Marcus Pickett What happens if a child wanders into your yard and gets hurt while playing on a woodpile or swimming in your pool? You (and your home insurance company) could be liable — even if you were away from home at the time and have a fence around your property. That’s because swimming pools, woodpiles … Read more
Jill Overmyer The tornado outbreak during the spring of 2011 reminds us all of the destruction that Mother Nature can cause. You can’t predict when and where a tornado will strike, but you can try to minimize the damage to your home, business and finances. The right insurance coverage Examine your home or business insurance policy. Most … Read more
Crawford Frazer Tornadoes have been making headlines this year, destroying homes and taking lives in the Southeast and Midwest. Home insurance covers wind damage caused by tornadoes, but it won’t keep the storm away — and the footage of flattened homes and shell-shocked survivors has probably led many families to wonder what they can do to protect … Read more
Jill Overmyer Does your home insurance policy cover acts of self-defense? If you think the answer is yes, you may be wrong. Whether you turn your dog loose on a prowler, punch a threatening neighbor or shoot a burglar, your homeowner’s liability insurance may not cover damages related to these acts of self-defense. It’s all about … Read more
Justin Stoltzfus The backyard grill is a staple of summer. But gas and charcoal grills alike can be dangerous if not used safely. Each year, carbon monoxide from charcoal grills causes about 400 injuries and 20 deaths, according to the Insurance Information Institute, while gas grills spark 500 fires and dozens of injuries. Home insurance and renters … Read more
Stephanie Taylor Christensen If you own musical instruments, they’re likely covered under your existing home or renter’s insurance policy — but only up to about $2,000 total, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Considering a single instrument can be worth much more than that, you’ll probably need extra coverage for that baby grand piano or collection of … Read more
Mary Lou Jay 2011 has been a rough year for U.S. homeowners who’ve seen their homes destroyed by floods in the Mississippi Valley, tornadoes across the South and Midwest and wildfires in the Southwest. Some of these homeowners, overwhelmed by the stress of dealing with the disasters and their insurance companies, have turned to public … Read more
It’s a situation that many homeowners fear. A visitor trips down your stairs, or a repair person slips on the ice on your front porch. Such “slip and fall” accidents are legally and financially your responsibility if they result from your negligence — and you could be out hundreds of thousands of dollars once all … Read more
Justin Stoltzfus When your community is in the path of a wildfire, there’s little you can do. Likewise, there’s no magic bullet for preventing all damage to your home and belongings. There are, however, some adjustments you can make to your property that could minimize the destruction — and home insurance claims. The right insurance coverage Basic … Read more
Crawford Frazer A white-sand Caribbean beach, snow-draped Colorado mountains, a jaunt through Europe — it all sounds fantastic. There’s just one concern — who’s watching your house while you’re on vacation? Here are some tips for making your home less vulnerable so that you won’t have to file a home insurance claim when you return. … Read more
