Insurance Needs for Your College Student

In just a few weeks, college campuses will be coming back to life after a long, quiet summer. Freshmen will be participating in orientation, trying to navigate their way around campus, and adjust to life away from home; upperclassmen will be catching up with friends, getting mentally prepared to take their most challenging classes, and start thinking about graduation and securing a job or internship. There’s so much for students to think about; chances are insurance isn’t near the top of that list. This is something parents can think about instead. If your child is going off to college this fall, there are some insurance policies that can benefit them while they’re away from home:

Renters. If your child will be living in an off-campus apartment, encourage them to purchase renters’ insurance.  There are several benefits to this type of coverage:  it will cover personal belongings (including furniture, clothing, and electronics) if they are damaged or stolen; medical payments for anyone who is injured at your child’s apartment, and expenses if your child’s residence is having major repairs and he needs a place to stay for a few days.

Auto. Your child may or may not have a car on campus for various reasons. (Some colleges don’t allow freshmen to have cars, for example). Some carriers offer discounts on car insurance depending on how far your child will be from home (more than 100 miles is the standard distance for the discount with most carriers). It’s a good idea to leave your child on your insurance policy, otherwise their coverage will lapse when they purchase their own policy, resulting in a higher payment.

Identity theft.  With so much business conducted online and personal information a prime target for hackers, identity theft is a real potential risk for college students. Identity theft insurance, along with credit monitoring plans and similar services, is meant to protect your child from the expenses incurred from having their identity stolen. This type of coverage is relatively new, only a few carriers sell it, and it’s gotten mixed reviews—financial and cybersecurity experts say that protecting confidential information, such as Social Security numbers and bank account PINs, is a better strategy than purchasing identity theft insurance. It is best to do your research and weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you buy this type of coverage for your child.

If you’re sending your child off to college and want to make sure they have the right insurance, contact us. We work with over 50 carriers, and as independent agents, we can shop the market to find the best coverage at the best price.

Have you purchased any of the above policies just for your college-age child? What was your experience? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

What's the Best Home Alarm System For You?

Whether your neighborhood has had an unfortunate increase in break-ins or you simply want additional protection for your home and belongings, installing a home alarm system is a smart investment. Besides the peace of mind it provides, it can also give you a discount on your homeowners’ policy. With dozens of options available, how do you decide which is the right system for you?

Cost. If you sign a contract with a company that will install the system, there is generally a cost for installation plus a monthly payment. If you’re buying one to install yourself, the price range can vary widely—anywhere from $30.00 to several hundred dollars.

Features. The cost has a lot to do with the system’s features. Some are basic, controlled through a code on a keypad and installed through your phone line. When someone enters your home and does not de-activate the code, the authorities (fire/police/ambulance) will be notified.  But rapidly-changing technology has also made some very sophisticated models that might include things like motion detectors, heat sensors, panic buttons, pressure mats to detect footsteps, gauges to detect leaky pipes or broken furnaces, and more.

Brand recognition. Most folks choose a DIY system, or to sign a contract, with a name they recognize. Some of the more well-known contracted companies are ADT, ProtectAmerica, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint.

Professional vs. DIY installation. Some major security companies will sell the equipment directly to customers for a DIY installation. Others require customers to use one of their contractors. If you’re handy you may want to skip working with a security company and buy a system from a department or hardware store. It’s really a personal preference, but many homeowners appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a package through a security company, which includes central monitoring. 

Technology and automation.  Nearly every system is controlled with a security code, whether it’s one that you manually punch-in on a keypad every time you enter or leave your home, or one that you can control through a device. Most systems have one of two “sound” options—either an ear-piercing alarm that will (hopefully) chase away any would-be burglars, or a silent alarm that is triggered by a panic button. The alarm will notify the central monitoring system, who will then contact the authorities. Most home security systems have the loud alarm—the silent alarm works if you are in the house and can push the panic button. (So of course, you’re taking a bigger risk by encountering an intruder!)

How did you choose your home alarm system? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Doggie Paddle: Tips for Taking Your Dog Swimming

Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy summer’s warmer temps—our dogs also appreciate the sunshine, fresh air, and chance to run around to their hearts’ content. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some real quality time with our four-legged friends, whether it’s going for long walks, playing at a park, taking them on vacation (to a dog-friendly resort or hotel, of course), and a favorite summer activity—swimming.

Depending on the breed, your dog may or may not be a huge fan of water, but if you are planning to get them in the water sometime this summer, there are a few things to keep in mind so you can keep your pooch safe.

First, can your dog swim? Sure, most can, but it’s not innate for every breed—just like humans, they have to learn.  If your brand-new puppy has never stuck a paw in the water before, you may not want to take them in a rushing river or lake during your camping trip. Start them slowly in a calm body of water for a few minutes at a time so they can build up their stamina and just get used to the new experience.

Second, where will you take the dog swimming? Do you go camping at the same campground or visit the same beach resort every summer? Will you swim in a river, lake, pool, or ocean? Each body of water comes with its own potential risks for dogs.  For instance, dogs that drink or swim in any fresh water that wild animals may have access to run the risk of developing a serious infection. Vets also recommend that dogs be up-to-date on their leptospirosis vaccine, which protects them against Lyme disease.

Two of the biggest risk factors when taking dogs swimming?  Rushing currents and swallowing too much water. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.

Rushing water.

Waves can be fun to splash in, but as currents pick up, they can be dangerous.  Larger breeds like Labs, golden retrievers, and German shepherds obviously have more endurance than a smaller breed, but their stamina will likely give out before their enthusiasm does.  For fresh water rivers and lakes, stay in a calm swimming area; for oceans, pay attention to any signs that warn of riptides and don’t let your pooch swim too far from safety—the trip back to shore can easily exhaust them.  It also recommended that young and senior dogs swim with a flotation device.

Swallowing too much water.

Just like kids, dogs sometimes need reminders about what’s good or not good for them. Dogs are obviously used to drinking water at home, but taking in too much while swimming isn’t good. Watch your dog for any signs of distress—vomiting is a clear signal that they’ve taken in too much. If they are vomiting or show any other signs of illness, get them to a vet as soon as you can.

Dogs are our great friends all year long, but summer is a great time for some outdoor fun with our best buds. Like humans, a little moderation and common sense can help you both enjoy your time together.

Have you taken your dog swimming? What safety tips would you recommend? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Choosing the Right Bike Helmet for Your Child

Summer vacation means that it’s time for kids to get outside and get some exercise. Whether it’s taking a walk, going swimming, or riding their bikes, there’s no shortage of fun outdoor activities that they can do before they head back to school.

In Pennsylvania, approximately 900 people are killed in bike accidents each year; approximately 200 are under 12 years of age. Approximately 130,000 riders suffer from head injuries due to bike accidents. With stats like these, it’s important to keep your child safe. If your child is ready to put some serious mileage on their bike, be sure they have the proper equipment, namely a helmet.  Most states have laws about safety gear—in Pennsylvania, children age 12 and under are required to wear helmets when bike riding. But with so many models and styles on the market, how do you choose the best one? Below are a few tips to help you with your decision:

•         Get the right fit. Fit is the single biggest deciding factor when it comes to choosing a helmet. The helmet should fit your child’s head right now; unlike clothing or shoes, don’t get a larger size with the thought that they’ll “grow into it” in a few months. It should be snug and secure for them to use right away. The helmet should sit comfortably in the center of their head—not too far back or too far forward. The child should still be able to see. The straps should be fastened securely
•           The brighter, the better. Visibility goes a long way towards safe bike riding, especially if your child will be riding their bikes anywhere other than your driveway or immediate neighborhood.  Encourage your child to select a helmet in a bright color so that they can be seen by drivers easily.
•          Make sure it meets safety standards. In the United States, must meet the safety standards established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; those that do will be labeled with a sticker.

      You must purchase a new helmet if your child takes a spill or the helmet hits the ground. Wearing a helmet can reduce your child’s risk of a skull fracture by 85%, but they are still at risk for a concussion. Make sure your child sees a doctor if they fall off their bike and hit their head.

      Any other tips you’d offer for choosing the right helmet? We’d love to know in the comments below!