Boat insurance can protect your investment in a valuable watercraft. Also, many marinas require boat insurance to dock a boat at their facility. Even when boat insurance is not required by law, it is still wise to have this protection in place to protect your investment in your boat or other watercraft. Boat insurance can cover damage to your boat as well as protect you should a claim or lawsuit be filed against you in the event of another person being injured on your boat, or as the result of a boating accident.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

There are many incidents and different types of damages boat insurance covers. Without the protection this insurance offers, you could face the burden of paying out of pocket.

A boat insurance policy typically covers:

• Boat insurance property coverage: Whether your boat is on water or land, it will be protected from a range of risks, including damage sustained in an accident. It could also help cover the cost of replacing your boat if it is stolen. When purchasing boat insurance, you can choose either actual cash value coverage or agreed amount coverage. If you choose actual cash value coverage, depreciation will be considered when paying for boat repairs. If you choose agreed amount coverage, coverage will be based on the agreed-upon valuation of the watercraft.
• Liability coverage: If your boat is involved in an accident, resulting in damage to someone else’s property, this coverage can save you from paying for these losses from your own financial resources.
• Medical payments coverage: If you or the passengers of your boat are injured in an accident, this coverage pays for costs of medical care, up to the policy limits.
• Uninsured watercraft coverage: Not all boat owners have insurance, so if you collide with another party who chose to set sail without insurance, causing injuries to you or your passengers, this coverage helps to cover expenses related to the accident.

Since insurance is not a one-size-fits-all matter, the coverage appropriate for the value of your boat must be customized. It is best to consult with an insurance agent for guidance. Other types of protection you might want to consider include coverage for boat trailers, towing coverage, boat accessories, and special equipment, such as expensive fishing gear.

How Much is Boat Insurance?

The cost of your boat insurance policy will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of watercraft, the size, the locations where you plan to store or use your boat, and the scope of coverage and deductibles that suit your budget. When you work with our insurance agents, we can help you find discounts and bundles that could save you money and provide the best coverage.

Your boat is a valuable possession, whether it is a cruiser, fishing boat, ski or wakeboard boat, or another type of vessel. Speak with one of our local agents to search the market to identify the ideal policy at rates you can afford.

If you have a pet, you may want to consider pet insurance. Without it, you may be faced with a large vet bill or a tough decision. Pet insurance is a health insurance policy for your pet. It is available for dogs, cats, exotic birds, ferrets, rabbits, potbelly pigs, reptiles, and certain rodents. As with health insurance for people, you pay a premium in exchange for coverage. You may also have an annual deductible, co-pays, and caps.

Are There Different Types of Pet Insurance?

There are three basic levels of pet health insurance:

• Basic coverage: This is the least expensive type of pet insurance. It helps cover illnesses, accidental injuries, and poisoning, but it provides the lowest reimbursement for procedures. Typically, a basic coverage policy comes with an annual deductible and places caps on reimbursement for each accident or illness, as well as a cap on total reimbursement for the policy period.
• Comprehensive coverage: Although it costs more than basic coverage, comprehensive coverage
  provides more benefits. It covers accidental injuries, illnesses, emergencies, office visits, diagnostics, lab fees, X-rays, and prescriptions. Annual deductibles are generally lower than with basic coverage, but reimbursement is capped per accident or illness and for the policy term.
• Well care protection: Pet well care protection reimburses owners for preventative care with no
  annual deductible for well care. It covers exams, vaccinations, flea prevention, and heartworm prevention. There may be a small deductible for medical services other than well care.

If you choose low deductible pet insurance with a high reimbursement level and high annual maximum, you will pay less in out-of-pocket medical costs per incident, but your monthly premiums will be higher. Most plans will allow you to purchase endorsements to enhance your coverage, for example to cover exam fees or checkups, but this will also increase your premiums.

What Affects the Cost of Pet Insurance?

In addition to the level of pet insurance you purchase, various factors can affect your premiums. These may include:

• Species and gender: Dogs are more expensive to insure than cats. Insurance companies
  generally charge higher premiums for male animals.
• Breed: Because they have more health issues and shorter life spans, larger breeds are more
  costly to insure. Some insurers may not cover certain breeds that are prone to hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia.
• Age: Generally, older animals cost more to insure than younger animals. Some insurance companies set age limits.
• Location: Pet health insurance premiums can vary, depending on where you live. Costs tend to
  be higher in more densely populated areas.

What Is Not Covered by Pet Insurance?

Although standard pet insurance will cover most accidents and illnesses, there may be some exclusions with both basic and comprehensive coverage, which may include:

• Pre-existing or hereditary conditions
• Dental disease
• Behavioral issues
• Hip dysplasia
• Preventative care
• Routine checkups
• Grooming

If you are considering pet insurance, speak with our friendly agent. We can help you find the health insurance coverage you need for your pet at a rate you can afford.

Depending on where you live, you may be required to have license plate lights. Consider buying a car with license plate lights or installing a light on your existing vehicles. The lights illuminate your license plate, and if your state requires it, ensure the lights are in good working order – you could be pulled over and cited if the light is burned out. 

Advantages of License Plate Lights – Modern Technology

If you live in a gated community, the license plate recognition software at the gate makes entering easy. Toll roads are often equipped with similar technology, and an illuminated plate makes it possible to drive through toll gates without the need to stop.

Purchasing a Car: A Smart Investment.

When purchasing a car, whether new or used, the first requirement on the list is reliability. Many drivers rely on vehicle information found on sites such as consumer reports or Edmunds. These sites offer consumers valuable data on vehicle brands’ performance and consumer reviews. 

Before purchasing a used vehicle, ensure a full mechanical check is performed, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and license plate lights, as well as all essential safety systems such as tires, brakes, airbags, seatbelts, transmission, and engine. This check can reveal issues that make the vehicle a poor choice – and save you from a series of costly repairs.

New Cars and License Plate Lights

All new cars are equipped with license plate lights, so if you purchase a new car, you are provided with these lights. New types of lights are becoming popular with vehicle owners, including LED lights, which last longer – but must comply with state law if you consider colored lights to customize your vehicle. You don’t want to be pulled over and cited.

State Vehicle Codes and License Plates 

Every state has requirements regarding the visibility of license plates. Generally, you are required to ensure your plates are clean enough for numbers and letters to be readable, the plates are valid in your state, and your tags are current. You risk being pulled over if your license plate is dirty, muddy, or otherwise difficult to read. License plate lights can help keep you and other drivers safer on the streets and highways in your area. Imagine your vehicle is in a collision, and the driver flees the scene (hit and run). Using your phone to capture an image of the negligent driver’s license plate could save you from being forced to pay for costly repairs. Illuminated plates protect both you and the other drivers in your community.

Accidents and Insurance

Most people will be involved in an auto accident at some point in a lifetime, hopefully, a minor fender bender. However, even the safest driver can make an error, cause an accident, and be held liable – and that’s when your personal insurance could save you from a financial disaster. Your auto insurance may cover the cost of some losses, but in the case of a serious injury, the driver who caused the crash will be responsible for medical bills. 

When the cost of medical care exceeds your auto insurance’s bodily injury liability policy limits, your personal insurance policy brings an added layer of protection. For more information about personal insurance, meet with one of our local agents to review your insurance and advise you about the types of coverage that could protect you and your family.

Most of us look forward to the holidays with anticipation. Family, friends, and work get-togethers, parties, events, and foods and treats make the winter holiday season a favorite for people of every age – but it is smart to be aware of the risks. To protect your home and your valuables, check out these practical home safety tips:

Protect your home from the risk of fire.

Candles are one of the most common causes of serious or deadly home fires. A candle, while bringing a lovely ambiance to a room or table, is a severe fire risk. The hot wax, when spilled, can ignite table coverings, floors, drapes, or furniture. While the soft, warm light of candles is warm and soft, it is strongly advised that rather than wax candles, you purchase LED light candles that provide a similar soft light, minus the risks. The National Fire Protection Association reports that about 8,200 candle fires occur each year. In some cases, the entire home and all the valuables within it are engulfed and gone forever.

Electrical cords and lights

Decorating your home with strings of lights inside, outside, and on indoor holiday trees is a season’s tradition. However, it is vital that the lights you use are safe and installed correctly, as about 45 percent of home holiday tree fires start with strings of lights. Turn off the lights when away from home or while sleeping. Ensure the lights you use have the Underwriter’s Laboratory product safety logo (UL). 

Could you check strings of lights before placing them on a tree or around the home to make sure no cords are frayed or broken? If you plan to put strands of lights outside, use plastic holders; never staples or nails. Place all extension cords in safe areas where they do not pose a tripping hazard, and be aware that too many strands can overload an electrical circuit, which could lead to fire and losses that will make the holiday season a nightmare.

Replace batteries in smoke detectors

Our home smoke detectors are a critical safety feature, but the batteries will not last forever. Replacing the batteries in these units before the holidays is a smart way to protect your family and home. As the batteries must be changed yearly, make it a habit to replace them just before the holidays to ensure your family is alerted in the event of a fire.

Traveling for the Holidays? 

Protecting your home and valuables is of great importance if you plan to travel during the holiday season. It is a sad fact that home burglaries spike over the season. Home burglars target homes with poor security features, where it is more evident that the home is vacant, particularly in homes in more secluded areas. Set timers on your interior home lights, secure your valuables such as jewelry or other smaller items in a bank safe deposit box and install a digital doorbell that alerts you when someone approaches your home. If you have a security company, ensure you inform them that you will be out of town. 

Have Guests Visiting? Safety Matters.

If you plan to have relatives or friends staying at your home, be aware that you may be liable in a lawsuit if someone is injured on your property. Please make sure you have adequate home insurance and liability coverage. A serious injury, such as a fall on a slippery walkway, a trip, a fall, or even food poisoning, can lead to a hospital stay or worse, and you may be responsible for the bills. Your personal insurance can help you through these events without suffering a financial disaster.

Your Personal Insurance Policies and the Holidays

It is advised that your personal insurance policies are reviewed yearly to ensure you are adequately covered should an unexpected problem arise, whether a burglary, injury on your property or fire. For help, contact one of our local agents, who can help you find protection for your home and valuables to best suit your situation at rates you can afford.

A vehicle accident is a shock, even if it is just a minor fender-bender. The impact of the crash causes serious damage to the vehicle, or causes injuries to the driver and passengers. After an accident, taking certain steps can help you file a claim with your personal insurance policy to cover lost income from work, medical expenses, and other losses.

• Step One: Injuries? Call 911.
  Thoroughly check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone in your vehicle is injured, call 911 at once so that emergency services can be dispatched to the accident site. 
• Step Two: Move to a Safe Location.
  In a minor collision, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid the risk of another collision. If the accident is more serious, leave the vehicle in place and get to the side of the road or sidewalk if possible. 
• Step Three: Stay Calm, Wait for Help.
  It may take some time for emergency services or law enforcement to arrive. Stay calm and provide basic care to the injured, applying pressure with a piece of clothing to bleeding wounds. 
• Step Four: Exchange Information.
  Exchange insurance information with other drivers in the auto accident. Do not discuss who was at fault, or what happened. 
• Step Five: Take Pictures.
  Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, skid marks on the road, license plates, and your injuries. These images can be critical as evidence when filing a claim. 
• Step Six: Get Contact Information from Eyewitnesses.
  Get the contact information (name, address, phone number) of any witnesses to the collision who have stopped to render aid. 
• Step Seven: Undergo a Full Medical Evaluation.
  The adrenaline released into your system in an auto accident suppresses the sensation of pain. You may feel you are fine, but in a day or two, could suffer the effects of the collision, suffering intense pain, severe bruising, or worse. Tell the medical professional attending you that you were in an auto accident, so the information is entered on your chart and the right tests are performed.

Recovering from an Auto Accident and Your Personal Insurance Policy

Recovering from injuries from an auto accident can be a lengthy and painful process. While you have the right to be compensated by the auto insurance company of the responsible driver, the amount paid in a settlement may be far less than you need, particularly when the injuries affect your ability to work and earn a living. That when your personal insurance can be a lifesaver.

Personal Insurance and Auto Accidents

The driver responsible for the collision may have the minimum limits on their insurance, or in some cases the driver is uninsured, or leaves the scene, never to be found. Your personal insurance policy can provide you with the finances you need during your recovery. Personal insurance, or “personal injury protection,” (PIP), provides coverage for the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other losses after a car accident.

No-Fault Personal Insurance

These policies have the advantage of providing coverage no matter who was at fault. If you were a passenger in an auto accident and have personal insurance, your medical bills and other losses are likely covered, based on the terms of the policy.

Need Help?

If you do not currently have personal insurance, or you would like to find a better policy, meet with one of our local insurance agents.

Your home is likely one of your most valuable assets and keeping it in good condition matters. Before the rainy, colder fall weather rolls in, taking certain steps to prepare your home can protect your home from sustaining damage during the fall and winter months.

Clear out Gutters

Spend a few hours clearing any debris out of home gutters and downspouts. Check the brackets holding the gutters in place and replace those that may allow water to flow onto the structure. This will help you avoid the risk of water incursions, wood rot, ice buildups, and pooling water that could affect the foundation.

Inspect Windows and Doors

To keep your family warm during the winter months, remove summer window screens and store them, and check all window frames and doors for damage. Install weather stripping on doors and replace any damage to the caulking around your windows.

Heating System Check

Have your heating system checked by a professional, who will replace filters, look for any problems and repair them when necessary, and clean the ducts in your home. Your indoor air will be healthier, cleaner, and your system will function better with yearly maintenance – and help you avoid more costly repairs and a heating system that stops functioning when you need it most.

Plumbing Check

Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets and shut the valves for your outdoor water system if possible. Examine any visible pipes for drips or leaks and have them repaired. Insulate pipes in areas of your home that are unheated.

Yard Check

Check any trees close to your home to ensure that your home is protected in a windstorm. Call a tree specialist to remove any aging or rotting branches.

Chimney and Fireplace Check

Have your chimney cleaned by a professional so your fireplace is safe for use during the cooler fall and winter months.

When Something Goes Wrong – Your Insurance Matters.

No one can predict every future event. Even with the best planning, things can go very wrong. Frozen pipes, falling trees, serious wind events, flooding, vandalism, theft, or other incidents can lead to very costly repairs, or can leave your home uninhabitable. The typical home insurance policies protect the home itself, not your belongings.

The Right Insurance Policies – For You.

Having the right insurances in place can protect your financial health and pay for unexpected damage to your home. Special types of affordable add-on insurances are available that provide protection that goes beyond what your home insurance policy covers.

To find out more about the personal insurance available to homeowners, speak with one of our local agents. We can evaluate your current policies and advise you of your options for add-ons that are extremely affordable but can be a lifesaver when the unexpected occurs.

Planning a trip? We all look forward to trips to other states or countries or enjoying a cruise. You may not consider “What if something goes wrong?” but life can throw a curveball, and travel insurance can save the day when it does.

What is Vacation Travel Insurance?

Vacation travel insurance protects you when you visit another state or country. It is structured to help you avoid the risk of severe financial losses. This type of insurance covers several potential problems, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and emergencies while visiting a foreign country. Travel insurance plans vary types of coverage, and choosing the best policy often requires the assistance of an insurance agent who will advise you on which policy best suits your situation and budget.

Covered Risks – The Options

If you are in another country while on vacation, you may need to return home due to a family emergency, forcing you to cancel the remainder of your trip.

• You may need to cancel a trip due to a medical or family emergency.
• You may have a legal situation that requires you to cancel your trip.
• While on vacation, you may suffer an illness or injury that requires medical care.
• Your baggage may be stolen or seriously delayed.

What Can Travel Insurance Do for Me?

The benefits of having travel insurance can put your mind at ease while on vacation or if you must cancel your trip. These insurance policies allow you to submit a claim and be reimbursed for covered losses. Without travel insurance, you could lose the money you invested in a trip you needed to cancel, including airfare, hotels, and cruise costs. Some policies can pay expenses you incur for emergency medical care or transportation upfront, rather than requiring you to file a claim – which can be essential should you suffer an illness or accident while visiting a foreign country.

Whether you are most concerned about losing your investment in your journey, the need for medical care while abroad, or other issues such as lost or delayed luggage, our local agents can help you find a policy that works for you.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance is typically reasonable in price, but the cost varies based on the extent of the coverage you buy and for how long. It is far less to buy than the losses you would experience should you be forced to cancel your trip for any reason, in which case you could lose thousands.

Travel Insurance and Your Budget – What’s Right for You?

When selecting the best travel insurance plan, your budget is always essential. Some policies cover only trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays, while others cover medical emergencies. You can purchase travel insurance for a single trip or an entire year – often the ideal choice for people who are frequent travelers. Our agent can discuss your situation with you and advise you of the most affordable insurance with the best coverage for your situation.

Having pets is both a joy and a responsibility. Our four-legged friends become members of the family whose health, happiness, and safety matters a great deal. The following tips can help you keep your beloved pets protected, while also keeping them happy.

Don’t Share Food With Your Pets

A number of the foods we eat can be harmful to animals. For example, dogs should not be given chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocados, caffeine, or xylitol. Chives, shallots, leeks, scallions, onions, and garlic are particularly harmful to cats. The list of potentially harmful human foods is long, so it might be best to stick with dog or cat food, unless you are certain a food is safe for your pet to eat.

Give Them Good Food

Proper nutrition is critical to your pet’s health. Ask your vet’s advice on which brands to buy, and don’t skimp on quality.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Like children, pets can be playful, inquisitive, and mischievous. Just as you would childproof with a toddler, you also need to pet-proof with a cat or dog. Keep plastic wrappers, cords and wires, toxic plants, and small or sharp objects away from your pets. Do this in your yard as well as your home.

Spend Time With Your Pets

Animals get bored and lonely, the same as humans. It is important to play with your pets, take them for walks, and give them love every day. Exercise and a change of scenery can make a world of difference in your pets’ state of mind. You can also help keep them entertained by giving them fun toys to play with.

Keep Up With the Grooming

Pets need bathing, brushing, nail clipping, and regular dental care – just as we do. Maintaining a regular beauty care routine can help keep your pet looking and feeling fantastic.

Put a Collar On Your Pet

Collars are important for several reasons. They let other people know your pet has an owner who they should look for if your pet somehow escapes. They provide a way for another person to gently restrain your pet if necessary. Collars also provide a place to put contact information in case your pet should become lost.

Provide Preventative Care

Preventative care consists of little things that can make a big difference to your pet. These include vaccinations, parasite control, microchipping, and ID tags. Preventative care coverage can be added to a pet insurance plan. It covers services such as screenings and wellness exams that help your vet detect any health issues early.

Purchase a Pet Insurance Plan

Health insurance is essential for humans, and the same is becoming true for pets. If your dog or cat becomes ill or injured, you naturally want to provide the best of care. A pet insurance plan can make pet healthcare more available, including treatment for illnesses, injuries, and wellness care. Our agent can help you find a pet insurance plan that provides the most pet healthcare coverage for the best available price.

Personal jewelry items can be extremely valuable. For example, the average cost of an engagement ring in the U.S. is $7,829, as reported by Brides.com. A strand of South Sea pearls can be worth more than $100,000, as stated by The Pearl Source. If jewelry is lost or damaged because of a covered peril, such as theft, it is covered by homeowners insurance, up to specific limits.

What Are the Common Covered Perils?

Your homeowners insurance policy will likely reimburse you for lost or damaged jewelry, up to the stated policy limits, if the loss was caused by one of the following common perils:

• Fire
• Lightning
• Theft
• Explosions
• Smoke damage
• Vandalism
• Hail or windstorms
• Falling objects
• Vehicle or aircraft-caused damage
• Volcanic eruption
• Riots
• Water damage
• Electrical current damage

When Is Jewelry Not Covered By a Homeowners Policy?

Your homeowners insurance will not cover loss or damage to valuable jewelry if it was not caused by a covered peril. For example, if you drop a diamond ring down the drain and are unable to retrieve it, your insurance company is not likely to reimburse you for the loss. The same applies if you accidentally damage a piece of jewelry, for instance, by exposing it to harsh chemicals while cleaning the oven. As standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding, jewelry lost or damaged in a flood is not covered.

How Much Jewelry Coverage Will a Homeowners Policy Provide?

Whatever the policy limits of your homeowners insurance, you cannot apply the entire amount to jewelry coverage. Your policy will specify personal property coverage limits at a certain percentage of the total policy – usually approximately 50%. However, as this type of property is considered easily stolen and of high value, many homeowners policies set coverage limits specifically for jewelry, often as low as $1,000 or $2,000.

How Do You Get More Insurance Coverage for Valuable Jewelry?

Floater

If you have valuable items of jewelry, you may want more coverage for this property than standard homeowners insurance will provide. One way to get it is to purchase an endorsement for scheduled personal property coverage. The cost of this additional coverage will depend on various factors, including the location of your residence and the number and value of the items you want to insure. In addition to increasing your coverage limits for jewelry, this type of endorsement (also known as a floater) may protect you against certain additional losses, such as accidentally losing your engagement ring.

Jewelry Protection Insurance

Another option is to purchase separate jewelry protection insurance. This type of policy is separate from your homeowners insurance, and any claims made against it will not affect your future homeowners insurance premiums. Jewelry protection insurance covers all events, including accidents and damage caused unintentionally, up to policy limits based on the appraised value of the jewelry. Cost is also based on where you live and the number and value of items being insured.

Our agent can advise you on the different options and help you find the best coverage to protect your treasured jewelry items.