Category: Uncategorized

Most thieves aren’t lurking in dark alleys this holiday, but instead sitting comfortably at home drinking hot cocoa while stealing your identity. In 2020, the most by-category complaint filed with the FTC was identity theft, and the annual case rate and losses are expected to increase for 2021. Here are three big tips on how to keep your identity safe this holiday shopping season: 

Be alert. 

A recent study found that 47% of Americans experienced financial identity theft. Knowing that this is a concern is the first step, but there are many more that follow: 

• Set alerts for your checking account and debit and credit cards. Download apps for your financial institutions so that you can check transactions and balances from anywhere.  
• Check all devices you use for your cards and sensitive information. Gas pumps can have attachments known as “skimmers” that steal information. Update your home computer or tablet anti-spyware. 
• Beware of scammers using emails and texts ‘phishing’ for your sensitive information. The FTC has online tips for how to recognize and avoid phishing scams.  
• Filter phone calls within your phone carrier’s app. Many have features that allow you to send unknown calls, or likely scam calls, to voicemail or block them altogether.  
• Monitor your credit. The FTC advises to not call the three credit bureaus individually, but to instead access your credit report for free once a year by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. 

Be wise. 

The best protection involves forethought. Think now about these following items, and have a plan: 

• Your social security number needs to be used with extreme caution. Ask why this number is needed before giving it, and do not carry your social security card in your wallet. 
• Create strong passwords with authentication steps that further ensure it is you trying to access your information. 
• Shred sensitive documents.  
• Ask your insurance agent about identity theft protection as a rider on your home insurance policy.  
• Freeze your credit. This is free and can last until you remove it. No one can access your credit report, not even you, avoiding any fraud. Just contact one of these three credit bureaus- Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion- to freeze and eventually unfreeze your credit. 

Act quickly. 

If you suspect someone is using your sensitive information, consider taking the following steps swiftly: 

• Notify your financial institutions. Put them on high alert, and consider canceling any cards as lost or stolen. 
• Place a Fraud Alert on your credit report by contacting one of the aforementioned three credit bureaus. This makes it harder for anyone to open a new credit line in your name. Fraud Alerts are also free, last for one year, and are renewable. 
• Report. According to the FTC, you should “visit IdentityTheft.gov to report and recover from identity theft” and look for identity-theft resources in your community by visiting ftc.gov/idtheft. 

Everyone is at risk for identity theft, so being alert and knowing what to do will help mitigate the risk but also possibly soften the blow. Speak with your financial advisor or insurance agent on the latest scams and how to best protect yourself from identity theft. 

Having the right home insurance policy will protect your home and belongings, and additionally cover your liability exposure from owning a home. You are probably aware of the typical events that home insurance covers, such as vandalism, fires, fallen trees, wind damage, or even lightning strikes. However, not all natural events are covered by all home insurance policies – many policies do not cover losses in the event of an earthquake or flood, meaning the policyholder would need to seek additional insurance to be fully protected. While it is best to consult your insurance agent to see your coverage, here are five surprising things you might not know your home insurance covers.

1. Identity Theft

One surprising event that is covered by your home insurance policy is identity theft. Many home insurance policies allow reimbursement for the costs of identity theft, such as lost wages or legal fees. Please note that this type of coverage is not guaranteed in all policies, so check with your agent to see if you are covered. 

2. Property of College Kids

If your children have grown up and moved off to college, their property may still be protected under your home insurance policy. Policies typically cover anyone living in your household, as well as children under the age of 24, meaning your college-aged child may still be protected. It is important to note that the liability limit for students’ property may be lower, and not all policies cover off-campus housing. If this is a major concern, consider adding renter’s insurance to guarantee total protection. 

3. Mandatory Home Upgrades

If there is legislation passed that requires you to make changes or improvements to your home, the cost of those changes is typically covered by your home insurance policy. There are usually limits to this type of coverage, so check with your agent to see the specific coverage your policy offers. 

4. Harm Caused by Pets

Another surprising thing that is frequently covered by home insurance is medical expenses incurred from something such as your dog biting someone. However, many policies have a limit of $300,000 for medical expenses, so talk to your agent to see if you need to supplement your policy with additional protection.  

5. Riots/Civil Unrest

Many home insurance policies provide you with protection for your home and personal property in the event of civil unrest, frequently referred to in the insurance world as “civil commotion.” Events such as fire, vandalism, or even explosions are typically covered. If the damage is done during a time not officially declared as a state of emergency, it is important to obtain a police report to submit when you file your claim. 

While you might not have thought these five things would be covered by your home insurance policy, there are many other surprising events that your policy is likely to cover. To see exactly what your policy covers, or if you need supplemental insurance to fully protect yourself, contact your local insurance agent today. 

With winter on the way, it is the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the rough and rugged colder months. Here are 7 tips to keep your ride road-ready:

1) Tires

Make sure you have proper inflation according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once you are sure you are at the correct psi for each tire, check the tread on your tires using “the penny test.” Place a penny head-first into the tread on several spots on your tire. If you can’t see the top of Lincoln’s head, you’re good. If you can see it, you may need to take your vehicle in for new, safe tires with good tread for this winter.

2) Brakes

Without even looking at your brake pads, you can get a feel (or sound) for if your brakes need to be replaced. Listen and feel for grinding or squeaking when you apply pressure to the pedal. You may also notice the vehicle requires more time and space to safely stop. If this is the case, roll on into your favorite mechanic’s garage as soon as possible.

3) Battery

Seasonal changes in temps can highlight a dying battery. If your battery is taking longer to start your car, especially in the colder weather, or if there is corrosion on the battery posts, swing by an auto parts store for a battery test so that you aren’t left stranded in the cold.

4) Lights

Winter tends to mean longer periods of darkness for many of us, so check all exterior lights. Functional headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are a must in the winter months which usually carry low visibility.

5) Fluids & Lube

Check all fluid levels- engine oil, transmission, windshield washer, coolant, brakes, power steering. It is okay to “top it off” occasionally when fluids are low, but eventually, fluids need to be flushed out before new is added. Windshield washer fluid can also be replaced with one that contains de-icer, and graphite lubricant added to the door lock cylinders can keep the locks from freezing. When the cold and ice strike, rest assured you’ll be ready.

6) Windshield Wipers

Inspect your wiper blades for wear and tear. Wipe the blade with a clean cloth, and run a quick trial of the washer fluid to see if the blades smoothly glide across your windshield without any, or much, interference. If there are loud squeaks and obnoxious streaks, it may be time for a new set.

7) Emergency Kit

Beyond the store-bought kit, you can also make your own that is season-specific. Grab a small bag and stuff it with items to keep you safe, warm, and hydrated if stranded. In your trunk or behind a seat near the kit, keep a small shovel and some cat litter to help you get out when stuck. Depending on your “prepper-level,” you can really prepare for the road’s worst with an extra ice-scraper, phone charger, flashlights, snacks, crank radio, roadside flares, etc., so get carried away! Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Auto Insurance Checkup 

Your brakes and tires are not the only things that need a checkup every winter. Before the cold hits, it’s a good idea to check in with your insurance agent and ensure that your auto coverage is doing everything it can to protect you this winter. Give your local agent a call today to make sure your car is protected.

Holidays are supposed to be about sharing good times with family and friends, so we’ve gathered some tips for how to avoid the biggest risks to your season of cheer. 

Illness 

Transmissible viruses are the biggest risk when celebrating the holidays. Avoiding people when sick is key, but sometimes it is accidental or unavoidable. Washing your hands frequently and taking other proper cautions suggested by the CDC can help mitigate viral infections taking hold. 

Mental health can also be tried and tested during the holidays. Stress, over-eating, consumption of alcohol, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can all lead to an unhealthy mental state. This is as important a time of the year as ever to take care of yourself and reach out for help when needed. Self-care can go a long way, but it isn’t a cure-all, nor should anyone who isn’t a professional take on the sole task of ensuring or improving someone’s mental health; call your physician. 

Food  

Taking care when preparing those delicious dishes, such as avoiding cross-contamination and washing hands and prepping surfaces thoroughly with warm soapy water, is important, but not keeping food at the proper temperature is the most frequent cause of foodborne illness over the holiday season. There is a strain of bacteria called C. perfringens that is associated with cooked foods left out at room temperature, a common holiday occurrence. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this bacteria is to blame for nearly a million cases of foodborne illness in the U.S. alone each year, with more cases happening in November and December. Try to keep your cooked and refrigerated food temperatures out of the danger zone, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help keep you and your dinner guests safe to spread the good tidings and cheer while breaking bread. 

Fire  

Fire According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve.” Be alert, follow cooking directions, and keep all burnables away from the stovetop. Fireplaces and candles carry similar risks during the holidays due to increased use in winter cold months and the abundance of decorations, and one small spark can ruin holiday plans and worse. Never leave a candle or fire unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Avoid using open-flame heating and lighting sources, and opt for safer, battery-operated, or electric sources instead. 

Décor  

With all of these decorations, the most dangerous is the Christmas tree and its lighting. Live Christmas trees dry out when not properly watered or if cut too early or left up too long. Be sure to pay attention to this as well as the electrical load on the sources. NFPA found that “electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in almost half of home Christmas tree fires.” 

NFPA also reports that, excluding Christmas trees, in 2014-2018, fires caused an annual average of two civilian fire deaths, 30 civilian fire injuries and $11 million in direct property damage in the U.S. Help keep this completely preventable occurrence from wreaking havoc around the holidays. Take the proper precautions to ensure a warm, but safe, holiday. 

Slips & Falls  

The CDC reported in a relatively recent study on holiday-decorating-related falls that most injuries were to men aged 20 to 49 years, and many were caused by falls from ladders. The big take-away? “Prevention strategies should focus on raising awareness about falls and promoting safety practices during the holiday season,” and we want to help. 

Clear your work area of these tripping hazards, make sure you have good lighting, and take caution in poor conditions when outside. Wear good shoes and proper clothing for the weather and task. Ask someone to help brace your ladder and hand you tools to cut down on trips up and down from heights. Overall, awareness is key and knowing that this injury is a top contender every year for ruining someone’s joy can be enough to help protect your holiday season from the blues due to injury. 

Make sure that your holiday season doesn’t succumb to the pitfalls of celebrating these winter months. With awareness and some forethought on safety, you can make these holidays something you want to remember for years to come.   

October is a magical time of year. Crisp Autumn mornings, the changing colors of the leaves, and the massive displays in stores are all signs of one thing: Halloween is drawing near. While ghosts, ghouls, and goblins may be frightening enough, what if we told you there are many more things to fear on Halloween? Though the malicious monsters will fade away after midnight, lacking the proper insurances to protect your home and property can give you a scare that lasts for months or even years to come. To enjoy this holiday with peace of mind, follow these tips to protect yourself inside and outside your home. 

At Home – The Risks: 

While you may offer treats to your visitors on Halloween, some people may choose a trick instead. According to Geico’s research from 2019, instances of vandalism increase by 30% on Halloween compared to the average number of daily claims. Additionally, Halloween is the third most common day for auto theft. Beyond these outside risks, homeowners should also be mindful of potential insurance claims due to fires or injuries to trick-or-treaters. 

How to Prepare: 

To minimize risks while still enjoying the holiday, we recommend that homeowners first ensure that their property is sufficiently well-lit. Bright lighting can serve as a deterrent from would-be vandals. It can also illuminate any potential tripping-hazards in your yard. To protect your vehicle from possible vandalism or theft, it is ideal to park it inside a garage. If this is not an option, park in a well-lit area, lock your doors, and remove any tempting valuables that can be seen from outside. Once you have ensured that your home is well-lit and your car is parked securely, begin reviewing that your decorations have been set up safely. Check your yard for potential tripping hazards such as hidden extension cords or divots in the ground. After confirming that there are no tripping hazards outside the home, check your decorations for potential fire hazards. It’s best to avoid open flames in favor of battery-operated candles or LED lighting as a safer alternative. Ensure that you do not drape any fabrics over these lights to avoid a possible fire. Lastly, confirm that you are appropriately insured from all the spooky possibilities below: 

• Comprehensive Auto Insurance: This will cover your vehicle in the event of vandalism or theft.  
• Homeowners Insurance/Condo Insurance: For traditional single-family homes, Homeowners Insurance will protect you in the event of vandalism or theft inside the house. If you live in a condo, condo insurance protects you from vandalism or theft inside your home. 

Going Out – The Risks: 

Whether you have children to take trick-or-treating, or you are attending a party, many people choose to spend Halloween away from home. This can make for a fun and memorable night, but celebrators should be careful while on the road. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Traffic Safety Administration reports that an average of 32 people are killed in automotive accidents every Halloween, with 42% of those incidents involving at least one drunk driver. Additionally, Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for pedestrians, with the second deadliest day being November 1 due to incidents after midnight on Halloween. The National Safety Council reports that children are more than twice as likely to be stricken and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year.  

How to Prepare: 

First, whether you are walking or driving, put any electronic devices away. While distracted driving at any time can be a deadly endeavor, the increased foot traffic due to trick-or-treaters requires that drivers be particularly cautious. Remain vigilant of people walking in the road and watch for children in dark costumes that may be difficult to see. If you are trick-or-treating with your children, try to place yourself between them and the road to prevent them from running out. Additionally, look to incorporate reflective tape or lights into your costumes to increase visibility from the road. To stay safe and protected from these risks, make sure you are adequately insured: 

• Automotive Liability Insurance: This insurance covers medical costs for others if you injure them in a car accident. Additionally, this form of insurance can help pay for legal expenses in a lawsuit relating to an automotive accident. Check your policy to confirm the coverage limit. 

• Uninsured Motorist/Personal Injury Protection Insurance: These forms of insurance can cover damages in the event of a hit-and-run or other automotive vs. pedestrian incidents. They could cover the medical bills or lost wages as a result of the accident. Please note that rules regarding these forms of insurance vary from state to state; check with your local insurance agent for state-specific questions. 

For more information on ways to properly cover your home and other property with insurance, talk to your local agent today to build the perfect insurance bundle that is right for you.

We all know that sugar is not good for our bodies, but the scary repercussions do not seem to be fully realized when we look at American culture. Many of our holidays revolve around food, and, particularly and not coincidentally, processed and refined foods such as candy. Americans love candy and purchase around twenty-four pounds of candy per person, per year, ingesting the most around Halloween.

Americans, we have a problem.

Too much sugar is poisonous for our bodies. Sugar overworks the liver and pancreas and causes inflammation. It directly and indirectly leads to a wide array of health problems, from tooth decay and obesity to heart disease and diabetes. Removing sugar from your diet can even lower your chances of suffering from the worst symptoms and conditions from Covid-19.

In a study on the effects of sugar on heart health published in 2014, “people who got 17% to 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with those who consumed 8% of their calories as added sugar.”

So we know it is bad, but there are important questions that remain: How much is too much and how do we change?

How much is too much?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “on average, sugar makes up 17% of what children consume each day,” way more than what the Food Pyramid suggests. It isn’t feasible for us to track our sugar using a pyramid graph, but there are more reasonable ways we can monitor and evaluate our sugar consumption.

Nutrition labels have continuously improved over the years in containing a wealth of info that should not be ignored. The American Heart Association recommends you look to this label and keep your daily intake to under twenty-five grams (or six teaspoons) for women and under 36 grams (or nine teaspoons) for men.

What to do about it.

Of course, there’s an app for that, but we can’t expect ourselves to digitally track sugar intake for every member in our home. One of the easiest ways to monitor is to limit and even cut sugary foods in their entirety from the shopping list.

Who is in charge of the shopping and meal preparations? Start here. Limit or remove foods that contain refined sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup, listed on the labels. Replace sugary drinks, which is the main way children consume sugar, with healthier options such as milk and water. Begin this healthy overhaul before the food even enters your home.

Don’t be a total killjoy, especially around the holidays, but do be conscientious of what is going into your and your children’s bodies. Don’t leave candy lying in plain view – out of sight, out of mind, right? Impose limits on daily sugar intake that follow the guidelines for children (25 grams per day for children 2 and older) and for adults, especially if you have dietary restrictions for a health condition.

Other ways are to choose healthier options. Insider ranked almost two dozen fan-favorite candies from worst to best (Smarties are “best”). Whole fruits and low- to no-calorie sweeteners are another, healthier way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Most importantly, be mindful of what goes into your body, and if you buy the groceries, pay mind to those who look to you for guidance on living a healthy lifestyle. There are many resources around you. Ask your doctor, dentist, and even your insurance agent about these resources to cut costs and improve your dental, health, and life insurance plans. Heeding advice now will have more rewards than a king-size candy bar can offer! Your health is invaluable – treat it that way.

Blazing trails on your ATV out in the fresh, clean, country air is an indescribable joy that can only be felt. Thinking about insurance against damages and injuries is no joy, but it is a hill that you and your agent need to charge over together so that you can continue doing what you love.

Here are six reasons you should get with your agent and discuss the proper coverage so that you can get back to your ride, worry-free:

1. Legal Compliance

Many states require proof of insurance when using your ATV on public land, and some states require it when in use anywhere not on your own land. You may also not be allowed by law to drive your ATV on paved roads in your state. To avoid a ticket and fines, it’s best to ask your agent about the minimum requirements for insuring your joy-ride in your home state.

2. Travel

Riding dirty may not just be a challenge at home, but could also be an issue when leaving the homestead. A good tip is to check the states where you plan to ride. Many ATV enthusiasts travel to areas such as Moab, Utah, for their thrill-seeking adventures, but there are countless destinations for a fun-filled weekend with your ATV. One thing that could be a real kill-joy on vacation is to find yourself noncompliant with minimum insurance requirements. Keep your travels safe and pleasant by talking to your insurance agent before crossing state lines.

3. Damages

Taking the good with the bad, we know that incurring damages is a sure possibility in the rough and rugged terrain you enjoy. Averaging anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, this “toy” is no small purchase. Protect yourself like you would with your car or truck with either liability, collision, or comprehensive coverage. Not only should you be worried about your vehicle, but other vehicles and property as well.

4. Injury

There are about 650 deaths and over 100,000 injuries involving ATVs each and every year. Concussion, broken bones, spinal trauma, and cuts & bruises are the four most common ATV injuries. Wearing the proper gear, such as a helmet and padding, prevents many, but not all, injuries. Ask your doctor or agent about more precautions to take to avoid getting hurt, but know that the risk of injury on ATVs is fairly high, especially for children under 16 which account for about 26% of all ATV-related accidents in 2018.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) says you may want to ask your agent the following questions: Are there age restrictions on who may operate my ATV? Does my policy cover other people who may operate my ATV? These are great springboard questions into protecting more than just your ATV, but your little riders as well.

5. Theft

Due to their high value and ease of loading in a truck bed or a trailer, your ATV is an ideal item for would-be thieves. Protect it from theft as best you can by following tips from your agent, such as removing keys, using the steering lock, and blocking it in with another vehicle if you can’t keep it inside.

6. Low Cost

Consider the insurance part of the sticker price of your ATV, because without it, you’re probably just borrowing time until the inevitable happens. Insurance is there for those instances, the unexpected. The average cost of your monthly premium is only about $100 for a standard policy, but it can vary wildly depending on your age, area, amount of use, and model of ATV. The only way to know for sure is to make an appointment with your agent and get a quote.

Your time on your ATV should be worry-free and fun. Let your agent help with that in the best way they know how to protect you.

Insurance is all about risk mitigation, not risk elimination. Risk is something that is always there. Without anticipating it, more than 40% of small businesses will see a property or liability loss within the next decade. Knowing this, the responsible question from any business owner is, “do I have sufficient coverage?” The most expensive claims usually happen the least often, catching many business owners by surprise. In fact, the more unimaginable the event commonly means the more severe the claim.

Do you have enough coverage to sustain a costly loss? How can you even be ready for the “unimaginable” happening? The first step is to be aware of these rare yet costly occurrences. Most big disasters are rooted in a failure to imagine, but some people have experienced these disasters before, and you can learn a lot from them. Here are the three largest, and also least frequently occurring, business insurance claims covered, at least in part, under standard business liability and property policies:

#1: Reputational Harm

Copyright, libel, and slander are examples that top the chart in the average claim size of $50,000. Infringing on another entity’s rights can be expensive. A general liability policy provides basic coverage that most businesses need. Consult your business attorney or insurance agent to learn about the common legal pitfalls in this category that catch businesses by surprise, concerning only about 5% of all recent business claims.

#2: Vehicular Accident

The average price tag of $45,000 is associated with still less than 5% of insurance claims. In a post-pandemic world, we will probably see this fall further down the list in frequency with more people working from home. Still, at this size, it is something to consider adding mitigation strategies and sufficient coverage so that you don’t worry about taking such a large hit against your business.

#3: Product Liability and Fire Damage

Nothing to turn your nose at, a $35,000 loss can hurt many small businesses, if not adequately covered. With each happening only less than 10% of the time, don’t get caught back on your heels forking all of this out of pocket. Call your agent to discuss the necessary preventive measures and coverage for each of these unforeseen events.

Business insurance makes it so that you don’t have to imagine the worst; you can just focus on what you do and leave the disasters, the accidents, and the unimaginable to the insurance company. Choose an insurance company with exceptional customer service that can save you time, money, and effort when the unexpected strikes. Call or email your insurance agent to see if you have enough coverage for when one of these most costly and unimaginable business disasters happens.

You can’t fully prepare for whatever the world throws at you and your business, but your agent can mitigate and provide the extraordinary care needed so that you can keep your business on track.

Bundling up isn’t just for winter – it is also a way to save on your insurance premiums. What happens when you have a lot of coverages but don’t bundle them? You end up with many confusing pieces of paperwork, and you could be spending more money than you need. Do you have different policies from different providers? Maybe you weren’t sure you wanted to bundle your policies and just never went back. Today, we will look over the importance of bundling your policies from more than just the money-saving aspect, and we understand how important that is!  

Let’s Save Some Money 

The biggest reason that many people have insurance bundles is the amount of money they can save. When you bundle your policies, you allow one insurance carrier to insure multiple lines under the same policy. The most popular bundle usually consists of home, life, and auto policies. Why do people lean towards bundling their policies? Bundling is typically done due to the agency offering some form of discount. These discounts are generally between 10% and 2% per policy. With this discount, you could be saving quite a bit of money every year. Money-saving isn’t the only perk to bundling your policies. 

Simplify the Confusion of Insurance Policies 

Simplification is the best way to help keep your life organized, and your insurance agency understands that! When you bundle your insurance policies, you can do away with the number of monthly bills you receive due to your coverages being under one entity. In addition to the convenience, if your insurance policies get done this way, it makes filing a claim more manageable if you ever need to. Life is hectic, and we all have so many things we want to do with so little time. Condensing all of your bills into one can help you save time and stress.  

Helps Build a Relationship with Your Agent 

Did you know that bundling your policies together can help you gain or create a better relationship with your insurance agent? When you begin working with a singular agent for all of your insurance needs, they can get to know you better and will be able to suggest insurance policies that you may need more accurately. In addition to their helpful eyes, they can help you find ways to save money on your policies. When you aren’t directly interacting with your agent, they will be on the lookout for potential risks that you need to know about. This type of personalization is hard to find when your policies get split throughout multiple agencies. Bundle up those policies to protect yourself and prepare for the unexpected with your insurance agent by your side.  

Are you ready to bundle up your policies? Then, contact your local insurance agency to meet with your agent today.   

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense from the natural elements such as rain, hail, snow, and debris. Even a small crack can cause extensive damage, so it is a good idea to conduct routine roof checks. This helps keep your home and family safe, while also ensuring you have documentation of professional maintenance to provide your insurance policy. Here are tips to keep in mind when it comes time for your roof check. 

Inspect Regularly 

Plan to inspect your roof at least once a year. This allows you to stay ahead of repairs as you note possible damage. Conduct additional checks after extreme weather such as hail, snow, or thunderstorms. Depending on the weather in your climate, your roof may be subject to more possible damage from natural elements. Your home insurance policy does not cover “wear and tear” repairs or those caused by age, so it is vital to complete this maintenance as part of your homeownership. 

Do a Visual Check First 

The first step in your inspection is to do a visual check from the ground. Walk around your home to check for any signs of possible damage. Here are a few things to look for: 

• Missing or broken shingles 
• Warped, blistered, or curled shingles 
• Asphalt shingle grit in gutters 
• Cracked caulk 

• Rust spots 
• Moss or lichen on rooftop 
• Sagging spots 
• Darkened ceilings or interior water damage 

If you spot these signs, it is time to get the problem addressed immediately. If left unrepaired, these concerns can cause major structural damage to your home. Because they were part of the wear and tear that homeowners are expected to maintain, the cost will come out of your pocket and not your insurance policy.

Hire a Professional 

It can be tempting to perform a “DIY” home repair and save a few dollars, but this is not worth the risk. Hire a roofing professional who has experience fixing roofs and working on a ladder. They can address the concerns you identified, along with inspecting the full roof to determine if more work is needed. Confirm that the roofing repair company also has their own insurance updated, and ask what warranty they offer on their work.  

Understand Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy 

If your roofing professional determines that your roof is in need of a total replacement, you may be facing an extremely high cost. In the case of damage due to age or normal wear and tear, the repairs will most likely not be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. However, if a tree branch has fallen onto your roof and caused a leak, this may be covered. 

Conducting annual roof inspections is a vital way to keep your home and family safe. Keep all your records of any updates and maintenance completed by licensed and insured professionals. For questions about your homeowner’s policy or additional roof insurance coverage, speak with your local agent today.