Your Homeowners' Policy Can Cover More Than Just Your Home

Homeowners’ policies are meant to protect damage to our homes and property (such as barns, pools, and garages), of course. But did you know that this coverage can apply to much more than just a dwelling? Be sure to review your policy so you understand what it covers. Below is a partial list of things that may be covered by a standard homeowners’ policy. 

Valuables. Certain possessions have not only a strong sentimental value, but they can be worth quite a bit of money, as well. Think of family heirlooms like jewelry, china, or firearms, or certain stamp or coin collections. Your homeowners’ policy may include coverage for these items, or you may opt to purchase policies specifically for certain valuables.

Boats (under a certain size). Boats can be covered under a homeowners’ policy if it is physically damaged while stored on your property—the coverage may not even include the time you’re in the water. It is recommended that you purchase a separate policy specifically for boats as your homeowners’ policy only provides minimal coverage for certain incidents.

Service lines. This is a new type of coverage that many providers are adding to their policies.  Service lines are needed for our home’s most basic functions—water, sewer, electricity, cable, and heat—and they can be damaged by a wide range of things (animals, nature, or plain old age). Repairing these lines can be costly. Besides paying for the actual repair, a homeowner may have to dig up some or all of a sidewalk, driveway, or lawn, which would then need to be replaced. It’s not unusual for the entire fix to cost several thousand dollars, the expense of which usually falls on the homeowner. More providers are adding service line coverage to their policies, which will help the homeowner offset a portion if not all of the repair expenses. 

Personal belongings stolen from a car.  Most people think that a car insurance policy covers anything and everything related to your vehicle, but that’s not the case. If you have an item like a laptop, or something even more valuable like your purse, stolen from your car, your homeowners’ policy may offset some of what was lost.

Loss-of-use. If you’re having major work done to your home due to a covered loss, you may be displaced for a period of time and need to live in temporary housing. Your policy may cover your room and board at a hotel or other lodgings while the repairs are going on.

Policies can vary greatly so it’s best to speak with your agent about what yours includes.

Were you ever pleasantly surprised by what your homeowners’ policy covered? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! 

Tips for Installing a Firepit in Your Backyard

Firepits can be a great addition to your backyard as a relaxing gathering space for friends and family in both warm and cool weather. With so many styles and materials available, you can install one in your yard at a relatively low cost. Whether you plan to purchase a ready-made pit or build one, there are a few things to consider before you set it up:

Cost. How much are you willing to spend on this project? Will you gather the materials and dig the pit yourself, or buy a unit? You can spend anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars on a firepit, especially if you add landscaping and outdoor seating to the area.

Size. The size of your pit depends on the size of your yard. Measure the space so you have a realistic idea of how large it can be.

Placement. Location is extremely important, so choose it carefully.  Be sure you apply for a permit in your town or borough so you’re not doing anything illegally. Most communities have requirements for fire pit locations, so you should definitely follow those regulations. Put the pit a safe distance from your home, deck, or low-hanging tree branches, as they are all potential fire hazards.  Be safe when using the pit—a responsible adult should always be present, have sand at the ready to extinguish the fire, and dispose of the spent coals in a metal container.

Type of fuel—wood or gas? How do you plan to fuel the pit—with gas or old-fashioned firewood? Purists usually choose firewood, which gives you the crackle and smoky wood smell of a campfire, but is more work (get ready to chop those logs!) Others may opt for the ease of gas or propane.   

What else to include? What will your guests sit on when the firepit is ready to go? Will they use fold-up camping chairs that they’ll have to arrange around the fire, or do you plan to make an actual sitting area with tables, comfortable seating (maybe a set of Adirondack chairs), and lighting?  With the right pieces, you can easily create a space you and your guests will enjoy spending time in throughout the summer and fall.

What does the fire pit setup in your backyard look like? Let us know in the comments below!

Fun Activities for the Last Few Weeks of Summer

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and school will be back in session in a few weeks! If you didn’t cross every item off your summer activity to-do list, you still have some time to do some fun things with family and friends.

Be a tourist in your town or nearest city. Maybe you’re back from your long vacation and want to do something else closer to home, or maybe you just couldn’t get away this summer.  Time for a “staycation”. You can still enjoy a change of scenery, even if it’s just for a day, by visiting some local venues. Be a tourist in your own town. Visit the various attractions, check out the shops, or get something to eat at a restaurant you haven’t tried yet. If you live in a small town, think bigger and explore a larger nearby city. You might discover a new favorite place to eat or learn something about your hometown you didn’t know before.

Go mini golfing. Mini golfing tends to be one of those summer activities that gets put off, but once you make the time to do it, you wish you’d done it earlier in the season! Some mini golf courses have extended hours through the fall months, but there’s something about putt-putting during peak summer season. And don’t forget to grab an ice cream or sundae before you head home!

Go to a fair. Fairs are a great, relatively inexpensive family-friendly activity. Kids love the animals and rides, adults love the entertainment, and everyone loves the food! Whether you’re a purist who sticks to fair staples like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and sno-cones or seek out something more exotic, you won’t be hungry when you leave!

One last backyard cookout. It’s always hard to say goodbye to the long days of summer when you can spend 12-14 hours outside, but take advantage of the time that’s left by inviting friends and family over for one last back-to-school barbecue. Make it potluck if you don’t want to do all the cooking.  Set up some games like badminton or a bean bag toss and enjoy a relaxed night before the rush of sports, activities, and other commitments fill up the calendar.

Take advantage of back-to-school and end-of-season sales. August and September is that unique time of year when you’re planning ahead for next summer (and maybe a once-in-a-lifetime vacation) and looking at bathing suits, but also stocking up on school supplies. Whatever you’re looking for, stores of all kinds are offering sales on end-of-season merchandise, so if you’re looking for a big ticket item, now’s the time to get it.

How do you plan to spend your last few weeks of summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Making the Most of Your RV Vacation

Traveling by RV is a unique and fun way to go on vacation. Whether you’re planning a “staycation” and staying close to home or driving hundreds, even thousands, of miles away (even cross country!), going by RV will be a memorable experience.

If you’re used to traveling by car or plane, going by RV for the first time will be a big change.  But if you plan both your route and anticipated challenges along the way, you can minimize your stress and maximize your traveling experience. Even if you’re just renting the RV for a one-time trip, it will be one you'll never forget!

Below are a few ways to make the most of your RV vacation:

Plan your route but leave room for detours. Set definite starting and ending points with rest stops along the way.  But part of the fun of traveling is seeing new places, so if you come across a lesser-known tourist stop or an interesting-looking town, definitely pull over and check it out.

Talk to people. Another perk of traveling is the people you meet. RV enthusiasts are a particularly friendly group, and if you plan to stay at RV parks during your journey, you’re likely to meet plenty of interesting folks. Get to know them. Share meals or supplies with neighbors, participate in impromptu get-togethers with fellow travelers, and exchange contact information so you can stay in touch.

Pack and budget accordingly. Due to limited space in the RV, pack only your essential personal belongings. You should also develop a budget for your trip. Everyone’s budgets and expenses are different, but common line items include food, RV park or campground fees, fuel, and insurance costs.  

Be prepared for emergencies (especially medical and vehicle). Be sure to have a first aid kit fully stocked and on board for your trip. This post mentions an extensive list of items to include in the kit. Additionally, pack a roadside emergency kit should you have problems with the RV itself. Driving an RV is very different from driving a car, so you’ll need different items for the RV. This post explains what should be in your RV’s kit. 

Be open. Related to the first point, you’ll enjoy your trip more if you accept it for the adventure it is. You may be giving up the comforts of home for a few days/weeks, but that’s what traveling is all about—seeing different places and breaking out of your regular routine. Be open to seeing things and meeting people you’d likely never encounter in your everyday life.

If you’re purchasing an RV, contact us for a free no obligation quote on RV insurance.  We work with a number of carriers, and as independent agents, we can shop the market to find the best coverage at the best price.

What are some of your best RV travel tips? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Lawn Care Safety Tips 101

The care and upkeep of our lawns and gardens is all part of summer. Whether it’s cutting grass, pruning shrubs, or weeding gardens, it’s important to keep our green spaces looking neat so it increases or home’s overall appeal.

But if you’re new to lawn care maintenance, it’s probably not second nature to you just yet. There are a few safety tips you should keep in mind so you don’t hurt yourself, your equipment, or the greenery you’re caring for!

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      Know how to use the equipment. Not all lawn mowers, weed whackers, and hedge trimmers are alike. Be sure you are familiar with your model before you get started. If you’re not sure how something works, make sure your machine is OFF so you can figure it out. If you know someone with the same machine, ask them for a quick tutorial on how to operate it before you try it yourself. (Or just read the instruction manual.) If have a rider mower, never let a child ride on or operate it. Make sure all safety guards are in place while you work.

      Dress appropriately. If you’re using a lawn mower, always wear long pants and heavy, close-toed shoes—no sandals or flip flops. Always wear the recommended safety gear—goggles, gloves, and ear plugs. Wearing a cap to keep the sun out of your eyes and flying clippings out of your hair is a good idea, as well.

     Check your work area for safety hazards. If you’re mowing the lawn, do a quick walk-through and pick up any objects lying in the grass like toys, branches, and rocks—you don’t want the mower blade to hit something, send it flying and potentially hurt someone or their property. Don’t use an electric lawn mower if the grass is wet.  

Be sure any electrical cords you’re using are appropriate for outdoor usage. When you’re finished working, make sure all your equipment is fully turned off, any chemicals (such as liquid weed killer) are closed tightly, and everything is stored in a safe place.

Are there any other safety tips you would add to this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!