Our April Newsletter

In this issue

• Time to Talk Stress - National Stress Awareness Month

• Flood Insurance! Don't wait any longer!

Time to Talk Stress - National Stress Awareness Month

Are you stressed?

Okay, I'll let you stop laughing. Of course, you are. The past few years have seen us endure tremendous obstacles, some of which continue to this day. No matter how good you've got it, chances are good you're holding some tension somewhere.

Luckily, this month is also National Stress Awareness Month. I know you're aware of stress (especially if you have kids), but we're here to discuss ways to help.

Try these stress-busting strategies:

• Find your Zen - We don't mean a rock garden. Everyone is different, so find something that works for you: faith, yoga, Stoicism, or even sports (the last may cause more stress depending on your team).

• Find your Meditation - Not everyone can sit still. Pray, run, hike, or use a guided meditation app.

• Work it off - Seriously. Working out boosts your endorphins, fights stress, and helps lift your mood.

So, go ahead. Chill a little. You've earned it.

Flood Insurance - Coverages Explained, Mitigation & The Differences

You are fortunate if you have never experienced a flooding event on your property. As the agency owner, I have! 2019; my basement had 2 feet of river water. It caused the complete displacement of my children out of their bedroom and created family stress and weeks of cleanup. We hauled 8 tons of building materials and personal belongings out of the home. The flood water and silt got into EVERYTHING. You think you can save a few items; it's almost nearly impossible. So with that, let me explain why I keep stressing the importance of this coverage. I hope you take this seriously. I do! 1. Coverages - Homeowner Insurance Your homeowners or property coverage is not designed to cover any damage caused by flooding. Seepage is not covered if the source came from flooding. Homeowners insurance is designed to cover water damage from events that happen within the home or water that comes from the sky and enters without touching the ground. 2. Coverages - Flood Insurance Flood Insurance picks up the gap in your homeowner's program. Surface groundwater that enters your dwelling or other structures is a flooding event. Depending on your risk, you can purchase coverage for your buildings, contents, additional living expenses, and increased cost of materials. You have two options for flood insurance: FEMA and the Private Flood Programs. 3. The Differences I have the infographic below to help you understand the differences between the two programs. If you qualify for NCIP Private Program, you will be far better off than if you were insured with FEMA. Let's chat about your risk. If you want the coverage, be sure to call our agency as soon as possible. Flood Moritoriums will go into effect when the area or State starts to see the snow melt. The insurance companies enact this to prevent last-minute purchasing.

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PRIVATE FLOOD VS FEMA EXPLAINED

FEMA Basement Coverage Explained

FEMA DOES NOT COVER YOUR BELONGINGS BELOW GRADE

What Not Covered By FEMA

Please consult with our agency for your flood insurance protections! 307-655-8001 x 3

Our March News & Happenings

March brings longer days and hopes for some warmer weather. We have some essential items regarding current and upcoming insurance risks. Take a quick read about how to protect yourself further.

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Our new Magazine!

2. Snow Melt & Flood Insurance

3. Inflation & Economic Volatility

4. Life Insurance

OUR MAGAZINE!

Spring brings change, and change we did. We now have our very own business magazine. We send it out bi-monthly. Please let us know if you would like to receive one. They are great to have in your waiting room at the office or on the coffee table at home.

For our clients, I would love to feature you in the magazine. Let me know if you have something you'd like published. It can be anything from business, ranching, home & family, non-profits, and more. Let me help promote you!

SNOW MELT & FLOOD INSURANCE

Do you have mounds of snow behind your home? Do you live near river bodies? We could see Ice Jams, which divert the water where it usually would not flow. Heavy spring rain and fast melt, snow has to go somewhere, and I hope it isn't into your buildings. Look around your neighborhoods, especially those with a lot of new development. With the change of the land, the water will flow differently. Get ahead of the melt and consider flood insurance. We offer both FEMA and Private Programs. It is great peace of mind to have coverage in place. Let me help you navigate your risk of potential flood damage. FEMA has a 30-day waiting period, and the Private Program has a 15-day wait Let's chat soon. A phone consultation usually will take about 15-20 mins of your time.

307-655-8001x3 and ask for Jessica.

INFLATION & ECONOMIC VOLATILITY

We have received calls about increasing insurance rates during the "covid" era. Many of our clients didn't turn in claims. Nothing changed, except higher premiums. Sadly, every single account we have has increased. I wish I could say we have a magic button on the computer that lowers it down, but we are not gifted that by the insurance companies. I want to share some key points to consider. The following are ideas to help lower your premiums back to better rates. If they apply to you, please call us so we can work on your behalf.

1. Did your credit score improve? If so, this is a substantial contributing factor to lower rates. Some companies do not re-run your credit score at renewals; this process is manual. Contact your agent to ask for the form to sign to approve the credit authorization.

2. Did you update your home?

   1. New Hot Water Heater?

   2. New Furnace?

   3. New Roof?

3. Do you bundle your home and auto with us?

   1. Many carriers provide significant discounts for doing so

   2. Your total out-of-pocket is significantly lowered during a loss IE: Single Peril Deductible - Let's chat more about this

4. Smart Driving Discounts - Up to 30% off based on driving habits.

5. Home Reconstruction Costs - You might notice a significant increase in Coverage A - Dwelling limit, from last year. This is to protect you from the massive inflation we saw with covid. Let's see what your reconstruction cost is today and possibly see if it makes sense to lower it back down. We will compare it to what we had last year, and make an informed decision to decrease or leave it alone. Coverage A - Dwelling is the driving factor behind your homeowner's premium. A review is healthy. Please consider one in 2023.

I've included a link to the market analysis that explains what the industry finds as driving factors in insurance rate increases.

Market Analysis

LIFE INSURANCE

This is the #1 protection you can provide your family or business. We all have had loved ones pass early, suddenly, or know of a friend or acquaintance that has. It's shocking; sometimes, lack of planning has left their family or business in despair. Please let us provide you with this critical coverage. This includes coverage for stay-at-home spouses, not just those who produce income. Becoming terminally ill has left families in bankruptcy because the co-insurance on hospice or hospital stays can be exponentially expensive.

A quote can be your tool and guide in budgeting your income to allow for this expense. We offer term life, whole life, annuities, and business key person, and if you need group protection, we also have those programs available. Please reach out to us. We are here to help you find coverage that fits your current and future financial well-being.

CONNECT WITH US

Did you know you can find up-to-date articles about current insurance issues, office closures or holiday schedules, general information, and more on our Facebook Page? We would love to connect with you there. Click the button below to follow us!

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Our February 2023 Newsletter

In this issue

• Last Minute Valentines Outings

• Easy Plumbing Fixes

Last Minute Valentines Outings

Love and restaurants, bars, and other indoor locations are in the air. While you might have ventured inside for a candlelit dinner last year, your options were probably limited. This time should be different, even if you're just now making plans.

If you're staying warm and cozy, try these romantic ideas:

• Ice Skating - Indoors doesn't have to mean warm! Try a skating rink for some winter fun.

• First Date Revisited - Wow, your date will love returning to the place you first met - unless it's an embarrassing story.

• The Hard to Get - Don’t miss the restaurant you've been dying to visit. Use an app like Open Table and find an early or late seat.

• Two by Train - Go "All Aboard" and take a last minute day trip via loco-motion.

Easy Plumbing Fixes

We know that every plumber reading the subject line spat out their coffee in disgust.

And for a good reason! Plumbing is no joke. But that doesn't mean you can't get a little hands-on.

Even if all that means is knowing what to do in the event of a plumbing emergency, here are some helpful tips for getting hands-on:

• Snakes Ahoy - For a sluggish drain, use a snake - a device used for just such occasions.

• Elbow Grease - Leaky pipe? Check to see if the line needs to be tightened.

• Tape It - A short-term fix is a waterproofing tape to plug that hole until real help arrives.

• Deep Trouble - Clogged toilets usually yield to a plunger's gentle use. Emphasis on gentle!

When in doubt, watch a video on YouTube. When in real doubt, call a plumber!