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How Often Should You Replace Your Roof and Why is it Important?

Don’t overlook your roof! This important structure affects more than curb appeal. It’s responsible for protecting many structures and systems. The parts of a home that get the most attention tend to be visual, and more or less at eye level: paint color, landscaping, porches, and decks. The roof is the one part of the […]

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5 Things to Consider to Help Lower Your Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is critical for protecting your home and its contents in the event of damage. Learn 5 ways to keep costs down on a new or existing policy. Much like paying for routine maintenance of a vehicle, your homeowner’s insurance policy is meant to do something very important: keep things running smoothly. In the […]

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How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance

Choosing the right pet insurance can save you money in the long run. Here are four steps and strategies to help you find the right policy and get the most out of it. As any pet parent that’s ever been stuck with an unexpected vet bill can attest, pet insurance can be a lifesaver, both […]

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What Type of Insurance Do Small Business Owners Need?

September 22nd is Business Women’s Day. Learn how to assess your insurance needs as a small business owner. As National Business Women’s Day approaches again, the trends in women-owned businesses are more exciting than ever. With more and more women eager to carve out LLCs, S-Corps, and independent operations of their own, there’s never been […]

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Are Lights Effective for Burglary Prevention?

It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But, does that really work? Or, is it just a waste of electricity? Those answers can differ depending on a number of factors. However, one thing is clear: it takes more […]

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Does My College Student Need Life Insurance?

It may not be on your radar, but there are important factors to consider when determining if your college student needs life insurance. While students of all ages are currently making their way to the digital and physical seats in college classrooms, higher education – particularly undergraduate college – is defined by younger attendees. Fresh […]

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Driving Habits That Are Bad for Your Car

Think you’re a good driver? No matter how safe you are behind the wheel, you’ve probably done things like: Shift into drive while the car is still rolling backward. Ride the brakes on steep hills. Roll into the gas station on empty. If so, you may not have even realized you were doing everything wrong. […]

Summer is here and people are flocking to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people drown every day — and two of those are children 14 or younger. Even seasoned swimmers can find themselves in dangerous situations, so brush up on these basic safety tips before your first – or next – swim: Swimming Safety Tips Consider the swimming level of everyone in your party before selecting a place to swim. Just because swimmers are comfortable in a pool doesn’t mean they can handle swimming in the ocean. Swim in designated areas with a lifeguard present, and follow any posted warnings or instructions. However, don’t rely on the lifeguard alone. Never leave young children or other inexperienced swimmers unattended or in the care of another child. Teach children to ask permission before going near the water. If a child is missing, always check the water first. Young children should wear swim diapers and Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Even still, maintain constant supervision. Avoid alcohol or drug use during water activities. Know CPR and other life-saving measures. Don’t dive into unfamiliar water. You never know what might be below the surface. In open bodies of water, watch for dangers that just aren’t present in pools. These can include plants and animals, as well as riptides, currents, waves and rapids. If you see someone in danger, reach out to them with a pole or tree branch – anything that extends your reach – or throw them a floating object while someone else alerts the lifeguard. Wading in yourself could put you in just as much danger, so leave the water rescues to the professionals. Don’t swallow the water, no matter where you’re swimming. It could cause illness. Check the weather and be aware of changing and potentially dangerous conditions. If you happen to have a pool on your property (lucky you), you have even more responsibilities. Your pool should be completely surrounded by a locking fence, at least 4 feet tall, and all pools and spas should have compliant drain covers. Keep life-saving equipment, such as life rings and poles, within easy reach. If you have a small kiddie or wading pool, be sure to empty it after each use. A baby can drown in just 1 inch of water. Summer fun in and around the water is for people of all ages — just keep in mind that some people need more supervision than others, and everyone needs to keep safety in mind at all times. Happy splashing! 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

Swimming Safety: 10 Tips for Summer

Summer is here and people are flocking to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people drown every day — and two of those are children 14 or […]

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Wedding Insurance: Say ‘Yes,’ to Peace of Mind

You’ve fallen in love and plan to say, “I do.” Now your every waking moment is filled with visions of the dress, the rings, the flowers, the honeymoon and more. But, have you thought about insurance? No, it’s not romantic, but it is a practical way to gain some peace of mind. After all, what […]

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Inexpensive Fixes for a Safer Home

Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can handle to make your home safer – whether you’re handy or not. And you won’t have to break […]

pearl necklace

Looking at a new piece of jewelry? Make sure to look at your insurance, too

Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life. However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or worse, a fire or some other disaster—also find out too late that they didn’t have enough insurance to replace their jewelry. Here’s […]

Why a basic Homeowners policy isn’t always enough

Sometimes, a basic homeowners policy just isn’t enough. So as your career advances and your income increases, it’s important to keep your insurance protection up to date. This helps you avoid expensive gaps in coverage and prevents you from paying too much out of pocket in case of a claim. To be properly protected, you […]