Protect Your Home This December (With These Tips)

Winter (and Christmas) are just around the corner!  Here are a few important things to keep in mind to keep your home, vehicle, and family protected this month.

Have you decorated your home for the holidays?  While Christmas lights are pretty safe, it’s overloaded extension cords and outlets that pose a fire threat.  Be smart when plugging in your lights.

Space heaters are another fire danger.  Only choose heaters that have an automatic off switch if they tip over and keep them far away from flammable materials or fabrics. 

If you choose a real Christmas tree, make sure to keep it watered and turn off the lights when you’re not home. 

Before Santa arrives (or you light those fireplaces), make sure your chimney is clean! 

If the temperatures dip too low, remember to let your faucet drip slowly.  This will relieve pressure in the pipes and prevent them from freezing and bursting. 

Make sure your tires are well aired and in great shape, especially if you will be driving on icy roads.

Say a “Thank you!” to all of the First Responders in our community who work long hours during the holidays to keep us safe! 

We wish you and your family a happy holiday season!  We’d love to keep you protected all year long.  Give us a call today at 205-347-9343 for a free quote and consultation.

We will be closing at 1 PM on Christmas Eve (24th) and will be closed Christmas Day (25th) through Sunday the 27th. And will be opening at 9 AM on Monday the 28th. A very merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays from all of us! 

Are Your Christmas Gifts Covered?

This time of year, most of us are doing a lot of shopping!  Christmas gifts and holiday sales mean that everyone is buying a little bit more than normal.  So what does that have to do with insurance?

 

Let’s look at some common purchases and how you can make sure they’re protected!

 

Electronics - Did you purchase a new flat screen TV or Xbox on Black Friday?  Maybe a new laptop or some high dollar headphones? 

 

All of these items are covered for theft or fire (or any other covered peril) by your Homeowners or Renters Insurance, but they are subject to your deductible. 

 

However the BIG problem is that when someone has a major fire or burglary, they FORGET what they have!  It’s hard to remember every item in your home. 

 

That’s why we recommend that you keep a Home Inventory of high-dollar items.  Save your receipts, take photos, or just keep a list.  Keep this info in a safe place (like a file backed up in the cloud), so that you can access it in case of a claim.  Our agency recommends knowyourstuff.org, a great free Home Inventory site provided by the Insurance Information Institute. This isn’t required, but you’ll be glad you have it! 

 

Guns, Jewelry, & Art - If you purchase high dollar, custom, one-of-a-kind, or collectors items, you need to contact us as soon as possible!  These items will be covered by your policy, but may be limited to an amount much less than what they’re worth.  If you contact us, we can review your policy and tell you exactly how much coverage is available and if you need to add these specific items to your policy.

 

And what about all of those gifts sitting in your car trunk?  Yes, it’s a great place to hide presents from the kids but here is the bad news - your auto insurance DOES NOT cover the contents of your vehicle.  That means that if someone breaks in and steals everything, it’s only covered by your Home or Renters policy.  And if you have a large deductible, you could be out of luck!  Get those presents into a safe location quickly and don’t keep them stored in your vehicles. 

 

’Tis the season for lots of shopping!  Call us to make sure all of your possessions are properly protected! 

Why You Should Buy Life Insurance During The Holidays

Have you ever considered Life Insurance to be a gift?

No it doesn’t come wrapped in a box with a big bow.  And it’s not all that exciting.  But, in my opinion, it really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Life Insurance has gifted families in so many ways.  After the loss of a breadwinner, children have been able to go to college without debt.  Parents have been able to stay at home with their children without needing to go back to work.  Homes have been paid off and long-term dreams have been realized.

All because a family member made the decision to purchase life insurance.

No one wants to think about this coverage, but if there is someone out there counting on your income and support right now…then you need it. 

And we can help you make it extremely easy and affordable.  In fact, studies have shown that most people overestimate how much life insurance by as much as 10x it’s actual cost!  There are options for everyone.

So why think about it now? 

If you currently don’t have any life insurance or you only have it through you work, then it’s time to come in and talk with us.  We can look at all of the options and find the best solution for your family. 

And if you’re struggling with what gifts to buy at Christmas….then look no further!  Your family members don’t need another sweater they’ll never wear or a new set of pots and pans.  They need long-term peace of mind and protection.

Let us help you gift that today.  Give us a call at 508-347-9343 to set up an appointment.