Memorial Day is just around the corner. What began nearly 150 years ago as a holiday to remember American war dead has evolved into a three-day weekend filled with parades, cemetery observances, auto racing, outdoor grilling, and the unofficial start of summer.
Along with the onset of summer, Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer driving season. Americans by the millions will take to the road to embark on the annual family vacation.
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Auto, Central, Personal | Tagged: car, collision, collision damage waiver, driving, Memorial Day, personal auto policy, rental, rental car company, road trip, summer, travel, vacation, vehicle | 
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Posted by Jeff Foster
Ever thought about your sump pump?
If you’re like me, probably not. It’s one of those appliances most people install and then forget about. The expectation is that it’ll be there to handle its job when needed.
2 Comments | Central, Home, Loss Control, Prevention | Tagged: basement, maintenance, sump pump, water | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
In many parts of the country, spring has arrived. The calendar even recognizes what we’re seeing before our very eyes: the vernal equinox this year is tomorrow!
With the arrival of spring, so too arrives that long list of spring projects, including spring cleaning and home maintenance. To help you get started, here are ten essentials for your spring home checklist:
3 Comments | Central, Home, Prevention | Tagged: attic, concrete, deck, downspouts, faucets, freeze damage, gutters, home maintenance, HVAC, lawn equipment, moisture, power wash, roof, shingles, siding, spring cleaning, spring; vernal equinox, sump pump, ventilation, wash, weather-poof, windows | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
It’s been a long, dreary and rainy workday. On a whim, you decide to make an unspectacular day just a little bit brighter by taking the family out to dinner. While driving to your family’s favorite restaurant, a dog runs out in front of your car. As you slam the brakes to avoid hitting the animal, your car veers across the center line directly into the path of a suburban mom’s minivan.
2 Comments | Accident, Auto, Central, Liability, Personal, Umbrella | Tagged: accident, assets, defense costs, false arrest, false imprisonment, lawsuit, liability, libel, limits of liability, personal umbrella policy, policy, settlements, slander, wrongful detention, wrongful eviction; violation of privacy rights | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
Have you ever watched Extreme Couponing?
If you’re not familiar, Extreme Couponing is the name of a hit reality TV show based on “super couponers:” people who go to great lengths to save money on necessary household items by clipping coupons. The show debuted as a special in late 2010 on the TLC cable network and was so successful, the network immediately ordered a season’s worth of shows which began last spring.
3 Comments | Auto, Central, Independent Agents, Saving Money | Tagged: auto insurance, coupon, credits, discounts, extreme couponing, independent agent, package discount, premiums, saving money | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed an increase in your homeowners insurance premiums. While it doesn’t make it any easier, it’s important for you to know that you’re not alone. Most homeowners insurance companies across the nation are increasing the price they charge to protect your home and its contents.
Leave a Comment » | Central, Home, Independent Agents, Saving Money | Tagged: auto and home, catastrophic weather, credits, deductible, homeowners insurance premiums, market value, package policy, rate increases, replacement cost, weather losses | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
The area of the country I live in recently had its first frost of the season. Awakening to find a thick layer of frost on my car’s windshield was a stark reminder that winter will soon arrive.
The first frost, falling leaves, and brisk temperatures also remind me it’s time to begin another season of the Thermostat Wars.
4 Comments | Central, Home, Saving Money | Tagged: electricity, heating costs, heating oil, natural gas, savings, thermostat | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
It’s funny how one day can cause so many different emotions depending on your point-of-view.
If you’re a teenager, it’s the most wonderful day of all, a day you’ve looked forward to perhaps more than any other of your accumulated 5,840 days of existence on earth.
If you’re a mom, you’re frightened out of your mind.
If you’re an insurance-paying parent or guardian, you’re probably just a little bit grumpy because it’s one of the most expensive days of all.
2 Comments | Auto, Central, Loss Control, Prevention, Risk Management | Tagged: auto, discount, driver's license, motor vehicle, sixteen, teen driver, teen driving agreement | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
For parents, the end of summer can be bittersweet. While many of us are glad school is back in session, the countless extra-curricular activities that go hand-in-hand with the start of another school year are in full gear too. From football practice to French Club, each day brings new opportunities for parents everywhere to practice our favorite avocation—family shuttle service operator. And if your family is like my family, you’re probably shuttling not just your own kids but your kids’ friends as well.
2 Comments | Accident, Auto, Central, Independent Agents, Liability, Personal, Umbrella | Tagged: accident, additional passenger, auto, car pool, injury, liability limits, personal auto policy, umbrella | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
Catastrophes can strike anywhere and at any time. In just the last three weeks, many areas across our nation have been impacted by the forces of Mother Nature.
Leave a Comment » | Auto, Central, Claims, Home, Independent Agents, Personal | Tagged: Adequate coverage, catastrophe, coverage, disaster, fire, flooding, insurance check-up | Permalink
Posted by Jeff Foster
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