When winter rears its head and fall breezes turn cold, most people spend more time inside, enjoying the shelter and warmth of home. Humans aren’t the only breed searching for a safe, secure place to retreat from the cold during these times. Animals of all shapes and sizes also seek shelter, sometimes taking up residence … Read more
by Penny M. Hagerman Renters insurance provides financial protection against loss. When the unexpected happens and items get ruined or damaged, this specialized protection pays to repair or replace them in exchange for yearly premiums. Landlord vs. Renters Insurance While landlords must take responsibility for damage sustained by apartment buildings, condos or single-family structures where … Read more
by Penny M. Hagerman Each year, fires cause millions of dollars worth of damage to homes and result in thousands of lives lost. And whether loss is major or minor, partial or total, homeowners often find themselves displaced, facing financial pressure or suffering the loss of a loved one. But with the right insurance protection, … Read more
by Jeb Foster Many insurers will decline to insure your home if you have a trampoline. Some will only do so if the trampoline is excluded, leaving you vulnerable to lawsuits. But even if your insurance company agrees to cover your trampoline, it’s in your child’s best interest to keep both feet planted on the … Read more
Potential insurance mandate has gun owners sweating bullets Earlier this year, a lawmaker from Illinois caused a ruckus among the NRA crowd when he proposed legislation that would force gun owners to buy a liability insurance. State Rep. Kenneth Dunkin proposed amending his state’s Firearm Owners Identification Card Act to require gun owners to buy $1,000,000 in … Read more
Toll 1. According to a study by A.M. Best, tornadoes are responsible for 57 percent of all catastrophic losses since 1953. The costliest tornado to date struck Georgia in 1973, causing $5.35 billion in damage. Tornadoes are approaching hurricanes in terms of costliness. According to the Insurance Information Institute’s 2009 Insurance Fact Book , “insured … Read more
I need land (lot) coverage. Can you help me? Asked by Jean – Pennsylvania Jean: Thanks for the submission! Are you sure you need coverage? Is the land empty? If it is empty and unused (there are no man-made structures, livestock, etc.), then your existing homeowners policy will probably cover your liability. (A renter’s policy likely … Read more
by Penny M. Hagerman As seasons change and winter gives way to spring, you may want to keep your eyes on the skies. From March through September each year, changing weather patterns produce powerful tornadoes, which threaten lives and destroy property wherever they land. But what exactly are tornadoes: whirlwinds or just a bunch of … Read more
With natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes more common than ever these days, you’d think the Big Bad Wolf was having a heyday trying to blow our homes down! As wind, hail and water continue to pound our abodes, leaving thousands displaced or homeless and insurance companies struggling to cover the damage, now seems … Read more
Looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be kinder and gentler on Mother Earth? Try “going green” when the opportunity arises. With recent incentives from a handful of major insurance companies, you’ll leave the earth a better place—and pay less for insurance, too! Insurers Going Green Recently, some insurance companies have turned their attention … Read more