These articles are intended to provide you, the reader, with timely and useful information concerning insurance coverage. The goal is to inform you about elements concerning insurance if you own a home or if you own a business! Stay at the cutting edge of what is happening in the insurance world and how it affects you. These articles are written by professionals, but you don’t have to be a pro to get the value out of it. From industry news and specific insurance articles to events happening in your area, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.
As you may have heard in the news, car thefts are up, in some parts of the country.* Authorities are attributing the increase to a new social media challenge that encourages teens and young adults to break into certain vehicles and...
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It seems like everything in your life is going up, up, up. But your insurance doesn’t have to follow suit. While we can’t control rates or the market as a whole, we can give you some sure-fire ways to keep those costs...
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It's a necessary task for any seasonal home owner, and you still have time to get it done: preparing your seasonal home for the rigors of winter. Properly planning now can help you avoid damage and expensive repairs in the spring. The...
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When you’re involved in an auto accident, working through a claim can be stressful. But knowing what to expect can ease you through the process and help you have a pleasant experience working with your claims professional....
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Business insurance helps protect you and your organization when things go wrong. But what if you could get help identifying and addressing your business’s unique risks before something happens? Many insurance companies provide...
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If you are a homeowner with a trampoline, odds are you and your family are spending more time bouncing around when the weather is nice. When was the last time you reviewed trampoline safety? There are steps you can take to keep safety...
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Everyone loves vacation. But, vacationing in your own seasonal home? Even better. However, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to protecting your investment in a vacation home, and you definitely want to protect it. We here...
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While a home insurance inspection may sound intimidating, it’s actually common for insurance companies to request an inspection of your property while insuring your home. Home insurance inspections are different than inspections...
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Parenting is a crazy, amazing experience. As a new parent, your life will never be the same — and neither will your insurance needs. You’ll want to protect your little bundle of joy forever. This is why life insurance is so...
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In the contracting world, an important consideration of any project is the health and safety of your workers. By the nature of the work, contractors are at greater risk for losses that could potentially damage the business....
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Are you tearing around your golf course, neighborhood, or even the highway in your beautiful, decked-out golf cart? Nice! Way to live the dream. However, you may not know that those sweet rides need to be insured in the same way as...
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It’s summer time – prime RV season in the Midwest. But, even if you know where you want to go, do you know how to get there? After all, driving an RV is a little different than simply hopping in your car, so we here at...
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We always look forward to the warm weather that summer brings, but when we're dreaming of sunny days, we usually forget how difficult it can be to adapt to the heat. Rising temperatures can make even those with the sunniest...
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Owning and maintaining a boat can be a fun, rewarding experience. If you’re in the market to buy a boat or you’re looking for boat care and maintenance tips as a first-time boat owner, we’re here to help. We’ve...
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Some items will inevitably end up in your car — an old receipt, a water bottle or this morning’s coffee cup. However, there are certain items you should keep in your vehicle. The specifics can depend on a few factors,...
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Insurance is there to help protect you from the worst financial situations. And in today’s data-driven world, identity theft remains a constant threat that comes with a big financial risk. When an identity thief has your Social...
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“Look twice, save a life” isn’t just a slogan—it’s solid advice. While safety should always be the main concern whenever you’re driving, when automobiles and motorcycles begin to share the road in...
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As a small business owner, you’ve put in years of hard work and dedication to make your dream a reality. But what if a customer accidentally slips and falls in your store? Or if one of your contractors accidentally damages a...
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If you work full-time, chances are you have some life insurance through your employer — 75% of full-time workers in the U.S. have access to life insurance as an employee benefit and 98% of those workers are covered.1 But is it...
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If your new job means some changes in your routine, it might require some changes to your home and auto insurance. A new job can be an exciting new start. It can also mean some lifestyle changes. Many jobs today are implementing...
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You have the power to save on car insurance when you use a usage-based insurance program from your auto insurance provider. If you’re looking for options to cut back on your auto premium, you don’t drive often or...
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Maybe you’ve outgrown your starter home or you’ve finally found the home of your dreams. When you’re ready to move somewhere new, make sure your home insurance moves with you. Here are five common questions about...
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Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry.Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many areas of the...
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As a busy homeowner, it is easy to fall into the trap of pushing off tasks that maintain the long-term value of your home in favor of more pressing problems. That’s OK, to a point, as certain house-cleaning projects should be in...
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If you’re like us, your life over the past several months has changed you in a lot of ways. But one experience seems to be universal: BOREDOM.Everything you can possibly do in your house has been done. You’ve played every...
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Clients often think they don’t need renters insurance — “Nothing I have is worth that much,” they’ll say, or “I don’t have a lot of stuff.”That’s how most people think of renter’s coverage: protection for stuff, and nothing more. After...
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Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry.Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many areas of the...
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Your favorite necklace, your prize portrait, your brand new laptop - these are a few of your favorite and most valuable things. But if you’re like most of us, you leave them lying around where anyone who has access to your home...
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You’ve officially been cooped up for months, probably in more ways than one. Now that winter is almost a memory, it’s time to get some sun. But what are you going to do? Just walking around in your yard isn’t exactly...
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More choices, less hassle, and just the right amount of protection. The right insurance is about more than choosing the right company. It's about selecting coverage that fits your specific needs. Brown Insurance Group, your local...
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You may be surprised to learn that some life insurance policies will pay you back while you’re living. For many, life insurance is a way to make sure their family would be OK financially if something were to happen to them, and...
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Potholes are one of the most common road hazards. It’s important for every driver to know how to avoid them, drive over them, report them and take care of their vehicle when damage happens. Here’s your guide to driving...
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If you’re like many Americans, you’ve been hit by a hefty dose of winter recently.Even if you aren’t used to snowstorms, heavy rains, or bitterly cold temperatures, you should keep a few things in mind to either...
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You know there are a few choices you’ll need to make when shopping for your next ride. But something you won’t compromise on? Car safety. And rightly so. Improved safety features on cars have dramatically lowered driving...
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If you asked homeowners to create a list of situations they hoped to never have to deal with at home, a sump pump failure would likely rank just underneath having a fire. Why? It’s a disaster. Typically, when a sump pump fails it...
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Safeco Insurance has recognized Brown Insurance Group, as a Safeco Elite Agent based upon outstanding performance and our commitment to serve customers as a trusted advisor. Fewer than 10% of independent insurance agencies that sell...
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"Adulting (verb) - acting like an adult or engaging in activities usually associated with adulthood, often responsible or boring tasks." - Grammar Girl If you’re a millennial, you know this definition all too well. You’ve...
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What you should know about flood insurance You’ve probably heard this horror story before — someone loses a home due to a flood and learns after the fact that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage....
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What You Need in an Emergency Kit You never know when a natural disaster is going to hit {city, state or the region} — or even just a big storm that knocks out the power for a few days. That’s why having an emergency kit...
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According to a 2019 study by Deloitte, U.S. households have an average of 11 devices connected to the internet. This not only includes computers and smartphones, but also toys, baby monitors and home security systems. While digital...
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The coldest part of the year is right around the corner. If you haven’t thought about how you will spend the long winter nights, now is the time to start. Even though some may dread the colder weather, don’t forget that you...
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If you’re like us, you might be scrambling for the perfect last-minute gifts. But what exactly makes for an ideal gift these days? A tricky question to be sure, but there are some products out there that are great for getting...
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No matter how your holiday plans have changed due to COVID-19, there is one festive pleasure that we can all still indulge in - decorating for the holidays! Whether you are hanging lights, setting up your tree, or renting a...
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About 2 million times every year, animals and cars collide on U.S. roadways — often causing serious and even fatal injuries to drivers and passengers, along with about $1 billion in damage. And these collisions spike in the fall...
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A lot has happened this year. As many begin preparing for 2021, some may decide to give a little back to those in need. If you’re used to volunteering in person, that may be unavailable right now. But you can still be involved...
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If you’re like us, you love Thanksgiving. The meal, the people, and the traditions all create one of the most enjoyable holidays. But you might also be worried about how to handle social distancing while enjoying your turkey. So...
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Electric space heaters can be used safely, but they are not the safest option for staying warm when the temperature drops. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters account for 43% of home heating...
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There are an estimated 300 million firearms in U.S. homes. And, with a lot of guns comes the potential for a lot of gun-related accidents. So, ask yourself these questions to help prevent your household from experiencing one. How...
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This time of year, trees put on quite a spectacular show in Northwest Indiana. Their leaves colored in yellow, orange, and red create impressive scenery. Unfortunately, as the season progresses, the once beautiful leaves turn your lawn...
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In a few weeks, kids in costumes will be roaming Northwest Indiana neighborhoods on a mission to fill their bags with goodies. While this is a fun tradition, it’s important to keep your home and yard safe so your Halloween...
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5 Tips to Help Prevent Tree Trouble Trees are pretty amazing things. They produce oxygen. They serve as natural air conditioners, both by blocking sunlight and through evaporation. And they even absorb sounds, helping to keep things...
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Taking inventory can help you determine the amount of coverage you need. Why should I complete a home inventoryYour furniture and appliances, clothing, sports or hobbyequipment, and electronic goods are all regarded aspersonal property...
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Transitioning seasons can be a difficult time in many people’s lives. It’s even more strenuous when going from warm, sunny temperatures to much darker, colder weather. In fact, the temperature isn’t the only thing...
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If you’re growing mold and mildew on your home’s siding, now’s a good time to clean it. If you’ve never done this before, you may not know where to start. Depending on the size of your home and the amount of...
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Many people have a limited definition of “distracted driving”: They think it only means texting behind the wheel. There’s good reason for that, because texting requires visual, manual and cognitive attention –...
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Home Security is Easier — and Better — Than Ever Think home security is still about bulky camera equipment and wires running all throughout your home? Think again. Today, things have changed quite a bit, and the playing...
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Brown Insurance Group is backed by a powerful partner that shares in our mission to safeguard livelihoods, bolster businesses and fortify communities. Introducing our partnership with The Keystone Insurers Group. We offer insurance...
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HAD AN ACCIDENT? Read below for great tips on what to do. IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT Call 911 if anyone is injured. Get names, addresses, phone numbers, makes of vehicles, and license numbers of all other drivers, passengers, and...
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Saving money on employee benefits while still attracting and retaining the best and the brightest is a must in today’s economy. The cost of providing benefits is rising significantly, while employees consistently seek more and...
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CREATE A LIFELINE THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME We know you can’t put a dollar amount on your family, but you can insure their future is protected. And though costs are a real concern for most people considering life insurance, it...
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STEEPED IN THE REGION IS BROWN INSURANCE GROUP - GOING BEYOND THE EXPECTED We’re your neighbors. We protect businesses and people we know and care about, and that means we always look for ways to protect you better, including...
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At Brown Insurance, we believe our success centers on our ability to identify and satisfy our client’s needs. We strive to establish long lasting relationships with you based on trust and our commitment to providing superior...
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The Brown Insurance Group of Highland, IN is an independent insurance agency that delivers a recognizable difference to our clients through innovative and cost effective insurance, risk management, human resources and employee benefit...
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As a business owner, you take calculated risks everyday in order keep your business thriving. But what about the risks you haven’t considered? Business insurance is an excellent way to allow you to concentrate on profit without...
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Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful information. (And...
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Carrying a minimum amount of auto insurance is required by state laws, so you can’t legally drive without it. Yet while the minimum amount keeps your premiums lower, it can also put you at great risk if you have an accident. And...
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Every year, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (not linked to fires) sends 20,000 people to the emergency room and causes more than 4,000 hospitalizations. And, you might consider them the fortunate ones. CO also is...
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You keep your home stocked with supplies to use in case of emergency. (Right?) What about your car? During winter, extreme weather and road conditions can lead to all kinds of trouble when you’re traveling — crashes,...
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I’m borrowing my friend’s car … am I covered? Most people have an idea of what’s covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at Brown Insurance Group, we get a lot of questions about...
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A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason why you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason why it should be insured. However, calling it...
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Insurance Tips for Millennials You keep your car filled up with gas so you don’t get stranded on the side of the road. And, your phone charged so your loved ones can reach you. But, what kind of safety measures do you have in...
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The Light Side of Home Security Leaving your lights on — is it really a good way to keep burglars away from your home, or can it actually attract them? Or, is it just a “good” way to increase your electricity bill? As...
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You mistakenly move into a lane without checking to see if a car is in the next lane or you pass a car without checking for oncoming traffic. The next thing you know, one of the top causes of car accidents has just taken place. What is...
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With 2019 just finishing up, you typically hear people say "new year, new me". For many people, a new year is a fresh start, a do-over of sorts, that motivates you to try something new or to recommit to those tasks you put on hold....
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Did you know? The top three days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year's Eve. Stay safe this holiday season with these home safety tips: Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not...
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Help deliver hope and hunger relief to our neighbors in need. Brown Insurance Group is holding a Food Drive and we need your help! We are collecting non-perishable items to provide critical meal assistance to individuals and families...
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You wake up on a cold winter morning, head into the bathroom or kitchen, turn the faucet and … a trickle. Or, nothing at all.You have a frozen pipe. What do you do now? Better yet, how do you avoid this messy, potentially...
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To My Dearest Brown Insurance Group, I've missed you this year but I'm back to play! I'll be staying again until Christmas Day. I look forward to reporting to Santa each night. And I hope there will be only clean desks, kindness and...
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An Independent Agent Explains: How Your Insurance May Play a Role in Black Friday Mishaps Scoring a bargain on Black Friday feels great. Not so great? Waiting in long lines. Getting into an altercation with another shopper. Fighting...
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Friday night patrons of Lakeshore Community Concerts enjoyed a Billboard charting quartet, Sons of Serendip. They won the hearts of the audience with great songs and unique blend of vocals, harp, piano and cello! It was indeed...
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Millions of Americans will be traveling this holiday season, and if it's anything like previous years, a lot of that travel will be on the road. Last year, AAA estimated that more than 100 million Americans were planning a trip of more...
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You just never know where you will find your clients! Recently attended the NWI Symphony Orchestra and the chorus as they entertained us with light classical and movie music intermingled with delicious cuisine. The evening concluded...
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Congratulations to our 2019 Munster Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest overall winner, Molly from St. Thomas More School. The contest was sponsored by the Choice Community Council/Munster Police Department (Munster, Indiana). Red Ribbon...
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Decluttering is having a moment these days. Organizing guru Marie Kondo has her own show on Netflix, people everywhere are going through their things and asking, “Does this bring me joy?” and many are even exploring the...
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Group riding is a favorite activity among many motorcycle riders. Whether you’re part of a riding club, a social event, a charity ride, or out for a leisurely cruise with friends, group riding can be a rewarding way to spend...
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Supporting Your Business with Years of Experience Every business is different, which is why we take the time to understand your unique needs. Brown Insurance Group is a leading commercial insurer with more than a century of experience....
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Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire that they will extinguish. There are five different fire extinguishers classifications. If the proper fire extinguisher class is not used there is a risk that the fire will not be...
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Unfortunately, data breaches and other cyber-crimes are becoming very common. In the past couple years, data breaches have resulted in major fines and legal fees – not to mention headaches – for a discount retail chain, one...
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Purchasing homeowner’s insurance is not only critical for protecting your home and personal property against any potential liability; if you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. What’s Covered A homeowner’s...
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More choices, less hassle, and just the right amount of protection. The right insurance is about more than choosing the right company. It's about selecting coverage that fits your specific needs. Brown Insurance Group, your local...
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You Have So Much Worth Protecting Umbrella insurance is the most valuable coverage you've probably never heard of. Yet it's highly likely you need it. And it isn't just for high earners. It's for everyone, especially if you: Own a car...
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We’re not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven’t noticed, it’s already time to think about the new school year. And as you think about how to get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing...
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Umbrella Insurance Life is unpredictable. Of course, you already know this. But have you considered all the risks you currently face? Distracted drivers. People using social media to expose others' dirty laundry. Teen drivers, carpools...
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As much as you’ve been waiting for this moment, you’ve been dreading it, too: your teen has passed the state driving test and is now an officially licensed driver. You no longer have to taxi him or her to school, to...
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What Drivers Need To Know About Motorcycles Summer is here, which means you'll likely see more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is "see." People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them,...
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ERRORS AND OMISSIONS INSURANCE Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance has many names. For some healthcare professionals, it’s called malpractice insurance. For lawyers, it may be called professional liability insurance. Whatever...
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A BRIEF GUIDE TO CONDO INSURANCE The ownership structure of a condominium unit is different from that of a single family house. Here’s what you need to know when purchasing insurance for your condo.¹ Understand the Master...
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INSURING YOUR BUSINESS AGAINST CYBER LIABILITY One study found that 43% of cyber-attacks target small business, and 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber-attack.¹ Business owners are also required...
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THE ABC’S OF AUTO INSURANCE The questions around auto insurance center not so much on whether to have it—it’s mandated by state law, required by your lender, and serves to protect your assets—but what kind of...
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INSURANCE NEEDS ASSESSMENT: WHEN YOU'RE NEWLY MARRIED Marriage changes everything, including insurance needs. Newly married couples should consider a comprehensive review of their current individual insurance coverage to determine if...
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Summer is almost here, which means you’ll likely see more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is “see.” People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because...
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UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE Universal life insurance is permanent life insurance — that is, it remains in force for your whole life. But universal life insurance has an important difference from other types of permanent insurance:...
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Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life. However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or a fire or some other...
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Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters. All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying—they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills. The U.S....
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You’re not just imagining it—a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days. According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and 52%...
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Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up—whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it's almost certainly going to require time and money...
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Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now—as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. That's why we recommend...
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For many of our neighbors, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard - often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from...
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Crunch. Uh-oh... it's the unmistakable sound of a fender-bender. When a car rear-ends you in a parking lot, there's a lot that races through your mind... including, "How much is this going to cost?" Unfortunately, with today's...
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If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone with a boat), you've probably thought about spending some evenings on the water — especially in the summertime. It's a great thought, of course. But, when...
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Summer's almost here. The sun will come out of hiding, and people will, too. As crowds swell at the beach, in parks, and even on roadways, it all makes for some challenging driving conditions. More people are out and about, whether on...
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As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home isn't something you use daily. And it isn't something flashy you show off to friends. It's your homeowners insurance policy, and it protects you in more ways than you may...
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You probably don't think your dog would ever bite someone, let alone cause a serious injury. But dog bites are more common than you might realize—4.5 million occur every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease...
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Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of people in the U.S. die from carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning—and the invisible, odorless gas sickens thousands more. The numbers seem even more...
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A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason it should be insured. However, calling it "jewelry...
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You've heard all the talk about driverless cars — but unfortunately, we're still years away from living in a world where you just tell your car where to go, kick back and relax with a book (or, more likely, your phone). But even...
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