by Emily Shepherd | Jan 24, 2026 | Insurance, General Tips
ARE YOU READY? Your Final Prep List for Tomorrow’s Winter Storm
With a major winter storm forecasted to arrive tomorrow, we want to ensure you and your property are ready for whatever the weather throws our way. While you likely already have the flashlights and blankets ready, winters in the Carolinas require a few extra layers of preparation to prevent costly insurance claims and keep you safe.
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Beyond the Basics: Pro-Prep for the High Country
1. The “Wedge” Check: Clear Your Gutters Today
In our region, snow often melts and refreezes, creating “ice dams” that force water under your shingles. If you can safely do so, ensure your gutters are clear of fall leaves today. This allows meltwater to flow freely instead of backing up into your attic.
2. Protect the Well & Pipes
If you are on a well, remember that no power means no water.
The Trick: Fill your bathtubs today for “flushing water.”
The Drip: If your pipes run through uninsulated crawlspaces (common in older WNC homes), leave a very thin trickle of water running tonight. Moving water is much harder to freeze.
3. Sump Pump Stress Test
Heavy snow followed by a quick thaw can overwhelm mountain basements. Check your sump pump now. If you have a battery backup, ensure it’s charged. If you don’t, consider moving valuables off the basement floor just in case.
4. The “Penny” Tire Test
Mountain roads become treacherous instantly. Check your tires: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see all of his head, your traction is insufficient for mountain ice. If you don’t have to be out, stay off the roads to allow DOT to work.
Digital Prep: Don't Wait for the Power to Go Out
Document Your Home
Take a quick video on your phone walking through each room. If the weight of snow or a fallen limb causes damage, having “before” footage from 24 hours prior is a massive help for claims.
We’re Standing By
Our team at Penny Insurance is here to support you. Once the storm passes, if you notice any damage to your property or vehicle, reach out to us immediately so we can help you get back on solid ground.
by Emily Shepherd | Jun 3, 2025 | General Tips, Insurance
Inflation impacts various sectors of the economy, and the insurance industry is definitely not exempt. When the cost of living rises, everything from healthcare to construction becomes more expensive, and that uptick in costs means that the expenses insurers face when paying out claims also increase. As a result, policyholders often see a rise in their insurance premiums, even though they may not understand why.
But by understanding how inflation drives up the cost of claims and operational expenses, policyholders can better appreciate why premiums might increase over time. In this blog, we’ll break down why you may see your premiums jump up, and what you can do to help ease the financial increase.
Why did my insurance premium go up?
One of the most direct ways inflation affects insurance is through repair and replacement costs. If the price of building materials, auto parts, or medical care goes up, the cost to settle a claim for a damaged home, car, or medical treatment will also rise. Unfortunately, insurers need to account for these higher costs by adjusting premiums accordingly.
When insurers have to pay more for claims, they pass these costs onto policyholders in the form of higher premiums, but this has recently been compounded by a shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors, such as construction, which is currently facing a shortfall of about 200,000 skilled trade workers. This shortage contributes to higher labor costs, which, in turn, lead to increased property insurance rates.
And when it comes to administrative costs, office supplies, technology, and employee salaries are all subject to inflation, too, and as these operational costs increase, insurers may need to adjust premiums to maintain profitability.
So while it may be frustrating to policyholders, it’s essential to understand that these adjustments are simply a necessary response to the economic environment, with the goal to ensure that insurance companies remain financially stable and capable of covering claims when they arise.
How do I keep my insurance premium from rising?
If you’re one of the millions of policyholders who have opened their newest policy renewal to find a much higher cost, there is good news: there are things you can do to help reduce the cost of your policy, should you need to.
Assess your current coverage. One effective way to manage rising insurance premiums is to regularly assess your current coverage and make necessary adjustments. First, evaluate your policies to identify any areas where you might be overinsured and consider reducing or eliminating non-essential coverage. For instance, if your auto policy includes rental car reimbursement, but you rarely rent cars, removing that feature could save you money.
Increase your deductible. If that doesn’t work, increasing your deductible is another practical approach. By opting for a higher deductible, you agree to pay more out-of-pocket if you need to file a claim, which can lead to significantly lower monthly premiums. But, be sure to balance the potential savings with your ability to cover the higher deductible in the event of a claim.
Compare policies and providers. Comparing different insurance policies from various providers is extremely important, as insurance rates can vary significantly between companies, and you might find a provider offering similar coverage at a lower cost. Take the time to shop around and request quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal.
Look for the savings. Take advantage of any discounts or loyalty programs your insurer offers. Many insurance companies provide discounts for bundling multiple policies, such as home and auto insurance, or for having safety features like alarm systems in your home. Ask your insurer about any available discounts that you might qualify for, as these can help offset some of the cost increases due to inflation.
Lower your risk factor. Another strategy is to improve your risk profile. Insurers determine premiums based on the perceived risk of insuring you, so by taking steps to reduce your risk, you may be able to lower your premiums. For example, installing a security system in your home or taking a defensive driving course can make you a less risky client and potentially lead to lower premiums. Interestingly enough, maintaining a good credit score can also positively impact your insurance rates. Insurers often use credit information as one of the factors in determining premiums, so by keeping your credit score high, you might qualify for better rates.
Working with a Broker
Navigating the complexities of insurance can be daunting, especially when trying to manage rising premiums, but this is where working with an independent broker can make a significant difference. Not only can they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making it easier to find the best insurance solutions tailored to your needs, but they often have access to a wide range of insurance products from multiple providers, allowing them to compare various policies and rates, and ensuring you get the most competitive options available.
Additionally, brokers stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes, which can be particularly useful in understanding how inflation affects insurance premiums. They can offer insights into why your premiums may be increasing and suggest strategies to manage these costs effectively, and help you identify discounts you might not be aware of or recommend ways to improve your risk profile, potentially lowering your premiums.
At Penny Insurance, our agents are committed to helping you navigate your insurance needs, and we understand the challenges that come with rising premiums and the importance of finding cost-effective solutions. So whether you’re looking for insurance in Hendersonville, NC, or insurance in Tryon, NC, our team is equipped to assist you. Just contact us today to schedule a consultation and start exploring your options.
by Emily Shepherd | Jan 20, 2025 | General Tips, Home Insurance, Insurance
As winter’s chill begins to make its way into Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, it’s time to think about how best to prepare your home for the colder months. Whether your residence is your primary dwelling or one of several properties, the drastic temperature drops in this region make it imperative to protect your investments through comprehensive winter preparations.
Enhancing Home Insulation
Effective insulation is fundamental to maintaining warmth and reducing energy costs during winter, but unfortunately, most homes across the United States are under-insulated and plagued with significant air leaks. Indeed, 9 out of 10 homes lack adequate insulation, leaving them vulnerable to heat loss. To become one of the insulated elite, begin by inspecting your attic, walls, and floors to identify areas that may need additional insulation. Upgrading to high-quality materials can prevent heat from escaping and cold air from seeping in.
Additionally, sealing windows and doors is essential. Check for gaps or cracks where drafts may enter, and apply weather stripping or caulking to create a tight seal. These simple upgrades not only enhance your comfort but can also lead to significant energy savings.
Maintenance of Heating Systems
Having your heating systems in peak condition is a fundamental aspect of winter preparation, so it’s wise to schedule a professional inspection for your furnace or boiler before the cold truly sets in. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also boosts its efficiency, which is critical during the chilliest days.
For those with fireplaces, it’s also essential to conduct a thorough check of the fireplace and chimney, ensuring that the damper functions correctly and is clear of any obstructions. Regular inspections help to confirm your chimney is free from hazardous creosote buildup, minimizing the risk of fires.
If you use alternative heating sources like space heaters, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines. Keep heaters away from flammable materials and ensure they are on a stable surface to prevent tipping. These steps are particularly important in homes where children or pets are present.
Lastly, consider adjusting the settings on your heating systems in properties that are not your primary residence. For vacation homes, setting thermostats to a consistent, moderate temperature can prevent pipes from freezing and ensure the home remains in good condition even when unoccupied. If you aren’t there consistently to check in, smart thermostats allow you to control home heating and cooling options remotely, as well.
Safeguarding Water Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause havoc on your home, causing extensive damage and costly repairs. To avoid such headaches, take preventive steps as temperatures begin to drop. Start by wrapping pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces, with high-quality insulation materials in order to avoid freezing and bursting pipes.
In addition to insulating indoor pipes, don’t overlook the need to drain outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Any residual water left in these systems can freeze and cause damage, leading to leaks and breaks that can be both inconvenient and expensive to repair. As an added precaution, disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors to prevent any residual water from freezing and causing damage to your outdoor faucets.
And again, for homes that are not your primary residence, it’s wise to shut off the water supply and drain the plumbing system to avoid potential problems. If shutting off the water is not an option, consider installing temperature-monitoring devices that alert you to any significant drops, allowing you to take action before pipes freeze.
Roof and Gutter Preparations
A well-maintained roof and functional gutters help protect your home from the harsh winter elements, so as a first step, begin by examining your roof shingles for any signs of damage such as cracks or missing pieces. Addressing these issues promptly helps to prevent leaks and the structural damage that can result from snow or ice accumulation.
In addition, your gutters play a crucial role in managing water runoff. Clear out leaves, twigs, and any other debris to prevent blockages that can lead to water damage. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are securely attached to your home to handle the weight of potential ice buildup and prevent ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your roof and interior.
For those with multiple properties, it’s particularly important to make these checks, as a problem with the roof or gutters can go unnoticed and lead to severe damage in an unoccupied home. Taking these steps ensures your investments remain in optimal condition throughout the winter season.
Protecting Valuable Belongings
When it comes to safeguarding your art, collectibles, and other valuable items during winter, start by storing these possessions in areas where both temperature and humidity are carefully regulated to prevent any damage from moisture. Basements and attics may not be ideal due to fluctuating conditions, so consider climate-controlled storage options within your home or specialized facilities.
More importantly, review your insurance policies to verify that these high-value items are covered for risks specific to winter. Make sure that your coverage includes protection against potential threats like burst pipes or heating system failures, which could cause water damage. If you’ve recently acquired new items, update your inventory with your insurer to reflect their current value.
If you own rare art or high-value collectibles, consider consulting with an expert to get recommendations on the best ways to store and protect these items, as well as individualized insurance policies for them specifically. This ensures that your prized possessions remain in pristine condition, even as winter’s chill sets in.
Taking the time to winterize your home can make a significant difference in protecting your property and ensuring your comfort throughout the season. From upgrading insulation and maintaining heating systems to safeguarding valuable belongings, each step plays a crucial role.
Regardless of your winter preparations or issues that may arise this season, our team at Penny Insurance is committed to helping you navigate insurance challenges with ease. We offer personalized consultations to discuss your specific needs, from insuring rare art and collectibles to ensuring your vacation homes are adequately prepared. Contact us today to get started and ensure all your assets are protected and ready for cold weather.
by Emily Shepherd | Jul 11, 2024 | Boat / RV Insurance, General Tips, Insurance
When it comes to owning a boat, regular maintenance is key to ensuring that it stays in top condition and operates safely on the water. Not only does proper maintenance help prevent costly repairs, but it also plays a crucial role in minimizing the risk of insurance claims. While nearly half of all boat insurance claims are weather-related, there are things you can do to help minimize your risk overall, and keep your premiums low. In this blog post, we will discuss essential boat maintenance tips that every boat owner should follow to avoid insurance claims and keep their vessel in excellent shape.
Understanding the Importance of Regular Boat Inspections
The cornerstone of preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs is a comprehensive understanding of the importance of regular boat inspections. As your trusted insurance broker, we can’t stress enough how vital these inspections are for the longevity of your vessel and for mitigating insurance claims. Conducting thorough checks of your boat’s hull, engine, electrical systems, and other key components allows you to identify minor issues before they escalate into significant problems. This proactive approach not only enhances the safety of your boating experiences but also aligns with our goal of helping you reduce the likelihood of filing insurance claims due to mechanical failures.
It’s essential to recognize that the marine environment is harsh and unforgiving. Corrosion, wear, and tear can silently compromise your boat’s integrity and performance if left unchecked. Regular inspections act as a crucial line of defense, enabling you to address potential hazards in a timely manner. This vigilance is particularly important for maintaining the engine and electrical systems, which are often the culprits behind on-water breakdowns.
Keeping Your Boat Clean and Protected
A critical aspect of boat maintenance that often goes overlooked is the importance of keeping your vessel clean and shielded from the elements. Saltwater, grime, and pollutants not only mar the aesthetic appeal of your boat but can also cause substantial damage over time. Routine cleaning, coupled with diligent waxing, can prevent the accumulation of these harmful substances and protect the boat’s surfaces from corrosion and weathering.
In addition to surface cleaning, employing protective covers is a proactive measure that should not be underestimated. When your boat is not in active use, especially if stored outdoors, durable covers can safeguard against environmental damage and the wear and tear of seasonal weather conditions. These covers help keep the interior and controls free from debris and moisture, which can lead to mold growth and electrical issues—common concerns that provide a welcome environment for other, larger issues.
Safety Equipment Checks and Updates
As insurance brokers dedicated to your safety and the prevention of claims, we cannot overemphasize the importance of meticulously checking and updating your boat’s safety equipment. Life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and distress signals are not just accessories; they are life saving tools that must be in prime condition. Regular reviews of these items are crucial; worn or outdated equipment can fail in critical moments, potentially leading to accidents that could have been avoided.
It’s advisable to conduct these safety checks at regular intervals and certainly before any extended boating excursions. This process includes testing the functionality of all equipment, ensuring life jackets are free from rips or tears, and verifying that fire extinguishers are fully charged and within their expiration dates. Additionally, make certain that navigation lights are bright and visible, and that distress signals (both visual and audio) are accessible and in working order. Also, upgrading your safety gear to the latest standards is also a proactive step towards minimizing risks on the water. Innovations in safety equipment are continually emerging, offering enhanced reliability and effectiveness. Embracing these advancements can significantly contribute to your onboard safety protocol.
By maintaining a vigilant approach to safety equipment checks and updates, you aren’t just minimizing the chance of something going wrong—you’re also telling the insurance company that you’re taking your ownership role seriously.
Keeping Detailed Maintenance Records
Meticulously logging your boat’s maintenance activities isn’t just an exercise in organization—it’s a critical step for safeguarding your insurance interests. As your insurance partners, we emphasize the importance of compiling a comprehensive maintenance diary that chronicles all servicing, repairs, and professional inspections your vessel undergoes. This documentation serves as a testament to the diligent care you invest in your boat, and it becomes particularly invaluable in the event of an insurance claim.
In certain scenarios, insurance adjusters often request maintenance records to assess the condition of the boat at the time of the claim. Detailed records can substantially strengthen your case by showcasing a consistent commitment to maintenance, which in turn can influence the outcome of your claim. It’s recommended to log the date of each service, the nature of the work performed, and the entity that completed it, whether it was self-serviced or handled by a professional.
Additionally, maintaining a log of upgrades and replacements can highlight efforts made to enhance the boat’s safety and functionality, further demonstrating responsible ownership. Keeping these records in a secure, easily accessible format not only streamlines the claims process but also provides you with a clear history of your boat’s care, which can be beneficial for resale purposes. Engaging in this level of record-keeping underscores your proactive stance on maintenance and safety, aligning with the preventive measures we advocate to minimize insurance claims.
Maintain Now for Fewer Claims Later
To wrap up, diligent boat maintenance is not just about ensuring your vessel looks its best; it’s a crucial investment in its longevity and safety. By embracing the guidance provided, from regular inspections and cleaning to seasonal care and safety checks, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering issues that lead to insurance claims. If you’re a boat owner, planning on hitting the lakes of Western North Carolina or the high seas, reach out to us. Our brokers are happy to help you look at all the possible scenarios to make sure you—and your watercraft—are well protected.
by Emily Shepherd | Jul 11, 2024 | General Tips, Insurance, Personal Insurance
When it comes to managing your insurance policies effectively, your insurance broker plays a crucial role in providing you with the best coverage options. But in order to do their job efficiently, your insurance broker needs to have a thorough understanding of your personal and financial situation. In this blog, we’ll cover the top 7 things your broker needs to know about you to help your insurance broker tailor the best insurance policies to meet your specific needs.
Your Full Personal Information
The cornerstone of any effective insurance plan is rooted in the accurate and comprehensive sharing of your personal information with your insurance broker. This goes beyond just your name and birthdate; it encompasses your permanent address, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Such data plays a pivotal role in not only ensuring that all communications and documents reach you without fail, but also in securing the preciseness of your insurance application and subsequent policies.
As things change, make sure to keep them updated, as well. Errors or omissions in personal details can lead to unnecessary complications, from delays in processing claims to issues with policy validity. For that reason, it’s essential for your broker to understand any changes in your personal circumstances that could affect your insurance needs, such as a change in marital status or a significant move.
Your Employment and Income Details
Understanding the intricacies of your financial landscape is imperative for your insurance broker to accurately gauge the level and type of coverage that best suits your needs. This doesn’t only include your basic employment status, but also a breakdown of your income sources, which may allow your insurance broker to assess your financial stability and risk level—crucial factors in determining your insurance premiums and the scope of coverage required.
Moreover, understanding your income level aids in identifying the most appropriate insurance solutions that fit within your budget while still offering the necessary protection. For example, higher-income individuals might have more assets to protect, necessitating more comprehensive coverage options. Conversely, for those with a tighter budget, an insurance broker can prioritize the most critical coverage areas to ensure essential protection without overextending financially.
Your Lifestyle Choices
The choices you make every day, from engaging in adrenaline-pumping extreme sports to your smoking habits, play a significant role in shaping the insurance policies that best suit your needs. Transparency with your insurance broker about these activities is necessary, as it allows them to understand the full spectrum of risks you’re exposed to and recommend coverage that truly reflects your lifestyle.
While it may feel a little vulnerable, disclosing such habits enables your broker to navigate the insurance landscape more effectively, securing policies that encompass all aspects of your lifestyle without leaving you underinsured.
Your Financial Obligations
Navigating the landscape of your financial obligations is essential for your insurance broker to develop a protective net around your fiscal well-being. This encompasses a detailed overview of your debts such as student loans, credit card debt, and any other liabilities that may influence your ability to manage financial risk. Equally important is the disclosure of ongoing commitments like mortgage payments, lease agreements, or child support, which bear weight on your financial stability and insurance necessities.
Acknowledging these responsibilities allows your broker to consider additional layers of protection you might require. For example, life insurance becomes crucial if you have dependents or significant debt, ensuring that your financial obligations are covered in unforeseen circumstances. Likewise, disability insurance might be a strategic recommendation, offering income protection if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
Your Current Insurance Policies
One crucial piece of information that your insurance broker needs from you is a complete rundown of any and all insurance policies you currently hold, including health insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, and property insurance policies. For each policy, be prepared to share the specifics such as the provider, the coverage limits, the premiums you’re paying, and importantly, the expiry dates.
This exercise is not just about transparency; it’s about leveraging your broker’s expertise to scrutinize your existing coverage and identify potential areas for optimization. They can pinpoint where you might be over-insured, thus helping you streamline your policies to potentially reduce costs, or under-insured, where they can suggest enhancements to ensure you’re adequately protected. Additionally, understanding your current insurance landscape enables your broker to craft strategies that avoid duplication of coverage, ensuring that every dollar you spend on insurance is working as efficiently as possible for you.
Your Long-term Goals
Understanding your ambitions and plans for the future is imperative for crafting an insurance strategy that grows and adapts with you. Your long-term goals might include major life events such as starting a family, buying a house, or transitioning into retirement—each of which have unique insurance considerations, from adjusting life insurance coverage to planning for estate taxes or securing long-term care insurance.
For example, if you’re aiming to purchase a home, ensuring you have adequate property and liability coverage becomes essential. Likewise, if retirement is on the horizon, exploring annuities or long-term care insurance might be prudent. Sharing these aspirations with your insurance broker enables them to foresee potential changes in your insurance needs and recommend policies that not only protect you today but also pave the way for a secure tomorrow.
As you can see, providing your insurance broker with a complete and detailed overview of your personal situations—from your full personal information to your long-term aspirations—is vital in shaping a comprehensive insurance strategy that suits your needs. Your transparency allows your broker to personalize your coverage, ensuring that you are both adequately protected and positioned to achieve your future goals. If you’re looking for a broker who you can trust, reach out to us. We’d love to get to know you better.
by Emily Shepherd | Jun 24, 2024 | Business Insurance, General Tips, Home Insurance, Insurance
June is National Safety Month, and it’s the perfect time to remember how important it is to be safe everywhere! Putting in safety steps doesn’t just keep us from getting hurt—it can also change our insurance costs and coverage! As insurance brokers, we’ve seen how being safe can make insurance cheaper or offer better protection, so here, we’ll show you how a focus on safety can reduce costs, provide better options, and generally make life better!
The Link Between Safety Measures and Insurance Costs
It’s very important to understand how safety actions and the cost of insurance are related. When insurance companies decide how much you need to pay for insurance, they look at how much risk is involved by insuring you; basically, if there’s a lot of risk, you’re going to have to pay more. This is really clear in situations where not having good safety practices increases the chance of accidents and insurance claims, like if a factory doesn’t regularly check its machines or train its employees on how to be safe, it will probably have to pay a lot for insurance because there’s a bigger chance of someone getting hurt or equipment being damaged.
By default, if you make sure to have good safety practices, this can help lower those risks. Insurance companies pay a lot of attention to whether you have effective safety plans when they’re figuring out how risky it is to insure you. Both businesses and homeowners can see their insurance costs go down if they show they care about being safe. This could mean having good emergency plans, keeping safety equipment in good shape, and following safety rules.
In some businesses, using the latest safety technology can also help save a lot of money on insurance. This might include things like advanced fire systems, security features that use biometrics, or designing workplaces in a way that prevents injuries. Similarly, homeowners could save by using smart home tech that watches for burglaries, fires, or water leaks and can quickly get in touch with emergency services.
It’s key for people and businesses wanting to lower their insurance costs to know how much safety actions can impact these costs. By talking with their insurance companies about how important these safety actions are, they can make sure they’re paying the best possible rate, showing their dedication to a safe environment.
The Role of Insurance in Promoting Safety Standards
Because of this process, Insurance carriers play a pivotal role in the advancement and enforcement of safety standards across various domains.
One of the primary methods by which insurance companies promote safety standards is through the provision of discounts and reduced premiums for policyholders who adopt and implement recognized safety measures. For example, drivers that implement “safe driving” technologies may see a big discount in their bill each month. This approach incentivizes policyholders to prioritize safety, knowing that such investments have a direct financial benefit in addition to protecting their assets and personnel.
Additionally, insurance companies often offer consultative services to assist policyholders in identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate these dangers. This might include risk assessment evaluations, recommendations for safety equipment installations, or customized safety program development. By providing these resources, insurers help policyholders to establish and maintain high safety standards, which can lead to a safer environment for employees, customers, and the community at large.
Moreover, some insurers go beyond offering financial incentives and take an active role in safety education and awareness campaigns. They might sponsor safety workshops, publish safety tips and guidelines, or partner with safety organizations to advocate for best practices in risk management and accident prevention. These activities demonstrate insurers’ broader commitment to safety beyond the confines of policy agreements and financial transactions.
Common Safety Measures That Can Impact Your Insurance
Taking steps to be safe is smart, not just to keep people and property safe but it can also help save money on insurance. Both home and business owners can do things to lower the chance of accidents and big insurance claims, which can make insurance cheaper and better.
For people who own their homes, having good security systems can stop break-ins and damage, making it less risky for the insurance companies. Having up-to-date smoke alarms and fire extinguishers around your home can help deal with fires quickly, causing less damage, and putting in systems to detect leaks early can stop big water damage, which often costs a lot to fix. Because of this, Insurance companies might give discounts or better deal on insurance for these safety improvements.
For businesses, especially those in risky areas, having strong safety plans is a must. This means checking all the equipment regularly to stop it from breaking down and causing accidents. For those working with dangerous stuff, it’s super important to follow the rules on how to store and handle it safely. Training employees on how to stay safe shows insurance companies that a business is serious about avoiding accidents at work. Businesses with a good record of safety might get cheaper insurance because they’re seen as less risky.
Also, both homes and businesses should have updated emergency plans ready for things like natural disasters or fires. These plans not only keep people and things safe but also show insurance companies that you’re ready for risks.
Why Now is a Great Time to Review and Adjust Your Policies
National Safety Month is a great time to check if your insurance still fits with the current standing of your home or business. As your insurance agent, I suggest looking over your insurance plans step by step to make sure they match your current needs, especially if you’ve made your place safer.
First, start by checking all the ways you keep your place safe, like making sure your security alarms, fire alarms, and smoke detectors work and are up-to-date. Then, make a list of the new things you’ve done to be safer since you last looked at your insurance.
Next, talk to your insurance agent about these updates, and look at how these safer choices affect your risk for insurance, which can change how much you pay and what your insurance covers. Hopefully, we’ll be able to connect your efforts to benefits like lower costs or better coverage.
While you’re at it, ask your agent to help you see if there are parts of your insurance that don’t fit your life or business anymore. For example, if you’ve made your business bigger or upgraded your home, you might need different insurance. It’s also a great time to look at new insurance options that might protect you even better. Insurance companies constantly come up with new kinds of coverage, and you might find something that fits your unique needs closely.
National Safety Month is a great reminder to get ahead of the game with safety and insurance. If you’d like to take the first step, contact us at our Hendersonville or Columbus locations, and our agents can help review your insurance to make sure it matches your needs. This summer, let’s make keeping safe and well-prepared our main goal—together.
