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You may have heard the term “advance directives” before, but you’re not sure what it means. Advance directives are a set of written instructions that tell doctors and caregivers how you want to be treated if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. This includes things like whether or not you want to be kept on life support, or receive dialysis. It’s important to have advance directives in place, because if something happens and you can’t make decisions for yourself, your loved ones will need to know what you would have wanted. In this blog post, we’ll discuss advance directives in more detail and help you decide how having one may benefit you.  

Types of Advance Directives 

There are two types of advance directives: living wills and durable power of attorney for health care. A living will is a document that states your wishes for medical treatment if you become terminally ill or unable to communicate your decisions. A durable power of attorney for health care appoints someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.  

Which Is Right for You?  

You don’t need to have both a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care, but it’s important to have at least one in place. If you only have a living will, that means that your wishes will be followed if you become terminally ill or unable to communicate them. However, if something happens and you’re able to communicate your decisions, your wishes may not be followed. On the other hand, if you only have a durable power of attorney for health care, that means that someone else will make decisions on your behalf, but they may not know what you would want.  

The best way to ensure that your wishes are followed is to have both a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. That way, if something happens and you’re unable to communicate your decisions, there’s a written record of what you wanted. And if you’re able to communicate your decisions, then the person you appointed can make sure they’re carried out.  

Setting Up Your Advance Directive 

If you don’t have either a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care in place, now is a good time to create one. You can find templates online, or you can speak to an attorney about drafting one for you.  

Advance directives are an important part of estate planning, and they can give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed if something happens to you. If you have any questions about advance directives, or if you need help creating one, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.  

When you are looking for insurance, it can be difficult to understand all of the terminology that is used. One of the most important concepts to understand is premiums, deductibles and liabilities. In this blog post, we will break these terms down and explain what they mean for you as a consumer. As an independent insurance agency, we want to ensure that our customers have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their coverage.  

Premiums 

Insurance premiums are the amount of money that an insurance policyholder pays to an insurance company for their coverage. The premium is usually paid on a monthly basis, and the amount will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of coverage, the amount of coverage, and the insurer’s rating. In most cases, the higher the premium, the more comprehensive the coverage will be. However, it is important to remember that the premium is not always indicative of the quality of the coverage. Some insurance companies charge high premiums but provide poor-quality coverage, while others charge lower premiums but provide excellent coverage. It is important to research an insurance company before purchasing a policy to ensure that you are getting the best possible value for your money. However, the everyday person does not necessarily have hours of time to dedicate to researching insurance companies. That’s where your independent insurance agent steps in. We have the knowledge and experience to shop around for you and make the insurance process much easier on your end.  

Deductibles 

Insurance deductibles are the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance company starts paying for a covered service. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and need to go to the hospital for an appendix operation that costs $1,500, you will pay the first $500 and your insurance company will pay the remaining $1,000. Insurance deductibles can vary greatly in amount, so it’s important to choose one that you’re comfortable with. Keep in mind that the higher your deductible is, the lower your monthly premium payments will be. And vice versa: the lower your deductible, the higher your monthly payments will be. So, when choosing an insurance plan, be sure to consider both the monthly premium and the size of the deductible. It’s also important to remember that some services (like preventive care) may be exempt from your deductible, so be sure to read your policy carefully. If you have any questions about what is and isn’t covered by your insurance plan, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company or agent. We’ll be happy to help you navigate your policy and make sure you’re getting the coverage you need. 

Liability  

Insurance liability is a type of coverage that provides protection in the event that you are sued for damages. There are two types of liability insurance: personal and professional. Personal liability insurance covers you in the event that you are sued for damages arising from your personal activities, such as hosting a party or driving a car. Professional liability insurance covers you in the event that you are sued for damages arising from your professional activities, such as giving advice or providing services. In both cases, liability insurance can help to cover the costs of legal defense and any damages that may be awarded. Liability coverage is an important part of any insurance policy, and it is important to understand the types of coverage available and the limits of each type. By understanding your coverage, you can help to protect yourself from financial ruin in the event that you are sued for damages. 

Why It Matters  

When it comes time to renew your policy, or if you’re shopping around for a new one, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what all these terms mean. Your agent should be able to help explain things in more detail, but this is a great starting point. Have questions? Give us a call or stop by our office – we’re always happy to help! 

When you are buying a house, it is important to be aware of the things that could go wrong. Unfortunately, many people don’t think about this until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to have an insurance policy in place before you buy your house. If something does happen, you will be glad you have coverage. In this blog post, we will discuss five things to look for when buying a home. We will also talk about how home insurance can help protect you during the home buying process. 

Condition  

The first thing you should look for when buying a house is the condition of the home. If the home is in poor condition, it could be a sign that there are underlying problems. You should also ask the seller if they have any home insurance. If they do, ask to see a copy of the policy. This will give you an idea of what kind of coverage they have.  

Location  

The second thing to look for is the home’s location. If the home is located in a high-crime area, it could be difficult to get insurance. You should also check to see if the home is located in a flood zone. If it is, you will need to purchase flood insurance.  

Age  

The third thing you should consider is the age of the home. Older homes may have outdated electrical systems or plumbing. This can be expensive to repair or replace. You should also ask about the warranty on the home. If something does go wrong, you will want to know that you are covered.  

Roof  

The fourth thing you should look for is the condition of the roof. If the roof is in poor condition, it could leak and cause damage to the inside of the home. You should also ask about the warranty on the roof.  

Mold 

The fifth and final thing you should look for when buying a house is mold. Mold can cause health problems, so you will want to make sure that the home does not have any mold. You should also ask about the warranty on the home if there is mold.  

Home Insurance 

If you are looking to buy a house, be sure to keep these five things in mind. Home insurance can help protect you during the home buying process by providing coverage for damages that may occur. Contact your local independent insurance agent today to learn more about how we can help you during the home buying process. Happy house hunting! 

Running a business is always a risk. There are so many things that can go wrong, and it’s impossible to predict the future. However, there are some risks that business owners often don’t consider. In this blog post, we will discuss three of these risks and how you can protect your business from them. We’ll also talk about the importance of having business insurance in case something does go wrong.  

Cybersecurity Threats 

The first risk is something that can happen to any business, but it’s often overlooked. We’re talking about data breaches. No matter how big or small your business is, you are at risk for a data breach. Hackers are always finding new ways to break into systems, and no business is immune. The best way to protect your business from a data breach is to have strong security measures in place, such as firewalls and encryption. You should also have a plan for what to do if a data breach does occur. This includes notifying your customers and having a PR strategy in place. 

Employee Theft 

Another risk that businesses often don’t consider is the risk of employee theft. Unfortunately, this is something that happens more often than you might think. Employees may steal money, supplies, or even trade secrets. To protect your business from employee theft, it’s important to have a good hiring process in place. This includes conducting background checks and reference checks. You should also have a policy in place for what to do if an employee is caught stealing. And don’t forget about insurance! A good business insurance policy can help cover the costs of employee theft, including replacement of stolen items and legal fees. 

Mother Nature  

We all know that Mother Nature can be unpredictable. But did you know that severe weather can actually pose a risk to your business? If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe weather events, it’s important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Make sure you have a backup generator and enough supplies to last for several days. You should also have a communication plan in place so you can stay in touch with your employees and customers. And of course, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage in case your business is damaged by the weather. 

Reduce Risk With Business Insurance 

No matter what type of business you run, it’s important to be aware of the risks. By taking steps to protect your business, you can reduce the chances of something going wrong. And if something does happen, having insurance can help minimize the financial impact on your business.  

Do you have questions about business insurance? We can help! Contact us today for more information. 

When you’re on the road, anything can happen. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for emergencies by packing a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Your auto insurance policy may include roadside assistance programs that can help you if you’re stranded. However, these programs can take time to reach you. Having an emergency kit in your car means that you’ll be able to get the help you need right away. In addition, many auto insurance companies offer discounts for policyholders who have emergency kits in their vehicles. So not only is an emergency kit a good idea for your safety, but it can also save you money on your auto insurance premiums.  

In this blog post, we will discuss 11 of the items that you should include in your emergency kit. Having these items on hand could save you time and hassle in the event of an emergency. 

1) Spare Tire and Jack  

If you have a flat tire, it’s important to have a spare tire and jack on hand so that you can change the tire. This will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.  

2) Jumper Cables  

Jumper cables are another essential item for your emergency kit. If your battery dies, jumper cables will allow you to jump start your vehicle from another car with a working battery.  

3) Flashlight  

A flashlight can be a lifesaver in many different situations. If you have a flat tire at night, a flashlight will help you see what you’re doing. A flashlight can also be used to signal for help if your car breaks down in a remote area.  

4) First Aid Kit  

A first aid kit is essential for any emergency situation. It should include items like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief medication.  

5) Water and Non-Perishable snacks  

If you’re stranded on the side of the road, it’s important to have water and snacks with you to keep your energy up. Pack some non-perishable snacks like granola bars or trail mix, and make sure to pack enough water for everyone in the car.  

6) Warm Clothing  

If you’re stranded in a cold climate, it’s important to have warm clothing with you to prevent hypothermia. Pack blankets, hats, gloves, and anything else that will help keep you warm.  

7) Multi-Tool  

A multi-tool is a versatile tool that can be used for many different purposes. It typically includes a knife, pliers, and a screwdriver. A multi-tool can be used to cut seat belts if you’re trapped in your car after an accident, or it can be used to tighten a loose screw.  

8) Fire Extinguisher  

A fire extinguisher is a must-have for any emergency kit. If your car catches on fire, a fire extinguisher can help you put out the flames and prevent further damage.  

9) Road Flares  

Road flares are another important item to include in your emergency kit. If your car breaks down at night, road flares will help make your vehicle visible to other drivers and prevent accidents.  

10) Emergency Contact Information  

In the event of an emergency, it’s important to have a list of emergency contacts with you. This should include the phone numbers for roadside assistance, tow truck companies, and insurance providers.  

11) Spare Cash  

If your car breaks down and you need to call a tow truck, it’s helpful to have some cash on hand. Many tow truck companies only accept cash, so having spare cash can help you get the service you need.  

Just like you need car insurance in case of an accident or emergency, you also need a car emergency kit. Packing an emergency kit for your vehicle is a great way to be prepared for anything that might happen while you’re on the road. And if you ever have questions about your auto insurance and how it can help you in the event of the unfortunate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!  

Many of us benefit from practicing self-care even if we don’t realize we’re doing it. Actively practicing self-care can help us deal with stress in healthy ways. It’s important to take time for yourself when you can to just focus on yourself.   

There are many different forms of self-care from buying a nice little treat or going for a walk. Self-care is different for everyone—not all methods work the same for different people! Do you need to unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Continue reading to learn the importance of self-care and some methods you could try:   

What Is Self-Care  

Self-care aims to make you focus on yourself and your physical and emotional well-being. Self-care differs for everyone, and your self-care needs could change over time as well. Many people associate self-care with treating yourself. There are several different types of self-care including emotional, physical, and spiritual. You can treat yourself in a variety of different ways:   

Emotional self-care could entail talking to oneself in the mirror and motivating yourself. You could also relax in the bath while doing a face mask, or you could take a trip and get your nails or hair done. Consider treating yourself to the food you enjoy but don’t get to have often. Emotional self-care is taking care of yourself and separating yourself from the stress of life by pampering yourself or doing something you enjoy.   

Physical self-care means adopting a workout routine that you’ll stick to, getting enough sleep, picking healthy foods over processed ones, and making sure you visit the doctor regularly. Taking care of your body is an important step in self-care—working out may reduce stress and give you more energy.   

Spiritual self-care may involve attending a service, meditating, spending time outside, or keeping a gratitude journal. Anything that makes you feel “spiritual” or in tune with yourself!   

Ways to Practice Self-Care  

Self-care doesn’t have to cost anything unless you want it to! It’s ok to indulge in yourself if it’s within your means. As long as you take the time for yourself it makes you happy and less stressed! If that means getting your nails done twice a month or going to a football game with the guys, don’t fret about it!   

Even though we mentioned the three types of self-care, keep in mind that there are both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term self-care is temporary. Eating your favorite meal may be satisfying, but will you still feel satisfied a few days later? Long-term effects can result from practicing mindfulness and making an effort to change your outlook on life. Activities like exercise or meditation may work wonders in the long run!  

You can turn a lot of activities into “self-care” if you change the way you think about them! Making your bed every morning isn’t just a chore—it starts your day off on the right foot! It doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task. Small things like cleaning can give you control over your day and make it seem easier to tackle harder tasks you may come across.   

How to Start Practicing Self-Care  

Find out what brings you joy and makes you feel fulfilled! Don’t be scared to try new things like yoga or fitness classes. Start small and work your way up adding additional methods as you go. If you find you don’t like something that’s ok! Not all methods work for everyone, so don’t try to force yourself into a method that isn’t for you.   

Reflect on how you feel at the end of the week. Is the method you’re practicing working for you? Are you pleasantly satisfied? Journaling your thoughts and feelings may be helpful to determine what’s best for you. What has worked for you in the past may no longer be working for you and that happens!   

Taking care of yourself by practicing self-care is vital for your overall well-being. Going to the doctor at least once a year is an important step to staying healthy. Contact your local insurance agent to discuss a health insurance plan that works for you.   

Everyone enjoys a break from busy day-to-day lifestyles with an escape, but what better escape is there than a home away from home? A secondary home, also referred to as a vacation home, is an additional property that a homeowner buys at a different location from their primary residence. These properties are typically found in the mountains, by the ocean, by the lake, or simply in a different location than the owners’ primary residence. One thing that may trip up expectant secondary home buyers is the effect the additional property will have on a policy.  

Why Do I Need a Secondary Home Policy? 

When you own a homeowner’s policy, it isn’t usually accepting of a secondary home since most people are not occupying the second home for more than a few months out of the year. While a secondary home policy is required when purchasing an additional home, it’s recommended to know what risks may affect this new policy. Some factors that can affect your policy include: 

Replacement Cost: If the cost of the second home is more to replace than it is worth. 

Vacancies: If the home is vacant for an extended period, it is at risk of being vulnerable to damage. 

Location: Depending on how far or close your home is to emergency services can cause your rate to increase or decrease. 

Rental: If the second home will be used as a rental, there will be the need for additional coverages such as landlord insurance. 

Additional Coverages for a Secondary Home Policy 

Most secondary home policies come with limited coverage. Adding additional coverage to your policy is a must if you want to increase your protection. If adding additional coverage to your policy is a must, consider the following options: 

Personal Property Coverage: Protect your belongings in case of a disaster that could damage your personal items. These items include furniture, clothing, appliances, or other personal items. 

Personal Umbrella Policy: Coverage in the event if damage done to a second home is higher than the limits of basic home coverage.   

Personal Liability: If you are found responsible for an injury to someone on your property who doesn’t live in either home, this coverage is there to help cover medical or court costs. 

Flood Insurance: Normal homeowner’s insurance policies don’t combat flooding. Depending on the location of the second home, a lakefront property for example, it may cause a higher risk of flood or water damage.  

Full Replacement Cost: Helps provide coverage for the full cost to rebuild your home if the total loss is up to 125% of the coverage limits of your policy. Depending on where the property is, there is the potential to receive up to 150% of costs.  

Having a secondary home is an exciting prospect for any homeowner!    

If you are in need of updating your policies to include a secondary home, or you are interested in learning more about secondary home policies, contact one of your local insurance agents to discuss a quote! 

Yearly check-ups are vital for your long-term health and well-being. Many people think going to the doctor for their annual check-up is good enough, but you also need to visit the optometrist and dentist! Your dental and vision appointments are also vital for your health. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t skimp out on your dental and vision:   

Eye Care  

Even if you don’t think your vision has changed, you should still go to the optometrist for the overall health of your eyes—many eye diseases go unnoticed until it’s too late! Sometimes your eyes can show signs of illness before medical doctors can diagnose them. Your eyes can be the window to certain health issues you may have because it’s easy to see the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes.   

Your vision can change slowly over time without you even realizing it. If you have young children, they may have vision issues that they aren’t even aware of. Many children will think their poor eyesight is normal because they don’t know better. Your kids’ grades in school may suffer as a result of not being able to see correctly!   

Visiting the optometrist is more than just getting a pair of glasses or contacts to correct your vision. They have tests and screens for eye diseases and can often see symptoms of other medical problems in the eyes. Yearly vision check-ups can help prevent vision problems from evolving into chronic conditions like retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Glaucoma is a silent disease that many won’t know about until they start losing their vision. Visiting your optometrist yearly is a necessary preventative measure if you want to keep your eyesight.   

Did you know you can develop melanoma (a serious type of cancer) in your eyes? Melanoma can develop in the choroid, which is the layer behind the retina. Your optometrist will be able to see any tumors or unnatural occurrences in your eyes during your screening. They’ll also look for other diseases like macular degeneration or retinopathy, which can both cause loss of vision.   

Dental Care  

It is highly recommended to visit the dentist once or twice a year. You may follow a good dental hygiene routine, but visiting the dentist is still one of the best ways to prevent oral health problems. Many people won’t notice they have a cavity until it’s already too late to reverse it.   

Cavities happen when the enamel of the teeth is eaten away by bacteria. Undigested food can build up on the surface of your teeth and gums forming a substance called plaque. When you have a buildup of plaque on the teeth, you are more likely to have a cavity. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent plaque buildup, but sometimes when plaque hardens too much it becomes a job for the dentist. If you don’t go to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned, your cavity can worsen until it gets to the point of an abscess.   

If your cavity gets to the point of an abscess, you will need to go on antibiotics. An abscess is a severe infection you shouldn’t scoff at—especially if it’s in your mouth. If the infection were to get into your blood it could become fatal.   

A healthy mouth is important! Visit your dentist at least once a year to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.   

Know Your Insurance  

You can usually bundle your vision and dental insurance with your health insurance. Contact your local insurance agent to discuss your insurance needs today!   

When it comes to promoting your brand, awareness is everything. Creating an identity for your brand is essential to standing out from the competition and connecting with your target audience. But how do you go about doing this?  

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when creating your brand identity:  

What Is Brand Awareness?   

Brand awareness is how familiar consumers are with your brand and business. Brand awareness creates customers that are more likely to shop at or become clients of your business. Consumers are more likely to buy from and become reoccurring consumers at businesses they are familiar with.  

You want your business to have a personality that consumers can relate to. That’s what brand awareness does. You can create awareness of your brand by creating a personality that creates a bond with consumers. If you can foster trust and familiarity with your consumers, then they will keep coming back!  

Once a brand is popular enough, people can instantly recognize them anywhere. Make sure your business has a recognizable logo that connects your brand with consumers. Most of us can tell instantly what a business is just by looking at the logo. Have you ever driven down the street and seen the golden arches? You probably recognized that it was a McDonald’s. This is peak brand awareness.   

To reach this level of brand awareness, you’ll need to put in some serious work. But don’t worry—read on and you’ll know where to start!  

How to Build Your Brand Awareness  

For starters, you can’t expect to significantly raise your brand awareness by running a few advertisements! It takes quite a bit of work to be familiar with consumers. Advertising will help spread your name and what you do—but it’s not guaranteed that people will follow through unless your advertisements are unforgettable.   

Here’s a list of things to do with your business marketing that can help you raise your brand awareness:   

Social Media  

If you don’t already have social media accounts for your business, you should make them. Social media is one of the best ways for brands to interact with their consumers. Having a distinct personality through your social media will attract your target audience. Just make sure you post on your accounts regularly. You should be creating content and interacting with your followers. Create engaging posts your followers will like and share. When your followers share your content, it’s like free advertising.   

Great Customer Service  

Customers remember when customer service is good, and they remember even more when it’s terrible. Avoid scathing reviews by offering consistent, high-quality customer service that your customers will be happy about. Respond quickly with a friendly tone.   

Everyone loves good customer service that cares about their needs. If a customer has an issue with a product, make sure it is resolved quickly and peacefully. Consumers are likely to rave about how great the customer service was in a review even if they had issues with a faulty product. Customers that don’t have good customer service will likely leave a horrible review of your business and services and potential customers will see it. That’s why it’s super important to have amazing customer service to help handle customer complaints.   

Promotional Products/Services  

Everyone loves a good discount—even more if it’s free. Consumers are more likely to check out your products and services if you are offering a good discount or a free sample. Depending on the type of business you are running, you may want to consider a discount on the first month of service or include a free “gift” with your purchase. Consumers remember this and will appreciate it. They’ll be more likely to continue paying for your products or services because they view your business as trustworthy.   

Online Presence  

Your online presence is key to the success of your brand. Most people don’t go past the first page of search results, so make sure your page is SEO friendly! Work hard to make sure your website has a high ranking. You can do this by having plenty of content (pages & blogs), using focused keywords, and having a good, user-friendly layout.   

There’s no doubt that brand awareness is important for businesses. After all, if customers don’t know about your brand, they’re unlikely to buy from you. Make sure to maintain your presence to grow a following in your community!   

If you need business insurance to help protect your business, contact one of your local insurance agents to discuss a quote!   

Having a house maintenance checklist and keeping up with it can significantly improve the life of your home and can also save you money on repairs later on. Some home maintenance projects are better to do in the summer than in winter. If you plan on doing any work to the exterior of your home, it’s much easier to finish when no winter storms are getting in the way! Here’s a list of home projects you may want to complete this summer:  

Outdoor Cleanup  

There may be a few exterior projects you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t been able. Summer is the best time to landscape your yard or fix up the exterior of your home. Look at your local weather forecast before taking up some projects. If you’re planning on staining or painting your fence, deck, or house, you’ll want to make sure it’s not raining for a few days to ensure it properly dries.   

New Siding  

Is it time for new vinyl siding? Vinyl is a popular choice for home siding as it is highly durable. However, if any pieces of vinyl are not properly attached, your home will likely suffer from water damage. Make sure you have any loose vinyl siding replaced by a professional. Older homes may need all-new vinyl siding installed. Modern vinyl is durable and can last up to 100 years if it’s well-kept.   

New Roof  

Summer is also the ideal time of year for roof repairs! If your roof has a leak and needs repairs, now’s the time. Or, if you need a new roof, it’s best to do it when it’s not snowing. Roofs typically need replacing around every 20 years or less depending on the materials. Older, worn roofs are more susceptible to water damage. Water damage doesn’t go away on its own and will only get worse. If your roof leaks, it’s time for a new roof! If you’re replacing your roof, it may also be time to consider installing new gutters.   

Replace Windows   

Summer is an ideal time to have your windows replaced. It’s better to replace windows when it’s not freezing outside. However, you may want to have them replaced closer to autumn when it’s a tad cooler outdoors. You probably won’t want your air conditioning on when replacing windows because it wastes energy.   

Old windows are often inefficient and drafty. New windows can boost your home’s curb appeal while lowering your heating and cooling bill. Installing new windows in your home can be costly, but you’ll save on your energy bills later on. If you plan on selling your house anytime soon you can expect a significant return on your investment.   

Pest Control  

When you’re working on the exterior of your home, keep an eye out for any pests that may be trying to take up residence! Look out for hornets or signs of termite infestation. Hornets and birds sometimes try to make a nest in your attic, so keep an eye out for any openings they may be able to get through and be sure to seal them up.  

Rather than spending a hefty amount on pest control to come and eradicate pests, consider signing up for a plan where they visit your home regularly. You can save money in the long run with a monthly pest control visit that will deter pests from infesting your home.   

Maintaining your home regularly will keep your home healthier longer. No one wants to live in a run-down house. Taking care of your home will make it worth it in the long run—especially when it comes time to sell. You may also want to make sure your home is properly insured with a good home insurance plan. Talk to one of your local insurance agents today to discuss your home insurance policy.