Helpful Homeowner Hints

• When purchasing a new home or moving, please call us in advance so we can prepare the appropriate insurance forms that will be required for uninterrupted coverage.
• Make periodic checks to ensure your smoke detectors are working.
• Check your fire extinguishers for service or expiration dates.  If you do not have fire extinguishers, please purchase them for your home and personal safety.
• Take pictures or videotape the inside of your home.  This will help you realize the value of your personal belongings and serve as evidence, should you have a claim.  Keep receipts and inventory your personal property by make, model and serial number.  A safety deposit box is your best place of storage.
• Please advise us of your silver, jewelry, fur, fine art, coin, stamp, gun or other collections.  Your policy has limited coverage for these items.  We can advise you of the best way in which to insure them
• As homes become older, proper upkeep and safety inspections become very important.  If you are renovating or adding to your home, please call us before work begins.  We may need to make coverage changes to your policy and advise you on the coverage needed by the contractor.
• Central station fire and burglar alarm systems are excellent ways to protect your property.  Less expensive methods of protection include dead-bolt locks, light timers, door chains, outdoor floodlights, window security latches and other security items available at most hardware stores.
• Heating, air conditioning and sump pump units should be serviced on a regular basis to assure dependability and a longer life.
• If you own a condominium or co-operative please contact your association and obtain a copy of their policy.  Their policy may have no coverage for the inside of your unit.  Therefore, you will need to insure all of your improvements and upgrades are properly covered.
• Combining your homeowner’s insurance with your auto insurance eliminates gaps in coverage and can reduce premiums by the discounts allowed.