Ok, ok -- last "spring cleaning" post for awhile. Todays topic: stuff you should do to "spring clean" the outside of your house. Because, from an insurance agents perspective, this stuff matters! Not to mention, a well-kept lawn just looks nice (hello: curb appeal!). 1. Mow your lawn. Mowing will force you to pick up loose sticks and branches -- which, if youre noticing lots of dead branches in a particular area, you might need to do some pruning. Dead branches arent just unsightly; theyre al...

Can you believe this weekend is Memorial Day? This all-American holiday means barbecues, pools, and summer. As insurance agents, we are always thinking about safety. There are many things to keep in mind as you head outdoors this summer; but today, we are going to discuss something that will be happening in homes across America: grilling. Did you know that 7,500 grill fires occur each year? Gas grills are responsible for the bulk of these fires, which cause roughly $70 million in damag...

Memorial Day kicks off pool season, with community, private and residential pools opening their doors until Labor Day. Keep your kids safe this summer with the following precautions: The Community Pool/Swim Club In addition to protecting your kids from the sun with appropriate hats/sunscreen, your kids should never run by the pool, as its usually very wet and slippery. As soon as possible, enroll your kids in swim lessons. Everyone should know how to swim -- especially little kids. Swim ...

So, maybe you just got married and are about to go on your honeymoon. Or schools out, so you and the fam are taking a summer vacation. Or maybe you recently retired, and you and the spouse are about to travel the world! Summer is by far the most popular time to vacation. Did you know that 45% of Americans take some type of summer vacation? While youre putting together your check-list of supplies to buy, arrangements to make and what to pack, add another item to your list: travel insurance...

For many of us, paying our insurance premiums every month can feel like, well, a waste of money. If were lucky, we dont actually see our money being put to use -- because, the majority of the time, those worst-case catastrophes never happen. Heres the thing: insurance doesnt just protect you from worst-case, life-changing events, it also protects you from that annoying, ugh-why-is-it-happening-to-me-now stuff that can really put a damper on your monthly budget. Safeco coverage is added to...

It has been COLD around here lately -- and theres still lots more time before Mr. Groundhog makes any predictions about spring. In addition to being a nuisance, cold weather can also wreak havoc on your pipes, gutters, cars -- you name it! Here are 5 tips to help avoid any weather-related damage to your property this winter: 1. Check your attic Make sure there arent any leaks, which can lead to roof damage, ice dams and higher heating bills! While youre up there, insulate any areas...

So you got engaged for Valentine’s Day — congrats! Or maybe your sweetie surprised you with that rose gold bracelet you’ve been subtly dropping hints about for months. Or, perhaps you’re the jewelry buyer, and wondering if you should purchase insurance on your hefty new investment? Today, we’re talking about jewelry insurance; namely, engagement ring insurance (but these rules pretty much apply to any expensive piece of jewelry). What it is: Just...