Tips for Insuring Your High Value Jewelry

Christmas is a popular time for new jewelry purchases.  Between engagements, holidays, and all of those jewelry sales, it seems like everyone has a few new trinkets by the time January rolls around.

If you’re investing in a new ring or receiving any special jewelry, then there are a few things you need to know about jewelry insurance!  Let me help….

Jewelry is part of the Contents coverage on your Home or Renters policy.  It is covered on a basic level, but it’s usually not enough coverage if you have several nice pieces.  (This varies by policy so call us to find out exactly how much coverage you have.)

But there is a special coverage you can ADD to your policy to insure each piece of jewelry!  It’s called “scheduled personal property”.

You simply send us a copy of the appraisal (sometime’s a receipt will work too) and we can tell you exactly how much it will cost to insure it.  Many times it’s less than $20-30 per year!  (It really depends upon the value.)

We can also discuss how this coverage protects you if you lose the jewelry and if you’ll still owe a deductible.

Even if you don’t want to insure each piece of jewelry you own, you can still increase your overall jewelry coverage to make sure that there is enough to protect your collection.  You will still want to add photos, descriptions, and appraisals or receipts to your Home Inventory!

The holiday season is a magical time!  Make sure that your beautiful gifts are protected.  Call us today to get started! 

 

 Dawn Johnson and Jerilyn DiCanio are licensed agents at van den Heuvel & Fountain in Augusta, NJ.  Contact them today for a no obligation quote on your home insurance at 973-948-3200.

Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December Home Maintenance Tasks

Every month, we share easy tasks you can do to keep you home in tip-top shape all year long. So as we wind down 2014, here are a few simple tasks you can take on in December!

·       Replace all of your home’s air filters to keep them working efficiently.

·       Check all faucets and pipes for leaks.

·       Remove drain covers and clear the drain of any gunk.  Consider running baking soda and vinegar down the drain to clean it too.  This small task could prevent a slow backed up drain later.

·       Replace water filters in your refrigerator or faucet to keep water tasting fresh.

·       Check drainage around the house and gutters, especially during winter weather.

·       Check car tires for tread wear and have tires rotated.  Are your tires ready for ice or snow?

·       Save on Home Insurance - Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting your home and belongings.

To make sure you have the very best coverage (and the most affordable rate), call us today for a free, no obligation quote.

 

Dawn Johnson and Jerilyn DiCanio are licensed agents at van den Heuvel & Fountain in Augusta, NJ.  Contact them today for a no obligation quote on your home insurance at 973-948-3200.

Halloween Insurance Tips

It's October and that means that Halloween is on its way!  We love any excuse to celebrate around the office. However, I wouldn't be a good insurance agent if I didn't give a few good liability insurance tips too.

You've heard most Halloween advice over and over.

 

Pack a flashlight for when it gets dark.

Put reflective tape on children's costumes.

Check the kid's candy before letting them eat any.

But what about the risks at your home?

Your Homeowners Insurance covers you if someone is injured on your property. But there are a few things you can do to prevent accidents before they happen!

1. Change your lightbulbs. Is your porch light burned out? What about lights along sidewalks? Good lightning will help prevent children (and adults) from tripping.

2. Clear hazards. Tree limbs in your yard? A hole you've been meaning to fill? These are all potential hazards that could cause an injury and subject you to a liability claim. Clean them up before you have people trick-or-treating at your home!

3. No open flames. While candle filled pumpkins are fun to make, they can be dangerous too. If you use any open flame candles, make sure they are up high and away from any loose costume pieces.

And the easiest way to protect yourself? Make sure you have plenty of liability insurance! Call us today to schedule a free review and detailed explanation of how we can keep your home and family protected.

October is Fire Prevention Month

October is officially Fire Prevention Month. As your insurance agency, this is an issue that is very important to us! Unfortunately, we've seen clients suffer from home fires, and we want to share some things you can do to prevent a disaster.

Beyond basic fire prevention, like checking electrical cords and not leaving a pot unattended on the stove, there are several important things to do with your children or grandchildren to make sure they're safe.

First, create a PLAN. When children know what to expect, they can remain calm, even during an emergency. Help your child know exactly what to do if a fire occurs.

Stress the importance of getting out of the house and to your family meeting spot. Choose an area a safe distance from the house where children should go if making a fire escape. It could be a street light, mailbox, or neighbor's tree.

If you have pets, tell your kids that your pets will find their own way out safely and that they should never go back to rescue the pet on their own.

As a family, go through each room of the house and discuss TWO different ways to get out if a fire occurs. Let children practice opening a latch and unlocking doors too.

Now host a fire drill! Make the practice drills fun and informative. Create sample scenarios and build up your kid's confidence. They'll be better prepared for a fire and you will too!

When it comes to any sort of emergency situation, people are what matter most. Take precautions to protect your loved ones and let your professional insurance agents take care of protecting your home and belongings! Call us for a free quote on your  homeowner's Insurance today!

October Home Maintenance Tasks

Every month, we share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all year long. So here are a few simple tasks you can take on in October!

Pack Away The Air Conditioner - If you use a seasonal air conditioning unit, then now is the time to pack it up for winter! Make sure to spend a few extra minutes cleaning all the filters and coils well. It will keep the unit in great shape and it will last much longer.

Winterize External Plumbing Systems - It's much better to prepare for freezing temperatures before it's freezing! Winterize all exposed outdoor pipes and you'll avoid the trouble when there is snow or ice on the ground.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector - This is an important one! October is a great time to check your carbon monoxide detector to make sure it is performing well. Change the batteries, test it, and replace older units.

Clean Up For Halloween - Trick-or-treating can be a liability hazard! Clean up any loose tree limbs, fill holes in the yard, and remove any fire hazard Halloween decorations before kids are running to your door.

Save on Home Insurance - Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting your belongings. To make sure you have the best coverage, call us today for a free, no obligation quote.

Life Insurance is Affordable

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month.  You’ll probably see TV commercials and magazine articles talking about why this coverage is so important all month long. And you probably already know it’s important. But that doesn’t mean that you’ve got your policy set up yet!

The Life Foundation says that only 62% of people who believe they need life insurance, actually have it. And even those that have it only carry enough to replace their income for 3.6 years. If you have young children to support, that is simply not enough time!  And if you're skipping life coverage all together, then you are putting your family at risk.

So why do people wait too long to purchase life insurance? Well, the Life Foundation also says that 86% of Americans say they haven't purchased it because it's "too expensive,” yet overestimate the cost by more than 2X!

Life Insurance rates are based on a number of factors, including age, health conditions, and smoking status. By not smoking and purchasing when you're younger, you can save substantial money. In fact, many term life policies are less than $30 per month!

Here’s what we recommend...call the office and set up an appointment with one of our life insurance specialists. Bring information on your annual income, as well as any debts (like your mortgage). We’ll give an accurate picture of how much coverage you need as well as different ways to make it affordable

Don’t wait another minute! Call us today to set up an appointment.

August Home Maintenance Tasks

Every month, we share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all year long.  In August, we still have warm temperatures and a few hot summer days left to enjoy.  So what can you do this month for your home?

Get Rid Of Allergens - Many people suffer from allergies due to dust mites.  But there are ways to rid your home of the dust without spending all day cleaning.

Look for where dust lurks.  Use a damp cloth to clean all window blinds and fan blades

once a month. If you have carpet, make it a priority to vacuum on a regular basis.  These things will get rid of dust and prevent allergies.

Clean The Grill - After a summer of heavy use, make sure your grill is still in good shape. Heat it up for 10-15 minutes to burn off any residue and then scrub the grill with a wire brush.  Start looking for a grill cover to keep it protected through the winter.

Plan A Fun Labor Day Weekend - Okay this isn't a home maintenance item, but it's still fun!  Labor Day weekend is only a few weeks away.  Why not schedule a cookout or party with family and friends?  

Save on Home Insurance -  If we don't currently insure your home, call us for a quote today. We'll look for every possible discount without sacrificing important coverage. Great insurance coverage is the best protection you can have!

What is Rental Reimbursement Coverage (And Do You Really Need It)?

As you look through your auto policy documents, you might have seen a coverage called Rental Reimbursement.  What is this?  And do you REALLY need it?

Basically Rental Reimbursement coverage is there to help you when your car is unavailable due to a covered claim.

Let’s say that you had a fender bender and your car is in the shop for a few days getting a new bumper.  Or after a major storm, you’ve got hail damage that needs to be repaired.

While the car is being repaired, what will you drive?

That’s where Rental coverage comes into play.  With this coverage, the insurance company will pay a certain amount per day (based on your policy) towards a rental car. That way, you’re not inconvenienced while the repairs are being made.

We highly recommend that you have this coverage, however there are a few situations where it might not be necessary.

If you own multiple vehicles and could easily drive another while your car is in the shop, you may not need rental coverage.  And if you rarely drive your vehicle, don’t have a job that requires you to drive daily, and could easily stay home for a week and walk where you need to go, you may not need rental coverage either.

If you’re not sure what’s best for you, then give us a call to discuss exactly how much the coverage will cost you each month and what different levels are available.  We look forward to helping you choose the right insurance coverage!

June Home Maintenance Tips

When summer arrives, many people leave the day-to-day routine behind and go on vacation in June.  Hopefully you're planning a trip sometime soon too!

But what do you need to know before you hit the road? Consider these special situations:

Rental Cars  - If you choose to rent a car, make sure you understand how your insurance works. A rental car company will want to sell you special coverage to cover the car while you are driving it. The insurance will cost you a certain amount extra each day. But did you know that your current insurance will typically also cover you at no additional cost?

However, if you have a claim filed on your current policy, your rates could go up in the future.  And rental car companies could file a claim for very minor damage.

Obviously it is a risk either way, but make sure you know your options. And please contact us BEFORE renting a car to find out what is specifically covered on your policy.

Hosting A Barbecue  - It's always fun to throw a summer barbecue. It's even more fun when you aren't worried about your insurance! Your homeowners and renters insurance covers you if someone is injured on your property due to your negligence. That means that if they trip on a step, fall on the patio, or cut their hand on a glass, you don't have to worry.

But, as always, you need to discuss this with your agent and go over exactly what coverage you have. If you have a lot of assets, then you might need additional liability coverage too.

Notice a pattern here? The general rule is that you need a personal insurance agent who is looking out for your particular needs! There is not a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to protecting your family and your belongings.  Take just 5 minutes to give us a call today to discuss your policy!

Don't Leave Home for Vacation Without Doing This....

Ready to head out of town on vacation?  Temperatures are climbing, school is ending, and everyone is eager for a break.  But there are a few things to keep in mind before you leave town in order to keep your possessions protected.

 

Don’t Advertise That You’ll Be Out Of Town

Think about the things that happen around your home on a daily basis, so that your home doesn’t look empty when you leave.

First, contact the Post Office (and the newspaper) and put your services on hold.  A full mailbox and a driveway full of newspapers are a sign to thieves that you’re an easy target!

Can you put a few lights on a timer so that your home isn’t dark all night?  Even leaving on a few lamps will help.  Motion sensitive lights on your porch and driveway are a great idea too!

Do you have a neighbor that you trust?  Let them know of your plans, share your contact number, and consider leaving a spare key just in case.

What if a severe thunderstorm hits while you’re out of town?  It could knock out power or even cause a tree in your yard to fall.  Your neighbor can make sure that your freezer is back on when the power restores or verify that there aren’t any leaks in the roof from the storm damage!  This can help prevent some bad surprises when you get home.

 

When You’re On The Road

The biggest tip I share with my clients is to avoid leaving valuables in the car!

Many people believe that their belongings are covered by car insurance, but that is not the case.  The only coverage for your luggage and computer would be on your Homeowners Insurance and it’s subject to your deductible.

Also, most policies offer coverage for road side assistance and towing.  This can be invaluable when you are stranded (or accidentally lock your keys in the car in an unfamiliar town).  This coverage is inexpensive and quick to add to your policy.

Have questions about your insurance before your next trip?  Give us a call anytime to discuss your policy or to get a quote!

The Biggest Risk To Your Home (And How To Prevent It)

Most people think the biggest risk to their home is a fire or a bad storm.  It’s why they buy insurance (and the fact it’s required by their mortgage lender). 

But in reality, the biggest concern is protecting your assets from a liability claim. Consider this...

Warm weather has arrived and everyone is beginning their yard work. Mowing, planting flowers, and digging those vegetable gardens. There is a lot of work to be done.

So let's say that you dig a large hole in the front yard so you can plant a new tree. You walk away for a moment and while you're gone the kid next door runs through the yard, falls in the hole, and breaks his ankle.

Unfortunately, you could be held responsible for his injury. But not to worry, your homeowner's liability insurance is made for these kind of situations. It will pay if someone is injured on your property. It's also the coverage that protects you if the dog bites your child's friend (as long as it's not a restricted breed) or if your cousin falls down your front steps.

If you have a large number of assets, then you'll want higher liability coverage. If the injury exceeds your liability coverage amount, then you could be sued for the difference. Work with us to determine the amount of coverage that you are comfortable carrying.

No one can protect themselves by just being careful alone. There are too many possible scenarios that you could never avoid. But with the right insurance coverage, you'll never have to worry.

Call us today for a free review and to discuss how much liability coverage you need. 

Insuring Your RV, Boats and Summer Fun

Summer is on its way.  Before we know it there will be Memorial Day barbecues and long weekends at the lake.

That's why now is a great time to review insurance coverage on all of your summer toys. Read below for things to consider (and review with us) before the big items come out of winter storage.

RV - Your motorhome or travel trailer needs insurance coverage, especially if you'll be driving or pulling it this year.  Even if you don't have a loan on your RV, you will want it covered for theft or damage.  Whether they are parked on a lake lot for the season or driving cross country, we offer several RV policies to fit your needs.  Just call us for a quote.

Boat - The same thing goes for your boats and jet skis.  You've made a big investment and it's important to protect them.  Not only should you worry about damage to your boat, but also make sure you have the proper amount of liability coverage.  Don’t forget your life jackets!

Motorcycle - Ready to hit the road for a long drive?  Remember to brush up on your safety skills and always wear a helmet.  Don’t forget to make sure your motorcycle has liability coverage just like your vehicle!  We can help you determine what coverage you need.

Swimming Pool - If you own a pool, then you need extra liability coverage including a Personal Umbrella Policy.  Why?  Because there is a lot more risk of someone being injured when you have a pool.  Don’t skimp on your coverage and make sure you have the pool area secured and safe.

Summer is a lot more fun when you know that your high price recreational items are properly insured and protected.  Take 15 minutes to call us for a quote or to review your current coverage.

Discounts...Are You Getting Them?

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month. But a lot of people are missing out on them!  With a little documentation, you could see great savings.

• Security Discounts - Does your home have a security system or fire protection system? Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

• Driver Training & Defensive Driving - Did your child take Driver’s Ed?  Did you take a Defensive Driving course?  These classes will typically qualify for discounts!  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy.

• Teenage Driver With Good Grades - Good grades will help you save!  Some of our policies offer a discount for students who maintain a high GPA.  Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy.

• Payment Discounts - There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

• Multi-Policy Discounts - When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more!  If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate.  You’ll be better protected (with less gaps in coverage) and save money!

The key?  Talk to your agent!  When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price.  Call today to schedule an appointment.

Are You Prepared For a Flood?

March is the time of year when we talk about severe weather.  That can mean hail, tornados, and even floods!

Flood safety is extremely important. That’s why it’s a good idea to review these basic flood safety tips, provided by Ready.gov, with your children every year.

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

·         Listen to the radio or television for information.

·         Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

·         Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you need to evacuate:

·         Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

·         Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

·         Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, when water is not moivng or not more than a few inches deep. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.  If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.

·         Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

With a little bit of preparation, you can keep your family safe!  Review these tips for flood safety and contact us if you have questions about flood insurance coverage.

March Home Maintenance Tips

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected?  Read below to find out!

• Change Batteries In Smoke Detectors - When the time changes, it’s a great idea to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This way you always know that they are working and in good order!  The spring time change this year is on Sunday March 8th.   

• Make A Severe Weather Plan - Designate a safe place in your home in case of bad weather.  Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight and batteries too!Check Your Credit Report - March is Credit Education Month.  When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate?  If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.com and order a free copy today. 

• Review Your Insurance Discounts - Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for? Call us to review your policy and see if there are any changes that need to be made.

And as always, give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance with auto,

home, business, or life insurance. 

February Home Maintenance Tasks

Each month in 2015, we’ll be sharing a short list of tasks that you can do to help take care of your home, vehicle, and family.  Consider them a helpful reminder of what needs to get accomplished throughout the month to keep your important items protected.

Here’s what’s on the list for February:

Purchase A Fire Extinguisher - If you don’t have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, now is the time to get at least one.  Plan a family meeting and teach everyone in the household when and how to use it.  It’s an easy way to prevent a small kitchen fire from getting out of hand. 

Schedule High-Value Jewelry On Your Insurance Policy - Did your Valentine surprise you with a new piece of jewelry?  Make sure it’s covered!  While your Homeowners or Renters policy will cover jewelry, there are some limitations.  Get an appraisal and bring it in so we can discuss the best course of action.  (This also applies to artwork, guns, and other collectibles or antiques.)   

Seal Up Drafty Windows - Feel cool air blowing in around windows or doors?  Seal them up now!  You’ll be glad you did when those summer air conditioning bills arrive. 

Newlywed Insurance Review - Did you get married this month?  Call us to schedule a newlywed insurance review!  We’ll look at your individual policies and discuss how best to combine them for your new household.   

Show The Love! - There is no better way to show your family how much you love them, then with the proper amount of life insurance!  We can give you a quote on an affordable term policy and help you get this important coverage in place quickly. 

We LOVE our clients!  Let us know if we can assist you in any way with your auto, home, business, or life insurance. 

Ask Your Insurance Agent: Are Items In My Car Covered?

Today I’m answering a question I hear all the time - “Are my personal belongings covered if someone breaks into my car?”

Unfortunately, they typically are NOT covered!  Your auto insurance covers your car from damage and accidents, but not the items inside from theft.

But there are still ways to protect yourself.  First, and most obvious, avoid keeping high- ticket items in your car in the first place.  This includes things like your laptop, iPad, purse, etc. 

If you’re out shopping, keep your doors locked and lock most items away in the trunk. 

But this isn’t always possible.  And so you also want to make sure you’re covered by carrying Renters or Homeowners insurance for your personal belongings.  These policies include a certain amount of coverage for property off premises.  These are subject to your deductible so make sure to discuss with your agent to see what kind of coverage you have currently. 

With a little bit of prevention and great insurance, you’ve won’t have to worry about items being stolen from your car.  Have questions?  Give us a call at 973-948-3200 to discuss them anytime! 

January Home Maintenance Tasks

Each month in 2014, we’ll be sharing a short list of tasks that you can do to help take care of your home, vehicle, and family.  Consider them a helpful reminder of what needs to get accomplished throughout the month to keep your important items protected.

Here’s what’s on the list for January:

Make A Home Inventory - January is all about getting organized, right?  So what better time to document what you own in case you were to suffer a serious insurance loss (like a fire).  Grab your cell phone and make a short video of each room in your home, focusing on big ticket items.  Many times, it’s difficult for our clients to remember every little possession after the shock of a large claim.  You’ll be glad you took the time to make the videos if you ever need them.

Deep Clean Your Dryer Vent - A large percentage of home fires begin in the clothes dryer!  Lint builds up in the vent and hose which can spark a fire.  Unhook the hose and vacuum the area well on a regular basis to keep your home protected.

Organize Your Warranties - Do you have a big pile of warranties, product documents, and receipts stuffed in your desk drawer?  Do you even own those items anymore?  These days, many owners manuals can be found online without taking up valuable drawer storage.  Also consider scanning and keeping a digital file of your receipts and warranties for easy storage and retrieval if needed.

Check Your Circuit Breakers - How often do you actually look in the breaker box?  Open it up and make sure the labels are correct and readable.  Also stash a spare flashlight (with working batteries) close by in case of a power outage.

Gather Your Tax Documents - It won’t be long until you’re filing your 2014 taxes.  Start gathering up all the documents you or your accountant will need. Need a copy of your insurance policies or premiums?  Call us at 973-948-3200 and we’ll be happy to help! 

Know Your Deductibles - When was the last time you reviewed your deductibles?  This is what you would pay out of pocket in the event of an insurance claim.  It’s a good idea to keep this amount in your savings account so it’s available when you need it.  Feel free to give us a call to review all of your insurance policies in detail.

January is a great time to get organized for the new year!  Let us know if we can help in any way!

 

Happy New Year!

Your Insurance Resolutions

 

2015 has arrived!  And with it come resolutions and goals for a fresh start over the coming months. 

If one of your resolutions for this year was to get organized, then here are some tips on how to get financially “fit” in 2015!  At least as far as your insurance goes...

Set up a meeting with us!  Each year, we like to do a policy review with every client.  We look at all of your policies and update your information.  Insurance needs tend to change with major life events so if you got married, had a baby, changed jobs, retired, or anything else in 2014, you probably need a review.  Many times you qualify for new discounts or we can point out ways to help you save (like getting a multi-policy discount!) 

We can schedule this meeting over the phone or in the office, whichever is easier.

Get a life insurance quote.  For some reason, life insurance is one of those things that gets neglected.  People know deep down that they need it, but often never get around to actually purchasing any.

Many times you can get a basic term life insurance policy for $30 a month or less.  (Depending on age and health status, it varies for everyone!)

Organize your insurance documents.  Keep a file with a copy of your current auto, home, and life policies in one easy-to-find place.  When your renewal comes in the mail, you can throw out the old copies.  Some people also like to keep a copy of their life insurance with their attorney or in a fire safe.  We can always help you get a copy if you need it! 

Put a current insurance card in your glove box and throw out the six old ones that are likely crumbled up in there.

That’s it!  Take care of these items and you’re on your way to being organized and properly covered in 2015!