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Insurance can be a complicated purchase. You’re not buying bread or milk. You’re buying a promise of protection that could potentially make or break your financial well-being. How do you know that you’re making the right choices about coverage? Are you sure you’re getting the best possible value for your dollar? The options can seem bewildering.

Paschall Insurance Group is a trusted, local Independent Agency with over 100 years of insurance experience under one roof. We have seen first-hand how our advice and advocacy benefits our policyholders. Here are a few reasons why we believe the independent agency experience benefits you:

1. CHOICE– Independent agents represent many different insurance companies that offer a wide variety of coverage options and price points. Most on average sell for dozens of different insurance companies. There is no need for you to accept one quote from one company, and there is no need for you to spend time filling out many different online applications to get your own quote comparisons. With their connections and their knowledge of the market, independent agents can often find a better value for your insurance dollar than you might find searching on your own.  Independent agents do the shopping. You do the saving. They find you the right blend of price, coverage, and service.
2. LICENSED EXPERTS – Independent agents can explain the complexities of insurance in simple terms, helping you make smart decisions. They make a career out of assessing their customers’ insurance needs and matching them with the insurance carrier best equipped to meet those needs at a price the customer can afford. Think about it. While you might research wording for wills on the Internet, you’ll likely go to an attorney to ensure that the document is drawn up correctly. Why wouldn’t you seek the advice of a licensed insurance professional to be certain that your home, your auto, or your business is properly protected?
3. PERSONAL ADVISORS – Agents not only find you competitive pricing, they make sure you are adequately covered. Working with you face-to-face, your agent becomes your personal advisor, taking the time to listen to you and understand your individual needs. They know it’s not just about finding a price you can afford; it’s also about making certain you are appropriately covered so that you don’t end up insurance-poor if you do suffer a loss.
4. ADVOCATE – If you have a billing or claim concern, or need to change your coverage, your independent agent will be your advocate, working with the insurance company on your behalf.
5. ACCESSIBLE – Independent agents are your neighbors…they share your interest in the community where you live, and understand the benefits and challenges of living in your locale. They are often highly involved in the community, sponsoring youth sports teams, buying from your local businesses, supporting school organizations, and voicing opinions at the monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting. They are right around the corner, ready to help.
6. ONE-STOP SHOPPING – Independent agents can often meet all of your insurance needs with the companies they represent, providing auto, home, renter’s, and business coverage.
7. PERSONAL CONSULTANTS – Independent agents periodically review your coverage. They are there to help you through all the changes in your life, whether you’re going from renting an apartment to buying a home, starting a business, getting married, renovating your home, adding a teen driver to your auto policy, or looking to cover that retirement condo.
8. PROTECTION & PEACE OF MIND – Above all, working with an independent insurance agent will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that when you save money on your insurance, it won’t come at the expense of comprehensive coverage. When it comes to protecting your home, family, business and other invaluable assets, relying on an independent agent you can trust is a great place to start.

With school back in session and daily routines getting back to normal, families are beginning again to cook at home more.  With this being the case, we thought we would share some Cooking Fire Safety measures with you.

Cooking has long been and continues to be the most common cause of home structure fires and home fire-related injuries. Whether preparing for a family dinner or a quick snack, practicing safe cooking behaviors can help keep you and your family safe.

• Never leave your range or cooktop unattended while cooking. If you have to leave the room, turn your range or cooktop off.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves. Loose clothing can hang down onto hot surfaces and can catch fire if it comes in contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
• Keep your cooking area clean and free of combustible materials. Food wrappers, oven mitts or other materials left on or near the stove may catch fire.
• Be sure to clean up any spilled or splattered grease. Built-up grease can catch fire in the oven or on the cooktop.
• Keep a fire extinguisher readily available. Having an extinguisher nearby is important, but you also need to have the correct type of extinguisher and know how to properly use it.
• Never throw hot grease in the garbage as it can ignite combustible materials. Be sure to let grease cool and dispose of it in an old can, such as a metal coffee can.
• Do not store food or other items in your oven. It can be easy to forget there is an item in your oven, and this could catch fire while preheating.

What to Do If a Cooking Fire Flares Up

By exercising caution at all times in your kitchen, you can help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire. But if a fire does flare up, you need to be prepared.

• Your safety should always come first. If you are unsure about whether it is safe to fight the fire, leave the scene, call 911 for help, and let the fire department control the fire.
• If a small fire flares up and you are going to attempt to extinguish it, call 911 for help first. A fire may grow out of control more quickly than you anticipate. It is safer to have help already on the way.
• Smother a grease fire – never throw water on a grease fire. The super-heated water can change to steam, and can cause severe burns. Oil also can splash and spread the fire. If a grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding the lid – while wearing an oven mitt – over the pan. If safe to do so, turn off the heat source. Do not move the pan, and keep the lid on until the fire is out and the pan is completely cool.
• If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed and turn off the heat source. Keeping the door closed will help smother the flames. Do not open the door until the flames are completely out.
• If a fire starts in your microwave, turn off the microwave and do not open it until the fire is completely out. Unplug the microwave only if you can safely do so.

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 you're boating after dark, you need to think about staying safe, even as you enjoy the stillness of the water and the starry sky.

Here are seven things to keep in mind, both before you hit the water and once you're out cruising around:

1. Have a plan — and tools to help if it goes wrong.
   Don't go boating at night in an unfamiliar place. You can't see as well, obviously, so stick to where you know the ropes, so to speak. And because things look different in the dark, make sure you have the correct navigational tools in case you get lost.
2. Share your plan.
   Always give a friend or family member your "float plan." Include where you're going, your boat's description and registration information, who's with you and when you'll be back.
3. Check – and dress for – the weather.
   On top of the other difficulties of boating at night, you don't want to get caught in a storm if you can help it. And you want to be comfortable, so be sure to bring clothing appropriate for the forecast. A sweatshirt, blanket and extra towels may come in handy, even in the summertime.
4. Do a pre-trip inspection.
   This is good advice for daytime boating as well, but at night it's crucial that your navigation lights work, for starters. You also need a horn, plenty of fuel, a radio, a flashlight, flares, fire extinguishers and life jackets for all passengers.
5. Slow down.
   Speed is a factor in many boating accidents, and the limited visibility at night makes the water even more dangerous. Remember, you aren't going to be the only one on the water at night, so know the right-of-way rules.
6. Pay attention.
   Know how to monitor the navigation lights of other vessels to recognize which direction they are going. Be particularly cautious about small vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, as well as anchored or drifting boats. Their lights can be easily confused with lights onshore.
7. Don't get distracted — or drunk.
   It's never okay to drink and operate a boat, so be sure you have a designated driver. And, though you're out there to have fun, make sure you can still hear the sounds from approaching vessels. Keep the stereo low and your ears open.

While these tips are important, there's nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage. If you're a new boater or just in an unfamiliar vessel, you may want to put in more hours during the day before tackling an area at night. Even then, start with short evening outings and work your way up to a moonlight ride. And don't forget to turn on the lights at the dock before you go!

Safeco Insurance has recognized Paschall 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 Safeco personal lines products receive this distinguished honor.

At Paschall Insurance Group, we are pleased to be among the top agencies in the country!

As a Safeco Elite Agent, Paschall Insurance Group will receive access to special resources and programs that will support us in serving our customers even better with expert advice.

We strive to provide our customers with trusted guidance, so this Safeco honor makes us extremely proud.