Summer time means barbecues and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, some BBQs end badly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 10 people will die, 100 will be injured and $37 million in damages will occur during the 5,700 grill fires that take place every year. Many people will also be burned, some severely, by grill fires. […]
Trees fall for all kinds of reasons. Severe weather, construction or just old age can topple a tree and if one of your trees hits your neighbor’s house, car or other property, you can be held liable. Whether you are responsible or not often depends on why the tree fell in the first place. Legally, […]
Tucked away in your mortgage, hidden in the small print, is a little surprise that could cost you big, but only if you fail to keep your homeowners insurance premiums up to date. Every mortgage ever written specifies that the homeowner must carry homeowners coverage in certain dollar amounts. In most cases the house must […]
Spring and summer are big moving seasons. The weather is warming up, the sun is out, and you have decided to find a new address. When researching a new city or town it is important that you understand what living in your perfect location will truly cost. While renting an apartment or buying a house […]
On April 1st, the National Flood Insurance Program started issuing new rates on personal flood insurance policies and premiums are headed up for most homeowners The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in charge of managing the program and claims the premium increases are necessary to get the program back on solid footing. The program […]
Spring has sprung and when the snow starts to melt and the flowers start to bloom, homeowners often start thinking about how to improve their home. While many homeowners prefer to do the work themselves, some jobs are just too big and then its time to bring in the experts. If you are hiring a […]
Here is an often overlooked fact of a typical homeowners policy: Liability coverage is typically capped at $100,000. While it is possible to up your coverage levels to $500,000, few people do it. Even at $500,000, a serious accident on your property will quickly exceed your limits, which is why you may want to consider […]
In the last couple of years the cost of homeowners insurance has been going up for just about everyone. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that nationwide, premiums jumped up 7.6 percent in 2011 and another 5.7 percent in 2012. This translates into a $137 bump in just two years. Where You Live […]
In the event of a major burglary, fire, flood or other disaster that severely damages your home, one of the first thoughts that will probably go through your head is about your insurance policy. You assume you are covered, call your agent, file a claim, only to get a letter in the mail a few […]
You scoured the market and found the perfect house for you and your family. Your offer was accepted and it’s finally closing day. The last step in purchasing a house can be complicated and is a process you should go into with open eyes and complete understanding. One of the more confusing aspects of a […]