Saving on Home Insurance

With the economy being what it is, we are more aware of what we’re spending and how to spend it. Do you know when the last time you checked your homeowner’s insurance policy? If you take a few minutes to look over your policy you may see that your home could be eligible for lower deductibles or new premiums. Saving money is important to all of us. Just remember if you lower your homeowner deductibles, you may have to spend more of your own money if a problem were to arise. Another way to save on home insurance is to take a policy out with your auto insurance provider or improving your home security. Improving your home security will give you the opportunity to cut your premiums. Take the time to ask your agent about different policies that would be best for you and your wallet.

For more information on home insurance or to get an estimate on how much proper coverage costs, get a free New York City Home Insurance quote today.

In the recent years, there have been natural disasters and sudden emergencies that many of us are not prepared for. Have you thought about what you would do in case of emergency? Where would you go? How would you get in touch with friends and family? Most importantly, do you think if there were a disaster, would you be prepared at this moment, are you ready?

Step 1 of being prepared is to plan ahead. Step 2 is to practice your preparation. Follow these steps to prepare for any emergency:

1. Arrange an Evacuation Ahead of Time

• Set a place you and your family can go in event of an evacuation. It is best to have more than one place to go and be sure to keep phone numbers and addresses handy in your home if you ever need them.
• Create different routes to your safe location. The best way you know may not be available if you need it.
• If you are separated from your family, designate a location where you can all reconvene.

2.   Create a Home Inventory

• It always helps to know what you have so you can have enough insurance to cover your possessions. This is always help the your claims process.
• Having a list of your home possessions will allow you to organize and list your possessions. Also having digital images of your valuables will help show the condition of your stuff.

3.    What to Take

• Medicines, prescriptions and first aid kit
• Bottled water
• Clothing and bedding (sleeping bags, pillows)
• Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Special items for infants or elderly or disabled family members
• Computer hard drive or laptop
• If you have a pet, bring their food and other items for pets (litter boxes, leashes)

4.   Bring Important Document

• Insurance policies
• Prescriptions
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Passports, Drivers license and Social Security cards
• Wills, deeds and recent tax returns
• Bank, savings and retirement account numbers

5.   Take the Ten-Minute Challenge

In the end to find out if you are really prepared, if you planned and practiced, you should be able to gather everything listed and be on the road safely in 10 minutes. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to gauge how much more practice you may need or if you need to rethink your plan. For more information on home insurance or to get an estimate on how much proper coverage costs, get a free New York City Home Insurance quote today.

Before the cold winter weather ensues:

• Insulate the pipes in your home including crawl spaces and your attic. The more insulation used, the better the chance of your pipes will be protected.
• Seal any leaks that allow cold air insure your home. Use caulk or insutlation to keep out the cold and heat in (Plus, this will help you save on heating costs). Even the tiniest of openings can cause pipes to freeze if it’s just that cold outside.
• If possible, shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

When the temperature drops:

• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Allow heat to reach un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances.

What to do if you go away:

• Set the thermostat in your to at least 55°F (12°C).
• Ask a friend, neighbor or family member to check on your house.
• Shut off and drain the water system. (If you have fire protection sprinklers, this will deactivate when the water is shut off).

If your pipes freeze:

• Don’t chance anything.
• If you turn on your faucets and nothing happens, leave the faucets on and call a plumber.
• If you notice that your water pipes are frozen and did burst, turn off the main shut off valve, leave the faucets turned on.
• Do not try to thaw a pipe by any means of fire or open flame. You could burn your house down rather than just have water damage.