Sonya Stinson The cost to rebuild or repair your damaged home may come down to the woodwork or the weather. That’s because a home’s architectural details and events like tornadoes and floods can make a big difference in the price of building materials — and whether you have enough insurance to pay for them. Provide your insurance … Read more
Mary Lou Jay That small wading pool in your backyard can be just as hazardous to your child’s safety as a larger in-ground or above-ground pool, according to research from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The study, which appeared in the July 2011 issue of Pediatrics, was conducted by researchers at the hospital’s Center for Injury Research and Policy. … Read more
Mary Lou Jay That small wading pool in your backyard can be just as hazardous to your child’s safety as a larger in-ground or above-ground pool, according to research from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The study, which appeared in the July 2011 issue of Pediatrics, was conducted by researchers at the hospital’s Center for Injury Research and Policy. … Read more
Linda Melone In some parts of the country, methane levels high enough to set water on fire are raising serious concerns for homeowners about the dangers and insurance consequences of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as “fracking.” In fracking, natural gas drillers force sand, dozens of chemicals (some toxic) and water into shale to fracture and release … Read more
Linda Melone Meteor. Nuclear war. Alien invasion. However it happens, according to the Mayan calendar, this year may be our last on Earth. The Mayan calendar ends Dec. 21, 2012, and some predict that may be the end — period. Whether you believe it or not, many people are taking this prediction to heart. A … Read more
Gina Roberts-Grey Only about 30 percent of U.S. firefighters are paid professionals. With that ratio, there’s a good chance the firefighters at your local fire department are volunteers. So, does the volunteer or professional status of your local firefighters make a difference in your homeowner’s insurance rates, especially considering that many volunteer fire departments are strapped … Read more
Linda Melone Are you and your home a lawsuit waiting to happen? If you own an over-protective dog that likes to nip at the mailman or you’ve delayed getting your front stairs repaired, you could be setting yourself up to be sued. If you’re involved in a lawsuit and your current insurance isn’t enough to … Read more
Linda Melone As a sign of an improving economy, millions of Americans plan to put money into home improvement projects in 2012. In fact, according to a Piper Jaffray survey, 40 percent of homeowners plan to spend more on their homes in 2012 than they did in 2011. No matter what the home improvement project … Read more
Linda Melone A natural disaster that damages your home can make you the target of unscrupulous service providers. “We call them ‘storm chasers,’” says Katherine Hutt, a spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau. “They come out of the woodwork after a natural disaster and take advantage of people.” Shady roofers and other contractors may come to your door offering … Read more
John Egan As millions of residents along the Gulf Coast get ready for Hurricane Isaac, insurance experts are advising homeowners about steps they should take to potentially lessen the storm’s fury. Here are nine recommendations for homeowners in Isaac’s path: Install storm shutters or cover windows before the storm hits. Be sure there’s no loose siding … Read more