Riding a snowmobile, or snow machine is an exhilarating experience. Riding a snowmobile across an ungroomed open field with powder snow flying away can be memorable but comes with its share of risks.

Regardless of whether you enjoy sledding fast, slowly in a group, in steep terrain or in poor conditions, it is important to protect you, your passengers, your sled and yourself from injury or damage.

Some of the common snowmobile insurance coverage options can include:

• Comprehensive & Collision Coverage: Comprehensive coverage will protect your snowmobile from theft, vandalism, fire, or a collision with an animal. Collision coverage will provide coverage for the sled from incidents where it is damaged from colliding with another object (such as a tree or fence) or another vehicle.
• Bodily Injury Coverage: Provides medical coverage to pay for 3^rd parties where you are found to be at-fault for an accident.
• Property Damage: Provides coverage to pay for property damage you cause if you are found to be at-fault for a covered loss.
• Medical Payments: Different from Bodily Injury coverage, this one is for you or your passenger’s medical bills.
• Custom Parts & Equipment: Covers parts that did not come factory installed on your sled. This can include things like custom paint and cargo racks.

Most asked questions about snowmobile insurance

1. How much does snowmobile insurance cost? Snowmobile insurance premiums are calculated by algorithms that use factors such as your age, the type of vehicle being insured, your previous loss history and your gender.
2. Is snowmobile insurance required? Depends. If you are using the vehicle on privately owned land such as a farm and you do not have a loan on the vehicle, you likely do not need to insure it. If you are using the vehicle on public lands or roads, then you will need to have liability insurance. If you have a loan on the vehicle, you will be required by the lienholder to carry full coverage.
3. How do I get a snowmobile insurance quote? We can provide you with a snowmobile insurance quote in just a few minutes. Furthermore, you can purchase coverage right over the phone so you can get out and enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about being properly covered.

Call an agent in our office today to discuss your insurance needs. As an independent insurance agency, we represent the top names in insurance and can quote multiple insurance companies so you get the best discounts and coverage.

If you’re a homeowner, then you’re aware that it can be complicated to make sure your home is protected. If you’ve ever worried about your home being secure and free from damage, then you should consider purchasing technology that could provide you with peace of mind. Not only do the right devices and sensors provide you with a level of security, but they also can have positive impacts on your homeowners insurance.

Taking advantage of technology

The IoT (Internet of Things) market is one that has seen exponential growth within the past couple of years. Within the network of connected devices comes multiple benefits, both for homeowners and insurers. Making sure that your home is protected should be a mutual goal and it’s one that is made easier when your house is equipped with the right technology.

Did you know that there are multiple different types of sensors available to protect your home and help monitor to avert damage? Finding the right sensors could prevent damage to your home, as you can fix the problem before it becomes an even bigger issue. Being able to prevent damage is one of the most valuable benefits that IoT devices and sensors provide, as both homeowners and insurers have a vested interest.

What sensors should you consider?

Which sensors are right for you depends on the level of protection that you want to implement in your home. Many people have devices to protect and alert if a burglary takes place, but there are many other options that you can add as well including smart devices and garage doors.

Water sensors can alert if there is a leak in your water supply, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in water damage as well as identify a smaller leak before it becomes a big one.

Humidity sensors are similar and can alert you if your house’s integrity is at risk. Implementing smart devices is one of the best ways to take advantage of innovative technology, harnessing its power to protect your home and lower your insurance premiums.

Why purchase additional devices?

One of the biggest reasons why many choose to implement more devices into their home is because of the insurance benefits that they can have. Not only can more technology provide you with peace of mind and assurance, but it could potentially lower your premiums. Because problems can be identified and solved before they multiply, insurance companies also have something to gain when you install the right devices.

Technology also allows for insurance claims to be completed easily. Because technology can be relied on to gain an accurate picture of a home’s state, claims can be settled quicker than normal. Not needing to rely on human assessments streamlines the process and leads to less disputed claims.

Taking the next steps

If you’re ready to learn more about smart insurance and what it could mean for your home, let us know. We’re experts in the field and work with our customers to help them find the right insurance solutions for their individual situations. Make an appointment with us today to learn more about the many benefits of installing devices and sensors in your home.

With the holidays just around the corner, it is a great time to review holiday safety items around the household. Especially if you plan on a lighting display.

When it comes to holiday décor, some families go all out. Regardless of your level of displays, it is important to keep some things in mind for safety.

If you’re like many families displaying lights on the outside of your house during the holidays brings a lot of joy and festiveness to your home.

Holiday Light Safety

1. Keep your extension cords tucked away and off walkways.
2. Extension cords create a trip hazard when running across walkways and other areas where deliveries or guests need to walk. When possible, keep them away from sidewalks and tucked away.
3. Use exterior extension cords & lights.
4. Extension cords, as well as lights, come in interior and exterior grades. Be sure if you’re running lights outside to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
5. Check for frayed wires.

Over time the wires on your lights may become frayed. Before you hang them up, carefully inspect your wires for frayed ends. If you find any, don’t risk it. Repair them or replace them before you hang them up.

Ladder Safety

Each year thousands of people are injured hanging lights on their homes from ladders. OSHA publishes safety precautions that are not only good for businesses to follow but for individuals to follow as well. Some of these safety tips include:

1. Select the right ladder for the weight of the job.
2. Every ladder has a weight limit. Look at the side of your ladder to determine if it can support enough weight for the job.
3. Never utilize the top 3 feet of the ladder. This can cause instability if you go above that point.
4. Inspect the ladder before use for damage.
5. Never go down a ladder backwards.
6. Ensure your ladder is on flat ground and stable before climbing.
7. Never lean to the side on a ladder, this can cause instability.
8. Use common sense when using ladders to ensure safety. If something feels unsafe to you when you’re on the ladder, it probably is.

We hope that you and your families have a safe and happy holiday season this year.

If you have questions about your home insurance policy, contact our agency today.

If your teen just got their driver’s license, then you understand the importance of making sure they have the right insurance. Keeping them as safe as possible includes making sure that they’re insured in the event of an accident, so let’s talk about what you need to know.

New drivers

Being a new driver is scary and being their parent can be even scarier. If you’re looking for tips and tools you can use to find the right car insurance for your teen, then you’ve come to the right place.

Those 20 and younger are the biggest group of distracted drivers and making sure that they’re insured should be a top priority. Not only is car insurance important for being on the road, but it could end up saving you thousands of dollars. Don’t wait to explore your insurance options.

Finding the right car insurance

When it comes to teen drivers, it can be difficult to find insurance. Many companies look at lack of experience and young age as reasons why teens aren’t the best people to insure. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to find the right car insurance policy. If you do the right research, you can end up with the right policy at the right price.

When it comes to saving money, it’s usually best for parents to add their children to the family policy. While creating a separate policy is an option, it’s usually a more expensive route. Car insurance can cost thousands of dollars each year, so it’s important that you keep realistic pricing standards in mind while you’re shopping around.

Purchasing car insurance

When it comes to car insurance for your teen, doing research is important. Learning about different policy options and what they include will give you a bigger picture of what’s on the market, as well as what will fit your budget.

If you’re curious about the options, make an appointment with our office. As a local independent insurance agency, we’ll be able to provide you with accurate quotes and provide unique advice for your situation. How much insurance costs can be heavily dependent on location, so we will walk you through all of your options. Speaking with one of our insurance agents is one of the best ways to find out more about policy options, so don’t be afraid to call us.

Teen specifics

While it can be difficult to find car insurance for teens, there are a few things that can make the process easier.

Some companies reward good grades and will offer a discount when a transcript is presented. If you think that your child may qualify, ask your insurance agency if they offer this incentive. Age is another thing that can impact price. Insuring those that are older is typically cheaper, so remember that while you’re looking at policy prices.

The right policy for your teen

From buying them a car to finding the right insurance, having a teen driver is expensive. If you’re looking for ways to reduce costs and get the best deal possible, give us a call. We can make an appointment to discuss your options and find the right policy for your new driver.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Since the pandemic, more individuals are using digital accounts for purchasing through the internet. This can leave you vulnerable & increase your risk for a cyber-attack.

The majority of cyber-attacks begin with phishing emails. Knowing how to spot a phishing email is critical for protecting yourself from a cyber-attack.

Phishing emails are designed to make you click on links. They will often come from companies you use regularly such as Amazon, Apple, Netflix, or other well-known companies. They will often use their logo to make it appear it is coming from the company itself.

What steps do you need to take to determine if it is a scam?

Hover over the domain or email address in your inbox. This quickly gives you the answer you are looking for. If the email address is long or doesn’t look correct, it is a phishing email. If you are unsure if this is a phishing email, contact the company directly.

Best Practices for Internet Use:

• Never click on links in emails. If you are concerned, go directly to the company’s website and login if this is possible.
• If an email is asking you to verify your login, payment information, or any other personal data, this should be a red flag. Do not provide the info. If you are concerned, reach out to the company directly.
• Don’t download attachments from emails.
• Always choose a strong password. This should be up to 15 characters long with a variety of letters, numbers, or symbols. You can even use a phrase.
• Change your password regularly. While this can be annoying, it is best practice.
• Don’t repeat your password for multiple accounts.
• If you share a computer with others, use individual accounts for logging in. Always log out of your account when you leave the computer.
• Have a firewall installed on your computer.
• If you are asked to save your password on your computer, don’t save it. This can leave you vulnerable.
• If you have the option for two-step authentication, always choose it.
• Always update the software on your tablet & phone.
• Be aware of public wifi. This can leave you vulnerable to a cyber-attack.

How Could You Determine If You Have Been Hacked?

Whether it is your email, social media account, or bank account, if you see something that looks off, change your password immediately. We also recommend running an anti-virus or malware software on your computer too.

Follow these tips to help lower your risk for a cyber-attack. If you have questions about your insurance, contact our agency.