Travel insurance can minimize the financial risks associated with traveling. From accidents to illness to lost luggage, travel insurance has you covered.

Vacations are usually an exciting time, filled with anticipation and activity planning. What travelers seldom plan for, however, are events that are a little less sun-and-fun and a little more doom-and-gloom. 

Interruptions, cancellations, and complications always seem to pick up around the same time, which is, of course, the end of the season and very inconvenient. 

Where health insurance shoulders financial burdens in the event of an illness, travel protection insurance offers the same protection for your trip. Even more uniquely, it does so both before and during travel, because mistakes, accidents, and acts of god won’t wait until you’re safely back home.

Make it Right, Right Away

Although most travel methods will offer some sort of assurance or coverage for your belongings and itinerary, often it’s opt-in, expensive, or difficult to navigate. In addition, if you’re traveling via one airline for one leg of the journey, but a different airline’s connecting flight, a single lost suitcase can cause multiple issues. 

Travel protection insurance guards you and your belongings so that you have a single point of contact for financial remedy. Rather than playing “phone tag” with several different forms, companies, and claims, your policy will give you a single well-defined route to submit a claim. 

With too many “moving parts,” paperwork often gets misplaced, which is why a central point makes the entire process run more smoothly.

Expecting the Unexpected

Imagine you’re rushing to get to a museum tour on time and stumble, knocking a tooth out, or breaking a wrist. What now? With the right travel protection insurance, you won’t need to waste time worrying about incurring overseas medical costs. 

With coverage available to address everything from missing or destroyed belongings up to and including bodily injury or harm, you’ll enjoy peace of mind even in the most unfamiliar of locales. 

It’s important to openly discuss your planned trip itinerary and needs with your insurance agent, as this will ensure you’re well-covered by a comprehensive policy before taking your trip. 

Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?

While it’s true that you could fly or travel to a vacation spot without insurance coverage, it’s a big risk. That means the lack of coverage can be particularly concerning if your friends or family will be traveling with you. 

The longer your planned travel itinerary, and the larger the area you plan to visit, the more important a solid policy will be. 

If you plan on traveling outside of the country, the need for travel insurance ratchets up a few notches, as you’ll be in an unfamiliar place and exposed to scams and schemes in addition to more mundane delays.

If you’re still on the fence about getting travel insurance for your next journey out into the world, consider this: the cost of obtaining your travel insurance is, and always will be, cheaper than the worst-case scenario. While it’s admittedly a very targeted variety of insurance, it’s an extremely hardworking one as well, and one that will help keep you and your loved ones safe, even when abroad. 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Here are 4 ways you can help to lower your risk of skin cancer while enjoying the sun safely.

Warm spring weather is the perfect antidote to the cabin fever that winter often inspires, especially the idea of getting some sun on your face. Though getting some fresh air is a good idea, too much of a good thing can be bad as well, which is why skin cancer risk awareness is so important. 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. When you’re smart about sun protection and know common skin cancer “red flags,” you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors worry-free this season. 

Here are four ways to lower your risk of skin cancer: 

Start with Sunblock

Sunblock isn’t only for beach outings – it’s an excellent first line of defense for your skin when it comes to ultraviolet light exposure. 

Find a lightweight, everyday lotion with an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 30 to keep yourself safe, even on cloudy or overcast days. Of course, if you’re planning on more prolonged or intense sun exposure, bump up the SPF number to a product that offers more protection. Whichever sunblock or cream you select, make sure the bottle notes that it shields against both UVA and UVB rays for the most comprehensive results.

An important note: if you’re planning on going in the ocean, a lake, or in an outdoor pool, be sure to reapply sunscreen every 20 minutes to keep consistent coverage on your skin. 

Layer Up 

No one likes to feel warm when the weather’s already oppressive, but be selective with how much skin you bare to the sun, whenever possible. Long sleeves, clothing with opaque fabric (or, better yet, SPF-rated fabric), cover-ups, and UV-blocking sunglasses all enhance your sunblock’s healthy efforts. 

Stay under awnings or invest in a UV-rated umbrella and use it – even if the skies are clear – like a parasol on longer walks to put protective layers between you and the damaging effects of UV rays over time.

Avoid Sunbathing and Artificial Exposure

Purposely sunbathing, laying out to expose your skin and achieve a suntan, is one of the most harmful things you can do to your skin. It not only increases your risk of developing skin cancer when you make it a habit, but it also dries and prematurely ages your skin, bringing on wrinkles and age spots. 

The same negative effects occur while tanning in the intense UV lighting of tanning beds, which may actually have an even more detrimental effect on the health of your skin.  While a golden tan might seem like an attractive accessory at the moment, remember that the damage you’ll be doing to your skin tells a far different, and far more permanent, story. 

Know How to Check Your Own Skin

Skin cancer, or melanoma, is insidious because it often looks like a harmless mole or a freckle. It’s important to be familiar with the appearance of any marks on your skin, as frequent self-checks will alert you to any changes in size, color, or shape. 

If a mark appears rapidly, grows larger than the eraser of a pencil, or has an asymmetrical (non-matching) shape, it’s a smart idea to get it examined as soon as possible by a dermatologist. Caught early, many skin cancer appearances can be treated quickly and easily, ensuring they don’t have a chance to spread.

More than 5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States alone. Use these tips to avoid unnecessary exposure and safeguard your skin health – it will make that first day of spring sunshine feel that much better. 

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 case of insurance, that means if there’s a problem or damage to your home, you won’t need to put your life on hold and your finances in jeopardy attempting to right the wrongs.

Even though it’s a vital consideration, it’s only natural to want to keep the cost of homeownership as low as possible – but can your homeowner’s insurance policy cost be reduced? Of course, and here are the five ways that you can make it happen right now:

Take the Welcome Mat Away from Risk

Tree-trimming and pest control aren’t just services that make day-to-day life more pleasant, they also represent a financial interest in your home.

Without heavy limbs looming over the roof in the next heavy storm or snowfall, your roof, siding, and gutters aren’t under threat. When regular pest control monitors for termite presence, your foundation and beams aren’t at risk.

Furnishing receipts for these services, either presented proactively beforehand or after the fact as proof, may help lower your policy costs.

Embrace a One-Stop-Shop for Policies

Already have a life or auto insurance policy from a provider? Need to move from a renter’s insurance policy into a homeowners insurance policy? Save money by sticking with the same insurance provider for additional coverage, or taking out a new policy under an insurer you already work with.

Since the company is already familiar with you as a client, there are fewer unknown factors complicating your quote and coverage. Most major insurers also offer bundled discount rates, so be sure to ask your insurance agent what options are available for you.

Inventory Your Possessions – and Protect Them

When it comes to expensive belongings like jewelry, expensive artwork, and other items, their value may change and fluctuate over time. For electronics, depreciation will naturally factor in over time.

In both cases, it’s important to make sure your paid-for coverage level matches the actual value of the item(s) being insured in the home, if applicable. Installing and maintaining a home security system will also earn you a discount with some homeowners’ insurance providers; be sure to check with your insurance agent to see if yours does.

Steady and Reliable Wins the Race

Stability in one area of responsibility usually indicates stability in others, which is why providers like long-term clients who have good credit scores. Both of these considerations can help lower your insurance policy costs; positive marks in both columns point to minimal risk for an insurer.

If you’re anxious to switch companies or are working on your credit, this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but focusing on staying the course will benefit you in the long run.

Smart Home = Smart Move

Smart home devices like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security camera systems allow homeowners to keep better tabs on their home and its belongings. That translates to a lower risk of damage and theft, which in turn can lower the cost of your insurance policy.

Check your policy carefully before changing it or installing expensive equipment; you’ll want to make sure the two are compatible and offer financial benefits before picking out gadgets.

In addition to these handy hacks for reducing homeowners insurance costs, don’t neglect your most important resource: your insurance agent. After learning about you and your insurance needs, they’ll be able to point you to any discounts you have missed, helping you get the most coverage for the lowest cost possible.

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

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.

Did you test positive for the Covid-19 virus and still want a life insurance policy to protect your loved ones? Here’s what you need to know beforehand.

When once-in-a-lifetime events like the Covid-19 pandemic occur, it’s only natural for people to consider their families and loved ones with an eye towards the future. The peace of mind offered by life insurance – a spouse that won’t struggle to pay the bills, children’s educational needs taken care of, medical bills paid without impacting an estate, and more – is a natural balm for the worry of Covid fears.

Is opening a new life insurance policy a viable option after contracting Covid-19? Thankfully, the answer is yes, although honesty is an extremely important factor in obtaining appropriate coverage.

Much as life insurance payouts have always operated with certain protective clauses, such as the inability to profit from criminal activities, both insurer and insured need to enter into a policy well informed about where they stand.

Not all life insurance companies will offer coverage for new policyholders that have been previously infected with the Covid-19 virus, but those that do will usually state it clearly, or will answer readily if asked. When in doubt, ask your insurance agent directly.

High-Risk People, Places, and Jobs

While an applicant is only required to offer the information requested of them, it’s in your best interests to ask questions and to carefully read any policy you’re considering after a Covid diagnosis.

Exposure risk will be a determining factor in your quote, so if you’ve recently traveled to or reside in a high-risk / high-spread area, or work in a position that frequently risks exposure, be aware these facts may impact your available coverage.

Do not omit requested information or attempt to conceal risk factors; this will only negatively impact results if your policy is needed to protect your loved ones. Your insurance agent is ready and able to honestly answer any questions you may have about the insurance process or your desired policy, don’t be afraid to ask. Remember, they are subject matter experts and whatever your question may be, chances are they’ve already seen the answer in action.

If you are actively infected with Covid-19 and either hospitalized or an inpatient at a medical facility, ask your life insurance agent about their teleconferencing capabilities to keep both yourself and your agent safe. If policy paperwork or forms are necessary to start your policy, keep in mind that most hospitals have a notary public on staff for any official paperwork that may be required.

If you’ve taken steps to reduce your potential of a Covid-19 infection, such as getting a vaccine or a follow-up “booster shot” of the vaccine, be sure to mention that to your life insurance agent. This proactive step may be beneficial to your quote.

Getting a Covid Life Insurance Policy? Let Someone Know.

Covid aftereffects can appear extremely quickly, particularly in the case of the aggressive Delta variant, which can re-infect those that have already had the basic virus, even when immunized.

There may not always be time for an extended outside-the-hospital conversation once a positive diagnosis or relapse of symptoms occurs. Additionally, restricted visitation policies in medical facilities make these discussions nearly impossible after admission.

If you plan to obtain a life insurance policy after you’ve been diagnosed with Covid-19, be sure to make it a well-known fact to all of your beneficiaries, and give copies of policy paperwork to a friend, family member, or lawyer for safekeeping.

At a time when things can feel incredibly chaotic and difficult, having this important information accessible will help support and protect your wishes for your family and loved ones.