The Best Auto Insurance Discounts for Maximum Savings

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Discover the keys to maximum savings on auto insurance. Learn about top discounts, qualifying criteria, and tips for applying them effectively.

Green car parked on top of cash.

Before you can be a driver on the road, you have to have auto insurance. A good policy isn’t just a requirement, it’s also a safety net that can provide you with financial protection if you’re in an accident or a covered event occurs.

While auto insurance does come at a price, you can save on your auto insurance in many ways. Driver discounts are abundant and can help drivers save money every month or year on their auto insurance policy.

Educating yourself about those discounts and how to apply them can save you money on this necessary and important protection. Working with your insurance agent is critical.

Exploring the Top Auto Insurance Discounts

The top auto insurance discounts are so varied that nearly everyone can save money on their auto insurance in some way or another.

Good Driver Discount. Good driver discounts reward drivers for going for a period of time without having an accident or getting a ticket.

Affiliation Discount. Affiliation discounts provide discounts for people who belong to specific groups. For example, military and federal employees may be eligible for an affiliation discount.

Car Features Discount. Car feature discounts are provided for people who have vehicles that have desirable features like anti-theft devices and safety features. Some carriers even offer a discount on driving an electric vehicle.

Customer Loyalty Discount. There are various ways that insurance companies offer discounts to loyal customers, including discounts for multiple vehicles, bundling multiple insurance policies, and continuing to renew with the same insurance carrier.

Student Discount. Good students and students who leave their car at home to go away to college can enjoy a discount on their car insurance. Students can have the highest rates, so this is important and can be significant for parents and young people.

Payment Related Discount. Many insurance companies offer discounts for desirable payment habits, like opting for paperless billing, paying the entire premium upfront, and opting for automatic monthly payments.

Qualifying Criteria for the Best Auto Insurance Discounts

As you can see from the section above, there are many ways that you can qualify for auto insurance. However, some of the most basic ways can be easily divided into three groups:

  • Drive safely. Having a clean driving record and driving safely to maintain that record is important. For some people, this comes naturally. For others, driving safely is less natural. If you can avoid car accidents and traffic tickets, your insurance company will reward you with a lower rate.
  • Show loyalty. Show loyalty to your insurance company by using the same insurance company across multiple policies, and by renewing with that company many times.
  • Pay well. Pay upfront and on time, preferably with automated payments.

Tips for Applying and Maximizing Auto Insurance Discounts

Getting as many discounts on your insurance policy as possible can save you a lot of money over a period of time. These tips can help:

Use an independent insurance agent. Independent insurance agents have access to many carriers and can help you compare policies to find the best value for the lowest cost.

Talk about various ways you may qualify. Your independent insurance agent may ask you about groups you’re affiliated with, whether you’re in school right now if you’d like to bundle various policies, and more. Work through these questions with your agent.

Call your insurance provider occasionally for updates. As your circumstances change, your insurance agent may be able to help you get more discounts on your auto insurance. Contact your insurance agent periodically to find out how rates have changed and if you qualify for any more discounts.

Comparing Insurance Providers for the Best Discounts

There are so many combinations of discounts, that it’s impossible to truly say which auto insurance provider offers the biggest, deepest cutting offers. What’s important to keep in mind is that insurance rates vary by carrier, so a policy from one carrier with a huge discount may still be more expensive than a less expensive policy without a discount.

In addition, it’s important to prioritize finding an insurance premium that meets your needs. An insurance policy that provides inadequate protection could be a waste of money and could also leave you high and dry when you need insurance the most. It’s your insurance provider’s job to help you find the policy that truly benefits you.

Have more questions? Contact your independent insurance agent today.

The Ultimate Life Insurance Planning Guide

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Demystify life insurance planning with guidance on policy types and maximizing benefits for your family’s future security.

A piece of paper in a hand that says "life insurance"

For many of us, caring for our loved ones and dependents is the most important thing in life. If something were to happen to us, we want to believe that our loved ones would be cared for in our absence. This is why many people take out life insurance policies: so that when we pass, we will leave resources for the people who matter to us the most.

Life insurance policies are surprisingly flexible and can work in many different ways to meet your goals for your family and circumstances. If you want a life insurance policy, it’s important to understand the differences between these types of policies, to know your own goals, and to work with an insurance agent who can help you navigate the many options. This life insurance planning guide can help.

Understanding the Importance of Life Insurance Planning

In the event of your death, your life insurance policy may be used in different ways. Some examples: you may want your life insurance to cover your loved one’s living expenses for a time following your death, giving them space to mourn and settle into the new norm. Or, you may intend your life insurance to pay off your home so your loved ones can live in your house affordably. Still, other life insurance policies can be used to pay for your funeral expenses, so your loved ones won’t have to.

Because there are different types of life insurance that can be used for different purposes, it’s important to engage in life insurance planning. This allows you to get what you want out of your policy, and to find something within your budget.

Types of Life Insurance Policies: Which One is Right for You?

There are several different types of life insurance policies. Generally speaking, life insurance can be divided into two different groups: term and permanent. Term life insurance only pays out during the time the policy is active. Term insurance typically lasts for ten, twenty, or thirty years, depending on your needs. Permanent life insurance pays out no matter when you die, as long as the premiums are paid. Permanent life insurance can be divided into various subgroups.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common types of life insurance:

Term. Term insurance is often a policy of choice for adults (often younger) who want to ensure that their family will have money for living expenses in the event of their death. Often, customers wanting term insurance will choose a policy that will end when their children are older and more capable of caring for themselves. Term insurance is often the cheapest type of life insurance.

Whole. Whole life insurance is a straightforward permanent policy that pays out a guaranteed return on your death, provided that you have kept up with the premiums. This type of life insurance can be more expensive but is a very straightforward option for those who simply want to leave something for their beneficiaries, no matter when they die.

Universal. Universal life insurance has variable premiums that can be adjusted over time, but the amounts typically increase over time. Universal life insurance is usually tied to a stock or bond and the pay-out amounts are not guaranteed.

Burial. Burial life insurance pays out a small amount upon your death. This is intended to cover the cost of your funeral and potentially small medical bills that you leave behind.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Life Insurance Policy

When you’re trying to choose a policy, know your budget and how much you can afford to pay in monthly premiums. It’s also important to know your goals. What is the money intended to cover? Who are your beneficiaries?

Finally, it’s also important to remember that some life insurance policies offer riders that allow you to access a portion of your death benefit while you’re still living. Some policies allow you to stop making payments under certain circumstances. If these features are important to you, work with your insurance agent to find a policy that matches your needs.

Creating a Life Insurance Plan: Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the right policy can take time. Here are the typical steps:

  1. Know your goals and budget. Work with your family (spouse or partner) to determine what you hope to accomplish by getting a life insurance policy, and what you can afford.
  2. Contact an insurance agent. Find an insurance agent you trust to help you navigate the many options available.
  3. Research the companies. Your insurance agent will help you find a policy with a company you can trust, but remember that you’ll need this company to be around for many years. Know the company’s financial strength and customer satisfaction before selecting the policy you want.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Life Insurance

One of the best ways to maximize your benefits with your life insurance policy is to work with an independent insurance agent who will help you find a policy that meets your needs. Your independent insurance agent can also educate you on the ways that your policy works so that you can get the most out of it.

Once an insurance policy is selected, keep your beneficiaries up to date on the status of the policy, so they know what to expect in the event of your death.

Have questions? Work with an independent insurance agent to be your life insurance planning guide through the process. Work together to find the best policy. With help from an expert, you can rest assured that your loved ones will get the help they need when you’re gone.

5 Tips for Safe Driving in the Winter

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Learn how to keep you and your loved ones safe while out on the roads this winter.

Car driving on a snowy road

Brisk winter weather may bring joy to children hoping for a snow day, but it’s a little less inspiring for drivers looking at a difficult trip or commute. Regardless of what type of vehicle you drive, preparing for ice and snow can not only keep you comfortable but may even save your life.

Is your car or truck ready to take the winter head-on? Here are five tried-and-true tips to make sure winter won’t pose an issue for your driving safety:

Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

Cold weather can and will affect your tires’ ability to hold air pressure, with every ten degrees of cold leaching out about a pound of pressure, if left unchecked. Thankfully, this is easy to do with a handheld pressure checker – available at most auto parts stores – or via an air pump at your nearest gas station.

If you drive a newer model year, you may even be able to check air pressure levels from inside the car, via the dashboard computer: consult your owner’s manual to check.

TIP: While you’re checking your air pressure, be sure that your tires have enough tread to grip the road. Slide a penny, head first, into the long grooves in your tire; if you’re able to see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head unobscured, it’s time for new tires.

Make Sure Your Wiper Fluid is Topped Off

In warmer months, wipers are mainly used to keep rain from obscuring your view of the road. That means that you may develop a crack or leak in your wiper fluid tank without realizing it.

TIP: Don’t wait to find out the hard way during the first hard snow of the year: regularly check both your tank fluid level and sprayer to ensure both are in good working order.

Replace Tired Batteries Before Winter Hits

Batteries are an undeniable investment, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your vehicle’s power needs. Because motor oil becomes more viscous in colder temperatures, your motor has to work harder to start, which in turn demands more from your battery.

TIP: A battery that was on its last legs in the summer can leave you unexpectedly stranded in the winter. To prevent unpleasant surprises, be sure to replace any questionable or older car batteries in the fall before the snow starts.

Remember That Late is Better Than Injured

It may seem obvious, but give yourself more time to get to your destination when icy or snowy weather is expected. You will potentially need time to clear off snow from your vehicle or make a path in the driveway, and traffic will also factor in.

TIP: If you oversleep or can’t give yourself adequate prep time, make a habit of calling ahead to explain you’ll be late. Rushing leads to bad, hasty driving decisions and accidents on slick roads.

Drive Into Skids

If you live in an area where snow and ice accumulate, you’ll inevitably encounter icy roads or patches of black ice before spring comes around. If you find your car skidding in one of these situations, remember to take your feet off the pedals, and turn your vehicle into the direction of the skid, if it is safely possible.

TIP: Panic will often cause drivers to jerk the wheel in the opposite direction, or press the gas or brake pedals, but both of these reactions can actually reduce vehicular control.

Staying safe while driving in the winter is a balanced mix of ensuring your car is prepared to face the cold, and that your driving habits reflect potential winter weather problems. While it can be a challenging few months, getting through them safely will make that first windows-down springtime drive that much more rewarding.

Happy New Year! How to Select the Best New Years Resolutions

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Are you struggling to create a New Year’s resolution? We’ll go over some of the most popular resolutions and how to pick one.

Writing down New Year's resolutions

Happy New Year! Now that 2023 is coming to a close, millions of people may be thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions. Many people vow to improve something about themselves at this time of year and then stick to their improvements throughout the new year.

Choosing the right New Year’s Resolution is important. A good resolution is one that you’ll want to keep because it’s a change you’ll enjoy. Below are some suggestions to help you choose the right New Year’s Resolution for 2024.

Consider Motivation

Making a change can be very hard! It helps to choose a resolution you’ll be motivated to keep and see through to its completion. The more challenging the task, the more inspired you’ll need to be to follow through.

When selecting the resolution for the upcoming year, make a list of resolutions you have the drive to finish.

Not feeling the motivation you need? It’s okay to choose a resolution that’s relatively easy to complete. Give yourself a break! You can tackle the harder stuff later.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Plan to hold yourself accountable for the resolution, whatever it may be. An “Accountability Buddy” can help with this – someone who will work to accomplish your goal.

Having such a buddy may be beneficial if your chosen resolution is challenging because your buddy will offer support and understand what you’re going through. An Accountability Buddy makes keeping your resolution more enjoyable and can increase the likelihood that you’ll keep your resolution over the course of the year.

Make It a Realistic Goal

How long will it take to accomplish your goal? Is your goal achievable? Choose a goal that you can achieve. Committing to impossible or next-to-impossible resolutions will only frustrate you and make it less likely that you’ll stick to your New Year’s Resolutions.

Have a Plan

If your plan is achievable, you should be able to create a plan to complete it. Create a step-by-step plan to complete your goal over a year. Having a plan makes it easier to decide whether your resolution is achievable; if not, this is your chance to change.

Consider Setting SMART Goals

The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. In other words, a smart goal is a goal that you can accomplish with measurable success. A SMART goal is realistic, relevant, and can be completed on a deadline.

The SMART acronym is used in workplaces to help managers set sensible goals for their teams. You can apply the SMART acronym to your New Year’s Resolution to ensure that you’re settling goals that will continue to make sense to you over the next year.

Examples of Common New Year’s Resolutions

Need help deciding on a New Year’s Resolution? Consider the most common resolutions for 2022, according to Statista.

  • Get more exercise
  • Eat healthier
  • Lose weight
  • Spend more time with people you care about
  • Spend less money
  • Spend less time on social media
  • Reduce stress at work
  • Stop smoking

Resolve to Update Your Homeowner’s Insurance

Another New Year’s Resolution: update your homeowner’s insurance policy. Your homeowner’s insurance helps protect your home from financial liability after a covered disaster. Contact your insurance agent today to review your policy.

Drowsy Driving? Don’t Do It

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Don’t drive drowsy! Follow these tips to protect yourself and the others on the road with you from drowsy driving.

Caucasian man sitting behind steering wheel driving, while holding the steering wheel with his left hand, yawning and holding up his right hand over his mouth, with his eyes closed.

Drowsy driving can happen to anyone. A survey by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that over half of adults in the United States drive drowsy consistently, and 20% admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel in the last year. While young adults are at the greatest risk for driving drowsy, people of all ages have been known to drive while tired at one time or another.

Drowsy driving happens most commonly in adults with less than 6 hours of sleep per night. It can also affect people who have unusual sleep patterns for their occupation, people who have combined alcohol and medications, and people with sleep disorders.

You can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and the other people on the road by avoiding drowsy driving. Here’s how.

Know the Signs of Drowsy Driving

Knowing the signs of drowsy driving can help you decide when it’s time to get off the road.

  • Hitting the rumble strip
  • Head nodding off
  • Yawning repeatedly
  • Unable to concentrate, daydreaming while driving
  • Missing your exit
  • Drifting between lanes

How to Avoid Drowsy Driving

Of course, the best way to avoid drowsy driving is to get enough sleep before leaving. However, getting enough sleep before every car trip is only sometimes possible. These tips can help you avoid drowsy driving.

Drive With a Buddy

Driving with a partner gives you someone to talk to, which can help relieve sleepy feelings while driving. Going with a buddy also makes it possible to switch off drivers periodically. Have your buddy drive if you’re showing any signs of drowsy driving or have been driving for several hours in a stretch.

Read Medication Warnings

Some medications make it dangerous to operate heavy machinery; others should never be taken with alcohol. Read all medication warnings before driving while on medication.

Avoid Driving When You Would Usually Be Sleeping

Your body is programmed to sleep at certain times of the day. Driving at these times could be more challenging than usual due to your body’s inclination to wind down for sleep. Avoid driving during normal sleeping hours. Get off the road and get rest until your regular wake time.

Take Breaks

Take breaks from driving every 100 miles or every two hours, whichever comes first. During your driving break, get coffee, get out, walk around and go to the bathroom. Remember that drinking coffee can help increase your alertness in the short term but will only increase your attention over a short period.

Know When to Stop

If you’re unable to concentrate, feeling the effects of drowsy driving despite taking many breaks, or if you’ve been up for 24 hours or more, know when to get off the road. You don’t have to check into a hotel to get some sleep. Find a rest stop where you can shut your eyes for a little while.

Listen to a Favorite Podcast

Listen to audio programming that keeps you engaged while on your journey. You can also listen to music that helps you feel energized.

Avoid the Rush

Take your time reaching your destination. Get there safely, even if it means getting there a little slower than you prefer.

Protect Yourself With Auto Insurance

Drowsy driving is dangerous. Experts believe drowsy driving can be just as bad as drunk driving and may be responsible for over 20% of all fatal car crashes yearly. Avoid drowsy driving at all costs.

To doubly protect yourself, keep your auto insurance up to date. Remember that auto insurance can help repair your vehicle in the event of an accident. Call your insurance agent today.

Boo! How to Avoid Scary Pumpkin Carving Accidents

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Halloween is a time for spooks and scares but not a great time for scary injuries. Protect yourself from pumpkin carving injuries this Halloween.

Person carving a pumpkin

According to U.S. News and World Report, 44% of Halloween-related injuries in 2018 were related to pumpkin carving activities. This Halloween, save yourself a trip to the doctor or emergency room. Carve your pumpkin safely.

Choose the Right Environment

Select an appropriate environment for your pumpkin carving activities. The room should be clean and well-lit so you can see what you’re doing, and the surface should be level and easy to access. Carve your pumpkin in a dry area so the carving knives are less likely to slip. Have a rag nearby to dry off your pumpkin if it becomes damp or slippery.

Use a Pumpkin Carving Kit

While a butcher knife may seem like the best tool for carving a pumpkin, these large knives are unwieldy and can be very dangerous. Use a pumpkin carving kit instead. A typical kit will contain “knives” of several sizes, including larger ones for cutting big shapes and smaller ones for detail work.

These knives have no sharp edge on their blade, so they’re far less dangerous than kitchen knives. Pumpkin carving knives may look flimsy, yet they easily cut through the pumpkin.

Don’t Allow Children to Carve On Their Own

Even with a pumpkin carving kit, children should only carve a pumpkin with help from an adult. Show smaller children how to cut a pumpkin safely, then allow them to help you scoop out the insides. Older teens may be allowed to use the kit but should still be supervised throughout the process.

Cut the Top Off Last

Avoid putting your hand inside the pumpkin while cutting out shapes on the side: cut the shapes out first and the top off last. Never stick your hand inside a pumpkin while you carve the shapes around the outside.

Don’t Use Real Candles

Some people place real votive candles inside their pumpkins when carving. Lighting a candle inside the pumpkin could lead to burns, especially if you don’t have a long-handled lighter or match stick. Battery-operated candles solve this problem. Remember that battery-operated candles may not be as bright as real ones.

If you plan to use a real candle, try this trick: instead of cutting off the top, cut off the bottom of the pumpkin, which allows you to light the candle first, then place the pumpkin over the candle.

Know What to Do In the Event of an Injury

Pumpkin carving injuries happen every year. Even if you’re using a pumpkin carving kit, it’s essential to know what to do in the event of an injury. If you or a family member cuts themselves during pumpkin carving activities, apply pressure to the wound using a clean, dry cloth. If the wound is still bleeding 15 minutes later, go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room.

Protect Your Property. Maintain an Up-To-Date Homeowner’s Policy.

Property damage can happen at any time of year, but your home may be at particular risk around Halloween, a time when “tricks” can accompany treats. Be ready for anything. Contact your insurance agent to evaluate your coverage.

Keep That Baby Safe! National Baby Safety Month

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September is National Baby Safety Month! Celebrate baby safety with these helpful tips for creating a safe living space.

Young Asian woman strapping a Asian baby into a carseat.

September is National Baby Safety Month. At this time of year, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) publishes information for parents about baby safety around the house.

While it’s impossible to protect your child from all potential injuries, you can dramatically reduce your child’s chances of injury. Knowing how household injuries occur is the first step to protecting your child. Once you’re aware of the potential for danger, you can take steps to reduce household hazards and keep your baby safe.

Baby Proof Your Home

From cleaning products to fireplaces, your house is probably full of hazards that can lead to injury. There’s an opportunity for baby-proofing in every room of the house. Baby-proof your home before your baby starts to crawl, so your house will be ready when your baby is. This is not a comprehensive list, but a few things to include:

  • Place baby-proofing locks on all cabinets and drawers your baby can reach
  • Put up baby gates to your bathrooms or baby-proof the hazards in the bathrooms individually (toilet, cabinets, bathtub faucet, etc.)
  • Place covers on unused outlets
  • Put up a baby gate to hazardous areas like staircases, the laundry or utility room, the kitchen, the home office, and the bedrooms of anyone who has not babyproofed their room.

There are a variety of baby-proofing checklists online. These checklists can be beneficial, as many adults do not think like babies or toddlers and should be informed of the many hazards that babies can get into around the house.

Focus on Safe Sleeping

Experts recommend that babies sleep on their backs, on a firm surface, in their own sleep space, or in a room with their parents. These safe sleeping recommendations and others help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Register Your Baby Products

Many companies provide parents with the opportunity to register baby products they purchase. If there is a product safety recall, registrations give the company the means to reach out and alert the parent. You can also learn more about which products are safe and which ones are not on the website for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Practice Safe Bath Time

Never leave your baby alone in the bath – not even for a few seconds. Babies cannot be trusted to sit up or lounge safely in the bathtub, and they can drown in as little as one inch of water.

Also, turn down your water heater to a temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid potential burns and scalds. Remember that even if you plan to check the temperature of your child’s bath water every time you fill the tub, accidents can happen, and toddlers can sometimes reach faucet handles to turn on the hot water themselves.

Car Seats

Read all safety instructions for a safe car seat installation. If you’re having trouble, the company you purchased the car seat from may have posted an official video tutorial on installing your car seat. Many police departments will also show new parents how to install a car seat – call your local police department for information.

One more thing: did you know that car seats expire? They do. If you’re using a car seat from a previous child, know when the expiration date is and replace the car seat if necessary.

Check With Your Child’s Doctor

Many pediatricians provide information about baby safety when asked. For more information specific to your baby, talk to your child’s doctor to find out what you can do to keep your baby safe at home.

National Eye Exam Month is Here: What to Know

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August is National Eye Exam month. When was the last time you got your vision checked?

Brown skinned man or doctor interpreting results on a vision machine, while brown skinned woman looks into the machine.

August is National Eye Exam Month! Are you one of the 11 million people who need vision correction? If you’ve never been to the eye doctor, you could have vision trouble and not know it.

Due to the aging population in the United States, the number of visually impaired and blind people is estimated to double by 2030, but some of that may be preventable. Regular eye exams can help you save your vision and correct vision problems that might lower your quality of life.

How Often Should You Get An Eye Exam?

Your age, whether you wear eyeglasses, and your risk level for various eye conditions all impact when you should get an eye exam.

Ages 0-4

Most babies receive an eye exam from their primary care doctor when they come in for their regular physical. Additional attention from an eye doctor is needed if your baby shows signs of a problem – such as eyes that remain crossed after 4 to 6 months of age.

School Age Children

Most children should get an eye exam before their first year of school. Vision trouble at school can lead to various academic and even social problems. Catching vision trouble in its early stages can help your child have their best chance at success in the classroom.

Adults

The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults without vision issues get an eye exam around age 40 and then, as recommended by their eye doctor. Adults should have regular eye checkups every year or two starting around age 60. By age 60, adults are at higher risk for vision problems like glaucoma. Going to the eye doctor regularly can help catch these problems and prevent blindness.

People who wear eyeglasses should get an eye exam every year or two to check for changes in their prescription.

At-Risk People

Some health conditions, like diabetes, can increase the risk of vision trouble and diseases like glaucoma. See the eye doctor more often if you have the following:

  • A health condition that puts you at greater risk for vision trouble
  • You are taking medication that could increase your risk for eye conditions
  • You have a family history of problems like glaucoma

Why Is It Important to Get Periodic Eye Exams?

There are many reasons to get periodic eye exams, including:

  • Safety. Some people with vision problems aren’t even aware of their poor vision until they visit the eye doctor. Poor vision can impact the ability to drive, walk safely in high-traffic areas, and complete everyday tasks like cutting up food. Getting your vision checked and corrected can help you avoid a serious accident.
  • Success at school and the workplace. Blurry vision is a common problem that can impact a child’s ability to see the whiteboard and an adult’s ability to function in the workplace. Getting your vision corrected can help you see correctly and clearly.
  • Some eye conditions have no symptoms in their early stages. Diseases like glaucoma often have no noticeable symptoms until your vision starts to degrade. Seeing an eye doctor is the only way to catch this problem in its early stages.

Protect Your Vision: See the Eye Doctor

Good quality of life starts with good health. Getting your eyes examined can help. See your eye doctor to protect your vision.

Home Protection While On Vacation: 7 Tips That Make a Difference

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Before leaving on vacation, ensure your house is safe. These 7 tips can help protect your home from intruders and more.

Man sitting on beach watching four security camera views on his laptop.

Vacation should be a time of relaxation, enjoyment, and happiness, but that all gets harder if you’re worried about what’s happening at home. Many things can go wrong on your property on any given day, and if you’re away from home when it happens, the problem could worsen before you return.

Burst pipes, burglaries, leaking water heaters, house fires – all of these problems can happen while you’re gone. Taking steps to protect your house while you’re away can prevent problems and give you peace of mind while you’re having an adventure away from home. Here’s what you can do to protect your home.

1. Hold the Mail and Newspapers

Intruders may be more likely to let themselves into your house or on your property if they can tell you’re away from home. To help prevent break-ins, make your house look occupied while you’re away.

Allowing mail and newspapers to build up on your front porch signals to intruders that you haven’t been home in a while. Put a hold on any subscriptions (including newspapers and magazines) at least one week before you leave for vacation, and ask the post office to hold your mail while you’re gone. If you cannot put a hold on your subscriptions and mail before you leave, ask a friend or neighbor to collect your subscriptions and mail while you’re away.

2. Keep Up with Landscaping

Grass and other landscaping can grow unchecked while you’re away, and that, too, can tip off intruders that you haven’t been home in a while. Ask a trusted landscaping company to cut your grass and take care of any landscaping while you’re out of town.

3. Find Someone to Watch Your Property

Is there anyone who lives near your home who you trust to watch your property while you’re away? Ask them to check in on your house every couple of days to ensure it is safe. This way, if someone breaks into your home or a pipe bursts or a hot water heater leaks, they’ll catch the problem early on.

4. Put on the Pool Cover

Hopefully, no one will wander onto your property to use your pool while you’re gone; however, putting the pool cover on may make it less of a temptation. If you have a child safety pool cover, even better, as this will prevent any children or pets from wandering onto your property and falling in.

5. Use Smart Devices

Use smart devices to protect your home from intruders while you’re away. Some examples of smart products include:

  • Smart outlets. Use smart outlets to turn on lamps automatically at night, making your house appear occupied.
  • Video doorbell. Use the video doorbell to see who comes to your door – and who lets themselves into your house while you’re gone.
  • Security camera system. Use security cameras to monitor your property inside and out.

6. Avoid Telling People on Social Media

People love to tell their social media friends and followers about their travel, and almost no one thinks about the risk they’re taking. Posting your travel plans or photos on social media is like sending out an invitation for someone to rob your home.

Unless you trust every single social media follower and you’re confident your account privacy is set up properly, posting your vacation status can put your home at risk.

7. Update Your Homeowners Insurance

Is your homeowner’s insurance policy up to date? Call your insurance agent before leaving on vacation to ensure your policy will protect you from covered events while you’re gone.

What Is (and Isn’t) Covered by Pet Insurance?

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Is pet insurance worth the cost? Some pet owners benefit, while others do not. Here’s what to know about the value of pet insurance.

Female vet professional and female pet owner looking at cat on exam table.

Pet owners spend a lot of money on their pets. In fact, a typical dog owner spends about $1,500 for their dog each year, and a typical cat owner spends around $900 on pet expenses annually. Medical expenses for animals can go much higher than this, of course, and it only takes one accident or illness to break the bank for some pet owners.

Pet insurance can provide some protection from these expenses. Before investing in pet insurance, know how it works so you can choose the right policy. Not all veterinary costs are covered under pet insurance. If you’re a pet owner, here’s what to consider when deciding whether pet insurance is right for you.

Pet Insurance By Type

Most insurance policies for pets can be broken down into three different categories, although policies – and what they cover – vary from one insurance company to another. Typical policies cover accidents and illnesses, with wellness care available only as an add-on if you’ve already purchased the other type of insurance.

Accident-Only Coverage

Accident-only policies reimburse pet owners for treating an injury or illness caused by an accident. Some pets have a higher risk of mishaps than others, so premiums can vary by breed type.

Accident and Illness Coverage

Accident and illness policies cover a range of illnesses and injuries, from minor ailments to major diseases (like cancer). Accident and illness coverage is known as comprehensive coverage because it covers consultation fees, examination fees, hospitalization, surgery, and more. Just as the name says – it’s comprehensive.

Wellness Coverage

Wellness coverage reimburses for routine veterinary care and sometimes covers grooming and training. Wellness coverage is only sometimes available as a standalone policy – instead, it’s usually added as a rider to another policy.

How Pet Insurance Works

Pet insurance differs from standard human health insurance because pet insurance companies rarely pay for procedures upfront. Instead, pet owners seek reimbursement, usually involving deductibles and limits. Pet insurers won’t cover pre-existing conditions and may impose waiting periods.

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Pet insurance can be worth the cost if your pet develops a long-term chronic condition or suffers a catastrophic injury requiring expensive surgery and extensive recovery time. Not all pet owners will find pet insurance worth the cost, but some will. For some pet owners, the cost of pet insurance is worth it simply because of the peace of mind it provides.

If you’re interested in pet insurance, these tips can help you get the most out of your policy:

  • Work with an independent insurance agent who can shop around for the right insurance.
  • Know your goals and what type of coverage you’re looking for when you start shopping for a policy.
  • Control costs by decreasing limits and increasing deductibles.

Have More Questions About Pet Insurance? Talk to Your Insurance Agent

Pet insurance can pay large veterinary expenses when the unexpected happens. If you’re a new pet owner, your insurance agent can give you information about pet insurance, answering your questions to help you decide if this type of insurance is right for you. Call today.