by Emily Shepherd | Dec 1, 2023 | Insurance
How to get your home ready for winter weather
As the temperatures start to drop and the cold weather sets in, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your house. Harsh winter weather can cause significant damage to your home if you’re not prepared, leading to costly repairs and potential insurance claims. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our top tips and tricks for preventing winter damage to your home. From preparing your pipes to protecting your roof, read on to learn how to winterize your house and avoid any unexpected winter damage.
Understanding the Risks: Potential Winter Hazards for Your Home
Winter brings its fair share of hazards that can pose a threat to your home, but knowing what could happen is half the battle.
One major concern is the potential for frozen pipes. When the temperature drops, the water inside your pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to burst, and resulting in costly repairs and water damage to your home.
Another risk to be aware of is ice dams forming on your roof. As snow melts and refreezes, it can create a barrier of ice that prevents proper drainage, leading to water seeping into your home. This, or even heavy snowfall, can put strain on your roof, causing it to collapse if it has not been properly maintained.
No matter where you live or what type of house you inhabit, It’s important to be aware of these potential hazards so you can take proactive measures to prevent them from causing damage to your home this winter.
Preparing for Cold Weather: Simple Measures to Winterize Your Home
Should you choose to, it’s easy to take some simple measures to winterize your home and protect it from potential damage. Here are a few quick tips that don’t take a lot of time, but can have a big impact.
Make sure your heating system is working properly.
Schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s in good condition and replace any worn-out parts.
Clean your gutters.
Making sure your gutters and downspouts are clear ensures proper water drainage, and hopefully keeps your roof ice-free
Trim the trees.
No, not the Christmas trees; cut back any tree branches that are close to your house, as they can potentially fall and cause damage during winter storms.
Save in the Long Run: Energy-Efficient Tips for Winter
In addition to threats of bad weather, winter can also be a time when your energy bills skyrocket…but it doesn’t have to be that way! By implementing some energy-efficient tips, you can save money in the long run and keep your home cozy and warm during the cold winter months.
Turn down the heat.
One of the simplest ways to save on energy costs is to adjust your thermostat. Lowering it by just a few degrees can make a significant difference. Invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away or sleeping.
Heat with the real solar power.
Don’t cover up those windows all day; utilize natural sunlight. During the day, open your curtains or blinds to let in the warmth from the sun. Once the sun sets, close them to trap the heat inside.
Check your insulation.
Proper insulation will not only keep your home warmer, but it can also save you money on energy bills. Too, make sure you seal any gaps or cracks in windows and doors to prevent drafts, and consider installing weatherstripping on doors and windows to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
Upgrade your home.
Lastly, consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Appliances with the Energy Star label are designed to use less energy, while LED bulbs are long-lasting and consume less electricity.
If Something Happens: When and How to File an Insurance Claim
If something does happen despite your best efforts, knowing when and how to file an insurance claim is important. Start by contacting your insurance company to report the damage and find out what steps you need to take; they can guide you through the claims process and provide you with the necessary forms to fill out. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as photos and receipts, to support your claim, as well as any expenses you incur as a result of the damage, such as temporary accommodations or repairs.
Finally, remember to read your policy carefully and understand what is covered and what is not. If that feels overwhelming, get your broker to walk you through the terms and conditions of your policies. And if you need a new agent—or just someone who will walk you through options as you get ready for winter—please give us a call at Penny Insurance. We’d love to help you protect all your assets in the new year.
by Emily Shepherd | Nov 21, 2023 | Insurance
How to stay healthy in cooler months.
As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, we are reminded that flu season is upon us. While this time of year is known for cozy sweaters, hot apple cider, and pumpkin spice everything, it is also a prime time for flu and cold viruses to spread. As an insurance brokerage in Western North Carolina, we want to ensure that our clients stay healthy and protected during this busy time of year, so here are some tips for staying healthy and preventing the flu from “bugging” you.
Keeping Your Immune System in Peak Condition
During flu season, it is essential to keep your immune system in peak condition to ward off any potential illness. While health insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you do fall ill, taking proactive measures to maintain good health is always preferable. Here are some tips to help boost your immune system and stay healthy during the flu season.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet.
A nutritious diet plays a crucial role in supporting your immune system. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can strengthen your immune response.
2. Stay Hydrated.
Drinking enough water is vital for overall health and immunity. Water helps to flush out toxins from your body and keeps your mucous membranes moist, which is essential for preventing the entry of viruses and bacteria.
3. Get Enough Sleep.
Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. While you sleep, your body repairs and regenerates cells, including those involved in immune response. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your immune system functioning optimally.
4. Exercise Regularly.
Engaging in regular physical activity has numerous benefits, including strengthening your immune system. Exercise helps to increase circulation, promote the production of immune cells, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases that can weaken your immune response.
5. Practice Good Hygiene.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is a common route for germs to enter your body.
6. Manage Stress.
High levels of stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Take steps to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in hobbies you enjoy, and seeking support from loved ones.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help to strengthen your immune system and reduce your risk of falling ill during the flu season. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Understanding Health Insurance Coverage During Flu Season
If the bugs do catch up with you, it’s important to have some sort of coverage in place for ]medical expenses related to getting sick. Not only is it required by law, but it will help you ensure that you receive the necessary care without breaking the bank.
When it comes to health insurance coverage during flu season, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to know what your health insurance plan covers in terms of flu-related expenses like doctor’s visits, flu shots, antiviral medications, and even hospitalization if necessary. Some insurance policies also provide benefits such as telemedicine services, allowing you to consult with a healthcare provider remotely, which can be especially convenient during flu season when you may not want to venture out and risk spreading the virus.
Fortunately, many health insurance plans offer coverage for flu shots, which are recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Getting a flu shot not only helps protect you from the flu but also reduces the overall spread of the virus within the community.
Finding Your Best Option
When it comes to choosing the best healthy insurance policies for your family, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each family has unique needs and circumstances, which is why it’s important to carefully evaluate your options with thorough research and consideration.
At Penny Insurance, our experienced brokers can they provide guidance and walk you through your options, but they can answer any questions you may have, and help you find the best option. Give us a call today if we can help you stay well this fall and winter season.
by Emily Shepherd | Oct 5, 2023 | Business Insurance, General Tips, Insurance
As a small business owner, you understand the risks associated with operating a business—you took them on when you decided to go out on your own. But while you may have considered theft or even liabilities within your office space, the threat of cyber attacks is a real one that is often overlooked.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your business from these malicious threats. While having the right business insurance in place is a critical part of this process, there are other preventative measures to consider as well that will help you shield your business from potential cyber attacks.
Understanding the Threat of Cyberattacks
Sadly but unexpectedly, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s digital age, posing significant risks to small businesses. Criminals are constantly evolving their tactics and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in business systems, and often break in using common techniques like malware, phishing scams, ransomware, and social engineering. Unfortunately, these attacks can lead to huge problems—including data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your business’s reputation.
It’s essential to recognize that no business is immune to cyber threats—even small businesses are often targeted due to their limited resources and lack of robust cybersecurity measures.
Best Practice Basics for Preventing Cyberattacks
Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle, but there are best practices you can implement to prevent cyberattacks and safeguard your small business.
1. Build Strong Passwords.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to develop a strong password policy. Encourage your employees to create unique, complex passwords and change them regularly. Consider offering your team a password manager to securely store and manage all your passwords.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authenication.
Another essential practice is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more forms of identification before gaining access to sensitive information or systems. By utilizing MFA, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your business data.
3. Back up Data.
Regularly backing up your data is also critical. This ensures that even if your systems are compromised, you can restore your information from a secure backup. Store these backups offline or in a secure cloud environment to prevent them from being compromised in the event of an attack.
4. Always do the Update.
Additionally, it’s important to keep all software and applications up-to-date. Software updates often include patches for vulnerabilities, so regularly installing these updates is crucial to maintaining a secure system
5. Focus on Education.
Lastly, educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices through regular training sessions. This includes raising awareness about phishing scams, social engineering techniques, and the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
By following these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect your small business from potential damage. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, so staying informed and proactive is key to ensuring the safety of your business in today’s digital landscape.
Using Cyber Insurance to Protect Your Business
While implementing strong cybersecurity measures among your team is crucial, having the right insurance coverage is equally important to fully protect yourself from digital crime. Cyber insurance plays a vital role in protecting your business from the financial losses that can result from a cyberattack, by providing coverage for various expenses associated with a cyber incident, such as forensic investigations, data recovery, legal fees, public relations efforts, and even potential lawsuits from affected customers. In the unfortunate event of a cyberattack, these expenses can quickly add up and have a severe impact on your business’s bottom line.
Having cyber insurance gives you the peace of mind that, in the face of a cyber incident, your business has financial protection, and helps you recover more quickly from the financial burden associated with recovering from a cyberattack. Additionally, cyber insurance often includes coverage for cyber extortion, where cybercriminals hold your data hostage or threaten to release it unless a ransom is paid. This coverage can be crucial in navigating such situations and protecting your business from significant financial losses.
It’s essential to consult with an experienced insurance agent who specializes in cyber insurance to ensure that you have the right coverage for your business’s specific needs. At Penny Insurance, our experienced brokers have the experitnce to help you understand the scope of coverage and assist in tailoring a policy that aligns with your risk profile and budget. And getting started is simple: just reach out to us to set up a free consultation with our team.
by Emily Shepherd | Aug 30, 2023 | Insurance
Acquiring a life insurance policy is a crucial part of protecting your family’s future, no matter what stage of life you’re in. From buying a house to starting a family, or sending kids off to college, life insurance can be tailored to your needs and provide financial security for the ones you love. But in reality, only about half of Americans have a life insurance policy—and many more are underinsured for what they need.
As a best practice, as your family grows and changes, so should your life insurance. That way you’ll ensure that no matter what life looks like, you’ll always be able to take care of what’s important for those you love most.
Life Insurance for Newlyweds
As you start this exciting chapter in your life, it’s important to consider how life insurance can protect your future together. While it may not be the most romantic topic, having life insurance as newlyweds is a smart decision—it provides financial security and peace of mind for both of you, and can help cover expenses such as mortgage payments, student loans, and funeral costs in the unfortunate event of one partner’s passing. For young couples, an insurance policy isn’t that expensive, and it’s an investment in your future as a couple, ensuring that your loved one will be taken care of if the unexpected occurs.
Life Insurance for Parents of Young Children
When you become a parent, your responsibilities increase significantly—in a number of ways. After all, it’s not just about providing for yourself anymore; you now have little ones relying on you. So while it may be a tough topic to think about, having life insurance policies can give you peace of mind knowing that if something were to happen to you, your children will be taken care of for all their expenses, including childcare, education costs, and daily living expenses. But this is also the time to think about their policies, too—term life policies on children are typically very inexpensive, while a whole life policy that can benefit them into adulthood is cheaper than it ever will be again.
Life Insurance for Parents of Teenagers
As your children enter their teenage years, life can become even more hectic and unpredictable. While it may seem like your children are becoming more independent, they still rely on you for their well-being, financial support, and guidance. While your own life policy can once again ensure that their lifestyles are financially supported, having a policy for them can also cover what often includes riskier behaviors than before.
Life Insurance for Empty Nesters
As your children grow up and move out of the house, your priorities and financial needs change. And while you may be enjoying the newfound freedom and flexibility, it’s important not to overlook the need for a policy that can provide financial security and in some cases, pay you back in retirement.
Life Insurance for Retirees and Seniors
As you enter the phase of retirement and your golden years, it’s becomes clearer how life insurance can continue to protect your loved ones. While your financial obligations may have decreased, there are still expenses to consider, such as funeral costs and any outstanding debts, but life insurance may also serve as an inheritance for your loved ones to carry out legacy projects or cover their own needs.
Types of Life Insurance Policies to Consider
Life insurance policies come in different types, and it’s essential to understand the options available to choose the right one for your family’s needs. Two primary types of life insurance to consider are term life insurance and whole life insurance.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific term—typically 10, 20, or 30 years—and is ideal for individuals who want coverage during a specific period, such as when they have young children or a mortgage. Term life insurance is generally more affordable than to whole life insurance and offers a death benefit to beneficiaries if the insured passes away during the term, but on the other hand, whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage and includes a cash value component that grows over time. A whole life policy offers both a death benefit and an investment element, making it an attractive option for individuals looking for permanent coverage and potential savings, and while it’s a bit more expensive, guarantees coverage for life and allows policyholders to build cash value that can be accessed or borrowed against in the future.
Other types of life insurance policies to consider include universal life insurance and variable life insurance. Universal life insurance provides flexible premiums and death benefits, allowing policyholders to adjust their coverage as their financial needs change, while variable life insurance, offers investment options within the policy, allowing policyholders to potentially grow a cash value component.
Finding Your Best Option
When it comes to choosing the best life insurance policy for your family, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each family has unique needs and circumstances, which is why it’s important to carefully evaluate your options with thorough research and consideration.
That’s why consulting an insurance professional is highly recommended during this process. Not only can they provide guidance and walk you through your options, but they can answer any questions you may have, and help you find the best option.
At Penny Insurance, our experienced brokers are dedicated to helping families like yours find the best life insurance policy—no matter how big or small. Reach out to us today to take the first step toward securing your family’s future.
by Emily Shepherd | Aug 30, 2023 | Insurance
August is National Wellness Month, which makes it the perfect time to look into the insurance policies that can help you maintain your health and wellness. From health insurance to dental insurance, life insurance, and more, there are several types of insurance policies that can help you prioritize your own health—and that of your family and loved ones. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five types of insurance policies that you should consider for your overall health and wellness.
1) Health Insurance: What It Covers and Why You Need It
When it comes to maintaining your health and wellness, one of the most important insurance policies you can have is health insurance, because it provides financial protection against medical expenses and ensures that you have access to quality healthcare when you need it most. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best health insurance plan for your needs?
First, it’s important to understand the difference between health and wellness in the context of insurance. While health insurance primarily focuses on covering medical expenses related to illness and injury, wellness plans are designed to promote overall health and preventive care. That means these plans often include coverage for preventive services like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings, whereas a standard catastrophic or health plan may not.
But in general, health insurance covers a wide range of services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, and surgical procedures, and also often includes coverage for mental health services, maternity care, and rehabilitation services.
With the rising costs of healthcare, having health insurance ensures that you have access to the care you need without having to worry about the cost. Without health insurance, you never know when a medical emergency or even a routine doctor’s visit could quickly become a major financial burden.
2) Dental Insurance: Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
When it comes to maintaining our health and wellness, dental care often takes a back seat, because while we tend to prioritize other aspects of our well-being, such as physical fitness and mental health, we often neglect the importance of a healthy mouth. Unfortunately, Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health issues, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. That’s where dental insurance comes in, providing us with the necessary coverage to keep our teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Dental insurance typically covers a range of services, including preventive care such as regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. These routine visits are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing dental issues from arising.
Still, it’s important to note that dental insurance may not cover all procedures. Orthodontic care, for example, is often considered an elective treatment and may require additional coverage or out-of-pocket expenses, so if you or your family members require braces or other orthodontic treatments, it’s essential to review your dental insurance policy and explore options for additional coverage. The same may be said for major dental surgeries or procedures, which may require additional coverage. These procedures can be costly, but with the right dental insurance policy, you can minimize your out-of-pocket expenses and receive the necessary treatment to maintain your oral health.
3) Disability Insurance: A Safety Net for When You’re Unable to Work
While health and dental insurance are often the first insurance policies that come to mind when you think about health and wellness, disability insurance should not be overlooked, because it acts as a safety net when you’re unable to work due to a disability or illness.
So, why might you need disability insurance? Because accidents or disabilities can happen to anyone, at any time. In fact, according to the Council for Disability Awareness, one in four individuals will become disabled during their working years, whether due to an illness, injury, or accident.
There are two main types of disability insurance: short-term disability and long-term disability.
Short-Term Disability
Short-term disability insurance provides coverage for a limited period, typically up to six months, when you’re unable to work due to a temporary illness or injury, and usually offers a higher benefit amount for a shorter period of time and has a lower premium cost. This type of insurance is ideal for covering immediate expenses during a temporary disability.
Long-Term Disability
On the other hand, long-term disability insurance offers coverage for an extended period, often until retirement age, if you are unable to work due to a more serious or permanent disability. It provides a lower benefit amount over a longer period and has a higher premium cost. It offers more comprehensive coverage and is designed to provide financial support for an extended period of time if you are unable to work.
4) Accident Insurance: Financially Recovering from Unexpected Mishaps
Just like disabilities or longer-term illnesses, accidents can happen at any time and to anyone. Whether it’s a slip and fall, a car accident, or even a sports injury, unexpected mishaps can lead to serious health and financial consequences. That’s where accident insurance—a type of supplemental insurance—comes in.
Accident insurance is different from other types of insurance, such as health insurance, because it specifically covers accidents. While health insurance may cover some medical expenses related to accidents, accident insurance is designed to provide more comprehensive coverage by filling in the gaps left by your primary health insurance and covering expenses that aren’t typically covered, like deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket costs.
So why might you need accident insurance? Well, accidents can be costly. Even with health insurance, the expenses can add up quickly. From ambulance rides and emergency room visits to surgeries and follow-up care, the bills can be overwhelming. Accident insurance can help alleviate the financial burden by providing a lump-sum payment for covered injuries and treatments. This money can be used to pay for medical bills, transportation, childcare, or any other expenses that may arise as a result of an accident.
5) Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones’ Health and Finances
When it comes to insurance policies that promote health and wellness, life insurance may not come to mind, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your loved ones’ health and finances—especially in the event of an untimely death. While it may not directly impact your own health, it can provide peace of mind knowing that your family’s well-being will be taken care of when you’re no longer around.
There are various types of life insurance policies available, but two of the most common options are term life insurance and whole life insurance.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, usually 10, 20, or 30 years, and offers a higher coverage amount for a lower premium, allowing you to protect your loved ones without breaking the bank. It provides temporary financial security during a specific time period when your dependents may still be reliant on your income. By securing term life insurance, you can ensure that your family will have the necessary financial resources to continue living a healthy and comfortable life.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance offers coverage for the entirety of your life, including an investment component that can accumulate cash value over time, which can be particularly beneficial for maintaining your lifestyle in older age. With a whole life insurance policy, you can access the cash value for emergencies, healthcare expenses, or even as a source of retirement income. While the premiums for whole life insurance are typically higher, it offers a long-term financial security blanket for both you and your loved ones.
When considering any health or wellness-related insurance policy, it’s essential to first evaluate your current health, financial situation, and long-term goals. At Penny Insurance, we’re more than happy to help you sit down and look over all your options and find solutions. To schedule a free consultation, reach out and contact us.
