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.
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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
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 Your chimney–and the flue that lines it–adds architectural interest to your home, but its’ real function is to carry dangerous flue gases from your fireplace, wood stove or furnace safely out of your home.
As you relax in front of your fireplace or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, the last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don’t give some thought to it before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be very short-lived. Why? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people. Indications of a chimney fire have been described as creating:
Chimney fires can burn explosively – noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or people passing by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. The Majority of Chimney Fires Go Undetected Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible and they often go undetected until a later chimney inspection, but, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure – and nearby combustible parts of the house – as their more spectacular cousins. Creosote & Chimney Fires: What You Must Know Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fuel fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion – the substances produced when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog and assorted minerals. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote is a black or brown residue that can be crusty and flaky…tar-like, drippy and sticky…or shiny and hardened. All forms are highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and the internal flue temperature is high enough – the result could be a chimney fire. Conditions that encourage the buildup of creosote:
Air supply may be restricted by closing the glass doors, by failing to open the damper wide enough, and the lack of sufficient make-up air to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke’s “residence time” in the flue, the more likely is it that creosote will form). A wood stove’s air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon or too much. Burning unseasoned wood – because so much energy is used initially just to drive off the water trapped in the cells of the logs– keeps the resulting smoke cooler, than if seasoned wood is used. In the case of wood stoves, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote buildup. The Effect of a Chimney Fire on Your Chimney Masonry Chimneys When a chimney fire occurs in a masonry chimney – whether the flue is an older, unlined type or tile lined to meet current safety codes – the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000°F) can “melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material”. Most often, thermal shock occurs and tiles crack and mortar is displaced, which provides a pathway for flames to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. This event is extremely dangerous, call 911 immediately. Prefabricated, factory-built, metal chimneys To be installed in most jurisdictions in the United States, factory built, metal chimneys that are designed to vent wood burning stoves or prefabricated metal fireplaces must pass special tests. Most tests require the chimney to withstand flue temperatures up to 2100°F – without sustaining damage. Under chimney fire conditions, damage to these systems still may occur. When prefabricated, factory-built metal chimneys are damaged by a chimney fire, they should no longer be used and must be replaced. Special Effects on Wood Stoves Wood stoves are made to contain hot fires. The connector pipes that run from the stove to the chimney are another matter. They cannot withstand the high temperatures produced during a chimney fire and can warp, buckle and even separate from the vibrations created by air turbulence during a fire. If damaged by a chimney fire, they must be replaced. Nine Signs that You’ve Had a Chimney Fire Since a chimney, damaged by a chimney fire, can endanger a home and its’ occupants and a chimney fire can occur without anyone being aware of them it’s important to have your chimney regularly inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Here are the signs that a professional chimney sweep looks for:
If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for a professional evaluation. If your suspicions are confirmed, a certified sweep will be able to make recommendations about how to bring the system back into compliance with safety standards. Depending on the situation, you might need a few flue tiles replaced, a new liner system installed or an entire chimney rebuilt. Each situation is unique and will dictate its own solution. Proper Maintenance Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. CSIA recommends that you call on CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps®, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems. Source: https://www.csia.org/chimneyfires.html 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:
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:
Reference -Insurance Information Institute -www.grangeinsurance.com March 13, 2019 | Amanda Austin
Retrieved from: https://lifehappens.org/blog/9-reasons-not-to-buy-life-insurance-and-why-you-should-rethink-them/ From getting married to having a baby to starting a business, there are lots of reasons why you’d want to consider buying life insurance. But maybe something is holding you back from getting the coverage you know (or suspect) you need. Here are nine of the biggest reasons you’ll hear for not buying life insurance—and why you shouldn’t let them keep you from considering coverage. 1. It’s too expensive. Concern over cost is one of the most common reasons people give for forgoing life insurance. And that’s too bad when you consider that most people overestimate the cost of life insurance. That includes Millennials: Four in 10 think it cost five times the actual amount (Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA). As a guide, a healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term life insurance policy for about $13 a month. 2. I don’t have any kids. Does your spouse or partner depend on your paycheck to help pay for living expenses? Or do you have a sick parent or relative who would need to hire a caretaker if you weren’t around? These are just a few of the (many) reasons to consider life insurance if you’re childless. 3. I’m too young and healthy to worry about life insurance. No one is invincible or knows what tomorrow may bring. If anyone depends on you to make ends meet, you’ll want to consider life insurance. Plus, young and healthy people tend to get great rates–and can often lock in coverage in case their health takes a turn for the worse later in life. 4. I’m too old to need life insurance. We all know age is just a number, and that’s certainly the case when someone would face a financial hit without you in the picture. 5. My health isn’t great. There are lots of life insurance options for anyone in less than optimal health, so don’t assume you can’t get coverage if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, for example. The key is typically to have the condition under control with a physician’s guidance and medication if needed. 6. I smoke. There are many companies that offer life insurance for smokers–just know that you’ll end up paying more than nonsmokers. 7. I don’t work outside of the house. Whether you’re caring for young children or aging parents (or both!), you provide invaluable services that would be expensive to replace. Life insurance can help ensure the ones you leave behind get the care they need. 8. I don’t have the time to get coverage. These days, it’s easy to get a quote online or over the phone and to e-sign required documents. And there are even policies out there that don’t mandate a medical exam, often called simplified underwriting. 9. I don’t know what kind of coverage I need or how much. That’s what four in 10 people give as an excuse, according to the Barometer Study. There are lots of trusted insurance agents and advisors in your community and online who can help you pinpoint coverage that works for your life and budget. Retrieved from Grange Insurance: https://www.grangeinsurance.com/tips/before-you-loan-your-car?utm_source=grangewire&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tips&utm_content=41719
Have you ever loaned your car to a friend or family member when they were in need? It’s a kind gesture, but if they were to get in an accident behind the wheel of your vehicle, you may be uncertain whose insurance will cover the costs. Since accidents can happen at any time, it’s important to understand how your coverage works and ultimately who will cover accident-related costs. Here’s what to know before you loan your car. 1. Know your coverage. First, it’s important to know if the driver is covered by your insurance. Family members living in your household are typically covered by your insurance unless you expressly exclude them from your policy. If a friend or a family member who is not a member of the household borrows your vehicle with your permission and gets in an accident, you may or may not be liable for some of the costs depending on your policy, the state you live in, and if the other driver carries their own insurance. Always check your policy and be familiar with how your coverage works so you aren’t stuck with surprise costs after an accident. 2. Understand who pays. There’s a common misconception that the driver’s insurance will always cover an accident, but that’s not always the case. Most times, car insurance follows the vehicle. However, exact coverage will depend upon the language in your policy and the state you live in, which is why being familiar with the in’s and out’s of your policy is so important before someone loans your car. There are exceptions, of course. If the accident wasn’t your friend or family member’s fault, the other driver will pay for the accident and your insurance will be unaffected. Or, if your vehicle is stolen and crashes, you will not be held liable for damages or injuries. However, damage to your own vehicle will most likely be covered under your insurance. 3. Lend responsibly. If there’s a chance someone will regularly use your car, include them on your policy. And, always make sure you are lending responsibly. You could be sued for damages if you let an impaired or unlicensed driver operate your vehicle. There are many scenarios that can play out when someone borrows your car, which is why it’s important to understand the terms of your coverage and be familiar with who is covered under your insurance policy. Talk with us if you have questions about the terms of your insurance. This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. To learn more about Grange’s auto insurance, speak with us! Written by Erie Insurance As a proud business owner, it’s your job to consider the “what-ifs” for your business. Of course, you don’t want to think about the worst… but in order to be prepared, it’s a necessity. No matter how careful or cautious you and your employees are, accidents do happen – and sometimes they can be serious.
If you experience a catastrophic accident, things can get costly… and fast. That’s where your ERIE agent and ERIE’s Business Umbrella Policy can help. Why Do I Need a Business Umbrella Policy? This specialized policy can kick in with extra financial protection against a legal judgment for a covered loss. Business umbrella liability offers a cushion above and beyond the limits of your commercial general liability, professional liability, business auto liability and employer’s liability insurance. Business umbrella insurance could help you when facing a serious and costly claim, for example:
What Erie Insurance Offers ERIE’s Business Umbrella coverage offers your business $1 million or more of extra protection above your primary Erie Insurance policy’s liability coverage. ERIE’s business policies also give you access to a variety of resources including:
Retrieved from: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/business-liability by RACHEL WRAY THOMPSON
It’s winter — that means you’re probably piling on your blankets and turning up the thermostat. But if you’re looking to reduce energy bills and heat specific areas of your home, consider a space heater. ConsumerSearch recently complied a great space heater report — here are their tips on how to select a space heater, and their top four picks: ConsumerSearch pulled from great review sources like Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping and This Old House, as well as user reviews from sites like Amazon.com. Types of heatersRadiant Space Heaters Advantages: Good for spot heating, quick heating; most efficient for short periods; quiet Disadvantages: Not good at heating rooms; heat dissipates quickly; orange glow is distracting and/or annoying to some Convection Space Heaters Advantages: Best for heating rooms; variety of shapes and price ranges; some have fans Disadvantages: Models without fans are slow to heat; models with fans can be noisy; can be expensive Questions to ask yourself before you buy:
Sourced from: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-best-space-heaters-consume-163936 |
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