. Requiring receipts for the work, etc. This may delay or help insurance carriers avoid writing any new policies until their rate increases are approved, which may be 20% to 50% higher.
• Some carriers are no longer offering insurance to high risk areas or on specific vehicles (wildfire areas, specific cars that are prone to theft, etc.) The insurance carriers who continue to offer insurance coverage have to take on additional risk, which makes insurance premiums more expensive.

If your insurance policy has increased significantly, reach out to us. We can re-quote you with other insurance carriers we represent to see if we can find you a more affordable policy. This is one of the best benefits of working with an independent insurance agency. We advocate for you!

Here are some ways we have helped customers save on their insurance premium. Each of our insurance carriers offer unique discounts so reach out to us to review your current policy.

• Bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.
• Install and maintain a burglar alarm system on your home and receive a protective device discount.
• Discounts for your teenager – good student or distant student (for college students who attend school more than 100 miles away)
• If you recently built a home or significantly renovated it, you may qualify for a discount.
• If you have been accident-free for at least three years, you can be eligible for a discount.
• Earn a claims-free check too! Eligible customers who remain claims free for 6 months can receive a check in the mail from some insurance carriers. Score another check if you remain claims-free for the rest of the year on your policy.

Bonus Coverages Offered

With the rise in insurance premiums, some insurance carriers have added additional coverage to their policies.

Water backup, service line and personal property replacement for claims are the three most common coverage upgrades.

Contact your agent if you have any questions regarding your current insurance policy. We are here to help.