News
Were you one of the lucky ones that got a new piece of jewelry for Christmas? This new gem can bring some sparkle into your life and you want to make sure to always keep it that way!
You want to ensure that in an event of a burglary, or worse a fire or other disaster that you have enough insurance to replace your jewelry.
Here is how it works: Homeowners policies typically only cover valuable items such as jewelry and watches up to a specific amount. For example, if your limit is $5,000, but you have a $15,000 diamond ring, you'd be on the hook for an extra $10,000 in order to replace it. There might be other issues as well, such as whether your policy covers each individual piece of jewelry at a set amount, or provides coverage for your collection as a whole.
This all might sound complicated, but it's really not—especially when you work with an independent agent who can explain your options and make sure you get the right coverage. No matter how you buy your insurance, though, below are a few things you'll want to consider.
- Do you need more coverage? Look at your policy language, or ask your agent to explain your coverage. Do you have one or two expensive pieces, or a number of smaller items that when added together exceed your limits? You probably need to purchase additional protection.
- What kind of coverage should you get? This depends on your lifestyle. You may want to consider whether items are covered no matter where they are (such as if you travel internationally). You'll also want to ask about actual cash value versus replacement value, and if you would be required to actually replace the jewelry in the event of a loss or if you could just keep the cash payment.
- Do you need an appraisal? In some instances, an insurance company will require you to get a piece appraised to determine its value.
- Do you have items with mainly sentimental value, or ones that are irreplaceable? If so, you might not need to purchase any additional insurance at all. But we recommend talking to your agent before making that decision.
- Do you have the ability to increase your deductible? Usually, a higher deductible means a lower premium—so that's an option to potentially offset part or all of the cost of increased coverage for your jewelry.
- Do you have pictures? This doesn't necessarily have to do with your insurance, but jewelers often are able to recreate lost or stolen pieces with the help of a photo.
Whatever you choose to do, remember that you play an important role in keeping your jewelry protected, too: Be sure to store it securely, whether in a safe at home or a safe-deposit box at a different location. After all, having the right coverage is great—but it's even better when those special pieces stay with you and your family for years to come.
The holiday season is a time of celebration, not catastrophe. Do not let a fire ruin your festivities. Stay safe with these top tips:
1. Make sure all decorative lights are set-up and functioning properly. Remember to unplug and turn off your lights when you are away from home.
2. Keep your tree away from a fireplace or burning candles. Pick a clear place in your home to set-up the tree.
3. Dispose of your tree properly and safely. Christmas trees are extremely flammable when dry.
4. Do not leave cooking food unattended. Always turn off the oven or gas/electric burners when you are away from home or sleeping.
5. Never leave a candle burning when you are away or asleep. Do not place candles close to anything flammable (including papers, clothes or your Christmas tree).
6. As a precaution, have a fire safety and escape plan in place.
As much precaution as we take, sometimes disasters are unavoidable and you want to make for certain that you are equipped to handle any scenario if necessary.
Here are also a few home insurance tips:
1. Review and understand your insurance coverage.
2. Insure valuable gifts. Valuable gifts like diamond jewelry and antiques might not be covered under a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy. You must purchase an "endorsement" or separate coverage for these items.
3. Conduct a holiday home inventory. Make sure to note all valuables.
4. Keep all gift receipts. In the case of a fire or theft this might be your only proof of ownership.
Paschall Insurance Group wants to "INSURE" you have a very Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
Even though we are still in the fall season, the winter temperatures we have been experiencing are telling us otherwise. If you haven't yet winterized your home, now is the time. Click here to follow the checklist that will give you an overview of winterizing various systems of your home. From plumbing to the roof, it will walk you through each system and hit the major things to take care of before winter, so you can enjoy whatever the season brings and not worry about your home.
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:
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
