Has your roof sustained storm damage or just in need of a serious face-lift?
Having your roof repaired or replaced is the last thing you want to worry about when the weather is nice; however, neglecting to have repairs made can result in chronic, long-term issues to both the exterior and interior of your home. Cracked, brittle, curled or missing shingles can be the gateway for severe damage if not addressed.
We know the process of selecting a contractor to complete the repairs is not easy and requires some homework. We also believe most contractors are honest and reputable; unfortunately, some are not.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when having your roof repaired.
Contractor:
Work only with a licensed contractor who can show proof of insurance.
Request references from the contractor and check them out.
See if the contractor is rated by the BBB.
Be present when the contractor inspects the roof and ask questions.
Request a detailed estimate identifying the cost breakdown, when the work will be completed, guarantees, warranties and payment schedule.
Avoid contractors who solicit business door to door.
Make sure the type of roof covering is appropriate for your roof slope. Keep in mind that shingles are not appropriate for a flat roof.
Make sure the contractor inspects and addresses the flashing on th roof such as the valleys, roof vents, and chimneys.
Make sure the roof is ventilated properly. Heat that is trapped in an attic can cause condensation issues or decrease the life expectancy of your roof.
Review local building code(s) to ensure the proposed repair is in compliance, such as the type of sheathing and use of ice/water shield.
Avoid applying new shingles over a deteriorated roof.
Make sure the weather is appropriate when the repairs are made. Remember shingles will not seal properly in colder temperatures.
Just imagine that you have gotten some of the worst news you could possibly receive.
Your spouse/partner has been killed in a car accident. While dealing with all of the emotions and heartbreak of this news, you have to slog through this devastating circumstance and take care of yourself and your family in practical ways.
You will need to find the life insurance policy that was hopefully purchased to help continue to pay your bills. You will need make changes to bank accounts and other financial accounts. You will need to be able to access your auto insurance and home owner’s insurance policies and various legal documents.
Human beings prefer to deal with things they know about and have an affinity for, or have the education and learning to be successful. If you are like many couples, it seems one of you deals with the finances of your household and one of you wants nothing to do with all that! One of you loves it, or at least doesn’t mind dealing with these types of things, and one of you really hates it.
I would propose that you may want to rethink this in your relationship. Both people should be aware of all account passwords, login information, insurance policies (especially life insurance), your last will and other legal documents. Maybe you store this in a safe in your home or a safety deposit box at the bank. Many families utilize an password application that stores everything in one place electronically. Even if one of you makes most of the banking, investment, insurance, medical and other type of life decisions, both of you should know what is happening. Even if you have separate bank accounts, be sure you can access all accounts in the case of the death of the account holder.
I have dealt with insurance customers that have lost their spouse, and are completely clueless how to move forward with everything. They have no idea what is going on with their insurance, how to pay the bills, and even how to access sorely needed funds. It can be months and months of struggle, on top of dealing with the loss of their loved one.
A very stressful situation can be made SO MUCH EASIER if you will take a couple of minutes to have a discussion about your accounts and the access needed, just in case.
Imagine you’re driving down I-75, and all of a sudden, your tire blows!
What if you came out of the grocery store and your battery is dead?
Maybe you think it’s too cold to fill up your gas tank right now and choose to play a game to see if you can make it to your destination before you run out of gas? And….you lose and run out of gas.
If you have car trouble on the side of the road, you want fast and reliable service. Does it matter if you use your road service coverage on your insurance policy or is it worth your money to go ahead and AAA service?
Keep in mind, ANY TIME YOU USE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY, IT IS VIEWED BY THE INSURANCE CARRIER AS A CLAIM. Even if it’s only a $70 road service claim or a battery jump, it will show up on your auto insurance claim history. Now of course, it doesn’t affect your rates or insurance score in the same way that an at-fault accident will, but it will still be included in your claim history. An insurance carrier can use excessive road service claims as part of the reason to non-renew your policy.
If you have several vehicles, especially ones that aren’t in perfect shape, you may want to consider purchasing a road service/towing plan through AAA or another auto club service. Depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, you may not be able to purchase the coverage through your policy and will need AAA for this service anyway.
Many new vehicles have road service through the manufacturer/dealer as well, so that would be another way to get assistance if needed, without using your insurance policy.
Think of your insurance policy as a way to pay for expensive accidents, injuries, etc. and think about the smaller claims being handled a different way.
By: Check out our newest blog post by a guest blogger, Anson Thompson, Insurance Agent and Author Extraordinaire!
(EXCERPT)
I’ve had a few conversations with people asking about our Air B and B’ing of our home. We now spend two months in Colorado and one month in Indiana; our Indy home is vacant for eight months a year. We had talked about opening it up but thought it might be a hassle. So last year, at a Synergize event, I asked one of my fellow members if he had a person that managed Air B and B’s. He referred me to “Tom,” and we did a walkthrough of our property.
We went back and forth on the benefits, the downsides, but in June of this year, we officially listed it on multiple sites, and I thought I would share our experience thus far.
But first, let me share the story of my friend Phil who has a home in Colorado and for a few years offered up his residence on VRBO. When it was occupied, he and his wife would go camp, live their everyday life, and make some extra scratch on the side. They now have a baby, I don’t think they offer their home anymore, but one can list their residence online and make money using their asset.
I guess this little word soup is for people with multiple homes; if you own a couple of places, here’s your Wednesday morning idea. Rent your home when you are not using it! In April of this year, we began moving our “personal” items into our master closet; believe it or not, we don’t have a lot of personal things, most of our belongings are more communal. We’re not sentimental folks.
Before deciding to list your home and a house-sharing site, I strongly recommend you find a local manager. You do not want the calls in the middle of the night about the toilet not working or the door that won’t lock; it’s more than worth it to give a few points of your income to someone else to manage the space. Many individuals and companies now specialize in this operation; our company has 42 units in our area.
We began our listing in June of this year with no expectations; we list it for an average of $500.00 a night, although we have a much lower price for our friends and family program. The cost includes cleaning, maintenance, and anything that needs attention. Before listing, our provider had a photographer come in and shoot the essence of our space, giving the traveler a good idea of where they would be staying.
Our location is critical; we are within walking distance of downtown Indy; you can get to a pacers game, colts game, or concert with a nice walk or very short UBER ride; it’s also close to the convention center. We have three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a nice kitchen to prepare big family meals; it’s a lovely spot for a couple or large family to use when visiting Indianapolis.
We earn some nice income from the property; we have the money deposited into the new account we set up expressly for this operation. Our idea was to try this for a year and see if the income was worth it and how much damage our home would sustain.
Well, here we sit in almost November; our house has been rented multiple times, and we did spend most of the summer in Colorado. It was rented most of the summer.
We returned home in June; the key to our system is blocking the time we will be home which is easy; we tell our property manager what dates to block, and the house is not available when we are home. We arrived in September of this year after many folks had used our home, we didn’t know what to expect, but our house was cleaner than usual. It does not hurt to have a commercial cleaning team manage your home when away.
I think we will continue leasing our home on a short-term basis; we have learned that Indy is a convention town, there are many opportunities to provide a perfect space for those visiting, and many come for multiple nights. However, we do have a three-night minimum, and we set our price point so we would not have people that just want to have a party in our home.
We are happy with our decision; I thought it might be good to share if others think about this as an additional income stream. It makes owning a second or third home possible, and you can even add to your top-line income if your home is in a place that people like to frequent. Of course, if your home is not in an area that people frequent, you still might consider listing it; we travel across the country quarterly and have stayed in places like Colby, KS, and Russell KS, places one might not usually think about having travelers.
Well, that will do my little story about our Air B and B or VRBO experience; we are avid users of the service when traveling, so we do have a basis of understanding of the process. However, if you are new to the idea, pack your bags and do some experimental travel to see how others manage their homes; hell, if ever in Indy, use our home, you will not be disappointed, and we have many five star reviews to back up the quality, location, and positive experiences of our guests.
“The young writer should learn to spot them: words that at first glance seem freighted with delicious meaning, but that soon burst in the air, leaving nothing but a memory of bright sound.” — E.B. White
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By Anson Ross Thompson · Launched 8 months ago
Observations from a Cornfield Kid that now lives on Top of a Mountain
A big thank you to our guest blogger for this blog post, John Rice – The Lexpert Real Estate
The home inspection is the toughest part of a sale I think.
It can be hard to get past the condition, even a house that inspected pretty good, since your inspector gave you an entire book containing everything that is wrong with what is about to be the biggest purchase in your life.
What I try to tell my buyers is that no house is perfect. They are all in various stages of Mother Nature trying to destroy the home and reclaim the property. Everything has a life span and given enough time, everything on a house will need replaced or some maintenance.
I’ve probably been the Buyer’s agent on well over 400 inspections and gotten repairs lists for hundreds of listings I have had. Know what I have found? Most of the issues that turn up from a home inspection are either deferred maintenance or things that the inspector noted were done a little less than textbook perfection.
Here are some things that are on almost EVERY home inspection report:
Windows or door that need caulking, faucets that drip, loose outlets, cracks in sidewalks and driveways, downspouts that are not out far enough away from the house, air conditioner condensation lines that drain too close to the house. Minor plumbing issues are common. Minor electrical issues are common. Often the flashing on a roof needs some attention. Older houses tend to not have grounded outlets. Few houses have weepholes in brick to allow moisture behind the brick to escape. Few houses have flashing where a gutter ends at an exterior wall to prevent water from splashing on the side of the house………and the home inspector I recommend always seems to find loose toilets, lol!
I think the hardest thing for buyers is that they think they have picked a loser house when they have 20-30 of these common issues. It is easy to assume that the house you picked to purchase is the only one with these issues. That you can walk away from this one and the next house you buy will be perfect. I don’t know how successful I have been at convincing my buyers of this, but I normally tell them that 80-90% of the same issues found on their house will be found on any house. I have also joked that there needs to be a rule that the inspector has to inspect the Buyer’s old house first, and anything found at their old house can’t be asked to be repaired at their new house.
Since the topic of this is when to walk away, I guess I better get into that.
If you are a first time buyer or don’t have a lot of money, I guess you walk away if the the big ticket items don’t have much of their lifespan left. If you have a 22 year old roof and won’t have any money to replace it in the next few years, it might be best to walk away.
If you have a house with a problem such as a major structural issue that will impact your ability to sell the house to the next buyer when you move, might be good to skip that house.
When I bought my current home, I had it inspected. It had all the usual issues. I did the inspection type that is very common in this hot seller’s market: I could inspect it but wouldn’t ask for repairs. I would take it or leave it. I of course chose to take it because to be honest, I loved the property so much that there wasn’t anything that was going to deter me from living there. I had all the usual items.
Being a landlord, realtor and middle aged man who has owned lots of homes, there was nothing that scared me nor surprised me. It was just a “To-do” list that I prioritized and am getting it all sorted as I find time. Which brings me to something else I tell my buyers. If you will encounter pretty much the same items on any house, why not just stick with the sale of the one you fell in love with after looking at all the other houses you had to pick from?
This is especially true in today’s market where you have so few choices and odds are you will pay even more for the next house as prices go up while you wait for it to come on the market.”
We are so happy to be hosting the 3rd Annual Castle Insurance Cars and Caffeine for 2021!
OCTOBER 17, 12 PM -2 PM
210 BEVINS LN (LANDMARK CENTRE) GEORGETOWN
Please bring your favorite car and enter for a chance to win!
The judging categories will be:
Modern (1990+)
Classic (pre-1990)
Fan Favorite
If you want to enter your vehicle, you’ll receive an entry form to fill out and put under your wiper when you arrive. Staging for cars in the show starts at 10am. Show starts at 12pm. Awards at 2pm.
Those attending the car show can just scan the QR code on the form to vote. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
ALL MAKES AND MODELS ARE WELCOME. Share this link with all your automotive enthusiasts.
If you are more of a “this is just my transportation and I don’t really think I’ll win an award for anything” type of car person, that’s ok! Bring your family and hang out with us – vote for your favorite car and FEED A HORSE!
Our friends next door at Ashton Grove Senior Living have a cute horse named Winston that will be hanging out at Castle Insurance from 12-2. And you thought horsepower meant the cars!
Plus, there will be a live DJ, a coffee truck, yummy food, bingo, a cake walk, a huge inflatable bounce house/obstacle course, hayrides, kid’s crafts, and tours of Ashton Grove. FREE FAMILY FUN FROM 12-4.
Plan to spend a Fall afternoon in Georgetown with Castle Insurance and Ashton Grove. We look forward to meeting you!
Feel free to call the office if you have any questions! 502-603-0397
Sometimes it feels like no matter what, your auto rates increase year over year. Or you feel like what you are paying is just too much. You may think the premiums you pay for your auto insurance are totally out of your control but there are a few things to keep in mind and try to keep more dollars in your bank account!
Credit – Believe it or not, a good credit score affects your insurance rates, just like it affects your interest rates. Insurance companies feel that if you pay your other bills on time you will pay your insurance bill on time too. Statistically speaking, people with higher credit scores tend to be more risk-adverse in life in general and in driving as well. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but there is enough data out there to support this theory.
Multi-Policy Discounts – Many of the big national carriers have utilized advertising campaigns in the past few years that speak to the fact you get a discount with an insurance company when you have more than one policy with them. It’s kind of a “buy more save more” situation. You probably know you want to bundle your home and auto policies, but having a personal liability umbrella, and life insurance can also save you more. If you own a business, many carriers will give you discounts on your commercial and personal policies when they are all with that carrier.
Deductibles – When you carry very low deductibles on your insurance, you are paying higher premiums for sure. The insurance companies assume that you are going to frequently file claims and charge you more, for this reason. We all know that more claims=more premiums, so think about increasing your deductible a bit and using your insurance policies for larger damage. So think about a higher deductible and pay for the smaller dings out of pocket.
Driving History – This is a no-brainer, right? If you get tickets, have accidents (even small ones), or don’t keep your driver’s license current, insurance carriers will DEFINITELY make sure you pay for those infractions. Most also want to see 3-5 years of driving history to be sure the driver has a history of safety. So slow down, be extra cautious, and keep your license up-to-date. Be sure you don’t drink and drive!
Your insurance agent should be able to advise you on ways to keep your premiums low, so make sure you work with someone who will act as an advisor and help you out.
Confident female
Erie Insurance offers a program for your auto insurance that allows you to lock in your rate. With ErieRatelock, as long as you keep the same drivers, vehicles and address on the policy, your rate is locked in. It’s a pretty helpful and unique feature, so let me know if you want more information and pricing! kris@castleinsuranceky.com
Summer has officially started here in Central Kentucky! Maybe you are looking at a sparkling pool in your backyard. Maybe there is a trampoline under a nice shade tree in your yard where all the neighborhood kids love to gather and jump. Maybe your fur baby dog isn’t much of an ice and snow type of pet and loves to play outdoors in the summer with friends at a backyard BBQ.
While all of these scenarios are what summer dreams are made of, have you ever thought of what the implications in your life could be if someone got hurt on your property having fun?
Did you know? (www.safekids.org)
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1 and 4 years old.
It’s the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 19 and under.
Children under the age of 10 most often fatally drown in swimming pools
When faced with these types of statistics, you can see that being hyper-vigilant as a homeowner with a pool is imperative. A few easy ways to be safer and protect yourself and others from accidental drownings include:
HAVE A FENCE AROUND YOUR POOL WITH A LOCKING GATE. Most insurance companies require this but if not, take it upon yourself to just install the fence and gate.
Buy a sensor that stays in the pool and sounds an alert if a water disturbance (such as the splash of a child falling in) is detected. You can also buy individual wearable alarms that children can wear. The alarm goes off when it touches water.
If you have an above ground pool, move your ladder away from the pool when not in use.
If you’re having a pool party, tag team with other sober adults to be the “lifeguard” in charge of watching all the kids in 15-20 minute increments.
It’s not a stretch to imagine the injuries that can be sustained on a trampoline. Broken arms, broken legs, or more serious injuries like a head injury or broken neck are very real possibilities. If your own children are injured, of course you will get them the medical attention they need and your personal health insurance will pick up the bill. What happens if one of the neighborhood kids is injured? In all likelihood, their parents will want to file an injury, or liability claim against your homeowner’s insurance policy. What if there is a very serious injury sustained? Work with your agent to be sure you have enough coverage for a lawsuit situation. (think umbrella policy here)
In addition to injuries caused by jumping, you probably don’t realize your trampoline can also be a flying hazard in a severe storm with high winds and cause damage to other people or property.
What are some steps you can take to make your trampoline as safe as possible?
Be sure you have a safety net around your trampoline.
Frequently inspect all aspects of the hardware, netting, etc. to be sure there is no wear and tear or broken items that need to be replaced.
ALWAYS have adults supervising the jumping!
Be the mean neighbor and don’t allow anyone that doesn’t reside in your household on the trampoline.
Lastly, we have talked about dog bites and your home owner’s insurance before, but it bears repeating. According to Kids-n-K9s, most dog bites occur with a known dog, in a familiar place. Their website also shares these statistics:
Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with a familiar dog. (CDC)
The vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim’s family or a friend. (CDC)
80% of dog bites happen at home (Kahn et al (2004) MIller and Howell (2007)
How can you keep everyone happy and healthy? If you have guests, keep your dog put away in a safe place where there is no interaction with others. When kids are running around and having fun, they are not paying attention to how their actions can affect your family pet. Many times kids misread the dog’s body language and the dog lashes out due to stress or overstimulation.
I truly hope you have a wonderful summer! Take the few extra minutes to provide a safe environment at your home and keep the fun in summer and the injuries at bay!
Let’s talk about guaranteed replacement cost on your home owner’s policy and what that really means to you. Your premiums are usually a little bit higher (although not always) but is that increase worth it?
Guaranteed Replacement Cost (GRC) for your home means that the insurance company will replace your item, such as a personal item inside your home like an expensive television with a comparable item. This coverage applies to the structure/exterior of your home as well. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of each for better understanding.
For example, we know that due to the lightning speed of new technology, your t.v. depreciates quickly. So a t.v. you bought 2 years ago for $5,000 might only be worth half of that now. If you have guaranteed replacement coverage on your insurance policy, and you need to file a claim for a covered loss to have that t.v. replaced, they will provide you with a comparable item, with no depreciation.
Your policy can also have guaranteed replacement cost(GRC) regarding the structure of your home – how does that work? What does that mean?
Look at it this way – if you have a home worth $250,000 and it burns to the ground, what type of insurance coverage will you have? What if it costs $300,000 to rebuild? What if it costs $500,000 to rebuild? Are you covered?
For example, due to supply chain, Covid 19 and other factors, lumber is really expensive right now. Have you priced out any building materials lately? My husband went to Lowes today to purchase a couple 2x4s. They were $7.33 each! That is almost twice the price they were in the last year or so. They were about $1 in 2010. Incredible inflation on pricing!
Using that math, you can see how a $250,000 house can cost quite a bit more to rebuild! What if your insurance policy doesn’t have the GRC coverage we are talking about here? You may find yourself paying A WHOLE LOT MORE than your deductible in a big claim situation.
Talk with your insurance agent and make sure your home and belongings are covered properly. Make sure you understand what is covered and how it is covered. Have a conversation about it; don’t just go with the cheapest policy and cross your fingers! A few dollars spent now could save you thousands later.
When discussing life insurance with my clients, lots of people tell me, “Kris, I have life insurance at work, so I am all set.”
While I am truly SUPER HAPPY that you have some life insurance, there are a couple of things to consider:
What happens when you no longer have that job? You may plan to retire from the company you are working for now, but I think 2020 has shown us that your exit may not be within your control! You may be laid off or terminated through no fault of your own.
What if you are injured in a car accident and can no longer perform your normal job duties? It would be nice if your company would still provide life insurance just because you were a great employee, but we know that isn’t going to happen.
Let’s say you make it to retirement age at your company. What happens to your life insurance policy at age 65? Bye-bye. Now you are scrambling for insurance when you are older and less healthy, and have a fixed income. How are you going to afford a life insurance policy at this stage of the game?
How can you be sure you provide for your family if you aren’t here?
Buy a life insurance policy that isn’t tied to your employment. I advise clients to buy a policy that is their own, with no employment strings attached. Keep the one at work as your extra “icing on the cake” policy. That way, when/if you are no longer employed, you still have something in place.
Have a combo of term/permanent insurance. This can be a very affordable way to have lots of life insurance during the stages of your life when you have lots of bills – a mortgage, car payments, college tuition, etc. Then taper off to one last policy that will help your family pay for your final expenses – a traditional funeral, or maybe a big send-off party! It’s up to you.
There are lots of great options you can check out. Some don’t even require a medical exam! You can’t get much more convenient than that.
Click on the “get a life insurance quote” button on the life insurance tab, and let’s make sure we get your family income protected!
For more information here are some additional sources you can check out.
Your engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a reminder that you’ve found your person and you’re ready to build a life together.
But on the practical side, an engagement ring is a big financial investment. Even if you’re careful, life has a way of serving up surprises. Your ring could slide down the kitchen sink while washing dishes… get swept away in the waves at the beach… get stolen… or even be eaten by the family dog. (Trust us – we’ve seen it all.)
Here’s the good news: Personal valuables insurance from Erie Insurance is designed to protect those expensive, hard-to-replace items like your engagement ring.
ENGAGEMENT RING INSURANCE: 4 COMMON QUESTIONS
Is my ring covered under my homeowners or renters insurance?
That depends on how much it’s worth. In most cases, standard homeowners and renters insurance only cover theft of jewelry to a specific dollar amount – that’s known as the “sublimit.” At ERIE, the sublimit for lost or stolen jewelry is $3,000. This covers any single piece of jewelry and the total amount lost or stolen.
However, many engagement rings are worth more than $3,000. According to The Knot’s 2017 Real Weddings study, the average couple spends $6,351 on a new engagement ring (up 25% from $5,095 in 2011).
With that in mind, it’s a smart decision to consider insuring your engagement ring on its own. (In insurance lingo, this is known as “scheduling.”) When you schedule a piece of jewelry, such as an engagement ring, you can insure your jewelry based on its cost or appraised value, rather than limiting coverage to the $3,000 sublimit associated with a homeowners or renters policy.
How much does it cost to insure an engagement ring?
On average, ring insurance costs $1-2 for every $100 your ring is worth. That means an insurance policy for a $5,000 ring would typically cost around $50-100 per year.
When it comes to cost, ERIE gives you options. You can save money on your premium by choosing from a range of deductibles – that’s the amount of money you’d be willing to pay out of pocket toward an insured loss. Or, you can opt to have no deductible at all (and pay a little more in premium). It all depends on your personal preference and financial situation.
Should I get my ring appraised?
Always save the receipt for your ring and any appraisals you’ve had done on it. This can give you an idea of how much you should insure your ring for, as well as document any unique identifiers for your ring if it’s ever lost or stolen. An appraisal will typically look at the ring’s stone shape and quality (measured by carat weight, color, cut and clarity); metal type and fineness; and any identifying marks, such as an engraved serial or certification number.
Generally speaking: If your ring is worth less than $7,000 and/or newer than seven years old, then you don’t need to get it appraised.
However, fine jewelry usually appreciates in value over time, so reappraise your ring periodically after that seven-year mark to make sure you’re still insuring it for the right amount.
Do I need to clean or inspect my ring?
Losing a ring – or losing a stone from the setting – is a more common reason for filing an insurance claim than having the ring stolen. Many times, accidents can be prevented by having your ring properly cleaned and inspected. A jewelry professional can tell if the prongs are getting loose and help with small repairs before it becomes a bigger problem.
Your Erie Insurance policy is our pledge to be there when you need us. You can sleep better at night knowing we’re there to protect everything that matters most. Request a quote for personal valuables insurance or reach out to Castle Insurance to learn more.
As an insurance agent, my #1 goal is to assist families and businesses in the case of a claim. That’s what insurance is for: to put your family and your possessions back as they were before the claim.
In dealing with tons of families over the past several years with home owner’s claims, losses, injuries, and accidents, I’ve learned that accident prevention is so much better than dealing with the aftermath of a loss. Your grandma was right. ” An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Here are a few items to check in your home to head off a claim situation:
Check batteries in your safety systems and alarms in your home. Your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector are a couple alarms that you should check often.
How about your furnace filter? Changing it often not only helps with the air quality in your home, but helps keep your furnace working safely.
It would be good idea to check your fire extinguisher’s expiration date and be sure it is current. Don’t have one? Get one! A good rule of thumb is to place one in the kitchen, one in the garage and on each floor of your home if you really want to be extra cautious.
Does your home security system run on batteries? Most are hard-wired, but if you have an older system, take a quick moment and verify the batteries are working properly.
As always, if you have specific questions about your insurance policy, contact your agent. I am always happy to help as well.
Even in the midst of all of the crazy Covid stuff, most of us can still find reasons to be thankful. I hope you and your family are able to find ways to connect and continue on with your Christmas traditions.
At Castle Insurance, we are thankful for our clients and those we have worked with this year. It’s been a wild ride here too, but again, we have so many reasons to be thankful!
All the best for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Winter weather is coming into play now. We had some very warm temperatures a few weeks ago here in Central Kentucky, but I think we’ll have to wait until Spring for the 60 degree days again.
Be extra cautious over the next few months! Snowy and icy conditions are hazardous!
Put your cell phone away! This should be your normal for every driving trip, no matter the season, but it is especially important in the winter months.
If you have been trying to squeeze out a few more miles from your tires, now is the time to get new ones. You want to have the best tread on your tires at this time of year for sure!
Know how to use anti-lock brakes properly for the weather conditions you are driving in.
Keep an emergency kit in your car, just in case.
Slow down! Slow down! Slow down!
Don’t tailgate. Keep more distance in between you and other cars on the road, especially the one in front of you.
Here are a few more articles you can read for more information and safety tips.
On a recent trip up I-75, I passed about a dozen deer on the side of the road. If you have struck a deer with your car, you know it can cause thousands of dollars of damages to your vehicle, not to mention injuries to you and passengers in your car.
Check out some tips from one of our best insurance carriers, Erie Insurance. Some great ideas here!
If you would like more information about Erie Insurance, or any of the other carriers we represent, just give Castle Insurance a call 502-603-0397 or email me at kris@castleinsuranceky.com.
As the owner of an insurance agency, you can imagine I have been exposed to and assisted with many car accidents and car accident claims!
One of the top questions I’ve received is regarding a police report with an accident. Are you required to get a police report at the scene of the crime? If you don’t, how does that impact your insurance claim?
I’ve learned A LOT about the responsibility of the police and sheriff office’s that respond to the scene of a car accident. Here are a few of my observations.
If you are in an accident that has caused injury or death to anyone, such as a passenger in a vehicle, a pedestrian, or someone on a motorcycle or bike, you must obtain a police report. This is the law. If you are involved in a little fender-bender in a parking lot, with minimal damage and no injuries, you have the option to file an accident report with the police after the fact.
The biggest misconception I have found is that the officer that arrives on the scene is not there to determine who is at fault in the accident. Actually, they are there primarily to take down statements of those involved or witnesses at the scene. They will also note road and weather conditions, and note if any drivers appear to be impaired. The officer does not place blame or determine liability or fault. The insurance adjusters are tasked to determine these issues and what carrier will be responsible to pay for injuries and physical damage to vehicles and property involved.
If you are in an accident without injuries and with very limited property damage, here are a couple steps to keep in mind:
ALWAYS GET THE OTHER DRIVER(S) INSURANCE INFORMATION at the scene before you leave.
Take pictures and/or videos of the damage to your car and the other car(s) involved in the accident. If there is damage to other property, such as a guardrail, building, etc., document that damage as well.
Contact your insurance agent and find out the best way to take care of the damage to your vehicle.
Remember, you always have the option to have an officer come to the scene and file the report at the time of the accident.
Here are a couple of links that may assist you with further questions:
1.Kentucky law (KRS 189.635(4)) will provide you with additional details and requirements.
2. The Civilian Collision Report form can be found on the Kentucky State Police website.
The short answer is “YES”! We have several clients that have the more expensive vehicles insured with Castle Insurance. No matter if you prefer German imports or a car made right here in the Bluegrass, Castle Insurance can write a policy for you.
2014 BMW M6 Photo used by permission (one of our client’s vehicles)
I’d like to invite you to read an article from one of our clients. He is a member of the Bluegrass Region Porsche Club of America and the editor of their monthly magazine.
Bluegrass Region Porsche Club of America – The Editor’s Desk
by Kevin Vrbanac – published in August 2020
BASED ON THIS month’s content, it looks like the Bluegrass Region decided it was time to get out and drive in the month of July. And I don’t know about you, but that makes me extremely happy. If there’s one thing I love to see, it’s our members and their Porsche’s in their natural habitat. Whether its on the back roads or the race track, these cars are made to be driven. Actually, they deserve to be driven. So don’t deprive your car of it’s purpose! Instead, follow the lead of the Bluegrass Region Members who contributed to this month’s Rumble and get out there and drive!
As you already know, our Monthly Cars & Coffee and Socials are back in full swing, albeit with masks and social distancing. If you weren’t able to make it last month, our events chair, Larry Dukes, takes us through what you may have missed at our recent event at Hall’s on the River and our July C&C. As crazy as it sounds, fall is right around the corner, so make sure you’re enjoying these events while the weather is still favorable for us. The Board is staying close to local regulations and we’re doing everything we can to keep our members safe. Check out the calendar for upcoming events, but we’ll be hosting our monthly Social and C&C for the foreseeable future.
Next up is a story that I’m particularly excited about, because it’s all about my recent journey to Road Atlanta for SCCA’s Track Night in America. Region Member Gregg Morton Jr, Region Sponsor Steve Castle (of Castle Insurance) and I headed down to Georgia last month to check out this event, and more importantly, check this track off of our bucket lists. Read on to hear all about my personal experience, and to learn more about Track Night, which is a great event for anyone who is looking to get into track days, but isn’t quite sure where to start.
You may have noticed that I referenced a new sponsor, and you’ll see a new ad in the Rumble, so I’d like to formally welcome my good friends at Castle Insurance to the PCA family! Without getting in too deep, they’ve taken excellent care of me and my cars for the past few years and I’d happily recommend them to anyone out there. And that’s not just because they used my car in their advertisement!
Switching gears, Region Member Rich Barsalona takes us through a recent impromptu Saturday drive with a few other members. Rich outlines a fantastic route that includes one of my all time favorite roads in the area, and walks through how to host a small, unofficial event while still complying with all the recent Covid regulations. My recommendation—read the article, call up some friends and go replicate his adventure. It’s a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday.
Finally, Region Member Bill Meckley returns to his home track of Watkins Glen as an instructor at a recent high performance driving event. And luckily for us, his friend Lee Turner was there with his camera to provide some great photos of the experience as well.
So if you like 987.2 Base Cayman’s on racetracks, have I got an issue for you! But in all seriousness, if you take anything away from this one, it’s to get out and enjoy your Porsche in whatever way you see fit!
Thanks to Kevin for the use of his photo of his mint-condition 2009 Porsche Cayman.
For more information about the local Porsche club, check out the link below.
Before the cold and miserable weather arrives in Kentucky this weekend, it’s a good idea to winterize your home and your vehicles. These tips will help you avoid claims on your insurance policy and keep your claim-free discounts intact!
Here are some tips for your home:
Check the gutters. It seems like gutters are on every single “home maintenance tips” list, and there is a good reason for this fact. Gutters are one of the main drivers of the rainwater away from your home. Water can do lots of damage, so be sure there aren’t any leaves or other debris in your gutters that will impede water flow. Make sure they are affixed to the home correctly and don’t have any gaps in the metal. Be sure they are attached to the downspouts correctly too.
Have your furnace/heating system inspected to be sure it is in proper working order. Change the filter(s).
If you have a chimney, have it cleaned and inspected.
Check for drafts around your windows and doors and replace weatherstripping if needed.
Be sure you have have snow-removal supplies, just in case.
Trim your trees. Remove branches that could hit your car or home if they broke off during a winter storm. If it’s a big job, hire a licensed professional.
Disconnect your garden hose, including the extra connector piece.
Here are some tips for your vehicles:
Be sure your tires are ready for winter. Replace ones that have worn treads. Maintain the correct tire pressure for the lower temperatures.
Pack a winter safety kit for your trunk.
Replace the wiper blades and fluid.
CHECK THE BATTERY!
Be sure all fluids are topped off.
Check belts and hoses.
Here are a few links for more information from the experts.
It’s common knowledge that insurance rates fluctuate from year to year. If you plan on looking for a new insurance policy, here are a few things to consider:
Agent Vs. Direct For many years, the only way to get an insurance policy was through a licensed agent, often face to face. With the advent of the internet, consumers can now easily get an insurance policy without even talking to an agent. Many companies offer streamlined online applications and cell phone apps. While these may be convenient, dealing directly with a local agent can have advantages.
The convenience of no face to face interaction may be appealing, but during billing disputes, claims, or vehicle changes, having direct access to a licensed insurance advisor often has its own benefits. At Castle insurance, your phone call will always be answered by a caring insurance professional.
Rate comparison tools If you have ever searched for insurance on Google, chances are your Facebook feed was soon filled with services that let you shop several companies rates, all at once.
While this sounds like a novel concept, be wary of what you are actually signing up for. You may decide to buy a policy from one of those ads you were served, only to see your rates drastically change when you are directed to the company’s website. This is known as a “bait and switch” and can often lead to you overpaying for insurance or having your coverage drastically reduced.
Working with a local independent agent will provide a wide variety of quotes, and Recommendations from your agent will help you pick the right policy for your needs.
Buying a new house? Buying a new house can be a long, exciting and often stressful process. Dealing with a local real estate agent will likely make the process easier for you. But should you trust your realtor’s advice when it comes to insurance? While they can certainly put you in contact with a licensed insurance agent, be sure you do your own research and be aware of what type of policy you are buying.
Realtors are trusted advisors and their advice should be considered, but when it comes to insurance, make sure you have a policy that addresses your concerns and offers the right protection long after your purchase.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Have you ever heard your grandparents say that?
People often see ads for insurance that are hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper a year than their current premiums. As a savvy consumer, you have to question this!
Ask yourself a few questions.
Are there any companies out there that can offer a policy for thousands less than everyone else?
What am I actually paying for?
Is there an option that isn’t being included that leaves me vulnerable in the case of a claim?
Is this pricing for high liability limits that give me more legal and financial protection or just what is required by the state? State minimum coverage will allow you to legally drive here in Kentucky, but you won’t see me get behind the wheel with that type of coverage! The small difference in cost between minimum requirements and a more robust limit might surprise you. Be sure you are protecting yourself and your family with the highest limits you can afford.
Bundling is Smart Be a smart consumer and check multiple companies. Having your Home and Auto insurance managed by the same agent is convenient and can lead to significant discounts on all your insurance policies.
Are you a number or family member? There are plenty of insurance companies that tell you their products are far superior to anything else, and far cheaper too. The best way to ensure your assets are properly protected and you pay a competitive rate is to deal directly with an independent insurance agent or broker. For a large company, you may just be another policy number, but for a local agency like Castle Insurance, you are part of the family.
Please contact us today if you are concerned about your coverage, unhappy with the way a claim was handled, or just want a more competitive quote.
It seems that the more I try to avoid hitting a pothole, the more likely I am to actually hit it. I immediately cringe and hope I didn’t just destroy my rim, wheel, or tire! Sometimes, especially at night, it is really difficult to see one, but the unmistakable huge bump and scrape lets you know what just happened.
How does your insurance carrier handle claims regarding potholes? Insurance companies will consider this a collision-type of claim and it will show as an at-fault claim on your claims history.
What should you do if you hit a pothole?
Be sure the car is safe to drive. Your steering may be impacted or you may get a flat tire.
Get an estimate on the repairs to fix the damage done to your wheel.
Depending on your deductible, you may want to fix the damage without filing an insurance claim.
Always discuss claim situations with your agent. They are there to assist you as needed!
