by Justin Metz on October 20, 2020

What do America’s top three best-selling vehicles have in common? They’re all pickup trucks.

It’s no secret that the U.S. has long been a truck-loving nation. But as automakers refine the ride and handling of pickups, more drivers are starting to see them as the jack-of-all-trades. After all, no other vehicle can boast the space and comfort of an SUV with the unmatched towing and cargo-carrying abilities of a truck.

But it’s this versatility that makes shopping for a pickup much different—and more difficult—than shopping for a car. So how do you find the truck that’s right for you?

Always start with an honest evaluation of how you plan to use your new truck. Then, choose the options that will best meet those needs.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A TRUCK

Here are some important factors to consider when searching for your perfect truck.

1. Mid-size or full-size: The first element you should explore is how large of a vehicle you really need. If you don’t plan to tow or haul heavy loads on a regular basis, a mid-size truck may be the best choice. Pickups like the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are capable enough for most jobs around the house and their smaller size comes with increased fuel efficiency. Full-size trucks are the workhorses of the pickup world. If you use your truck for work or to tow a boat or camper, you’ll probably benefit from the power of a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram or other full-size pickup.
2. Cab and bed size: Next, determine how much space you need both inside and out. Most truck cabs are available in regular (two doors, no back seat), extended (two or four doors, small back seat) and crew (four doors, large back seat). Pickup bed options include short (about 5 feet), regular (about 6.5 feet) and long (about 8 feet). Keep in mind that when it comes to cab and bed sizes, more space is typically accompanied by a higher price tag.
3. Drivetrain: Most pickups are available with four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. They also come with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. When choosing an engine, you’ll need to balance the trade-offs between price, horsepower and fuel economy. And if you often find yourself driving in winter weather or off-road conditions, four-wheel drive is probably a wise choice.
4. Hauling and towing: All pickup trucks are capable of carrying heavy loads and hauling a trailer. Knowing how much weight you need to move will help determine whether you need a light- or heavy-duty truck. For example, according to the Kelley Blue Book a new Ford F-150 can carry a payload of 2,890 pounds and tow 13,200 pounds. But with the more capable F-250, those numbers increase to 3,880 pounds and 18,000 pounds, respectively. The rule of thumb is to buy a truck capable of about 10% more power than you really need. Just keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better. If you buy a heavy-duty truck, expect to pay more at the pump and experience a harsher ride.
5. Safety: When purchasing any new vehicle, safety ratings are always an important consideration. Be sure to do some research before driving your new truck off the lot. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts crash tests and other safety evaluations, such as headlight strength. Check out their large pickup vehicle ratings and small pickup vehicle ratings.
6. Trim and options: Twenty years ago, optioning your pickup meant deciding whether you needed features like power locks and windows. But in today’s market, luxury features like infotainment systems, heated leather seats and even power tailgates are available to truck buyers. Just keep an eye on the final price tag as these options can inflate the price by more than $10,000.
7. New or used: There’s nothing quite like that new car smell. But with new truck prices ranging from $20,000 to more than $80,000 it may be worth letting someone else take the initial depreciation hit. Trucks are built to last, so purchasing a used model can still provide a reliable pickup at a fraction of the cost.

INSURANCE FOR NEW TRUCKS

While your new vehicle will lose some of its value the minute you drive it off the lot, that doesn’t mean your insurance coverage should take a hit, too.
​
Ask us about adding the New Auto Security endorsement to your auto quote. If your new car gets totaled, ERIE will pay you the cost to replace it with the newest comparable model year (minus your deductible). (And if you’ve had your car longer than two years, ERIE will pay the cost to replace it with a comparable model that is up to two years newer and up to $30,000 fewer miles than the current mileage of your car, minus the deductible.)

Retrieved from: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/pickup-truck-buying-guide​

  by Jenean McLoskey

Owning an RV is a wonderful experience – whether you’re a full-timer, a summer traveler or just prefer a weekend getaway, the opportunities for adventure are endless. After all, that’s part of the allure with owning an RV. But, after being in your RV for multiple years, it may need an update! This has drawn many people to renovate their RV DIY style, and if you’re up for the challenge, you can too!
Adding some upgrades or changing the interior of your Recreational Vehicle doesn’t mean you need to gut it and start from scratch. There’s many projects you can do that are simple; such as switching out some of the furniture, or adding some décor to make it feel more homey. To help you get started, we put together six customization ideas for your RV if you’re ready for a new and fresh look.

1. Replace the flooring.If you have a carpet that covers most of your floors, rip it all out for something new. There are a lot of inexpensive options that you can go with, such as laminate or vinyl. Plus, it will give your RV a whole new updated look.
2. Paint the walls.Ready for your walls to shine again? Then paint is your answer. Choosing the right color could even make your space feel larger. We recommend using a latex-based paint, and to put down a coat of primer beforehand. While this isn’t an easy project, it will definitely be worth it in the end!
3. Add new furnishings.When’s the last time you redecorated your RV? Styles change every year, so it doesn’t hurt to freshen up your look every now and then. Some ideas to consider: add new details on the walls, switch out your comforter and sheets, add houseplants throughout, install new curtains or even swap out your faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. It will give it that personal touch you’re looking for! To make it feel cozier at night, hang up LED lights throughout your RV or add them under your awning for extra lighting.
4. Replace the windows.If you can’t see clearly outside the windows while you’re traveling around the country, what’s the point? If you have plastic windows, or they’re just old – it may be time to invest in new ones. If you have glass, see how clean you can get your windows before deciding to replace them. You’ll be able to see the country in a whole new light in no time!
5. Upgrade the shelves in your kitchen cabinets (or do a full remodel).Have an issue with storage in your kitchen? Adding custom shelves will give you more room to utilize within the space. You can work with the cabinets you have now – just remove the shelving it currently has and replace it with new. You can fit a few extra shelves in there, giving you more storage to work with. Another fun idea is to add a spice rack or two on the wall. Adding that extra storage will also free up some space in the cabinets for you. If you decide you want an entirely new look (and if it’s in your budget), then doing a full remodel on your kitchen is the route to go … so many possibilities!
6. Sew some new covers for your couches – or replace them!With the specific sizing for RV couches, it can be hard to find a cover that will fit. That’s why it’s sometimes better to just sew yourself a new couch cover. Plus, you’ll have more options to work with since you can decide what fabric and design. If it’s time for a completely new sofa, don’t hesitate to replace it. Investing in your comfort while you’re on the road is the key to happiness (or pretty close to it).

Any upgrade you decide to go with will certainly add that special “touch” you’re looking for. Just make sure you have a clear vision of what you want, a budget and a lot of patience for the project. As always – good luck and safe travels from Foremost®.


Retrieved from: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/custom-upgrades-to-your-rv.asp
​

Retrieved from: https://cover.com/blog/why-did-my-car-insurance-go-up-for-no-reason/

You're a cautious driver – you have no speeding tickets on your driving record and you haven’t recently even hit a parked car in a garage. So, if you have seen your auto insurance premiums increase, you’re probably asking why your car insurance went up for no obvious reason.

If you’re feeling frustrated about a premium hike, you’re hardly alone. Data from the Bureau of Labour show that between 2006 and 2016 auto insurance costs increased 50 percent — well above the overall rate of inflation and the increase in new car prices. 

So why is your car insurance so expensive? You may think changes in your rate are based largely on your own risk factors as a driver. For instance your premium payments can rise following an accident for which you are at fault, or if you receive a ticket for a traffic violation. That’s easy to understand, but there’s a lot more factors that can increase your rate. 

Beyond being a cautious driver, if you’re safe on the road shouldn’t your premium also be safe from big hikes? Not necessarily. There are many many other factors that can also lead to premium increases. Some are largely beyond your control. Auto insurance is a business, after all. If costs go up for insurers, this can mean higher rates for customers, even those who do everything right on the road.

“Auto insurance is heavily regulated, so there is no margin for insurers to absorb increases in costs. So when costs rise, rates rise,” explains James Lynch, chief actuary and VP of research and education with the Insurance Information Institute.

Why did my car insurance go up?To help you understand why your rate could go up without an immediately obvious reason why, here are 11 factors that could be pushing your premiums up.

1. Moving house

You likely know that auto insurance rates can vary widely by state. But even moving to a different ZIP code just a few miles away can cause your rates to jump. There are many reasons this might happen. 
You may have moved to an area where the crime rate – including auto theft – is higher. Or there may be more population density in your new area. This means more cars on the road and the higher potential for accidents. Or there simply may be a higher rate of claims in the neighborhood. Moving just a few blocks away to a new home could raise your rates by more than 60 percent, a 2015 Bankrate study found. 

2. A Lower Credit Score

In most states (currently excluding California, Massachusetts and Hawaii), auto insurers factor in not just your habits on the road but also your credit-worthiness when considering premium rates.  As Cover recently reported, 95 percent of auto insurers use credit history in their underwriting decisions. So even if you have a clean driving record, a poor credit score might push up your rates. Shockingly, a low credit score might affect your insurance rates even more than a DUI.

Estimates suggest your average annual rate might increase approximately 27 percent if your credit score goes from excellent to fair. If your score drops from excellent to poor your rate could double. Consumer advocates have come out against this practice. It may discriminate against those with lower wealth and education levels, and disproportionately affect minorities.

3. People are Driving More

​Accidents can drive up your premium rate – even if you’ve never been in one yourself. Economic growth, urban sprawl and low gas prices have people driving more than ever, according to the Federal Highway Administration. And even overall good news can be bad news for your rates. “As the economy improves, people drive more miles,” Lynch says. “The previously unemployed are driving to work, and everyone drives more discretionary miles. This puts more cars on the road at any given time, which increases the chance of an accident.”

Lower gas prices may also encourage more frequent driving. The more driving, the more accidents, the more claims – and the more rates can go up across the board.

4. Distracted Drivers

More accidents means more potential claims for insurance companies to pay. Accidents have been on the rise in recent years. While hard to draw a direct line of causation, distracted driving is suspected to play a part. Distracted driving has become more prevalent with the rise of smartphone use and internal auto technology – 3,166 people were killed in distracted driving incidents in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Car consoles have gotten more complex, and more people have smartphones. People have a disturbing tendency to fiddle with both while driving,” Lynch says. “These cause more accidents.”

The more accidents, the higher the overall costs for auto insurers. These costs are passed on to all drivers, even those who make sure to avoid distractions while on the road. 

5. Uninsured Drivers

You’re doing the right thing by having an auto insurance policy. Your rate may go up, however, because not everyone is doing the same. The nationwide rate for drivers without insurance increased from 12.3 percent in 2010 to 13 percent in 2015, according to the Insurance Research Council.

Florida has the largest percentage of uninsured motorists at 26.7 percent. Maine has the lowest at 4.5 percent.
Dealing with the uninsured claims process can be a massive expense for insurers. Uninsured motorist claims totaled $2.6 billion in 2012, per the IRC. The average cost of an uninsured motorist claim is approximately $20,000.  This expense can then be passed on to policyholders. You may also spend more through adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy (some states require this).

6. Higher Speed Limits

You may also live in an area that has recently raised its speed limits. This could bump up your auto insurance rate.
“A number of states have increased their speed limits, and this leads to an inevitable increase in traffic fatalities,” Lynch says. “More fatalities mean higher liability payments, which puts pressure on rates to rise.” Texas has the country’s single fastest highway with an 85 MPH speed limit. It also has the fastest average allowable speed of 78.3 MPH.

7. Rising Repair Costs

The costs for auto repairs are steadily rising, and this can be passed along to the consumer through increased premiums. “Newer cars have more sophisticated warning devices built into bumpers, and they have more gadgets – like automated seats and sound systems,” Lynch says. “When these things get damaged in a car, it costs more to fix the car.” 

Government regulation has also led to more safety features being added to autos. These increasingly expensive auto parts may not only lead to higher repair costs but also to increased levels of theft with the intent of selling these parts on the black market, according to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. 

8. Rising Medical Costs

Since people are driving more and more, accidents are on the rise. This causes an increase in how much is paid out by insurance companies for each claim. Rising medical costs is the reason for the steep hike in price for cost per claim, which translates to higher auto insurance premiums.
Health care costs are climbing. National health spending is projected to rise at an average annual rate of 5.5 percent from 2017 to 2026, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Spending will reach $5.7 trillion by that time.

Insurance payouts for bodily injury claims grew 6 percent between 2012 and 2017. That’s roughly double the rate of medical inflation.

When auto companies have to pay out progressively larger medical costs following at-fault accidents caused by their policyholders, the whole pool of policyholders – even those who have never been at fault – may be affected. 

9. Extreme Weather

If there has been a significant weather event in your area – hurricane, blizzard, flood – this may affect your auto insurance rate, even if it isn’t right away. Such catastrophes lead to an overall increase in claims in a specific area. Insurance companies are forced to raise rates to make up for that. 

Across the U.S., there has been increasingly severe weather – from hail storms to flash floods – over the past few years, according to a 2017 report from Farmers Insurance. If such patterns persist, the weather report may increasingly affect your premium.

10. Insurance Fraud

You may have never told so much as a white lie to your auto insurance company. But other people’s lies, both large and small, may be adding to your premium rate. Insurance fraud comprises a range of behaviors, which can be seemingly minor (inflating the damages for an accident that did occur) or extreme (completely fabricating or staging an accident).

According to Verisk Analytics, automotive insurers lose $29 billion per year in ‘premium leakage’ – missing or erroneous underwriting information that undermines their rating plans. This adds to insurers’ costs and since they want to remain profitable, this can lead to you paying more for your policy. 

11. Smoking gun?

While this factor will currently affect only an extreme minority of drivers, Lynch says it’s worth noting that, if you live in a state that has recently legalized recreational marijuana use, your premium could see a second-hand effect.

​“This is only an issue,” he notes, “so far as we know in the states that legalized cannabis for recreational use a couple of years ago [ Colorado, Washington, Oregon], but it is an important one there. Something similar can be expected in states where recreational sales have just begun or are about to begin – Nevada, California, Massachusetts.”
In all three states that first legalized marijuana, “the advent of the legal retail sale of marijuana is correlated with increases in collision claim frequency,” according to a 2017 report from the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Retrieved by: http://blog.pekininsurance.com/individual/tornado-season-staying-safe

Weather the storm, whether you’re at home or on the go. A thin funnel stretches down from the dark sky. The swirling whirlwind touches the ground and charges ahead. Spring brings sunny days and chirping birds. But it’s the start of tornado season, which peaks in April and lasts through June. Prepare now to stay safe before, during, and after a tornado.

​
 

Before the Tornado

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means the current conditions could lead to a tornado in your area. Move your disaster kit into your shelter room or basement if you don’t store it there.

Talk to your wireless carrier about Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). With these alerts active on your phone, you'll get a notification when a serious storm is in the area.
 
Disaster Kit

Ready.gov says you should keep these items in a disaster kit:

• Batteries
• Blankets
• Can opener
• Closed-toed shoes
• Dust masks
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Important papers (Social Security cards, birth certificates, insurance information)
• Medications
• Pet supplies (food, leashes, carriers)
• Phone, computer, and chargers
• Portable weather radio
• A three-day supply of food
• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)

  
Home Inventory List

A tornado could damage your home and the things you own. You don’t want to guess when you report values to your insurance company.

Use an app like Sortly or Encircle to create a home inventory list. Or, take pictures with your phone and write details in a notebook.

Keep a copy of your home inventory list in a safe location outside your home, and give a second copy to your insurance agent.
 
Home Renovations

Have you made recent renovations to your home? This could include finishing the basement, remodeling the kitchen, or updating electrical systems.

Report these changes to your insurance agent to keep your homeowners coverage up to date. When you don’t share these updates, you won’t receive the full value of the home in the event of a total loss.
 
 During the Tornado

Tornado Warning

What happens when a tornado has been sighted in your area? A tornado warning is issued, and you should move fast to bring your pets and yourself inside.
 
In Homes

Go to the basement, a small interior room, or a hallway on the lowest level. If possible, crouch under a heavy table or staircase.

Avoid the corners of the room and stay away from windows. Strong winds can shatter glass and cause bad cuts and other serious injuries.
 
In Mobile Homes

A tornado can lift a mobile home and toss it a few miles. That’s because this kind of home isn’t rooted to a foundation.
You're better off seeking shelter under a sturdy structure if there's one nearby.  Avoid taking cover under trees. If you have nowhere else to go, lie down in a culvert or ditch with your hands protecting your head.
 
In Vehicles

Leave your car when a twister breaks out. Try to find shelter or a deep depression in the ground. Don’t stop under a bridge or highway underpass, as these can crumble and create falling debris.

Tornadoes move as fast as 60 to 70 mph. They change directions, too, so don’t try to outrun them in your car.
 
In Schools

Most schools are big enough to offer reliable shelter from tornadoes. The interior hallways and stairwells offer protection from heavy winds and debris.

Debris travels through large spaces like gyms and cafeterias, so try to avoid them. Never go outside to playgrounds or parking lots, and always follow the school's storm safety procedures.

The danger increases when you move up in a building. Seek shelter on the lowest level without overcrowding.
 
 
After the Tornado

Making It Through the Aftermath

Hopefully, the tornado passes through and does minimal damage to your community. Stay tuned to your local weather channel during this time. You need to know if another storm could show up soon.
Check your surroundings, but don’t treat serious injuries if you aren’t qualified. Only administer CPR if you’re trained to do so.

After you’re in the clear, reach out to your family and friends through text message or social media. Weather could prevent your calls from going through.  

You can also register yourself and your family on the American Red Cross Safe and Well site.
 
Inspect Your Property

If you’re at home, inspect your property for damages such as:

• Downed power lines (stay away from them but report the issue to your utility company)
• Frayed wires, sparks, and other signs of electrical damage
• Gas leaks
• Spilled medicine, gasoline, and other flammable liquids
• Structural collapses

After you know your family is safe, reach out to your insurance agent to report damages.
 
Don’t wait for a storm to strike. Review your homeowners insurance with your local Pekin Insurance agent, and make sure you have enough coverage.

Retrieved from: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/eight-tips-for-being-the-best-landlord.asp

There is a common misconception that being a landlord is a great, easy way to make some money, but that is often not the case. Renting out a property can be a time-consuming and energy-draining task, but it has its' perks. I have lived in many different rental properties throughout my years as a college student, and I appreciate the time and care these owners have put into their respective properties. However, if the property owner seems distant or acts ill-mannered, the experience I have at that property isn't as good. Understanding how to pick your tenants and communicate with them creates a healthier and happier experience for everyone involved.

1. Screen your applicants well before choosing. Making sure you have quality tenants is the most important first step to becoming a landlord. This can be a time-consuming project, but will ease your mind in the long run. Consider verifying their income, performing a background check, and checking out their rental history.
2. Educate your tenants when they first move in. Spend some time discussing the different aspects of the lease when they first arrive. Communicate the different responsibilities and rights they have in signing the agreement, and make sure they understand what their obligations are as the tenants.
3. Set the standards for what is expected of them. Expanding on number two, make sure your tenants understand what is expected of them. This will improve the quality of your communications with each other dramatically. Who is responsible for taking care of the lawn? Do tenants pay their own electric/cable bills? How quickly should the tenants make you aware of repairs needed at the property?
4. Be available. Make sure you are checking your email and phone often to keep that line of communication open. Consider creating an alert on your phone to sound when your tenant has reached out to you. Even if you just reply with a couple of words like "Okay" or "I will look into it", your tenants will understand that you have received their message and already addressing the issue.
5. Stay on top of repairs. Nothing makes a tenant more unhappy than when repairs are not taken care of in a timely manner. Follow #4 and be available so if things go wrong, you can quickly send aid.
6. Let your tenants know in advance if you plan on visiting. Make sure you notify your tenants in advance if you plan on stopping by for a checkup. The general rule of thumb is to give tenants a two-week notice.
7. Treat your tenants with respect. If you treat your tenants with respect, they will treat you with respect as well.
8. Follow the guidelines in the lease. That lease is there for a reason! No matter if the circumstance are good or bad, make sure you are following the guidelines in the lease. It is the document that will be used to determine if there is a breach on either side of the contract.

by Erie Insurance on January 2, 2020
​As the year winds down, people will be making New Year’s resolutions—and lots of them. This year, many Americans will make a New Year’s resolution to get fit, stop smoking, learn French, stress less and onward and so on. And yet…
Anyone who has witnessed a crowded January gym slow to a trickle by February knows that many resolutions just don’t stick. Some studies have reported that as few as 8 percent of people actually succeed in keeping their resolution.
So, how can you be among the few who see their promise through? Here are a few ideas to make it go right.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

• Make a mini resolution. Who says you have to run a marathon or model your home after Martha Stewart’s? There’s nothing wrong with making less ambitious, but more achievable, goals like running a 5K or organizing your most out-of-control closet.
  
  
• Be specific. Lots of people fail because they make resolutions that are too general or too difficult to measure. Examples include “get healthy” or “spend more time with my spouse.” Instead, vow to “Walk an extra 20 minutes every day” or “Schedule a weekly date night with my spouse.”
  
  Related: 5 Quick Ways to Make Your Home Safer This Year 

• Plan, plan, plan. Maybe you have a big goal like “start a business.” If so, you’ll have more success if you plot out the many steps it takes to make it a reality. Buy a goal-setting journal or download an app to break down your plan by month, week and day. (And if you do want to start that business this year, learn more about business insurance – it’s essential for protecting your investment of time and money.)
  
  Related: A Simple Guide to Business Insurance for Startups and New Businesses
  
  
• Take it public. Some people feel that they’re more likely to keep a New Year’s resolution when they tell others. Still, others prefer to keep it private – and that’s OK! If you’ve been keeping your resolution to yourself the past few years but haven’t seen results… consider giving this strategy a try.
  
  
• Find a buddy. A friend who shares your New Year’s resolutions can provide a massive dose of motivation.
  
  

MORE ADVICE FOR THE NEW YEARWant to take a different approach? Then you might consider some unconventional methods to your resolution.

• Consider a disincentive. On Stickk.com, you can have your credit card charged each time you fall short of your goal. You can direct the money to go anywhere — but you might consider sending it to an organization you detest. (Two ideas include a political party you’d never support or a university that’s the arch rival of the one you attended.)
  
  
• Make a resolution to enjoy and protect what you already have. Perhaps you recently invested in something big, like a new home or a renovation project. If so, take the time to enjoy what you already have before thinking ahead to the next thing you need or want.

That’s where it helps to have the right insurance. After all, insurance is designed to protect the things you’ve worked hard to achieve and that matter most to you.
At Erie Insurance, we have a genuine enthusiasm for our customer’s successes. Whether you’re renovating your home, starting a family or changing direction in life, we’re eager to offer our encouragement and expertise.

Retrieved from: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/seven-tips-help-new-years-resolution-stick

Retrieved from: https://www.safeco.com/blog/back-to-school-ready

September 4, 2019
By Safeco

We’re not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven’t noticed, it’s already time to think about the new school year.

And as you think about how to get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing for something else — your home. It won’t just be good for you; in many instances, removing clutter also means removing distractions, which can help your kids focus better.

Where to start
You can start wherever you like, but it might be best to make sure your activities are organized before you start in on the daunting task of tackling all of your stuff. With sports and other activities, the school year can be a blur for parents. So keeping a family calendar — whether it’s a dry-erase board or just a weekly printout on the fridge — will ensure that everyone knows where they’re going, and when.

Before the kids go back
Don’t head out for back-to-school shopping just yet. First, do an inventory of school supplies, clothes and shoes so you aren’t buying things you don’t need. Toss or donate stuff that’s old, that doesn’t fit, or that your kids simply don’t like and won’t wear any more. One trick we’ve seen online: If you’re going through a whole closet and you’re not sure what fits your kids, have them try on pants until you find a good pair. Then use that pair to compare the length of all of the other pants.

When they’ve got homework
If possible, designate a study space where your kids have the tools they need for success. It should be well-lit, quiet and free of distractions. Different kids have different learning styles, so you’ll soon find out what works well and what doesn’t.

Now that you’ve gotten them organized ...
... It’s time to focus some energy on your stuff. Eliminate as much clutter from the house as you can, perhaps by following the classic 80/20 theory: 80% of the time, most people use only 20% of their stuff. If the item you’re looking at isn’t in that 20%, ask yourself: Do I really need this?

Stay on top of things
You’re off to a good start in the organizing battle — so keep things rolling! Each week, set aside time to go on a “search and destroy” mission for clutter. It’s much easier to stay organized when you only have to do a little at a time. And make sure the kids are involved, too. Everything — homework, school forms, backpacks — should have a home. And when everything has a home, you’ll be happier in yours!

Written By: Ryker Huizinga

Retrieved from: https://blog.foremost.com/tips-for-effectively-filing-claims.asp

Experiencing a loss can be stressful, frustrating and disheartening, but having insurance coverage will help alleviate the financial burden a loss can cause. The first step in restoring your property and moving forward is to determine if your policy provides coverage for the loss. To do this you need to file a claim with the insurer.
While the claims process isn't something many eagerly look forward to, there are definitely ways you can make it a less stressful experience. To help you successfully navigate the process, here are several tips for effectively and efficiently filing claims.
Keep an inventory of all your insured possessions.Be proactive! If you keep a written document of your possessions, it can help make the claims process much easier if you experience a loss. Go from room to room and record each item and its value to prepare an inventory. An easy way to do this is to take photos or videos of each room and all of the contents in the rooms. Consider keeping receipts with the purchase date and original cost for your records too, in case of total loss. Your inventory list should be consistently updated, which can be done easily if you record new items shortly after purchasing them. Pro Tip: Your inventory should be easily accessible. It is a good idea to keep a couple copies of your inventory at different locations, with one location being off-premises in case of a total loss, like a fire.
Reach out to your agent first.In the event of a potential claim, it's best to contact your agent directly instead of the broader insurance provider. Your agent will be able to explain your options and advise on whether filing a claim is in your best interest. In some cases, your agent may even file the claim for you.
Report your loss promptly.Always file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Of course, theft losses should be reported to the police first, and in other situations of danger and urgency, safety takes priority. But once it's safe and reasonable to do so, you should contact your insurance agent. This is important because your policy might require you to make the notification within a certain amount of time. Not filing a claim within the time required in your policy may lead to a denial of the claim or may result in the claims process taking longer.
Be prepared with the right information.When you file your claim or make follow-up calls regarding the process, be sure to have the right information so your conversation is easier and more effective. Have your inventory list and the details of your loss, and keep the following information handy for your claims representative:

• The customer's name and address
• The policy number
• The date the loss happened
• A description of what happened
• A preferred telephone number for future contact

Provide complete, correct information.Explain the situation accurately without downplaying or exaggerating your loss. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause complications and delays in processing the claim. Additionally, materially misrepresenting the facts of your loss may result in a loss of coverage.
Record important details from all correspondence.While going through the claims process, be sure to write down important information from your phone conversations and in-person meetings with claims representatives and other contacts. This should include the time and date, as well as the name and title of the person you spoke with. This will help you stay organized and create records that may come in handy later.
Make appropriate emergency repairs.If you're dealing with property damage it may be necessary to make immediate emergency repairs to prevent additional damages, such as calling a plumber to repair a broken pipe. Your policy might cover the costs of these emergency repairs, so be sure to inquire about them when filing the claim. It is also important to take photos or even videos before making the repairs, and save the receipts from all of the work that is done.
Ask questions.Don't be afraid to ask your claims representative for more information or clarification. The process will go much more smoothly if you are both on the same page and fully understand each other. For example, if there is a disagreement about the coverage of the claim, ask for the specific language in the policy that is in question to find out if it is a matter of differing interpretations.
Overall, it's important to have patience because every insurance claim is different! Some may be completed quickly, while others may take a few weeks or even months to be resolved. You never know when problems will arise, but these tips can help you to effectively address the situations and smoothly navigate the claims process.

If you asked homeowners to create a list of situations they hoped to never have to deal with at home, a sump pump failure would likely rank just underneath having a fire.
Why?
It’s a disaster. Typically, when a sump pump fails it causes water to backup into your home, sometimes bringing all kinds of water-borne materials with it. A water backup can create costly damage. And homeowners have to quickly arrange for cleanup and repairs to avoid further damage.
While all of that may be a good enough reason to take a second look at water backup coverage, here are four more:
Reason #1: It’s not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Not sure if your home insurance policy includes water backup coverage? Then it’s time to give your independent insurance agent a call.
Water backup coverage is an optional endorsement that must be added onto a standard homeowners, condo or renters insurance policy. Without the endorsement, you would be stuck paying for the cost of cleanup or damages caused by a sump, sump pump or similar equipment that’s not considered a plumbing system or household appliance.
Reason #2: It’s fairly inexpensive.
The average cost of water backup and sewer coverage is $50 to $250 annually, depending on your risk exposure and the limits you select.
Different limits are available to match people’s different needs. For example, think about what’s in your basement—it’s an area that’s more likely to flood during a water backup. Is it partially or fully finished? Is your basement a storage area for expensive or hard-to-replace items? Work with your insurance agent to choose a limit that matches your unique coverage needs.
Reason #3: Water backups can happen to anyone.
There are a lot of misconceptions about who is more or less likely to experience a water backup situation. And the truth is it doesn’t matter if you live on top of a hill, if you don’t have a basement, if you already have flood insurance (which is a different type of insurance coverage) or if your home has never had a water backup issue before. Everyone has the potential to experience this type of loss.
Reason #4: It qualifies you for Loss of Use coverage if your home is uninhabitable.
In most cases, a sump pump failure doesn’t make your home unlivable—in other words, you would still be able to live in your home while it was being cleaned and repaired. But in the rare case that it does make your home uninhabitable, having water backup coverage would qualify you for Loss of Use coverage.
For example, this might apply if your furnace is damaged due to a water backup, it’s 30 degrees outside and you can’t heat your home.
Loss of Use coverage covers additional living expenses, above and beyond a person’s normal living expenses, as well as loss of rent, if that’s the case. So if a water backup makes your home unlivable, puts you and your family in a hotel for a couple of days and your claim adjuster approves you for Loss of Use coverage, then the cost of the hotel room would be covered.
How to best prevent water backups
To save yourself from a major headache down the road, here are some tips for avoiding water backups:

• Don’t pour cooking oil or grease down your drains.
• Only flush bathroom tissue in your toilets (i.e. don’t flush paper towels, feminine products, etc.).
• Consider replacing your line with plastic pipe to prevent tree roots from entering it.
• Consult a sump pump professional, typically a plumber, to check your sump pump regularly and look for any pre-existing drainage system issues.
• Install a backwater prevention valve to prevent sewer backups—in fact, most new homes are built with this already installed.
• Buy a battery backup to keep your sump pump running when the power goes out, or buy a water-powered backup sump pump.

Talk to your independent agent to learn more about water backup coverage. Grange Insurance offers an endorsement called Backup of Sewer and Drains that you can add to your homeowners’ insurance policy. Contact your local independent agent for full details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies.
Reference 
-Insurance Information Institute
​-www.grangeinsurance.com