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Fall is getting closer as the temperature has begun to feel a little cooler. While the leaves are beginning to change colors, people are beginning to enjoy carving pumpkins and drinking warm apple cider. Before fully diving into fall activities, make sure that you have prepared your home for the incoming cold winter months.

Sealing Your Windows and Doors

Making sure that your windows and doors have been properly sealed should be one of the top priorities on your list. This is because if you have leaky windows or doors, it will allow the chilly breeze inside while you are trying to stay warm. Typically this is a DIY project that requires rolling self-adhesive weatherstripping down the side of a window or door. It may be helpful to install a door sweep to help prevent drafts between the bottom of the door and the threshold.

Check Your Roof

Checking your roof periodically should already be a part of your yearly maintenance checkup on your home but even more so during the fall. A professional inspection may uncover signs of potential problems, such as damaged or missing shingles, loose seams, or shingle pieces that are accumulating in downspouts. This gives you a chance to have any found issues repaired before winter sets in.

Clean Gutters

Leaves, twigs, and other debris can also weigh gutters down. This can pull the gutters away from the house and potentially damage siding and trim. Clogged gutters can also lead to ice damage during the winter months and invite insects. Maintaining your gutters and downspouts removes clogs from flowing away from your house, which may help prevent potential water damage.

Inspect and Clean the Fireplace Chimney

Before you light up the fireplace to get warm for the night, have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney. Even if you have a gas fireplace, the fireplace and chimney should still be inspected for any blockages that could cause a fire. In addition, having a professional check the gas lines and vents for leaks should be done. If any are found, you will have plenty of time to get them repaired.

While preparing for the cold months to settle in, think about your current insurance coverages for your home. Fall is the perfect time to review your current home insurance policies and potential options with your agent.

They say that there is insurance for everything, no matter what the insurance is actually covering. Purchasing the right insurance and the amount of it you need will always be determined by factors in your unique situation. These factors are usually children, age, lifestyle, and employment benefits. With the vast variety of insurance coverage out there, many experts recommend purchasing at least 4 types. These types are life insurance, health insurance, long-term disability, and auto insurance. 

Life Insurance

There are two traditional types of life insurance: whole life and term life. Whole life insurance is guaranteed coverage until death if the monthly premiums are paid on time. Term life insurance is a policy that will cover you for a set amount of time. This is a simple explanation of the most basic forms of life insurance. Of course, there are more in-depth differences between the two, but deciding which is best for you will depend on your factors. The universal benefit of life insurance is the ability to cover funeral expenses and provide for those you leave behind.

Health Insurance

Did you know that over 900 Americans who filed for personal bankruptcy between 2013 and 2016 did so because of medical problems – bills, income loss due to illness, or both? These numbers may have you leaning towards obtaining health insurance or to review your current coverages. Currently, rising co-payments, increased deductibles, and dropped coverages have made health insurance a luxury that fewer people can afford. Considering that the national average cost for one day in the hospital was $2,517 in 2018, a minimal policy is better than none. 

Long-Term Disability Coverage

Long-term disability insurance is the one type of insurance most of us think we will never need. Did you know that one in four workers entering the workforce will become disabled and will be unable to work before they reach the age of retirement? Usually, employers offer both short and long term disability insurance as part of their benefits package. This is the best option when it comes to securing affordable disability coverage. Keep in mind that many plans do require a three-month waiting period before coverage kicks in, provide a maximum of three years’ worth of coverage, and have some significant policy exclusions. 

Auto Insurance

Not every state requires drivers to have auto insurance, but most do place regulations regarding financial responsibility in the event of an auto accident. States that do not require insurance will conduct periodic random checks of drivers for proof of insurance. If you don’t have coverage, the fines will vary by the state and can range from the suspension of a driver’s license, added points to your driving record, or fees ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Did you know that there are roughly 2.2 million farms throughout the United States? A lot of these farms don’t have the protection that they need. Farms that focus more on crops rather than livestock need specialized protection against the elements and more to continue to provide revenue for their farm. It’s estimated that 97% of these farms are family businesses, so it’s not just about the business but also about protecting the investments and the livelihoods of these American families. 

How can your farm be protected? Crop insurance is designed to protect farmers from loss, so they can continue to run their businesses effectively. This is a type of product liability insurance for fresh produce and farm goods. It will usually provide up to $1 million per occurrence with no deductible. This helps farmers get reimbursed for any losses they incur. Below are three protections that are provided by crop insurance. 

Frost

Depending on the location, frost can have devastating effects on a farm. If cold weather decides to come in early, farmers need to be protected from the damage that can occur from not being prepared. Crops differ in their susceptibility to frost, and there are steps you can take to extend the season. Typically, frost is followed by some warm and sunny weather before things really get cold for good. 

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are situations that constantly challenge agricultural production. Tornados, hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes can strike without warning and farmers need to be prepared for the worst. Since agriculture strongly relies on the weather, climate, and water availability to thrive, it is easily impacted by natural events and disasters. Common agricultural impacts from these disasters include:

• Contamination of bodies of water
• Loss of harvest or livestock
• Increased susceptibility to disease
• Destruction of irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure

Theft

We don’t like to think about the possibility of crops being destroyed or stolen, but it is an unfortunate situation that does occur. When crops are stolen or destroyed, it can lead to a cut in revenue for the farm. Farmers who get insurance for crops don’t have to worry about the potential loss of revenue if they have the correct coverage.

Not everyone is able to work out in a gym. This could be because of lack of time or some may find it difficult to commit to a gym. Working out at your place of residence may be an easier way to get in your daily exercise. It’s important to work out and keep your body moving and functional as you get older. There are five simple exercises that are focused on functional fitness. Functional exercises are exercises that allow for someone to complete daily activities with ease. It is recommended that everyone does them – beginners, seniors, and even the best athletes – to perform to the best of their abilities. These five exercises are considered compound exercises that work all the major muscle groups in the body and as an additional plus side, the exercises can be completed anywhere. 

Squats

Many fitness experts actually say that doing squats is the one exercise everyone should do if you don’t have a lot of time. Daily squats can help you mentally and can even help you get better yearly checkups with your primary physician. The biggest benefit of squats is building leg muscles – quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. This exercise also creates an anabolic environment, which promotes body-wide muscle building, improving muscle mass.

Lunges

The biggest benefit of lunges is that the exercise effectively works the glutes and quadriceps while engaging with the hamstrings. Your metabolism can be sped up by strengthening these large muscle groups. With a fast metabolism, it can assist with weight loss. Lunges can help you shape, tone, and firm up your legs and glutes. Additionally, this exercise improves core strength and hip flexibility. 

Push-Ups

The most beneficial exercise for building upper body strength is push-ups. They work the triceps, pectoral muscles, and shoulders. If done with a proper form, they can also strengthen the lower back and core by engaging the abdominal muscles. Push-ups are a fast and effective exercise for building strength and they can be done anywhere and without any equipment.

Pull-Ups

Pull-ups focus on strengthening the back, arm, shoulder muscles, and grip. Strength and resistance training can increase your overall fitness level. When doing a pull-up, you’re lifting your entire body mass with the move. Studies show that strength training is important for promoting bone development and enhancing cardiovascular health.

Planks

One of the most effective core exercises to do. Not only will they help you strengthen your core but also will help improve your posture. A plank consists of being in an extended push-up pose and holding your core muscles. The plank is a bodyweight exercise. Bodyweight exercises are workouts that you can do with nothing but your own body and that’s a reason why it is a favorite of many people. 

Whatever your reason for needing to exercise in your own home, there are many simple exercises you can do. Keeping up your health is incredibly important and you don’t have to leave your home to maintain it.

While shopping around for car insurance, it’s important to know all the different factors that go into the price of your premium. Car insurance companies collect information on your vehicle, as well as additional factors, to help determine how much you need to pay for insurance. To speak specifically on the automotive factors, the insurance company may use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to access information and they may contact you directly for additional information needed. Below is a list of all factors that can have an impact on your car insurance:

• The vehicle production year
• The make and model of the vehicle
• Safety features of the vehicle
• Car alarm (if applicable)
• Total number of vehicles you currently insure

Additional Factors

As you know, car insurance is not just reflective of the car being insured. Two additional factors will have an effect on your car insurance coverage and price: the driver of the vehicle and the insurance company you go through. Below is a list of driver factors and insurance company factors that can potentially change your policy.

Driver Factors:

• The age of the driver
• The driver’s driving record
• Total number of drivers on the insurance policy
• The current credit score of the driver
• Homeownership
• Where the driver lives
• Grades (applicable to teen drivers)

Insurance Company Factors:

• Payment plan 
• Length of time insured
• Your state’s law

Keeping Your Limits and Deductibles In Mind

Limits on policies are the maximum amount that policy will pay towards a covered loss. Typically, most coverages within a policy have their own limit, but these can sometimes be adjusted to be tailored to your current needs. It’s common that the more coverages that you purchase, the higher your premium will be. The amount you agree to pay before insurance kicks in to help pay for a covered loss is known as your deductible. Settling on a higher deductible means that you will end up paying less for your policy.

Taking the leap into a new business venture is ambitious and thrilling. It’s basic industry knowledge that new businesses fall into sticky situations sometimes. As you start your business, it’ll be important to cover yourself and your team for the potential risks that come with it. Keep in mind that if you don’t have insurance coverage, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for any damages or legal claims made against you. Checking your state’s business insurance requirements will help you narrow down the policies you need for your new start-up. 

Basic Insurance Policies Your Start-Up May Need:

• Business Owner’s Policy
• General Liability
• Commercial Property Insurance
• Worker’s Compensation
• Commercial Auto
• Commercial Flood
• Commercial Umbrella
• Professional Liability
• Business Interruption

What Is the Total Cost of All The Policies? 

The price you end up paying for coverage will depend upon the type of business you will be running. The insurance rates for businesses vary by industry. Higher risk businesses will end up needing to pay more for their premiums. 

Once you begin to buy all of the insurance policies that you need, it’s important to be mindful of the deductibles that come with them. Your deductible is the amount that you will pay out of pocket for a claim before your insurance company will cover the rest of the expense up to the policy limits. Usually, a higher deductible can save you money on your premium, but you’ll pay more out-of-pocket if you need to make a claim.

You Only Need A Few Policies, Right?

The answer to this is, maybe. As mentioned before, the insurance needs of a new business can vary greatly based on industry. Below are listed some ways that could help you lower the cost for your start-up’s insurance:

• Comparing Coverage Options
• Bundling Policies
• Driving Safely
• Look Into Discounts

Classic, collectible or antique cars are not ordinary, everyday cars. This means that general auto insurance cannot fully protect this type of vehicle against damage or loss. There is not a book definition of a classic car. If a car’s value exceeds its original selling price, then it might be considered collectible and a candidate for specialized classic car insurance. In general, vehicles that might warrant classic car auto insurance include:

• Antique and classic cars, usually at least 25 to 30 years old
• Hotrods and modified vehicles
• Exotic and luxury autos
• Muscle cars
• Classic trucks

How To Qualify for Coverage

The age of a car is usually not enough to qualify for specialized classic car insurance. Requirements will differ from company to company. Below is a list of requirements that most cars must meet in order to qualify for classic car insurance:

• Limited use – The classic car in question cannot be used for everyday commuting or errands. It is possible that the policy will include mileage limitations and proof that the classic car is being properly garaged. In this case, your insurance may require you to own a personal vehicle.
• Secure storage – When your classic car is not in use, it must be stored in a locked and enclosed private structure. This could be a residential garage or storage unit. 
• A clean driving record – If you have serious offenses on your driving record, such as reckless driving, repeat speeding violations, or driving while intoxicated, you may not be qualified for class car insurance. 

Classic Car General Policies

Classic car policies include provisions that are found in standard auto insurance policies. Typically, these provisions are property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. There are some differences as listed below:

• The car’s value – There is not a set “book value” for specific makes and models because every car’s condition is unique. Your initial step for your classic car coverage is to work with your insurance provider to agree on the value of the vehicle. This agreed value will be specified in your policy and your car will be covered up to that value without depreciation. 
• Specialized repair or restoration – With classic car coverage, you should be given the flexibility to bring your classic car to a specialist—even if the rates are twice or three times the cost of a typical car repair at a traditional auto body shop.
• Special towing and spare parts – Coverage for towing and spare parts coverage need to be aligned with the cost of the service provided. Towing with the special demands of transporting a classic car. Spare parts need to be aligned with the cost of replacing valuable and perhaps hard-to-find vehicle components, such as wheels, transmissions, and engine parts.

Keep your prized automobile well protected. Speak to your agent today about adding specialized classic car insurance.

It’s no contest that your home is considered your most valuable possession. This is also one of the most vulnerable items in your possession. From weather accidents to flooding to property mishaps, damage can be easily done. It’s not just the outside of your home that will sustain the damage; your possessions inside will also require unique coverage. Valuable items insurance was created to help protect your possessions inside your home when problems arise. 

What Does It Mean To Have Insurance On Your Valuable Items?

When it comes to insurance most home, condo, and renters’ policies automatically cover most of your personal property anywhere in the world. This coverage typically includes items like furniture, clothing, and appliances. When it comes to items that are considered high value, there are some restrictions if the items have come into unfortunate circumstances (such as theft or item loss). Valuable items are considered to be items like jewelry, furs, silverware, or firearms. The basic policy will usually only cover upwards to $1,500 theft coverage for jewelry, watches or furs, $2,500 for theft of firearms, and $2,500 for theft of silverware. As a tip: there is no need to specifically list items that are covered. As the owner, you will only need to provide documentation of ownership to make a claim for the lost, stolen, or damaged item.

Is Valuable Items Insurance Right for You?

Do you think that the items in your possession are worth more than the limits of your homeowner’s insurance policies? If so, it may be a good time to invest in valuable items insurance. When the damage has already been done, it’s too late to purchase coverage. 

What if you own a piece of jewelry that may be worth almost $10,000? If this piece is stolen, your personal property insurance may only cover fifteen hundred dollars to replace the stolen piece. If this is the case, you would be at a personal loss of $8,500! Let’s say that you have several items that are of lesser value (gold necklaces or bracelets). This insurance policy would be worth investing in. It may appear as though you have plenty of coverage, but for valuable items, you need an extra layer of protection. No matter if the valuable items are jewelry or a nice set of silverware, you’ll want to take extra precaution to ensure that you have coverage for these items if something were to happen in the future. Valuable items insurance can provide you that protection – and some valuable peace of mind, too. 

Our pets are more than companion animals – they’re our family members. They live in our homes, sleep in our beds, and some people celebrate a pet’s, and even involve them in wedding ceremonies. Pets have become irreplaceable and hold such a huge value for the modern family. So when they get sick, we will do anything to make sure they are properly cared for. Here is where the big questions come in: is pet insurance worth it? What are the major benefits of having pet insurance? 

Did you know that many pet owners don’t register for insured pet policies? As we will discuss below, pet insurance is just as necessary as any other insurance we normally get. In view of this, here are a few reasons why getting pet insurance is a wise choice:

1. Peace of Mind

Having pet insurance can give you and your family peace of mind with the reassurance that your pet will be taken care of in the case of any unfortunate event that they may encounter. This allows you to choose the best medical treatment available so you will not have to worry about your pet’s health.

2. Saving Money

With pet insurance, you can refrain from using an emergency fund or travel savings when an issue with your pet arises. This can help you save thousands of dollars on unexpected times when your pet gets sick, get an injury, or needs surgery. Did you know that pet insurance can cover various injuries such as cancer, digestive issues, and diabetes?

3. A Rise in Veterinary Costs

The average veterinary bill can cost around $500 to $3000 depending on the pet’s reason for the visit. While veterinarians claim the inflation is caused by the development of drugs and medical technologies, many pet owners are not able to afford costs like these. Unfortunately, due to the expenses of veterinary visits, many pets die of sickness or not having proper medical care. Having pet insurance will give you financial solutions from pricey veterinary bills to allow you to take good care of your furry family member. 

4. Potential to Cover Pet’s Hereditary Condition

Many pets suffer from serious health problems and congenital conditions during their lifetime. Some of these conditions are inherited or caused by severe inbreeding. Experts have recommended getting pet insurance as quickly as possible if you wish to protect your family pet. Many pet insurance providers will include age limits or restrictions that may require you to pay an extra fee.

5. Flexible Policy Packages

An upside to investing in pet insurance is the option of flexible packages that fit your needs with your budget. You could choose to get an annual maximum package, deductible, or reimbursement percentage for services such as veterinary exams, surgeries, therapies, breed-specific conditions, and general pet care.

Living in a world with constant hustle and bustle can lead to accidents or illnesses occurring at the most inconvenient times. This could cause you to need to visit the hospital. You may be thinking, “If I have insurance through my employer, I don’t need any additional services.” But what if we told you that wasn’t necessarily true? What would you do if there was an emergency that you needed to go to the hospital? Your insurance received from your employer is not guaranteed to cover you when you go into the hospital. This is why Hospital Expense insurance was created. Hospital Expense insurance is there to protect you and your family from expensive out-of-pocket costs of hospital stays. 

The Drastic Rise in Hospital Costs

As we mentioned earlier, the world is full of hustle, bustle, and illnesses as we maneuver throughout our daily lives. It’s important, now more than ever, to prepare for the future. Protecting you and your family’s health has been pushed to the forefront. Here are some numbers of recent studies:

In 2018, the average annual premium for family coverage rose 5% to $19,616. For single coverage, premiums rose 3% to $6,896. Covered workers contributed 29% of the premiums for family coverage and 18% for single coverage. This means, on average, average workers will spend $5,688.64 for their family insurance premiums this year, and their employer will contribute the remaining $13,927.36. As shared above, the IRS defines an HDHP as any plan with a deductible of at least $1,350 for an individual or $2,700 for a family. But these are just base numbers. The average deductible for silver plans in the Affordable Care Act exchange this year is almost $4,000. And in the fast-food industry, many employers are only offering plans with the maximum out-of-pocket allowed. Currently, that’s a $7,150 deductible for an individual and double that for a family. The average amount of workers paid toward their deductibles rose 229% between 2005 and 2015, yet wages rose just 31% during the same period.

Are You Able to Cover the Cost on Your Own?

Everyone knows that hospital visits are expensive. When it comes to medical bankruptcy, hospital bills are the largest out-of-pocket expense people face. To truly see how expensive hospital visits are, look at the statistics below:

• Common ER procedures can cost as much as $17,797
• The average hospital stay costs over $10,700
• Fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500
• The average cost of a hospital stay for a heart attack is $20,086

Not to mention that for those with private health insurance, the out of pocket cost for a hospital stay is more than $1,000. According to a recent report by Bankrate, just 39% of Americans can cover an unexpected $1,000 bill with funds from their savings. When you put into consideration deductibles, copays, premiums, surprise bills, and everyday living expenses, $1,000 is a conservative amount but for the average American family, it’s still a very large sum.