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Vacations are wonderful opportunities to relax, explore new places, and enjoy time spent with family and friends. But as you prepare for time away from home, it is important to have the proper insurance policies set up in advance. While you hope to never need them, these types of insurance can help you rest easy on your next trip.  

Rental Car Insurance 

If you are flying to your destination, you may also be picking up a rental car once you land at the airport. Purchasing insurance for your rental car is optional, and your own car insurance policy does affect most cases when you rent a vehicle. However, suppose you did not purchase collision or comprehensive auto insurance for your own vehicle. In that case, this means you will be responsible for the cost of any collision damage done to the rental as well. It is always ideal to have personal collision insurance, as well as purchase a “loss damage waiver” from the rental car company. This means your credit card will not be immediately charged for the cost of any damages. 

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance 

You are probably aware of how your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers any possible loss, damage, or theft to your property and belongings. But did you know that in many cases, your property is also protected even as you travel? If you are bringing high-value equipment on your vacation such as scuba gear, skis, or professional cameras, these items could be covered if they are damaged unexpectedly or stolen. Keep in mind that most homeowner’s policies do have a cap on the value of covered possessions. If you are bringing equipment that exceeds that amount, it is a good idea to speak with your agent about obtaining a separate insurance policy for that specific item.  

Health Insurance 

When you are on vacation outside of the U.S., the last thing you want to experience is a serious medical emergency. However, it is best to prepare ahead and avoid a stressful situation, should you become injured. First, you will need to contact your health insurance provider and determine what (if any) coverage is provided in the country you are visiting. Your policy may offer some support for emergency room visits, but this is often where coverage ends. If you need to be medically evacuated back to the U.S., this can be extremely expensive. Speak with your insurance agent about a short-term medical trip insurance policy, especially if you travel abroad and engage in high-risk activities such as scuba diving, hang gliding, or skiing.  

Travel Insurance 

While this may seem like the most obvious policy to review and purchase before going on vacation, it can often be overlooked. Perhaps the last thing on your mind when planning your trip is the potential need to cancel or postpone the vacation. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon to experience. Travel insurance can provide partial reimbursement for your expenses if you need to cancel a trip due to personal injury, illness, or an unforeseen circumstance outlined in your policy. If you begin your vacation and need to return home early, your travel insurance may cover some of these expenses as well. Travel insurance can even provide reimbursement for clothing and toiletries if your luggage is lost or stolen during your trip.  

Whether you are planning an extended international adventure or a four-day weekend on the coast, there are a number of ways that new and existing insurance policies can protect you, your belongings, and the investment you’ve made in your trip. To discuss the options that are best for you, contact your local insurance agent today. 

Cooling off in the pool is one of the most fun ways to beat the summer heat. But before you jump in, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. Many of these suggestions are geared towards your children or young family members, but it is up to you to enforce them and keep everyone safe. Here are six pool safety measures to take that protect both you and your loved ones this summer.  

Secure Your Pool 

A vital first step in pool safety is building a barrier around the perimeter. A four-sided isolation fence reduces the risk of a child drowning by 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing. Use fencing that is durable, tall, and self-latching with a latch that is out of reach for young children. For above-ground pools, remove the steps or ladder when an adult is not present.  

Designated Water Watcher 

When children are swimming, there should always be a designated adult within arm’s reach to assist if needed. If this adult is not in the water, they should be fully prepared to dive in at any time. Watching the water should also be their only task, especially if they are sitting poolside. That means no texting, reading, or playing games on their phone. A cell phone should still be within arm’s reach to call for help, but not kept in a clothing pocket to prevent water damage. 

Swimming Lessons 

If you plan to bring your infant into the pool, it is not necessary to have completed infant swim lessons (although classes are available). Be sure your baby has on safety-certified flotation attire, and hold them the entire time they are in the water. For older children who are going to swim or play in the pool without an adult holding onto them, it is a good idea to invest time in basic swim lessons. Teaching your children how to paddle with their head above water, float on their back, and safely exit the pool is imperative. As they become more confident, they can remove water wings and floats while learning different swimming techniques. 

Drain Awareness 

Children who are able to swim on their own should be educated on what to do when they approach the pool drain. If the drain is easily accessible, show your child how the drain uses strong suction to pull water from the pool. Teach children that if they get too close to the drain, their hair, swimsuit, jewelry, or limbs can become pulled down by the suction as well. While the drain is not something to be afraid of, children should not play with the drain or go near it in order to allow the pool to filter water properly. 

CPR and Emergency Plan  

It is always best to prepare for an emergency that may never happen, rather than to be unprepared if the unexpected occurs. Your family should have a plan for what to do if someone needs help or is drowning. Familiarize yourself with how to perform CPR on both infants, children, and adults. Courses and certifications are often available in your community. Recruit teens or older children to call 911, and make sure younger children know to clear the pool and wait for instructions. Practice your plan so each person knows their responsibility. 

Pool Insurance 

Your general homeowners insurance may offer some liability coverage, should a guest injure themselves while in your pool. Pool owners are also liable for injuries, whether the guest has permission to use the pool or not. Additionally, most homeowners policies only cover a certain percentage of the cost of non-residential structures on the property. If your pool becomes damaged by a guest or natural accident such as a tree falling on it, you would only receive a percentage of the cost to replace it. Keep your family and guests safe by maintaining the proper liability and damage coverage. Your local insurance agent can help determine what coverage is right for you.  

When you set the proper ground rules for pool safety, everyone is able to enjoy a fun and worry-free experience. Use these tips and maintain the appropriate insurance coverage so you can feel secure and safe this summer. 

As the days grow longer and warmer, you may find yourself soaking in the sunshine for a few more hours each day. This has many health benefits from improving your mood to increasing your vitamin D absorption, but there is a key caveat – you must protect your skin against sun damage. Here are four ways you can stay safe while enjoying the outdoors this summer. 

Apply Sunscreen (Even on Cloudy Days!)

While this may seem like the most obvious way to protect yourself from sun damage and skin cancer, you should ensure that you are using the appropriate SPF level and reapplying at the correct intervals. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays which cause burns and potentially skin cancer. Because UV rays are reflected off water particles, they can actually be even more harmful on cloudy or overcast days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more for your face and body, and reapply often on days when you are outdoors. Make sure the sunscreen is not expired or more than three years old, as it will no longer be effective.  

A recent FDA study also revealed that many of the common ingredients in chemical-based sunscreens (which absorb UV rays rather than repel them) are also absorbed into the bloodstream at levels above what the FDA deems “safe.” Look for products that use minerals such as zinc instead. These minerals sit atop the skin and reflect UV rays like a mirror on your body, but they are not absorbed into your body.  

Wear Protective Clothing

On days that you plan to be in the sun for a few hours or more, choose your attire carefully to ensure you are protected from UV rays. If your job requires you to be outside, try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts. For those days at the beach or pool, bring a t-shirt or cover-up to wear when you are not in the water. Dark clothing provides more protection from UV rays, and many manufacturers are now creating clothing with an SPF 30 rating or more.  

Cover Your Head

It is easy to overlook caring for our scalp on days spent outside, but your head actually needs to be covered as well! Look for a wide-brimmed hat in a woven fabric without holes. Straw hats are often popular in the summer due to their breathability, but a wide weave will still let UV rays through. Wide-brimmed hats are a great choice because you benefit from your entire head and shoulders being shaded. A baseball cap is another good option, but be sure to apply a mineral-based broad spectrum sunscreen to your neck and ears.  

Don’t Forget Sunglasses

Sunglasses do more than simply prevent you from squinting on a bright day – they also help protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the chance of developing cataracts. Any pair purchased in the U.S., regardless of the price point, will most likely include UV-blocking lenses. Pairs with larger lenses, wrap-around sides, or wider arms will also block rays that can creep in from other angles. Similar to sunscreen, you should wear sunglasses even on overcast days.  

 While each of these practices is good to implement on its own, it is ideal to combine sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses for full-coverage UV protection. As you make plans to spend days outdoors, be sure you are caring for your skin. If needed, don’t be afraid to look for shade or bring a portable shade tent for extra protection. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but it is also one of the most easily prevented if proper sun safety measures are followed. Reduce your risk today by following these steps this summer!  

When starting a business, you always have the goal to continue growing in mind. The last thing on your mind would be the types of insurance coverages you would need to have your business running at full efficiency. But how do you know what insurance to get for your business size? What happens when your company succeeds and sees growth? Not to worry, we have compiled a bit of information on what to do when it comes to insurance coverages for your growing business below. The types and amount of insurance that you need for your small business are based on several factors. First things first, you need to ask yourself: What type of business are you in? Where is it located? Do you have employees?  

Small Sized Businesses 

How can you classify your business as a small business? Ask yourself these two questions: Do you know all your employees by name? Does your business make less than a few million dollars a year? If you were able to answer yes to both of these questions, it’s safe to say you are operating a small business. If you prefer to see numbers to decide the business size, many insurers consider businesses with 50 or fewer people a small business. Now onto insurance, you need to have when you are a small business. A business owner’s policy, typically referred to as a BOP, is available only for businesses with fewer than 100 employees and revenues of up to about $5 million or less. You have the option to purchase customized insurance to cover specific aspects of your business, but obtaining a BOP is a pretty standard business insurance policy that all small businesses should have in their coverages.  

Policies You May Need: 

• General Liability 
• Professional Liability 
• Worker’s Compensation 
• Cyber Liability 
• Commercial Auto 
• Employment Practices Liability 
• Directors & Officers 
• Business Owner’s Package 

Medium Sized Businesses 

Typically, if you have seen a growth in your business that has resulted in your company having between 50 to 1,000 employees and annual revenue between $10 million and $1 billion, you’ve moved into the medium-sized business category. Insurers usually have special policies set aside for businesses within this category that may combine property and liability coverages. If your business owns expensive equipment or business locations in more than one state, you can seek special customized policies.  

Policies You May Need: 

• General Liability 
• Professional Liability 
• Worker’s Compensation 
• Cyber Liability 
• Commercial Auto 
• Employment Practices Liability 
• Directors & Officers 
• Business Owner’s Package 
• Commercial Property 
• Commercial Liability 

Large Businesses 

If your business has at least 500 employees, we can safely categorize your business as a large business. These forms of businesses usually consist of multi-million-dollar risks and commercial insurance that is customized to meet a company’s specific needs. Larger companies usually will have dedicated employees who maintain and practice risk management for your company.  

Policies You May Need: 

• General Liability 
• Professional Liability 
• Worker’s Compensation 
• Cyber Liability 
• Commercial Auto 
• Employment Practices Liability 
• Directors & Officers 
• Business Owner’s Package 
• Commercial Property 
• Commercial Liability 
• Property Solutions 
• Casualty Solutions 

 It is important to keep in mind that these insurance policies may not all apply to your specific business. Keep in mind that you may require special forms of coverage depending on your business. For more information on what types of insurance your business needs, reach out to your local insurance agent today.  

Summer is beginning to peek its head around the corner and it’s time to get your home ready for the summer heat! You should have maintenance upkeeps throughout the year, but summer is going to be our main focus in this blog. By starting your maintenance early, around mid to late May, you can bring down energy bills, improve the efficiency and life of the components of your home, and increase the overall safety of your property. Below are some ways you can help you help your home run at its best during the summer months.  

Home Exterior  

Over the course of a year, your home’s exterior can become covered with dirt, debris, dust, or even mold that makes your home lose its curb appeal. By using a power washer, you can clean off the dirt on all points of your home no matter how many levels it has. While inspecting the exterior of your home you may come across pieces of chipped, cracked, or faded exterior paint. If so, it is important to repair those quickly as fully painted homes are more protected against the elements. Inspecting your foundation is the most important task to undertake when doing your summer maintenance. If your foundation is cracked it can create an entryway for water that can lead to serious flooding.  

Gutter Cleaning  

Cleaning out your gutters is typically a job saved for the fall but when you experience high levels of rainstorms, they can knock some tree foliage down into your gutters. Gutters are designed to collect rainwater from the roof and steer it away from the foundation of the home. Clearing out your gutters is important to ensure that there is no water coming to damage the structural foundation. Did you know that foundation repairs can cost almost close to $10,000? Clogged gutters can also cause issues for your roof due to the increased weight on them. If your gutters become too full, there is a potential risk of the gutters being pulled off of your home, causing damage to the shingles of the roof and the exterior of the house.  

Windows and Doors  

It’s crucial to check your sealant on your home’s windows and doors. If there are any leaks in the sealant, you could be letting out cold air causing your energy bill to increase in the summer months and potentially letting in little bugs. When inspecting your windows, check the screens for any rips or tears. Replacing or repairing these screens will help keep debris, leaves, insects, and other animals from entering your home when you aren’t inside.   

Looking to add more home-related coverages to your policy? Talk to your local agent today for more information. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never recover and re-open their doors after a disaster. It is in the best interest of your business to maintain both adequate insurance coverage and a disaster recovery plan so you’re prepared to bounce back when Mother Nature comes calling.  

In 2019, there were 14 major weather climate disasters that totaled community losses exceeding $1 billion in the United States. This included flooding, tornado outbreaks, hail storms, droughts, wildfires, and tropical storms. If you find yourself in need of rebuilding after a similar event, it’s important to: 

Stay On a Short Timeline 

If you’re a small business, you’ve got to communicate your closure to customers, employees, and stakeholders, then find a way to re-open within five days if you want to preserve the chance you will still be in business in a year. Penning a plan for a course of action if your business becomes nonoperational due to disaster is key. This includes a plan to protect assets and access important documents such as insurance policies, and hardware inventory including serial numbers, business contracts, and employee records.  

Document All Damage  

Your disaster response plan should indicate which individual within the company is responsible for photographing, videotaping, and documenting physical damage to property to assist with an insurance claim.

Call Your Agent  

If a natural disaster impacts your business, contact your insurance representative immediately. A delay in communication can mean a delay in financial assistance, and a timely reopening is crucial to protecting the odds of your business making it long-term.

Look Into Loans 

Take advantage of offerings from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). The SBA Office of Disaster Assistance offers low-interest loans for repairing or replacing real estate, inventory, machinery and equipment, and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in an event that has been declared a disaster. 

Check Your Air Quality 

Mold can grow anywhere oxygen and moisture are present. If your building hasn’t had the humidity under control for a few days, you haven’t had maintenance services, appliances haven’t been properly vented, or your roof has been leaking, you’ll want to make sure your work environment is safe for employees to return. 

Find a Temporary Location 

If necessary, move to an alternate location with access to duplicate data. It’s more important that you continue operations than it is you wait to re-open operations at your current location. The more contact you can maintain with your customer base and employees, the better. Operating on a virtual server (also known as cloud hosting) or having access to a back-up of all company data off-site can make this possible when necessary. This will allow your company data to be accessible from anywhere, rather than only at your original location. 

Communicate your priorities to your employees. First and foremost, take care of your people. You want your employees to hear that their safety is of utmost importance, whereas computers and carpet can be replaced. Keep in mind the financial strain a lapse in pay can cause an individual, and work to create a team mentality that despite the current struggle, the goal is to continue operations–or re-open as quickly as possible–for long-term success. The state may provide temporary assistance for employees who need support during the transition.  

While you hope never to experience a theft or home invasion, there are unfortunately about 2.5 million burglaries annually in the U.S. According to the FBI, this equates to one burglary every 30 seconds. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers personal items such as jewelry and artwork, but most policies have a limit of $1,000 to $1,500, regardless of the item’s value. With the average loss from a burglary being $2,661, it is in your best interest to add protection to your valuables. Here are five high-value possessions you may want to obtain a dedicated insurance policy for.  

Jewelry

When purchasing fine jewelry, many jewelers offer insurance policies. These may provide cleaning and maintenance, repairs from scratches or accidental damage, and replacement stones should any come loose. However, these policies almost never cover the unfortunate loss of your sentimental items due to theft. Having additional coverage protects you from both burglary and even accidental loss from a broken clasp if the piece falls off while you’re away from home. 

Artwork

Art is one of the most common physical investments that may increase in value over time. If you’ve purchased any one-of-a-kind pieces, these should be appraised and insured. While the work of art may be irreplaceable if stolen or damaged beyond repair, obtaining an accurate appraisal for your insurance policy is vital when recovering the value of the art. 

Fitness Equipment

In today’s time with many people creating home gyms, the amount of equipment may have a very high total value. Although these items such as treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bicycles, and weight machines are often very large, if you are out of town for a prolonged period of time and suffer a major home theft, these pieces may be targeted. This equipment could also become badly damaged or inoperable in a fire or natural disaster. If you have made an investment in outfitting your home gym, consider protecting it.

Musical Instruments

If you or a family member are a musician, chances are you have musical instruments stored within your home. Anything from a baby grand piano to a violin can have a high value that exceeds your standard homeowner’s insurance. Similar to fitness equipment, larger musical instruments may not be an immediate target during a home invasion, but they could still be stolen. As many are made of wood, they are naturally extremely susceptible to fire damage as well.  

Recreational Vehicles

Most states require some amount of liability insurance for owners of recreational vehicles such as four-wheelers, golf carts, snowmobiles, or boats. However, your state’s minimum liability coverage requirements only cover damage done to others, not you or your property. These items are also highly susceptible to theft. Even if they are eventually located by law enforcement, you may receive them returned to you having been stripped of all high-value parts and modifications. As with all recreational vehicles, there is a risk of damage as well. If your lifestyle includes using these regularly, you may want to look into increasing your liability insurance and adding protection in the case of theft or damage.  

With most of these high-value items, you may have to conduct an official appraisal. Speak with your insurance agent for a referral to a professional appraiser they use and trust. As collectible items potentially increase in value, you may even want to conduct routine appraisals every few years. This peace of mind will help ease your anxiety if anything happens to your valuables.  

When it comes to automotive insurance, you may find yourself faced with multiple decisions to make. Should you choose a high or low deductible plan, minimum or maximum coverage, or pay premiums monthly versus an annual lump sum? Although there is truly no wrong answer, it is important to ensure you have the best possible coverage for your budget, driving habits, and lifestyle. Your local insurance agent can guide you toward the ideal policy for your needs, but this may still leave you questioning the frequency of your payments.  

Depending on your budget, it may be harder for you to pay your insurance premium up-front. However, this is still the most cost-effective way to purchase coverage. Insurers may offer what seems like a discount when you pay annually, and this absolutely benefits you as the consumer. However, what this also means is that those who elect to pay monthly or quarterly are actually being charged added fees as a penalty for delaying payments. These fees cover the insurer’s “carrying cost” of delaying collection, the back-office expense for processing multiple transactions, and the risk of consumers terminating payments earlier than expected. If you are able to pay annually without causing financial strain, this is a great option for you. 

Of course, the most ideal payment schedule remains one that you can manage. Paying annually in a lump sum could leave you strained to cover other bills such as a car payment, or you could find yourself facing significant late fees if you aren’t able to make the next year’s annual payment. Should you choose to pay monthly, a major benefit is being able to maintain a consistent budget schedule without falling behind or incurring late fees.  

One additional payment preference is using either a personal debit or credit card or setting up automated electronic funds transfers (EFT). When using a card to make a payment, you may run into additional card processing fees from the insurer. Some providers will offer an incentive discount should you choose to pay via an EFT, which comes directly from your bank and does not charge the insurance provider additional fees.  

Overall, there is no incorrect method for making payments toward your auto insurance premium. Keep your budget in mind, and be sure to speak with your local insurance agent to obtain the appropriate level of coverage. Once you understand the policy that is best for you, you can make an informed decision regarding how often to pay. Your agent can help provide clarity around the price differences between paying monthly and annually, so contact your local insurance agent today.  

 In the past, most businesses retained their data either in a hard copy format, such as paper records and files or on a private computer server that was stored within their building. However, cloud-based software has exploded in recent years. It offers affordable and scalable methods for data management to companies of all sizes. The data can be accessed from virtually anywhere, allowing businesses to operate remotely or after hours as needed.
 

While there are numerous benefits to digital data transformation, it also leaves companies vulnerable to cyber attackers and potential data breaches. Cyber liability insurance can protect your business should the unfortunate occur. In most cases, it is not included as part of your general liability insurance, so you will need to speak with your agent to add this to your policy. Here are some ways you can stay protected and determine if cyber liability coverage is right for your business. 

The Digital Age 

The majority of companies today, whether they are major corporations or small, locally-owned operations, use the internet and technology to conduct business in some way. Regardless of whether your business uses the internet only to send emails or manage your entire portfolio of clients, your data could be hacked and used against you.
If you use technology at all, it is a good idea to speak with your agent about cyber liability insurance. Should a breach occur, you and your business would not be held liable for any covered damage that occurs.  

Client Protection 

When you handle sensitive information about your clients, such as billing details, financial records, or even simply names and addresses, your clients are trusting you to keep these details private. Should a cyber attacker obtain this data, they can use it in many ways. These range from posing as your company to “phish” for additional confidential information to making client details available publicly.
This can be damaging and even embarrassing for your customers, and it can also severely harm your company’s reputation. By ensuring that you have cyber liability insurance in place, you can cover the expensive yet vital processes such as notifying clients about a data breach, restoring clients’ compromised identities, recovering corrupted data, and repairing damaged software.  

Confidential Company Data  

Businesses may also decide to obtain cyber liability insurance if they retain confidential data of their own such as trade secrets, privately developed software, and other intellectual property – or even simply their employees’ Social Security Numbers. If this information is stolen by cyber attackers, the added liability insurance can even cover the cost of legal expenses, forensic investigation, and loss of business income during the time of the breach. Any stolen data that is used without your consent or knowledge is legally protected. This allows for a quicker recovery of the data, along with a more streamlined litigation process so your business can return back to normal as soon as possible.
 

Cyber liability insurance is a vital safeguard against potential hackers. While you hope never to experience a data breach to begin with, having this additional coverage can significantly improve your company’s reputation, your clients’ trust, and the digital security of your employees and private intellectual property. 

The process of owning a new home can be exciting, especially for a first-time buyer. But it can also be challenging to navigate, especially when trying to figure out the right types of insurance you’ll need. Here are five things you’ll want to keep in mind as you choose how to insure your investment. 

Insure for the Appropriate Value

A 2019 study found that three out of five American homes are underinsured by 20%. That means that if a $200,000 home is destroyed in a fire, an underinsured owner would still be left with $40,000 to pay when they rebuilt the home. A key reason for a home being underinsured is not accounting for the rising cost of construction. Owners can avoid this costly mistake by reviewing their insurance policy annually with their agent and obtaining an updated estimate of what it would cost to rebuild in the current year’s construction market.  

Check the Landscape

Are you near a flood plain, a large body of water, or a fault line prone to earthquakes? These natural disasters aren’t covered under the standard “HO-3” insurance, which only covers the structure, personal belongings, and liability in the event of damage or injury. In some areas, federal law requires you to have flood insurance if your home is within a high-risk zone. Even if it isn’t, you may want to consider extra protection if you’re near a large body of water like a river or lake that could flood unexpectedly. The same goes for residents living near earthquake-prone regions of the U.S. Check with your insurance agent to determine the best supplemental insurance for your home’s environment.  

It’s Not Just A Building 

While your standard HO-3 insurance will cover personal belongings, you may want to obtain separate coverage for anything of significant value. This can include art, jewelry, collector’s items, heirloom furnishings, and more. While this does add a marginal amount to your premium, you will be protected in the unfortunate event of a theft, damage, or natural disaster.  

Renting? You May Need Extra Coverage 

If you purchased, built, or renovated this property intending to rent, it is a good idea to consider extra coverage in case damage is caused by a tenant. Your local insurance agent can help you determine the correct types of additional insurance. This could include landlord insurance, which covers the dwelling, other structures such as a detached garage, and personal property used to maintain the rental such as a lawnmower. You may want additional liability insurance as well, in case a tenant becomes injured on the property and wants you to cover his or her medical expenses.  

Documentation Is Key

After you’ve moved into your new home, be sure to take accurate photos and video recordings of your property, personal belongings, and assets located within the dwelling. Make a list of your major features of the home and assets, and also note the cost of these items. Keep this documentation stored off-site or digitally on cloud-based software to ensure it is protected in the case of fire or severe damage. Be sure to share this with your insurance agent as well. Should the unthinkable happen, it is best to avoid the added stress and have a very accurate record when filing your claim.  

A personal home, even if it is a rental, is often your most valuable possession. While the chance of damage or total loss may be low, you never want to underestimate your home’s value to obtain a lower premium. By working with your local insurance agent to determine a fair and comprehensive policy, you can rest assured knowing your valuable investment will be protected for years to come.