A Comprehensive Checklist For Your Home Garden

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As spring arrives, the gardening enthusiasts among us eagerly anticipate the joys of tending to our gardens. Not only does cultivating your own garden save money on groceries, but it also provides the satisfaction of nurturing and growing your own food. It’s even more enjoyable when you can involve your children and impart some of your favorite gardening tricks to them.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a gardening beginner, the following tips will help ensure your gardening endeavors are successful.

Choose Your Favorites:

Begin by deciding what you want to plant. If you’re new to gardening, start small with potted herbs and vegetables. This allows you to manage and care for your plants easily.

Find the Perfect Spot:

If you plan to have a vegetable garden, select a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Consider the mature size of the plants and position taller ones on the north or west side, preventing them from shading other plants. Additionally, keep your water spigot in mind, placing the garden near it to avoid dragging hoses across your yard.

Proper Spacing:

Allow sufficient space between each crop. When planting vegetables in rows, maintain a distance of at least 18 inches between them. Proper spacing ensures healthy growth and minimizes competition for resources.

Nourish the Soil:

Start by testing your soil. After thoroughly watering it, observe its condition the following day. Take a handful of soil and check its consistency. If water streams out, add two to three inches of organic matter, such as manure, compost, decayed leaves, or dry grass clippings. If the soil is too dry and does not form a ball when squeezed, add organic matter. The ideal soil should form a ball when squeezed and break apart slightly when dropped.

Water Adequately:

Most vegetable plants require approximately one inch of water per week. Watering in the morning allows the soil to retain moisture effectively. When watering, do so slowly to ensure the roots absorb the moisture and the soil remains hydrated.

Mulch for Protection:

Mulching your garden serves multiple purposes. It insulates the soil, retains moisture, reduces weed growth, and protects plants from diseases. Apply a layer of about two to three inches of organic mulch around your plants to enjoy these benefits.

Optimal Fertilization:

Maintain soil fertility by incorporating organic compost, making up around 20% of the soil composition. This natural fertilizer ensures healthy plant growth. Avoid excessive fertilizer usage, as it may hinder the desired results and decrease your overall harvest.

While we can’t personally tend to your garden, we can assist you with your insurance needs. If you have any questions regarding your home, auto, or business insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our agency. We’re here to help you cultivate a flourishing garden and provide peace of mind in all aspects of your life.

Essential steps to hiring a contractor from Craigslist

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Embarking on a home remodel or landscape project is an exciting endeavor. Most people begin by envisioning their desired outcome and then reach out to multiple companies to obtain competitive quotes for the job.

As you browse the internet, you may stumble upon a contractor on popular sites like Craigslist or other online directories, offering to perform the job at half the cost compared to other quotes. It sounds enticing, but could it be too good to be true?

While Craigslist and similar platforms are valuable resources for a variety of goods and services, it’s essential to exercise caution before officially hiring a contractor for the job. Asking for credentials before the contractor starts the project can save you from potential theft, liability issues, and financial losses.

Here are some important steps to follow:

Research and seek references: If you come across a contractor you like, don’t hesitate to ask for their website or inquire if they can provide references of recent customers. Reputable contractors should be proud to share examples of their work and provide you with contacts for verification. Asking for references is common practice, and it helps establish trust.

Most small businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth advertising, so don’t be shy about seeking recommendations.

Verify their license: Contractors are typically required to hold a valid license to perform their work. You can utilize your state’s resources to verify their licensing information. Conducting a quick internet search can also provide you with valuable references.

Alternatively, you can request the contractor to provide a copy of their license or license number for your verification.

Request documentation: It’s crucial to ask the contractor for copies of their license, insurance, and bond documentation. Take the time to review these documents, ensuring that they are currently active and in force. Pay attention to the expiration dates on their license and insurance to avoid any potential issues down the line.

Be specific and thorough: Protecting both your insurance coverage and your budget is vital. Ask detailed questions such as the following:

  • “Is this estimate final or subject to change?”
  • “Does the estimate cover both parts and labor?”
  • “Can I see where you will be purchasing the products beforehand?”

The more questions you ask, the more confident you will feel, and the contractor will recognize that you are well-informed about the process.

Hiring a contractor through online platforms can be a cost-effective option. However, conducting simple yet crucial research and asking the right questions can save you a significant amount of money and spare you potential headaches.

By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure that your home remodeling or landscaping project proceeds smoothly, with trustworthy professionals handling the job.

Insuring Comic Books And Other Collectibles

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Do you own a highly valued comic book that has been safely preserved since your childhood such as the legendary first appearance of Stan Lee’s Spider-Man? What about a piece of art, fur, or watch? You may be well aware that these prized possessions could be worth a fortune, but have you ever pondered what would happen if they were lost, stolen, or destroyed?

Throughout our lives, many of us acquire valuable items, whether through inheritance, as collectors, or for investment purposes. Perhaps you were given a valuable antique watch, a vintage fur or handbag, or received a costly engagement ring.

It is common for individuals to assume that their standard home insurance policy will cover these cherished collectibles. However, it is vital to grasp that such policies usually have specific limits when it comes to covering these high-value possessions. Typically, the coverage limit hovers around $1,500, but this figure can vary among insurance companies.

Many high valued collectibles or items need their own insurance policy or endorsement to be properly covered. For example, if you possess a watch valued at $10,000, it is possible your home or renters insurance policy would only cover a small portion such as $1,500. If it was stolen or damaged, you would be left with a substantial gap of $8,500 in coverage.

To bridge this gap and safeguard your valuable possessions adequately, it is crucial to engage in a discussion with your insurance agent about obtaining what is known as a “floater.” A floater is a specialized type of insurance policy that allows you to specifically insure individual items.

An easy way to remember a floater is that it is designed for items that have the potential to “float away” or be easily carried away. By their very nature, these items possess an increased vulnerability to theft or damage.

Consider adding the following valuable items to a floater policy:

  • Watches
  • Rings, necklaces, and other jewelry
  • Art
  • Furs
  • Historical documents
  • Comic books

By procuring a floater policy, you can ensure that your treasured possessions receive comprehensive protection, covering their full worth. Don’t leave the fate of your valuable collectibles to chance; take the necessary steps to safeguard their future.

Reach out to our insurance agency if you have any questions or concerns. Our insurance agents can review your current home or renters insurance coverage to help you determine if you have any potential gaps in coverage.

5 Essentials To Consider Before Switching Your Insurance Policy

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Saving money on your insurance policy is an appealing prospect, potentially putting hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year. However, before you decide to switch, it’s crucial to keep these factors in mind. By following these tips, you can make a well-informed decision about switching your insurance policy.

Tip #1: Compare Policies Properly

Advertisements often promise significant savings when switching insurance providers. While these savings are possible, it’s important to ensure that the new quote you receive compares your current policy with the prospective one. Pay attention to coverages, driving records, and vehicles insured. Even a minor difference in these factors can have a substantial impact. Beware of online companies that entice you with enticing savings, as they may only complete a comprehensive loss underwriting exchange (CLUE) report after you’ve submitted your application.

Tip #2: Update Your Policy

If you’ve recently experienced changes such as receiving a ticket or being involved in an accident, moving to a new location, or purchasing a new vehicle, it’s advisable to update your current policy before shopping around. Such changes can influence your premium, either resulting in savings or a price increase. Additionally, if a ticket has recently been removed from your driving record, it’s worth contacting your insurance company to explore the possibility of reducing your premium for the remaining policy term. Remember to refer back to Tip #1 whenever there are changes to your circumstances.

Tip #3: Seek Assistance from an Independent Insurance Agent

Engaging with an independent insurance agent can be highly beneficial. These professionals possess a wealth of knowledge, having access to multiple insurance companies. They take into account your unique situation, history, and requirements, providing recommendations from a range of insurers. By comparing rates across various carriers, they can help you choose the policy that offers the best benefits for your specific needs.

Tip #4: Consider Multi-Policy Discounts

While you may primarily focus on your auto insurance, it’s essential to consider all your insurance policies as a whole. If you have a package policy with the same insurance carrier, you likely receive discounts. If you decide to move your auto insurance policy to another provider, your home insurance premium might increase by up to 20%, negating any savings you obtained. Take into account all your policies when evaluating your options. Furthermore, if you have an umbrella policy, it typically must be aligned with your home insurance policy. Some carriers may require bundling the home and auto policies with the umbrella policy. Consult your agent regarding your specific circumstances.

Tip #5: Value Your Relationship with Your Agent

Establishing a strong relationship with your insurance agent is invaluable. They are your advocates in the event of a claim or accident, supporting you throughout the process. They can assist you in filing a claim or recommend reputable local companies to address your needs. When your insurance is directly handled by the company, you may not benefit from this personalized representation. Opting for a local independent insurance agent ensures you have a trusted professional by your side.

By considering these essential tips before making a switch, you can make an informed decision regarding your insurance policy. Remember, saving money is important, but it’s equally crucial to ensure you have the coverage and support you need when the unexpected occurs.

Do Rock Chip Claims Impact My Insurance Premiums?

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We’ve all come across those tents offering “Free rock chip repair!” but it’s clear that there must be a catch somewhere. While insurance companies do cover the cost of injecting epoxy into the chip to prevent it from turning into an irreparable crack, there may be consequences to consider. After all, insurance companies prefer to pay $40 for a repair rather than $250 for a windshield replacement.

So, the question arises: Can filing a rock chip claim affect my insurance rates? The short answer is yes, it is possible.

Depending on your insurance company, multiple glass claims can upset the delicate balance of claims loss. Insurance companies typically factor in various rating criteria, including age, zip code, and previous claims when determining rates. Some insurers argue that individuals who frequently file glass claims have a higher overall loss rate, which translates into increased costs for the company.

Additionally, the number of claims you file within a specific time frame can play a role. For example, if you submit a theft claim and then file a rock chip claim the following week, it could raise a red flag on your policy due to excessive claim activity, potentially leading to a rate increase. This occurs because when you visit a rock chip repair tent, they ask for your policy number and file an insurance claim to receive payment (if you have comprehensive insurance).

It’s important to note that not all insurance companies follow this practice, and determining which ones do and which ones don’t can be challenging. It’s wise to rely on your local insurance agent to guide you to the best options for your insurance needs. For instance, if you commute frequently and find yourself needing a new windshield every year, your agent can help identify a company that may be more lenient regarding multiple claims. Some insurers even offer zero deductible glass replacement.

Regardless of your situation, it’s always advisable to discuss your insurance options with a licensed insurance agent who can provide personalized guidance.

In conclusion, filing rock chip claims can potentially impact your insurance rates. The decision to file a claim depends on various factors, and it’s essential to understand the policies of your specific insurance company. By consulting with your insurance agent, you can navigate the options available to find the best coverage for your needs. Let us help you with your auto insurance. We represent multiple companies and can find you the coverage and pricing you want.