As millions of people across the U.S. plan to host parties or gatherings near water this summer, Trusted Choice® and the Big “I” caution hosts to be aware of the many risks and to be prepared in case of an accident. Summer has arrived and for the next few months, many people will take advantage of the weather by hosting…
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The catchy phrase “spring ahead” signals change for Americans. It’s a reminder to move clocks ahead one hour for daylight savings time. And it’s an optimistic forecast that warmer and sunnier weeks are ahead. With these seasonal changes, millions take on “spring cleaning” of homes, garages, and yards. When you’re longing to get outside in the spring months, consider several…
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On the Hook for Property Undervaluation If an insured suffers an underinsured loss, whose fault is it? According to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, more than 60% of U.S. homes are undervalued by an average of 25%. In some cases, according to MS/B, as much as 73% of an agency's book of homeowners business may be undervalued by an average of 35%.…
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Trusted Choice® insurance agencies urge families to consider risks and liabilities before giving or receiving pets as gifts. ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 1, 2010 — The holiday season often includes images of cute puppies under a Christmas tree or a kitten with a sparkly ribbon around its neck. But before you do your holiday shopping at the pet shop, Trusted Choice®…
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Homeowners insurance offers protection for one of the largest investments you’re likely to make in your life – your home. But if you don’t take proper precautions to keep your home safe, you may be in for sticker shock for home insurance. Here are four scenarios that can send your home insurance rates through the roof or cause you to…
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Most leases make the tenant responsible for most any damage to the building. An agent recently asked the Virtual University: “How does a tenant protect himself against the building owner (or the owner's carrier) who is seeking to recoup the cost of reconstruction to the building in excess of the Fire Damage Legal limit, assuming the tenant was legally liable…
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Until this past winter the Mid Atlantic region had been very fortunate to have experienced very stable weather for the last three or four years. Homeowners’ rates have been stable and in many cases have declined. That trend is changing ever so slightly. We have seen some small increases this year and expect that trend to accelerate in the next…
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Memorial Day weekend has arrived! Please drive safely and arrive alive. Spend a few extra minutes before you leave town to secure your home. Below you will find a few additional tips that may give your home a lived in look while you are away. Your vacation should be an opportunity to relax and enjoy some time off. Enjoy your…
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Mike McCartin was interviewed by cnn.com for an article on flood insurance. Check out the link below link. McCartin Insurance gets a mention at www.money.cnn.com http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/06/pf/saving/flood_assistance/index.htm
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Your homeowner’s insurance policy will pay to repair damage to your home caused by a fire, windstorm or other covered cause of loss. But when you and your family incur expenses for moving out while repairs are made, who picks up the tab? An often-overlooked but essential function of your homeowner’s policy is "additional living expenses" (also called "loss of…
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