The end of summer means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and … the start of football is here!

But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra careful on the roads, in school zones and around buses. Don’t forget to watch for bikes, too! Here are some tips for both parents and kids to make sure everyone stays safe.

Use caution on the roads

• There are going to be a lot more kids on the sidewalks and streets when school starts, so take it slow and always be aware of your surroundings (good advice for all situations, of course). Be extra cautious around the times when school starts and ends for the day.
• Watch out for school zones! They’re usually easy to spot, as many have flashing signs indicating a slower speed limit.
• Remember to follow school-bus rules. You aren’t allowed to pass the bus — on either side of the road — when the red lights are flashing. And even when the lights stop, make sure the coast is clear before moving on. Kids can move quickly and erratically.
• Leave yourself extra time to make it to your destination. Whether you’re headed to work or dropping your child off at school, rushing is a recipe for disaster.
• Be especially careful in school or child-care parking lots and loading zones!

Teach kids to be safe while walking …
Just a few minutes spent explaining some basic safety rules to your child can make a world of difference when they’re walking to or from school.

• Always use marked crosswalks when crossing streets, and look both ways twice.
• Do not assume that drivers can see you. Try to make eye contact with them, if possible, when crossing the street.
• Watch for driveways when walking on the sidewalk.
• Be aware of cars that are turning or backing up.
• Never move into the street from behind a car or other obstacle. Don’t chase a ball, pet or anything else into the street.
• Always use sidewalks and paths. If there is no sidewalk or path, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
• Young children should never cross streets alone.

… and on their bikes

• Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet every time they ride a bike.
• Inspect the bicycle to ensure it is working properly, reflectors are in place, etc.
• Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road — with traffic. Stay as far to the right as possible.
• Encourage your child to walk their bike across busy intersections. Or better yet, choose a route without any.
• Your child should never let someone ride on their handlebars.
• Always follow the rules of the road, using proper hand signals and obeying traffic signs.
• Children should not ride bicycles at dusk or in the dark. If this is unavoidable, make sure they have a light on the bike and reflective clothing as well.
• Most important, supervise your child every time he or she rides — until you are certain they have good judgment.

This is all basic stuff — but it’s always good to be reminded. Take it slow, and let’s have a happy and safe school year!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user ThoseGuys119 used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

For many of our neighbors, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard – often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly.
Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from lawn and garden tools, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Don’t let your landscaping efforts land you in the hospital! Follow these handy safety tips.
Tool safety tips from the U.S. CPSC

• Dress appropriately. To protect yourself from debris when using lawn tools, wear eye protection, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes and no jewelry. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and ear plugs may be appropriate depending on how loud the device is.
• Before starting, remove objects from your work area that could cause injury or damage, such as sticks, glass or stones.
• Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Never let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised. And never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Use extreme caution when backing up or approaching corners, shrubs and trees.
• Teenagers using power equipment should always be supervised by an adult.
• Handle gasoline carefully. Never fill tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Of course, you should never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or any gasoline-powered equipment.
• Do not work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

Lawn Chemical Safety Tips from Texas A&M University

• If you use chemicals to control weeds or pests in your lawn, read the product label carefully so you understand the potential effects on humans, animals and the environment. Follow all instructions.
• Keep children and animals away from the application area, and protect your skin, eyes and nose during and after application.
• Remember, use only the recommended amount. Using more of the chemical will not do a better job.
  Ask yourself if you truly need to use a general pesticide. Is there a product that will specifically treat only the problem you need to solve?

From all of us, here’s to keeping both you and your lawn healthy this summer!

Top image by Flickr user breakmate used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States commute to work by bicycle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of cars off the road each day, a lot of gasoline saved and a ton of calories burned.

Maybe you’re a bicycle commuter already — or maybe you want to give it a try. These tips from the League of American Bicyclists and other organizations will help you prepare for the challenges you’ll face on your way to work. (We’ve included a few tips for drivers, too.)

1. Be prepared. Always check your bike and other equipment before you leave on each trip. Also carry the proper tools and gear (including wet-weather clothing, if needed).
2. Obey the law, traffic signals and signs. You have a right to be on the road with cars, but you also have the same duties.
3. Stay right. Ride with the flow of traffic in the right lane. Leave room to make emergency maneuvers.
4. Be visible. Drivers are often distracted, and many aren’t expecting to see cyclists on the road. So make them see you! Stay out of blind spots. Wear bright-colored clothing during the day, with reflective clothing and lights at night or in inclement weather. Also use hand signals so motorists know your intentions.
5. Consider the conditions. Riding can be miserable when it’s wet, unless you have waterproof rain gear. Watch out for slick roads, too.
6. Be hyper-aware. Scan your surroundings constantly so you can react quickly. Pay attention to cars parked alongside the curb; a door can fly open at any moment.

Bonus tips for drivers: Stay on the lookout for cyclists. When you see them, be patient — they have a right to the road, too. If you park on the street, check behind you before opening doors. And, always remember that your significant size and speed advantage can be deadly in an accident.

Cars and bicycles can, in fact, peacefully coexist on the roads. All it takes is a little preparation and a lot of awareness, along with some understanding thrown in for good measure.

If you’re biking to work, we may be able to help you get a special discount on your car insurance for driving your vehicle less. Call today for details!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Richard Masoner used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone with a boat), you’ve probably thought about spending some evenings on the water — especially in the summertime.

It’s a great thought, of course. But, when you’re boating after dark, you need to think about staying safe, even as you enjoy the stillness of the water and the starry sky.

Here are seven things to keep in mind, both before you hit the water and once you’re out cruising around:

1. Have a plan — and tools to help if it goes wrong.
   Don’t go boating at night in an unfamiliar place. You can’t see as well, obviously, so stick to where you know the ropes, so to speak. And because things look different in the dark, make sure you have the correct navigational tools in case you get lost.
2. Share your plan.
   Always give a friend or family member your “float plan.” Include where you’re going, your boat’s description and registration information, who’s with you and when you’ll be back.
3. Check – and dress for – the weather.
   On top of the other difficulties of boating at night, you don’t want to get caught in a storm if you can help it. And you want to be comfortable, so be sure to bring clothing appropriate for the forecast. A sweatshirt, blanket and extra towels may come in handy, even in the summertime.
4. Do a pre-trip inspection.
   This is good advice for daytime boating as well, but at night it’s crucial that your navigation lights work, for starters. You also need a horn, plenty of fuel, a radio, a flashlight, flares, fire extinguishers and life jackets for all passengers.
5. Slow down.
   Speed is a factor in many boating accidents, and the limited visibility at night makes the water even more dangerous. Remember, you aren’t going to be the only one on the water at night, so know the right-of-way rules.
6. Pay attention.
   Know how to monitor the navigation lights of other vessels to recognize which direction they are going. Be particularly cautious about small vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, as well as anchored or drifting boats. Their lights can be easily confused with lights onshore.
7. Don’t get distracted — or drunk.
   It’s never okay to drink and operate a boat, so be sure you have a designated driver. And, though you’re out there to have fun, make sure you can still hear the sounds from approaching vessels. Keep the stereo low and your ears open.

While these tips are important, there’s nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage. If you’re a new boater or just in an unfamiliar vessel, you may want to put in more hours during the day before tackling an area at night. Even then, start with short evening outings and work your way up to a moonlight ride. And don’t forget to turn on the lights at the dock before you go!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Florian Plag used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

It’s a bit of a tradition for many fathers to go on and on about the knowledge they’ve gained over the years, whether it’s about history, family stories, financial wisdom, or just plain random facts — like how that building over there used to be the old hardware store.

This isn’t a bad thing, of course; it’s part of what makes dads so great. But if you’ve ever wanted to turn the tables on him, now’s your chance. Use these facts and figures about Father’s Day — and about dads in general — to show off some arcane knowledge of your own!

The history of Father’s Day
There are a couple of different origin stories for Father’s Day, and both go back more than 100 years. According to several sources, the first observance was in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia, where a woman suggested that her church honor all the fathers who were killed in a mining accident the year before. However, the event never spread outside the city.

A year later, in Spokane, Washington, Sonora Dodd heard a Mother’s Day sermon and thought there should be a day for fathers as well. Spokane celebrated its first Father’s Day in 1910 on the third Sunday of June.

It wasn’t until 1966, though, that the day was recognized with a presidential proclamation. In 1972, President Nixon signed it into law — nearly 60 years after Mother’s Day became official.

How much do we spend on dad?
In 2017, the National Retail Federation noted, Americans were expected to spend $15.5 billion on gifts for Father’s Day. That’s a significant increase over about 10 years ago, when we spent “only” about $9 billion.

What does he want to do for the holiday?
Not much, according to a Zagat survey: More than half of fathers said they just wanted to relax with the family. (And 14% said the best gift would be leaving them completely alone!) So if you’re planning to take your dad out for Father’s Day, you might want to think again.

Do you know how much your dad is worth?
We’re not talking about his job, or about the value of being a good dad (you can’t put a price on that, after all). But you can put a price on the work he does around the house. Insure.com does that each year, and in 2017, the average dad’s household duties were worth more than $26,000 (based on wage data for those jobs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The highest-value work? Cooking (worth about $1,800 a year), chauffeuring kids around (about $7,000) and helping with homework (more than $11,000).

The most prolific father of all time
However many kids your father has, we’re willing to bet it’s nowhere close to the record. Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire, is said to have fathered as many as 2,000 children — according to genetic data, he is an ancestor of 0.5% of the entire world’s population.

Too bad Father’s Day wasn’t celebrated until about 700 years after he died.

Whether a dad knows it all, or just thinks he knows it all, Father’s Day is still his day. So, enjoy the barbecue. Tell some old stories. Share some laughs and celebrate. Because he’s more than just a dad — he’s your dad.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Virginia State Parks used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

Summer’s almost here. The sun will come out of hiding, and people will, too.

As crowds swell at the beach, in parks, and even on roadways, it all makes for some challenging driving conditions. More people are out and about, whether on foot, bike, or skateboard, or by car, motorcycle, or RV, increasing the risk of an accident. And, the summer heat isn’t exactly kind to your vehicle.

Still, there’s no stopping the allure of a summer drive. To help keep yours safe, keep your attention on the road and on your surroundings, as well as on these safety tips.

Summertime Safety Behind the Wheel

Just like winter, summer has its own set of seasonal hazards that require your complete attention as a driver. Here are some to be particularly mindful of:

• People: In your neighborhood, on city streets, in parking lots, and especially around parks, beaches, or any popular summer attraction, people are outdoors and often more focused on their enjoyment than on personal safety. Children are out of school and they might be playing in the street in a quiet neighborhood or chasing a basketball bouncing away from a driveway hoop. In summer, there is simply more human activity everywhere, and it’s up to you to slow down and stay alert.
• Bikes and motorcycles: Bicyclists and motorcyclists are also more active in good weather. Pay attention and take extra care in areas that attract cyclists.
• Glare: The sun’s glare is bright in summer, and even harsher when the sun is low and in your face. Have your sunglasses handy if you’re not already wearing them, and be ready to flip down the visor so you don’t spend even a second driving while blinded by the glare.
• Roadway obstacles: A busy roadway is no place for a sofa. But, with scores of people completing summer moves, you might just encounter one. Keep an eye out for roadway obstacles and plan as far ahead as possible on how to safely maneuver around them. Thunderstorms and tropical storms can further clutter the roads with debris, tree limbs, or even downed power lines.
• Heatstroke: Finally, don’t forget the dangers of summer parking. Children and pets left in parked cars are vulnerable to injury or even death from heatstroke. At an outside air temperature of 60 degrees, a car’s interior temperature can reach 110 degrees, which is a lethal level for children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Rolling down car windows does not provide sufficient cooling, so don’t be tempted to leave children or pets for even a minute. It can be lethal—and in many states illegal—to leave children and pets alone. To help keep your car cool for when you return, park in the shade or place a removable sunshade in the windshield.

Road Trip Safety

A road trip with family and friends can make a memorable summer for both the right and the wrong reasons. Make it the right reasons with some careful planning and driving. There will be plenty of time for fun once you reach the campground, resort, or cabin.

• Inspect your ride: Have a mechanic give your car, bike, or RV a full inspection before you go. Be especially mindful of coolant and oil levels to help protect your engine, and remember that tires often deflate with significant temperature changes, such as during the transition from spring to summer. If you have a bike carrier, car carrier, or trailer attached to your vehicle, be sure everything’s secure before taking off.
• Pack your emergency supplies: We know space is at a premium when packing for a summer road trip, but don’t neglect to include some important necessities in case of emergency. This includes water, food, maps, first aid supplies, a tire pressure gauge and tire change kit, a flashlight, towels, and jumper cables. Be sure to keep your phone charged and gas tank full in case of trouble. And, don’t forget plenty of games, books, snacks, and activities to keep the passengers distracted—and keep them from distracting you.
• Plan your route: Map out how to reach your destination and how much time it will take to get there, and be sure to leave plenty of room for unexpected delays. Minimize those unexpected delays by checking the Department of Transportation websites of the states where you’ll be traveling for planned road work before you go.
• Check your insurance coverage: Is your insurance ready to help out if you injure a pedestrian on your summer drive? What if you crash into a tree or run out of gas? If you’re not sure for what types of scenarios you’re covered, check in with us before heading out on your trip.
• Take your time: Don’t get frustrated when unexpected delays—or fascinating roadside attractions—put you behind schedule. Keep to the speed limit, and don’t risk shortcuts that aren’t clearly marked. Take plenty of breaks to stretch your legs and rest your eyes while kids run off excess energy, and switch drivers when you’re drowsy.

There’s no better time to be on the road than when the sky’s clear and the sun’s shining. We wish you safe travels and a wonderful summer!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Garry Knight used under Creative Commons Attribution Generic 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

What to Do If You’re Caught in Your Car During a Tornado

Tornadoes are the most violent storms anywhere, and about 1,200 touch ground in the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

They’re as unpredictable as they are violent, most often occurring in the early spring on the Gulf Coast, in May and June on the southern plains, and in June and July in the upper Midwest. But, tornadoes can occur any time of year and have been recorded in every state, says the NWS.

If a twister forms when you’re traveling through an unfamiliar region, or even while driving near home, you don’t have much time to make smart decisions that can help save your life. The NWS and Red Cross recommend these actions if a tornado catches you while you’re on the go:

Be Alert and Prepared

1. Know the difference between a watch and a warning:

• Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible around the general watch area. This tells you to be alert and prepared.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been seen or has appeared on weather radar. This tells you to take immediate action to protect yourself and family.

2. Know how to access emergency broadcasts in case you encounter worrisome conditions:

• Local news stations.
• NOAA Weather Radio. Dial the VHF public service band from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards broadcast.
• Local NWS Weather Forecast Office. Access local watches, warnings, forecasts and radar images online – just not while driving.

3. Know the warning signs of a tornado:

• Dark clouds, frequently greenish.
• A wall cloud, attached to the base of a thundercloud but isolated and lowering.
• Flying debris.
• Large hailstones.
• A roaring noise, ranging from the sound of a waterfall to that of a jet engine.
• A funnel cloud, a rotating funnel extending from the base of a thundercloud. Once it touches the ground, a funnel cloud is a tornado.

If You’re Caught Outside or Driving

1.Don’t wait to see a funnel once you hear a Tornado Warning.

• Run to a sturdy building. The basement is the safest place, but a windowless interior room on the building’s lowest level is the next alternative. Mobile homes are not safe.
• Get into your car if you cannot immediately get to a shelter on foot. Fasten your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter.

Don’t try to outrun a tornado, because they can move across the landscape at 60 mph.

2. If large objects start to fly past as you are driving, pull over, park, and choose the best of the following two options:

• If you can get significantly below the level of the roadway, such as in a deep ditch, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands protecting your head.
• Otherwise, keep your seat belt on and stay in the car. Lower your head below the level of the windows, protecting yourself with your hands. If any other protection is available, such as a blanket, wrap that over your head as well.

Always remember, whenever you encounter severe weather that a violent storm can escalate and travel quickly. If you’re at home, be ready to put your emergency plan into place, if you can – practicing family drills and setting aside supplies ahead of time will help. If not, take the most appropriate safety measures possible, such as the ones shared above.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies.

Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that we can discuss with you. Contact us for more information.

Preparing for a flood

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. You should:

• Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents.
• Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another.
• Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.
• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
• If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.

Acting during a flood

 If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:

• Get information from the radio or television.
• Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe.

Coping after a flood

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of yourself and your family during the aftermath.

• Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.
• Make sure the water supply is safe to drink.
• Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.

The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help!

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Tom Good used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home isn’t something you use daily. And it isn’t something flashy you show off to friends. It’s your homeowners insurance policy, and it protects you in more ways than you may think, helping you rebuild your home or repair damage that results from a covered loss.

But, that’s not all. It can also help cover the costs of a lawsuit, help you pay for somewhere else to live when your home is uninhabitable and much more.

Home insurance is typically very comprehensive, but all policies have exclusions and coverage limits. It’s vital to know what those are so you know what’s covered and what’s not. Fire damage? Typically covered. Flood damage? Typically not.

With this guide, you can begin to understand what a typical home insurance policy covers. Just keep in mind that coverage varies from carrier to carrier, region to region and even policy to policy. Only your individual home policy can tell you the coverage you have and that which you don’t. For an even better understanding of your home policy coverage, review it with one of our agents.

What Home Insurance Covers The typical homeowners insurance policy has six types of coverage. They are commonly known as:

• Coverage A: Dwelling, for damage to your house that occurs due to covered losses, such as a fire. Following a covered loss, dwelling coverage helps you repair or rebuild your home, including the structures, such as a garage or a deck, attached to it.
• Coverage B: Other Structures, for damage to other buildings or structures on your property that result from a covered loss, such as a tornado. This may include a detached garage, a barn or a fence.
• Coverage C: Personal Property, for damage to or loss, including theft, of your personal belongings and possessions, such as jewelry, furniture, guns and other valuables. If you experience a covered loss, this coverage will help you replace items up to the defined dollar limit in your policy. In certain instances, your belongings may be worth more than the typical home insurance policy covers. In this case, you may be able to purchase additional coverage through a process known as “scheduling valuables.” To help expedite a personal property claim, it helps to keep an updated home inventory of your belongings.
• Coverage D: Additional Living Expenses, for costs incurred, up to your set policy limit, due to “loss of use” of your home, meaning your home has been damaged to the extent that you cannot live in it and you need to live elsewhere. This coverage helps you handle the costs of your temporary housing and related expenses.
• Coverage E: Personal Liability, for damage to other people’s property for which you are responsible. This coverage may also help you handle legal costs and liability judgments resulting from a lawsuit, up to the defined dollar amounts outlined in your policy.
• Coverage F: Medical Payments to Others, for bodily injuries to other people, such as a houseguest, that occur in your home or on your property. Like personal liability coverage, this coverage helps with the costs of a lawsuit or legal decision, up to your defined policy limits.

Remember that, despite having all of these different types of coverage, you’re only covered up to the dollar amounts that you select and only for covered losses, as outlined in your policy. Typically, you can change these policy limits at any time if you’d like to purchase more coverage. This is a good idea if, for example, you’ve recently added on to your home, acquired some pricey personal belongings or made other updates to your property. If needed, you can also reduce your coverage, though always ensure you are adequately protected.

What Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover

It’s just as important to know what your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover as it is to know what your home policy does cover. For starters, your policy does not cover any damage or repairs costing less than your deductible. It also does not cover any costs that exceed the coverage limits outlined in your policy. You are solely responsible for excess costs, unless you have an umbrella policy to provide additional liability coverage for a covered loss.

More than likely, your policy also does not cover routine maintenance and repairs, as well as damage due to animals, termites, floods, earthquakes, sinkholes, sewer backups, and other incidents. These are often considered non-covered losses. If you experience a non-covered loss, as outlined by your policy, you will be responsible for the costs.

What Home Insurance May Cover

Outside of the typical home insurance coverage, optional or separate coverage may be available from your carrier or from a different carrier. For example, you may be able to purchase earthquake or flood coverage separate from your homeowners policy.

Other coverage options are add-ons to your existing homeowners insurance. These can include identity protection and equipment breakdown coverage, which covers the cost to repair or replace a range of appliances and other equipment, such as pool equipment, in your home. If this sounds similar to an extended appliance warranty, it is. The difference is that you can insure an array of appliances at once through this optional coverage rather than purchasing a separate warranty for each one.

This guide is a starting point for understanding your home insurance policy. Your own policy may vary greatly from the descriptions above depending on the state where you live, your carrier, and the coverage you have selected. So take a close look at your policy by reviewing your documents or viewing your coverage online. Or, even better, sit down with one of our insurance agents who can explain your coverage in detail, as well as discuss whether your policy provides adequate protection for your home, property, and belongings.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by UnSplash user Nathan Fertig used under their license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”

That’s a quote from author Hal Borland — but another favorite saying might be even more appropriate for this time of year: “Be prepared.”

After all, warmer weather brings plenty of risk to go with its beauty. If you aren’t ready, you could find yourself with more spring cleaning than you bargained for after heavy rains, hailstorms, and other hazards.

Here are five things you can do to get yourself and your property all set for the season.

1. Give your home’s exterior a check-up. This includes your roof, gutters, downspouts, and even your paint. Look for shingles that have come loose, or spots where any have blown away. You’ll want to get those fixed as soon as possible, before moisture starts getting in. Gutters and downspouts should be clear of debris, and if winter weather has worn your home’s paint down in spots, touch it up because exposed wood can lead to rot. Don’t forget your windows, either. Give them a good cleaning, and while you’re at it, make sure the screens are intact and the seals are still solid.
2. Prepare for extreme weather. The maintenance tips above will help with that, but it’s important for you and your family to be as ready as your home. Make sure you have an emergency survival kit and a disaster plan so everyone knows what to do when something unexpected happens. Learn about what to do both before and after heavy rains, hail, flooding, and tornadoes whether you think you’re at risk or not.
3. Get your outdoor appliances and tools ready. Now is the time to get your air conditioner serviced, so it’s operating perfectly when the weather heats up and you really need it. It’s a good idea to clean out the grill, too. Take care to check for cracked or leaky lines if you cook with gas. A little love now will go a long way in the coming months for yard tools like lawnmowers and hedge trimmers.
4. Don’t forget your home’s interior — including the attic. Yes, spring is the time when everybody vows to clean out the junk and get organized. If that’s on your list, good for you. At the very least, you should check on a few things inside, even if you aren’t tackling a deep clean. Look in the attic for any issues, such as moisture or signs of wildlife who got in to escape the winter cold. Clean up any droppings and seal up any openings. Around the rest of the house, see if you’ve got air leaks, which can drive up your energy bills. And don’t forget to change your smoke-detector batteries when the clocks spring forward!
5. Make this the year you do a home inventory. You’re taking steps to protect your home, which also helps to protect all of the stuff inside it. But what if something happened and you lost everything? Would you remember everything you had? Spring is the perfect time to do a home inventory — while that doesn’t protect your stuff, it does make replacing your possessions a whole lot easier after a disaster. If you’re handling spring-cleaning duties, take some time to jot down some notes and take pictures of your stuff (or better yet, use an app). If you’re not quite in spring-cleaning mode, try starting an inventory anyway; you just might be inspired to get organized!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Carl Mueller used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

You probably don’t think your dog would ever bite someone, let alone cause a serious injury. But dog bites are more common than you might realize—4.5 million occur every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And most victims are young children.

Those injuries also have a bigger impact on homeowners insurance than you might realize: The Insurance Information Institute says dog-related claims accounted for more than $600 million in insurance payments in 2016.

(Keep in mind that it’s not just bites that cause injuries. Dogs can knock down pedestrians or cyclists, too, which often leads to severe medical issues as well.)

With those numbers in mind, it’s understandable that insurance companies want to know if you’ve got a dog in your household. Some even will refuse to insure you if you have a specific breed with a reputation for aggressive behavior, regardless of whether your dog has ever bitten someone.

Despite that, you should never hide the fact that you have a dog from your insurance company. If you do, and your dog then causes an injury, your coverage could be invalidated—leaving you on the hook for potentially tens of thousands of dollars or more.

When a bite happens
OK, so your insurance company knows about your dog. But do you have to tell them if the dog bites or injures somebody?

That depends. If it’s a minor incident, you might consider paying out of pocket for any medical expenses in an attempt to avoid the claims process and a potential increase in your premiums. (In some instances, insurance companies will not renew your policy or will exclude your dog from coverage after paying for a dog-related claim.)

However, this might violate your policy, which probably requires you to report changes in your circumstances. If you don’t report a bite, and the dog then bites someone else later, the insurance company might deny you liability coverage for the second incident. Ask us to outline your options.

Another risk is the threat of future claims from the victim. Injuries aren’t always immediately apparent, and complications can arise later. The victim might decide down the road to sue you. And if you’ve waited too long to report the incident to your insurance company, it might be too late to make a claim and receive all the protection your policy was meant to provide—which can include help with attorney fees, medical bills and more.

A $33,000 mistake?
Ask yourself this: How would your budget look if you had an unexpected $33,000 expense? The average claim payment for a dog injury in 2016 was about that amount. And that’s with an insurance company working on behalf of the insured. If you’re on your own, you could wind up paying even more—a lot more.

Our advice? Start with your independent agent and discuss your specific situation. Even if you decide not to file a claim—which is always an option—you’ll get guidance from a professional on our team who can help you assess the risk.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Kenny Louie used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents

Today, as car sharing has grown in popularity (well over a million people are members of various services in the U.S., according to the Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC)), the number of options has grown, too.

You can borrow a company-owned car (think Zipcar or Car2Go) for a few hours at a time or for a daily rate, returning it to the spot where you picked it up or a drop-off area in a designated zone. You can even rent cars from other individuals—and rent your car to them.

There are benefits and drawbacks to car sharing—just as there are when driving your own car everywhere. But is sharing right for you? Here are four things you should consider before you get started.

1. Car sharing can be a great way to save money and increase flexibility. According to AAA, in 2017 the annual cost of owning and operating a new car averaged nearly $8,500—and that doesn’t include payments for the cost of the car itself. Because car-sharing services allow you to pay only for the time you’re using a car (in addition to certain fees), the cost can be significantly lower. If you don’t need a car often, or if you occasionally need a second car, sharing might be a good choice.
2. It can help the environment (and reduce traffic), too. In a five-city study, the TSRC found that users of one car-sharing service decreased their greenhouse-gas emissions by an average of 10%. The study also indicated that 28,000 fewer vehicles were on the roads in those cities, thanks to the company. If this trend leads to fewer cars being produced overall, that would carry its own environmental benefit—according to the European Commission, 20% of the climate damage caused by cars happens not during driving, but while they’re being built.
3. If you’re thinking about peer-to-peer sharing, you need to check your state’s laws. Peer-to-peer renting has many benefits, and often includes a selection of interesting cars. But if you’re the one providing the car, participating in the network can create issues, depending on where you live. Some states have enacted regulations around peer-to-peer sharing, including a limit on how much revenue you can generate annually with your vehicle. The sharing program itself also needs to meet certain requirements.
4. No matter what you choose, check your insurance coverage. Sharing your own vehicle in a peer-to-peer network in some states could put you at risk—even though these programs include insurance, it might not be enough to cover medical expenses and other costs in the event of a crash. Also, your insurance company might not renew your auto policy, or your premiums could increase significantly. Car-sharing programs that feature company-owned vehicles include insurance, too, but it might be wise to consider additional coverage. For example, your credit card might provide extra protection, and insurance companies have non-owner policies available as well.

There’s a lot to like about car sharing, but there’s a lot to think about, too. Don’t hit the road before you weigh the pros and cons—and make sure you’re protected.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user GoToVan used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Source: SafeCo Agents