Holler-Grapes Insurance Agency

Do I go to my agent or go to the DMV first to register my vehicle?
You must have proof of insurance, which is an insurance ID card, from the agency in order to register your vehicle at DMV. Therefore you must first contact the Agency.

When I surrender my plates at DMV, what do I do with the green form that I received?
You must return one part of the green form (FS6) to our office in order for us to cancel the insurance. Remember, the insurance follows the plate so therefore, the longer you hold onto your plates, the longer you are paying for insurance you do not need.

My child has a permit but no license yet. Do I need to list him on my policy?
Most companies will only add the children once they have a license. Once they have secured a licence notify the Agency with the name of the operator, date of birth and the license number. We will advise the company to add them as an operator.

Am I covered if someone else drives my car?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is being used by another with your consent.

Do I have any control over my auto insurance rates?
In today’s market, where affordable personal auto insurance seems less and less available, you may wonder if there’s any way to control rising premiums. You’ve already taken one step by choosing an independent agent, representing multiple companies, so we can give you the right insurance to fit your needs. But besides choosing the right insurance company, there are some tips to help you control the rates you pay for auto insurance.

An operator’s past driving history is a predictor of future claims activity. Driving defensively and obeying all the rules of the road is one of your best routes to lower rates.

A major factor in the rating of your physical damage insurance (i.e., comprehensive and collision insurance) is the type of vehicle you own. In assigning a rate, most insurance companies begin with the cost new of the vehicle and the model year. Generally, the higher the cost of the vehicle and the newer it is, the higher the rate. However, further adjustments are made for the vehicle’s weight, body type, engine performance, actual loss experience from past years for that model, etc. We can give you a rating comparison for vehicles you are considering purchasing or leasing, which will give you some control over the cost of your insurance.

Some people prefer to assume more of the risk of loss on their autos and save on premiums. It may make sense for you to remove comprehensive and collision coverages on older vehicles, or increase your deductibles on newer vehicles.

Your employment opportunities and lifestyle most likely will dictate the kind of use your vehicles get and the location at which they are garaged—two things that impact your rates. However, there is a way you can get some control over the rating of your vehicles. You may want to consider driving the lowest-rated vehicle (for example, an older vehicle without physical damage coverage) for activities that have the highest rate for use (for example, business use or long-distance commuting to work).

Always pay your premiums on time. Late payments can actually affect the rates you pay. Issuing cancellations, processing late payments and, then, issuing reinstatements, add significant costs to the servicing of auto insurance policies. Some companies have a low tolerance for late payments under policies that are eligible for their preferred pricing.

Many insurance companies have established a link between a person’s credit history and that person’s probability of having a car accident. As strange as this may sound, there appears to be an objective basis for using credit analysis, known as insurance credit scores, to predict which policyholders will have greater-thanaverage loss experience or less-than-average loss experience. Managing your credit and your credit report will help to lower rates on your auto insurance.

There are some standard discounts, such as those for taking a driver training course or a defensive driving course, qualifying as a good student, insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy, installing certain anti-theft devices and maintaining certain safety equipment (for example, passive restraints or anti-lock brakes). Some insurance companies have developed their own discounts for such things as buying your homeowners policy from the same company. Our agency would like you to take advantage of every discount that is available to you, so don’t hesitate to call us for a discount review.

Lawmakers are working on bills that would help prevent fraud. The main types of fraud are staged accidents and phony or exaggerated medical bills. If you are concerned about your auto insurance costs, be sure to contact the governor and your state legislators and urge them to reach agreement on reforms to drive the cost of fraud out of the state’s auto insurance system.

Are there laws limiting the use of cell phones while driving?
Yes. With more than 150 million cell phone users, many states have passed laws prohibiting the use of hand-held phones while driving, so it’s important to check the laws of the states in which you plan to travel to see what restrictions they might have.

Be sure you review all the literature that comes with your phone. Understand how to use its many features—including speed dial, redial and handsfree options.

If you find yourself in hazardous driving conditions—whether traffic- or weatherrelated —let your voice-mail system pick up the call. A few minutes of paying attention, and pulling over in a safe location, could make a huge difference in your safety and the safety of those around you.

Don’t use driving time to engage in stressful or emotional conversations. They can distract you from driving safely and sensibly, even if you are using a hands-free phone. Cell phones can be an invaluable business tool or your lifeline in a real emergency. But, remember, when you’re behind the wheel, your most important responsibility is safe driving.

What do I do at the scene of the accident?
If you’re involved in an automobile accident, the first thing you should do is contact the police. If anyone is injured, give details to the police, then give the victims whatever help you can. To avoid injuring them further, try not to move them. Make sure an ambulance or emergency rescue team has been summoned.

If you smell or see leaking gas, call the fire department and clear the area.

The police will complete an on-the-scene accident report, something your insurance company will require to settle your claim. Cooperate with the police in giving them the necessary information, but try not to make self-incriminating statements, such as taking blame for the accident. Your comments may be used against you later. If another driver is involved, exchange information. Be sure to obtain the other driver’s license number, registration, insurance agent’s name, insurer and policy number. Also, write down the name, address, work and home phone numbers of the driver and any passengers in the other vehicle. Make notes about their injuries, if any, or if they say they are unhurt. Record the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses, and the names and badge numbers of police officers or emergency personnel.

If you have a camera with you, take photos showing the damage, positions of the cars, any skid marks or any other evidence that might help document what happened.

Make a sketch showing the positions of the cars before, during and after the collision. Keep your car in place, unless you’re creating a hazard. If the police can record the exact position of the cars when they crashed, it will help substantiate your claim. If it is unwise to leave your vehicle in position, take reasonable steps to protect it from further damage. Set up flares, get the car off the road and call a tow truck, if necessary. While your memory is fresh, note the time of the accident, what the weather was like, road conditions, visibility, traffic conditions, speed of the cars involved and how the accident happened. Ask the investigating officer where and how you can obtain a copy of the police report.

How do I file an insurance claim?
If you are involved in an accident, if your car is stolen, or damaged by fire, flood or vandalism, contact your insurance representative as soon as possible to report the claim. Have your policy number ready, plus all license numbers, phone numbers and other information. The police must be notified immediately of any motor vehicle accident or theft.

As your professional, independent agent, we can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork, and will guide you in taking the steps you need to take to be reimbursed for your loss.

What happens then?
Whenever you talk with anyone regarding the accident, take detailed notes. Record the time, date, name of the person and what you discussed. Include all decisions or promises made. Keep our agency fully informed, and furnish us with copies of any documents you send or receive. Save all receipts. Your auto insurance policy may cover incidentals such as car rental or a hotel room if your accident occurs out of town. Check with our agency for specific details of your policy.

Cooperate fully with any insurance company employees who may contact you for further information.

Generally, there are three methods used in handling auto accident claims:

you will be asked to drive the car to a drive-in claims center, where an adjuster will inspect your car and issue an estimate of damages; or
you will be asked to take the vehicle to several body shops for estimates, and then turn the estimates over to the adjuster; or
your insurance company will contact an adjuster to review your case and expedite your claim. Get the adjuster’s name, address and the name of the firm. If an adjuster has not contacted you within 10 days, notify us. When reviewing an estimate with the adjuster, find out if the damaged parts are to be repaired or replaced. Determine whether the estimate is for original manufacturer or thirdparty parts, and if that type of part is covered by the terms of your policy.

After you have received authorization to repair your car, make an appointment with a reputable repair shop. Ask how long the job should take and find out if the needed parts are in stock.

If the cost of the repairs exceeds the estimate, ask the shop to notify the adjuster for authorization. And remember, you’re not in this alone. We are trained and willing to help you with every step in this process.

Is your vehicle ready for winter driving?
Proper maintenance for your automobile is always important, but this is especially true during the winter.

Check your coolant. Make sure the coolant level is correct and that it is mixed according to manufacturer’s specifications.
Use a lighter weight engine oil, like 10W40 for easier starts.
Add dry gas to fuel to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
Keep your washer fluid tank filled (store extra fluid in your trunk) and be sure the fluid is mixed with an antifreeze agent.
Inspect your wiper blades to be sure they are working properly.
Have your battery tested and replace it if it is not working at its peak. Cold weather can run down a battery quickly.
Make sure tire pressure (including the spare) meets manufacturer’s specifications and that tire treads are not worn excessively.

How can I make my car ready each time I drive?
Clear your entire vehicle of ice and snow before you drive. This includes all the windows, roof, hood and trunk. Debris that comes off your vehicle while driving can be hazardous to other drivers. Warm up your car before you drive in order to ensure it is completely defrosted. Do this in a well ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Have a towel on hand to wipe off lights should they become dirty or covered with snow.

What precautions can I take during winter driving conditions?

First and foremost, if you don’t have to go out, don’t.
If you must drive during a winter storm, turn on your low beams, which provide better illumination in snow than high beams.
Do not use cruise control on slick or wet roads.
Slow down. Posted speed limits are set for ideal driving conditions.
Go easy on starts, turns and stops.
Don’t brake hard in icy or snowy conditions. Use threshold breaking by applying brakes firmly just short of wheel lockup then ease off the break pedal slightly. Press down firmly again until you stop. Applying steady pressure is better than pumping the brakes.
If your car has antilock breaks, the process is different. Press firmly and do not let up. Four-wheel drive vehicles can be safer in slippery conditions, but they don’t stop any faster than other cars.
Anticipate potential danger such as icy bridges or drifting snow.
Leave more room between your car and other vehicles on the road.
If you go into a skid, do not panic. Ease off the accelerator and don’t lock up the brakes. Steer in the direction you want the car to go and then straighten the wheel when you feel the car moving in the desired direction.

What should I do if my car breaks down?
Because of the cold, winter breakdowns can be deadly, especially when traveling in remote areas. Consider carrying extra-warm clothes, blankets or a sleeping bag, matches and a two-way radio or cell phone. Carrying food and water also is a good idea.

How much homeowners' insurance do you need?
Most insurance companies require that you insure your home at an amount that equals at least 80% of the replacement cost of your home. If you do not have insurance close to this amount you may receive only partial payment or a percentage of your claim. At Holler-Grapes Insurance, we will review with you a checklist so you are assured that you are carrying the correct limits for:

dwelling
personal property
other structures and landscaping
liability

How to cut your homeowners' premiums:

If you haven't shopped for homeowners' insurance in the past few years, you may be missing out on some discounts. At Holler-Grapes Insurance, we will work to see that you obtain all your eligible discounts, such as:

multiple policy discounts
smoke detector/burglar alarm discounts
high deductible discounts
new home discounts

Why is my house insured for so much, I could never sell it for that amount?
Your home should be insured for "replacement cost", the amount it would cost to replace your home in the event of an insured loss. The "market value", the price you could sell your home for generally does not equal the replacement cost unless it was built within the last year.

How is the cost of my homeowners insurance determined?
A number of factors determine the cost of your homeowners policy, including the type of policy you choose, how much insurance you carry and the size of your deductible. The construction of your home or apartment also is a factor, as some buildings are more fireresistant than others. Available fire protection in your community and where you live also are factors.

How can I reduce the cost of my homeowners insurance?
One way to keep insurance costs down while maintaining adequate protection for your family, property and belongings is to increase the size of your deductible. A deductible is the agreed amount by which, in the event of a covered loss or damage, the insurance company reduces the loss payment. For example, if you agree to a $250 deductible on your homeowners policy, you would be responsible for the first $250 in damages and your insurance company would reimburse you for the balance of the loss up to the policy limit.

The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be. Increasing your deductible to the level you can afford will reduce your insurance costs while still providing protection from large losses. You also may be eligible for lower premiums if you have certain protective devices installed in your home such as a burglar alarm, smoke detector, storm shutters or hurricane-resistant glass and doors.

How does an all-risk homeowners policy differ from a named-peril homeowners policy?
All-risk policies generally insure against more losses or damages than named-peril policies by insuring against every direct cause of physical loss or damage except those excluded in the policy, such as losses due to flood or war. A named-peril policy covers only losses or damages resulting from perils named in the policy contract. A peril is an event such as a fire or vandalism that causes damage to your home or property.

What should I be aware of when I permit contractors to perform work at my residence?
A homeowner has a legal duty to provide a safe premises for invited guests and even trespassers. Neighbors certainly have a right to expect that activities on the premises will not be harmful to their person or property. Consequently, a homeowner could be held liable for bodily injury or property damages involving a contractor’s activities, either because of the homeowner’s own negligence or the contingent responsibility for hiring a negligent contractor. Such protection is provided by the liability coverage of a homeowners policy. However, you will not want your policy to respond as primary coverage. We recommend that you verify (usually by certificate of insurance) that the contractor has general liability coverage in effect before performing the work. And since no workers’ compensation coverage for a contractor is provided by your homeowners policy, it is all the more important to verify that the contractor carries the required workers’ compensation coverage.

Would I be covered under my homeowners policy if I am sued by someone who was seriously injured on my property?
Your homeowners policy will protect you, but only up to the liability limits of your policy. In today’s lawsuit-oriented society, your homeowners policy may not provide adequate liability coverage in the event you are involved in a significant lawsuit. A personal unbrella liability policy should be considered.

Similarly, your automobile policy provides coverage in the event of a vehicle-related lawsuit, up to the limits of the policy.

What would happen if I was held liable for a settlement that exceeded the limits of my insurance coverage?
You would be held personally responsible for paying any portion of the settlement that your insurance company did not pay. Your present assets—your home, your savings account, your car and any other assets you might have—as well as your future earnings could be taken from you to pay the settlement.

Are you insured if you run a business from your home?
The homeowners' policy clearly excludes liability coverage arising out of business activity. Any particular claim would be investigated independently but it is suffice to say that if you are operating a standing business for monetary gain from your home you should not be looking towards your homeowners' policy for coverage with respect to liability claims.

What is a household inventory and why do I need one?
A household inventory could prove invaluable if you lost some or all of your household belongings in a fire, burglary or natural disaster by assisting you in recalling and reporting to your insurance company exactly what you’d lost. A personal household inventory can provide you with a record of your household furnishings and belongings, when you purchased them and their original cost. For an investment of just a few hours, you can survey your belongings and be prepared in the event of a loss.

How do I take my own inventory?
There are three basic steps. First, list all of your major belongings and furnishings, room by room. Record a brief description, any serial numbers, purchase prices and dates, and current value. Attach any receipts and appraisals.

The second step is to back up your inventory list with photographs or video. Take photos or videotape every room, with closet or cabinet doors open. Note the date, contents shown and location.

Third, store the inventory and photographs/videotape in a safe place away from your home, such as in a safe-deposit box in a bank. Keeping a copy of the list or tape at home is fine, but it is wise to keep the original inventory and receipts in a secure location in case a fire or natural disaster destroys your home. Of course, you should likewise protect certain valuables and hard-to-replace documents such as deeds, bonds, stocks and insurance policies by storing them in a safedeposit box.

You also should be aware that home-owners policies generally limit the amount of coverage on fine jewelry, furs, silver and other possessions of high value, and you may want to purchase additional coverage in the form of personal article floater policies. These are general recommendations. For the best advice on your personal insurance needs, call our agency. numbers, purchase prices and dates, and current value. Attach any receipts and appraisals. The second step is to back up your inventory list with photographs or video. Take photos or videotape every room, with closet or cabinet doors open. Note the date, contents shown and location.

How do we protect our jewelry and other valuables?
If you have valuables such as jewelry, silverware, cameras, furs or fine arts in your home, your homeowners policy many not provide adequate coverage against fire, theft and other hazards. Under the basic HO-3 policy, these items must be schedule in order to provide adequate coverage. Adding a personal property floater to your policy will give you the extra coverage not afforded by the standard homeowners policy.

I just bought a home and would like to insure it against damage or destruction. How can I be sure I will be financially able to repair or rebuild in the event of a catastrophe, such as a fire?
Insurers generally recommend you insure your home for its full replacement cost, which means it is insured under a homeowners policy for 100 percent of the cost of repairing or rebuilding it at the time this becomes necessary.

Most insurers require you to insure your home for at least 80 percent of its replacement cost to receive full coverage on a partial loss. It is wise, however, to insure your home for its full replacement cost; insuring it for less could prove quite expensive should you incur a major or total loss.

If there is a fire in my living room, will my homeowners or renters insurance automatically pay for the full cost of replacing my furniture?
No. Unless you have replacement cost coverage on your personal property and possessions, your furniture is only insured for its actual cash value, which is its replacement cost at time of loss, minus depreciation of its value and any deductible applying to your policy. So that sofa and love seat you bought three years ago for $1,200 may only have a depreciated value of $1,000 now, even if they cost you $1,400 to replace them.

If you have replacement cost coverage on your personal property and possessions, you would receive the $1,400 or whatever it costs to replace the furniture with that of equal value after you satisfy the deductible. Replacement cost coverage protects you from both depreciation and inflation. It is usually available at a nominal charge in addition to your homeowners or renters insurance and is well worth the investment.

What isn’t covered under most homeowners and renters insurance policies?
The following items usually are not covered: motor vehicles; commercial buildings on your property or buildings you rent or lease to others except a private garage; pet injuries or damage to your property caused by your pets; and jewelry, coin collections, silverware, furs and other valuables, above speci.ed limits, that are particularly vulnerable to theft.

Special riders or endorsements often can be added to your insurance policy to cover some these items.

Additionally, many homeowners and renters policies do not cover perils such as nuclear accidents, earthquakes, war, floods, mud slides and certain acts of God. Audiotapes and discs kept in automobiles also may not be covered.

How do I determine the replacement cost of my home and belongings?
As your professional insurance agent, we can help you with this. We have information, questionnaires and personal inventory forms that can help you determine the replacement value of your home, property and possessions. Together we can then select the best coverage for you.

We can review your policy with you on an annual basis to assure it is kept up to date and adequate to meet your needs.

My pipes froze and burst, damaging my home or business. Do I have coverage?
Most homeowners insurance policies, except for the very basic ones, cover damage to the home resulting from broken pipes. For example, your insurance company will pay to clean or replace the carpet and furniture that’s damaged, minus your deductible. For those with renters insurance, property loss would be covered. If the damage is so extensive that you can’t stay in the home, your insurance company generally will pay for additional living expenses.

The coverages for a business are similar to those for homeowners and renters policies. Your insurance company will cover your losses, but not the cost for repairs.

Am I also covered for snow and ice buildup that causes leaks in my roof?
This condition is known as an "ice dam." To obtain coverage for this kind of leakage, not directly the result of damage to the roof by wind or the weight of snow, you would need an all-risks-not-excluded type of policy. It is often referred to as an HO-3 or special form policy.

How do I go about submitting a claim for such damages?
First, take immediate steps to prevent further damage and contact our agency. We will verify your coverage and give you instructions for preparing your claim. Generally, you’ll be asked for repair estimates for structural damage and a list of items that will need repair or replacement. Depending on the amount of damage, an appraiser from your insurance company may need to see the damage. As with any insurance claim, keep all receipts.

How can I prevent such damage in the first place?
Frozen pipes. To avoid frozen pipes, wrap pipes that are at risk in insulated heat tape and keep the building heat at an adequate level throughout the winter. If you have a power loss, however, you’ll lose heat, too, so if you’re away from home more than a day or two, arrange for someone to check on things. It’s also a good idea to open cabinet doors to circulate warm air to pipes on outside walls.

Also, if you’ll be away for an extended period of time, drain your pipes. If you’re going to be out of the home for even a short time, shut off the water supply. That way, if pipes do burst, the only water that will be released into the house will be what’s in the pipes. Water won’t continue to pump into the home, as often happens when pipes burst.

If pipes freeze and burst, turn off the water supply before the house warms and the water in the pipes thaws, flooding the home.

Snow and ice buildup. Using a longhandled snow puller, pull the snow from the roof, back just a few feet from the edge of the eaves before ice has a chance to form. By simply removing the snow along the edge of the roof, you will give melting water a chance to drain from the eaves and prevent the formation of ice dams that may damage your roof.

Do not get on the roof to remove snow buildup. This is dangerous and you could easily damage the roofing material, resulting in leaks when it rains.

What if my basement floods?
Removing the water quickly is important. Even clean water can generate mildew and bacterial growth if neglected. Call a local fire restoration company to pump the water from the impacted area if you have a pump start the process immediately, also:

Ventilate affected areas Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in the summer, in the winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
Remove standing water.
Wipe water from wood furniture.
Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk
Open drawers and cabinets for interior drying
Remove valuables.

Do Not

Use your household vacuum to remove water.
Leave wet fabrics in place.
Operate electrical appliances.
Leave books, magazine or other colored items on floors or carpets.

Remember most insurance companies exclude coverage for water damage caused by ground water or sewer backup. If you feel that exposure exist for you make sure you add the coverage.

How about wood burning stoves?
Nothing provides such mellow warmth as a wood fire. Besides giving comfort, wood burning stoves are a good way to save energy and lower fuel bills. Unfortunately, wood stoves also are the cause of serious house fires because of improper installation, operation or maintenance.

Here are several common-sense tips to keep a fire friendly.

If you’re thinking about buying a wood stove, purchase the proper type that will meet your heating needs. Select a stove that has been tested by a nationally recognized laboratory.
Installation is best done by a professional. If you install a wood stove, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and applicable building codes. Consult with your local building department and fire department.
If you’re heating several rooms, placement of the stove should be in a central location so that warmth can be distributed without overheating the stove.
Follow installation instructions regarding adequate clearance between the stove and flammable surfaces.
The stovepipe connector to the chimney should be as short and straight as possible. Maintain at least 18 inches between the stovepipe and any combustible materials. Avoid sharp angles in the stovepipe, as they collect creosote, a very flammable substance derived from wood burning. Fasten stovepipe joints with appropriate screws or rivets.
Do not use a connector pipe smaller than the stove outlet.
Avoid passing a stovepipe through a wall. If that is not possible, use a connector that is approved for wall pass-through or route it through an approved channel piece.
Never attach more than one stove to the same chimney flue. The chimney must be sealed off below the point of a stovepipe connection to prevent toxic gases from backing up into the room. Keep your chimney clean and in good condition.
To reduce creosote accumulation, burn dry, well-seasoned (8-10 months) hardwoods. Inspect stovepipes and chimneys regularly and have them cleaned as needed. Chemical cleaners are not recommended, as their effectiveness is questionable and they could cause corrosion of metal parts.
When lighting or stoking the fire, open the damper for a couple of minutes before you open the door. That will reduce the chance of smoke coming into the room.
Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter or other flammable liquid to start a fire. The fumes are dangerous and could result in an explosion and an uncontrolled fire.
Keep a UL-listed dry chemical fire extinguisher in the vicinity of the stove. Also, install an approved smoke or heat detector near your bedrooms.

What concerns should I have regarding operating a business from my home?
As the owner of a home-based business, you do need commercial insurance but you may not need a separate business policy.

Our Home-based Entrepreneur Program adds the business coverage to your homeowners insurance, covering:

Business property
Business Personal property
Money & Securities
Loss of Business Income
Credit and ATM cards
Business Liability

Home and auto insurance buying tips

Choose the right deductible, higher deductible means lower premium.
Choose the right level of protection. Collision on your car, proper value on your home and valuables.
Nonsmoker and alarm discounts, make sure you get all you’re entitled to.
Updates? Have you upgraded your roof, electrical etc.? Let your agent know.
Insure your auto and home with the same company to get an added discount
Maintain a Safe Driving record.

Will I have enough liability insurance if I get sued?
Typical auto and homeowner insurance liability limits are not adequate to cover the large court judgements being awarded these days. An "umbrella" policy provides protection over your other personal liability policies. You can purchase a policy with limits from one to five million dollars.

I rent my home. Am I covered for losses under my landlord’s homeowners insurance?
No. Your landlord cannot insure your personal property—your personal computer, clothes, stereo, television, jewelry, furniture, bicycle or artwork and other items—against destruction or loss. Renters insurance, however, will give you both property and liability insurance—and it’s very affordable, typically costing less per month than a cable bill.

Is a renters insurance policy inferior to a homeowners insurance policy?
No. Renters insurance provides essentially the same coverage as homeowners insurance, but without coverage on the dwelling. It covers personal property, protecting the renter against many causes of loss, such as fire and smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm and water damage from plumbing.

Does renters insurance cover all of my possessions?
It depends. Some possessions—jewelry, firearms, silverware—are subject to a percategory theft limit. Most renters policies set a $1,000 total limit on jewelry that is stolen, a $2,000 limit on firearms and a $2,500 limit on silverware or flatware. Other items—money, securities, personal records, watercraft and others—are subject to special limits of liability. If your valuables exceed these limits, you may want to consider purchasing a "floater," which provides additional coverage for some of your items.

What if my family and I cannot live in our home because of damage caused by a fire?
Your homeowners/renters insurance will pay for your living expenses that exceed those normally incurred before the loss if an occurrence renders your home or apartment unfit to live in. This is a true benefit if you are required to live in a hotel for any length of time or pay for meals at a restaurant while your place is being renovated.

Will I be covered under my renters insurance if I am sued by someone who was seriously injured on my property?
Yes. If a lawsuit covered by your policy is filed against you or against a relative living with led against you or against a relative living with you, your personal liability coverage under a renters policy will pay for legal defense costs and attorneys' fees. It will protect you if you accidentally cause bodily injury to others or damage someone else’s property.

OK—I’m convinced. What should I be on the lookout for in selecting a policy or in checking my existing coverage?
When purchasing renters insurance, choose a policy wisely to be sure that all your possessions are covered. To begin, renters should take a home inventory, noting the description and value of their belongings. A copy of this inventory should be stored in a safe place outside of the home, such as a safe-deposit box. The inventory will be of great assistance later if you need to file a claim.

Also, be sure to inquire about property not covered under renters insurance, theft limits and other special limits. We’ll provide you with a list of standard coverage limits so you know whether you’ll need to buy a floater. If your apartment or home has a security system, smoke detectors or deadbolt locks, you may be eligible for discounts on your renters insurance. Call us today—we’ll be happy to explain the many options available to you.

Don’t underestimate the importance of renters insurance. A fire, robbery or something as unexpected as a natural gas explosion could leave you without a home—and with great financial loss. If you rent your apartment or home be prepared for the unexpected by contacting our agency today to discuss this important coverage.

Generally, how does my homeowners policy respond to storm damage to my property?
Your homeowners policy covers most losses that may occur to your dwelling and personal property. Commonly, losses resulting from theft, fire, wind, vehicles and vandalism are covered.

What if there is damage because of a storm?
A standard homeowners policy covers storm damage to the dwelling, its contents and other structures such as garages and fences, up to the policy limit. Such damage also acts as a trigger for coverage of other consequential losses and expenses including removal of debris and loss of use.

What if my family and I cannot live in our home because of the damage?
When storm damages make it necessary to leave your home temporarily, your homeowners policy covers the additional costs necessary to maintain your normal standard of living for such things as meals, lodging, laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc. You will need to present receipts for all of your expenses to be reimbursed.

What clean-up expenses can I expect to recover following a storm?
Your homeowners policy will cover costs for removal of debris when covered property is damaged. This includes the removal of trees that fall on covered structures, but this coverage for trees is usually limited to $1,000 for a single storm.

Am I covered for protecting my property from damage?
Your policy obligates you to protect your property from further damage following a loss as a condition to payment of your claim. You can expect your policy to pay for such expenses to board windows and make emergency repairs. Also, property removed from your home to protect it from an impending storm receives more comprehensive coverage than what is provided at your home—for a limited period of time, it covers flood, earthquake and any direct damage to your dislocated property without exclusions. However, the expenses to remove the property from harm’s way is not a covered expense.

What damages are not covered by my homeowners policy?
Trees, shrubs and gardens damaged or destroyed by the storm are not covered. The spoilage of food due to an inoperative refrigerator or freezer resulting from a utility line power outage is not covered by many policies unless the appliances are inoperative because the damage to power lines or other utility equipment occurred on your property; for example, lightning damage to your circuit box or a tree falling on power lines connected to your house.

How can I find out what is covered in my specific circumstances?
The information provided here are general guidelines for storm damage coverage. You should contact our agency for definite answers and further advice.

Is my home insured for damage that may result from flooding caused by a hurricane or other storm?
Not necessarily. Generally, coverage provided by a standard home or business policy does not include damage caused by flooding or mudslides. It is important to note this type of damage could be extremely destructive to your property and without insurance you could be devastated financially.

How can I get insurance coverage so I’m protected for flood damage from a natural disaster?
First, contact our agency. We can help you determine if you need flood insurance. Throughout the United States, more than 20,000 communities participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, which offers flood insurance. An NFIP policy typically includes coverage for: removing contents; sandbagging (to reduce damage); repairing flood damage and rebuilding; clearing away debris and mud; and compensating for personal belongings and business inventories.

You can obtain flood coverage up to $250,000 on your home, $100,000 on its contents and $500,000 for businesses.

Is flood insurance really necessary?
That is a question you should discuss with our agency. However, you should know that lending institutions may require flood insurance as a condition of securing a mortgage, home improvement loan, home equity loan, commercial loan, etc. Flood insurance also is a prerequisite for receiving federal disaster assistance when property is located in a special hazard area. It is important to note that not only high-risk areas are prone to flooding. Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere. One-quarter of NFIP claims come from outside high-risk flood areas.

Can I buy flood insurance at any time?
Yes, but in most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period between the time flood insurance is purchased and the time coverage is in force.

How can I prepare for a catastrophe such as flooding?
Along with obtaining flood insurance protection, you should heed storm warnings and follow evacuation procedures such as boarding up windows and storing outside items inside; shutting off utilities; and preparing an emergency kit that contains food and water, a portable can opener, clothing, blankets, flashlights, first-aid supplies and a battery-operated radio. Also, maintain a current household or business inventory of your property and possessions and keep it in a safe place such as a safe-deposit box. An up-to-date inventory will prove useful when filing your insurance claim.

Am I covered if an earthquake damages my home or business?
Unless you have purchased earthquake coverage, you are not covered by a standard homeowners or business policy. So, structural damage to the building and any loss of furnishings and personal possessions would not be covered.

How does earthquake insurance work?
You can purchase an endorsement to a homeowners, renters or business policy or as a separate policy to cover your losses from earthquakes and aftershocks. Since different building materials react differently to earth movement (brick vs. wood, for example), premiums vary by the type of construction of the building.

Earthquake insurance deductibles are considerably higher than standard deductibles. Usually they are determined by a percentage of the building’s value, generally from 5 percent to 40 percent.

Can I buy earthquake insurance at any time?
The only time you can’t buy the coverage for a home is within 72 hours after an earthquake, since there may be damaging aftershocks within that period of time. For a business owners policy, an earthquake endorsement cannot be added within 168 hours.

With earthquake coverage, am I covered for aftershocks?
Yes. With a homeowners earthquake endorsement, any damage from the earthquake and from aftershocks that happen within 72 hours of the earthquake will be considered one occurrence so you will pay your deductible only once. It works in a similar way for a business owner’s earthquake endorsement. The earthquake and aftershocks within 168 hours are considered one occurrence.

I belong to a condo association. What if the common property is damaged?
If you belong to a townhouse or condominium association that has inadequate earthquake coverage or none at all, you could be charged for repairs to common property. If you have earthquake coverage and loss assessment coverage on your unit-owners policy, you may be able to extend it to cover you for this liability to the association. Please check with our agency for more information.

Do I really need earthquake coverage in this area of the country?
Small earthquakes have happened in this area and probably will happen again. In fact, some experts predict that within the next five years the Northeast will suffer a major quake. However, there’s no way to be sure one way or the other of earth movement.

I always lock my doors when I leave my house. What else can I do to prevent a break-in?
Make your home appear occupied. Timers are inexpensive and can be effective at fooling thieves: Use them to turn lamps and radios on and off at various times of the day and night in different rooms of the house. Light-sensing timers are good for turning outdoor lights and floodlamps on and off at dusk and dawn, making it more difficult for thieves to hide. Use an answering machine or call forwarding, if possible, to quiet ringing phones.

Have a neighbor pick up your mail, newspapers and other deliveries, including fliers and advertisements that commonly are left on doorsteps and doorknobs. Arrange to have your lawn mowed, walkways and driveway shoveled and garbage collected. Have a friend or neighbor park a car in your driveway, check on your home, or even house sit, if possible. Notify the police when you’ll be away for any length of time.

Also, don’t advertise your absence. Don’t leave notes to anyone regarding your absence; handle such instructions by phone or in person before leaving. Pull shades and draw curtains in the evening. Don’t publicize your vacation plans in local newspapers or newsletters; thieves read them, too.

If you arrive home and think you’ve been burglarized, call police from a neighbor’s phone; don’t enter your home or touch anything in it before police investigate.

Are some locks better than others?

Dead-bolt locks are recommended for outside doors; double-cylinder dead-bolt locks, which must be opened from both sides with a key, should be used on doors having windows. Pin locks are recommended for windows and sliding glass doors (pinning a window or door locks it to its frame so it can’t be moved). Don’t forget to secure basement windows; they are a favorite target of thieves. Don’t attempt to hide keys under flowerpots, mats or on top of sills, and keep track of who has keys to your home. Avoid putting your name, address or telephone number on your key chain.

What can I do to prevent crime when I am home?
Keep valuables out of sight, preferably in a safe-deposit box. Don’t display expensive items such as stereos or musical instruments in plain view through windows, and don’t advertise recent purchases: break up cartons and put them in a bag in the trash rather than outside of the can. Refrain from keeping large amounts of cash on hand.

Keep shrubs and trees from obscuring windows and doors and becoming hiding places for thieves. Keep your doors locked, and never allow a stranger to enter your home. Question him or her; ask for identi.cation. Call utilities (electric, water, telephone or cable companies) for confirmation when someone wants to enter your home to read the meter or do repairs. Teach children to answer the telephone correctly and never to say you are not home. Keep your house locked while you are working in the yard. Lock up sports; gardening and farming equipment; and tools.

If you move into a new home or apartment, change the locks as soon as possible.

Participate in your local Neighborhood Watch program if one exists, or talk to local police about starting one in your community. Be aware of what goes on in your neighborhood and report anything suspicious to the police. Remember: You’d want your neighbor to do so if your home were being burglarized.

Be sure that your home and belongings are properly and adequately insured. Talk to us about homeowners or renters insurance, and about replacement cost coverage for your belongings. We can provide you with the best coverage to meet your needs.