Insurance Place of Wyoming Blog

Safely Store Your RV with These Tips

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:53:01 GMT

You’ve invested in a recreational vehicle to enjoy years of fun and adventure on the open road, but storing an RV properly can be challenging for new RV owners. Improper storage can cause preventable damage, so help protect your RV by following these simple tips.

Clean it before storing

Before storing your RV, give it a thorough wash and wax. Use RV wax to protect the material and color from UV damage. During cleaning, get rid of all food and paper materials to avoid attracting pests and prevent mold.

After washing and waxing, check the body for cracking or peeling. Inspect the seams, rubber seals, and caulking. Repair any cracks and openings that insects and rodents could use to get inside your RV.

Condition parts and materials that are prone to drying, fading, and cracking, such as leather seats, wood finishes, the dashboard and flooring.

Store it properly

As much as possible, keep your RV in a secure indoor storage facility and get the appropriate RV insurance coverage as an additional layer of protection. If you end up keeping it in an outdoor RV storage lot, protect it from sun damage by keeping it under a breathable anti-UV light cover. Be sure to securely lock all doors and windows before storing.

Protect it from moisture or dry heat

Depending on your storage location, you may need to protect your RV from moist or dry conditions.

In humid storage areas, you can put several charcoal or silica gel packets inside the RV. These can absorb excess moisture from the air to help prevent mold and mildew.

To prevent leather and wood parts from drying and cracking in dry, warm storage environments, fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and put it in the middle of the RV. Open cabinet and closet doors to keep the moisture content even across the RV.

Follow these simple tips to help protect your RV so you can enjoy it for years to come. Get in touch with us today to review your RV insurance coverage. We can help you find the best coverage for your specific needs.

Benefits of Using a Dash Cam

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 16:42:15 GMT

More and more people these days are choosing to add dash cams to their vehicles, and for good reason. These small cameras can be highly useful to you, especially in the event that you get a traffic ticket or are involved in a crash or other incident on the road. Here's how a dash cam can benefit you.

Document What Happened in a Crash

Car crashes can be incredibly traumatizing, and this can greatly impact your memory of the event. Not only that, but you and the other driver are likely to differ in your accounts of what happened. With a dash cam, you'll have the footage to prove exactly what happened leading up to and during the incident.

You can then provide this information to law enforcement and your insurance company to ensure everything proceeds as it should. If the other driver was at fault, this would also maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement from their insurance company. Some drivers may omit information to avoid fault, and your dash cam footage can fill in the gaps to provide a more complete story.

Avoid Traffic Tickets

Police officers are human just like the rest of us, and that means that they can make mistakes too. If you have received a ticket and don't believe you actually committed the offense they said you did, dash cam footage can help to get the charges dismissed. Of course, it won't help if you actually were in the wrong, but it can minimize the risk of officer error.

Find Out How You Got That Door Ding

Some dash cams are always on, even when you're not in your car, and can detect when something bumps into your car. When that happens, they store video from a minute or two before until a minute or two after the bump so you can see what happened, possibly even catching the license plate of the car that was responsible for causing the damage.

Share Your Adventures

If you enjoy off-roading or track racing in your vehicle, a dash cam is the perfect way to document your activities. You can then share the videos later with your friends. Just remember to keep your attention on driving, and put the dash cam out of your mind until it's time to retrieve the video later.

Equip Your Vehicle with a Dash Cam to See All the Benefits

We're sure you can come up with many other benefits besides these once you get started with your own dash cam. These devices are affordable and easy to set up, so just about anyone can add a dash cam to their vehicle. Dash cams are available from several manufacturers and with many different options to fit your needs and your budget.

Tips for Saving Money on Heating and Cooling Your Home

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 16:07:25 GMT

If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills can seriously add up over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy costs to save money without having to sacrifice comfort. Try these helpful tips, and watch the savings roll in.

Check window and door seals. Doors and windows are among the worst culprits for allowing inside air to escape, so it's important to check the seals around them on a regular basis. Inspect them once at the beginning of the summer and again going into winter. Watch for any cracks, broken seals, and other signs of deterioration. In general, replacing these seals is not very expensive, and this small repair can make a big difference in your energy bills over time.
Upgrade your insulation. Your roof is another common area for cool air and warmth to escape. While your home was likely built with insulation in the roof, the insulation materials can deteriorate over time, causing them to be less effective at regulating the internal temperature of your home. Rodent and other pest activity in your attic can also wreak havoc on your insulation, as these little critters use the materials to make their nests. Especially if your home is older, you may need to upgrade your insulation, as technology has come a long way over the decades.
Use a programmable thermostat. If you keep your home at a constant temperature throughout the day, you're likely wasting a lot of energy when you aren't even at home. Rather than having to remember to adjust the thermostat before you leave for work each morning and when you return home in the evenings, invest in a thermostat that you can program. This way, you'll be able to let your house get a bit hotter or colder while you are away, then have it come back to a comfortable temperature before you get back. By shutting off your system when you are out of the house, you can reduce your energy consumption dramatically.

Of course, the old standby tips of opening windows in the summer and putting on an extra layer in the winter still hold true and can help you reduce your energy costs even further. It's all about striking a balance between comfort and affordability to find what works best for you.

Property Insurance Rate Increases

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:53:29 GMT

TOP REASONS FOR PROPERTY INSURANCE RATE INCREASES

Modern homes and real estate prices – Rising housing prices and more homes that have high-end features like pools and hot tubs drive up replacement costs and liability claims.

Finished basements with electronics – Because of higher-priced building materials, finished basements cost more to repair if there is a sewer backup or other damage. Plus, it is more likely that finished basements contain expensive valuables like electronics and furniture.

Eco-friendly, but not budget-friendly – Newer homes with environmentally friendly features like solar panels, energy efficient windows and doors, and high-efficiency appliances are more expensive to repair or replace.

Aging municipal infrastructure – Outdated municipal infrastructure and a higher demand for water make sewer backups more frequent, resulting in more damage-related claims.

Your claims history changed – If you have had to make a claim, you may lose out on a claims-free status discount. Making multiple claims could also lead to a surcharge on your premium.

Neighborhood trends put you at greater risk – When neighborhoods grow, it alters demographics and risks. Maybe a new bar has increased the potential for crime, or a new subdivision has altered city infrastructure which are some factors insurers look at when assessing risk.

Extreme weather events and catastrophes are more frequent – Forest fires, floods, storms, and other events are becoming more frequent and cause expensive damages, resulting in more claims and rising insurance costs.

Emergency services, skilled trades, and personal belongings are more expensive – As with any goods or services, inflation means higher prices for things like emergency services and labor costs for repairs. That means paying for claims is more expensive, too.

Interest rates – insurers often offset underwriting losses with investment income to generate profitable results. When interest rates are relatively low (as they have been), investment income declines, which in turn causes upward pressure on rates to make a profit.

HOW THE INSURANCE PLACE OF WY CAN HELP YOU

At the Insurance Place of WY, we have access to a wide selection of some of the best insurers in the country, most of whom do not sell directly to the public. With that said, it is important to remember that we work for you, our client, and not for the insurance companies that we represent. Simply put, we put your interests first.

As your agent, it is our job to provide you with expert and unbiased advice. When it comes to insurance, we are always available to discuss your personal needs and recommend options based on your specific situation. While we cannot control the rates that insurance companies charge or the overall market conditions, we can regularly look to get you the best deal available from our portfolio of offerings.

If you have questions or concerns about your insurance or are curious about your options, please contact the Insurance Place of WY and we will be happy to assist you. Even if we cannot find a market offering a better rate than what you currently pay we can provide impartial advice on how to customize your policy (factoring in your budget and risk tolerance) to better meet your individual needs.

Backyard Barbecue Safety - How to Keep your Family and Home Safe

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:47:48 GMT

The summer season is a time for delicious barbecues on open flames. However, what is a treasured backyard tradition to many families in America can be dangerous if not handled properly. Did you know that backyard barbecues cause an average of 7,900 home fires a year?

Check out our backyard barbecue safety tips to ensure that you always get to finish the food that you've prepared.

Don't set up your grill close to your home or garage. Although it might be convenient to step outside your house and be at your grill, it can be a dangerous practice. If your grill were to go up in flames for any number of reasons, your home or garage could catch fire, too. It's important to keep your grill far away from any structure while grilling!
Keep your grill clean. After every use, you should let your grill cool down and clean it with a wire brush or some tin foil. The grates are home to leftover barbecue sauce, burnt on pieces, and tons of other particles that can easily catch fire if not cleaned. It's better to take time to clean your grill instead of allowing room for the worst-case scenario!
Stabilize your grill before lighting it. If you're barbecuing in your yard, you'll want to be sure that you set it on a flat surface, and that you can't bobble it when you try to move it. This is important especially if you have small children or pets that could potentially knock your grill over. Try using cinder blocks to ensure that it's stable, and never leave a hot grill unattended.
Be sure that your home has appropriate fire coverage. Talk to Insurance Place of Wyoming about the proper fire coverage for your home. This can help cover the costs involved with home damage caused by a grill fire!

Our backyard grilling safety tips can help you enjoy a long, safe summer full of delicious smoked foods – get grilling!

Highway Driving Safety Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

Tue, 05 May 2020 21:32:38 GMT

Highways are unavoidable - they help us get where we need to go, and quickly. However, without practicing proper highway driving safety, you could find yourself in an accident.

While driving on the highway, you're not the only one you have to worry about - there are also other drivers that you can't control. However, with our tips, you'll be able to prepare yourself to be as safe as possible while driving on the highway.

Obey posted speed limits. What may sound like a no-brainer is a rule that is typically broken. Although you may feel like the speed limit is too slow, keep in mind that those restrictions are there for a reason! You may not know the topography of the land, and the modest speed limit could be in place to protect you from a steep hill, a windy turn, or a traffic buildup.
Don't become distracted. Modern vehicles do a wonderful job of providing us with all the novelties and extra features that we might not need, but we love. Digital screens with custom temperature gauges, custom radio tuning, and so much more can distract us from the road while we're driving. It's important to tune everything out but the road when you're driving on the highway to prevent causing an accident. The most important distraction to avoid? Texting and driving. Try locking away your phone in the center console if you feel like it's a distraction while you're in the driver's seat.
Don't play your music too loud. Although it's great to drive around listening to your favorite tunes, it can be dangerous when you're on the highway. It could potentially prevent you from hearing important sounds that let you know danger is ahead. For example, if you have your music blasting and attempt to change lanes on the highway, you may not hear another vehicle honking their horn to warn you that they're in your blind spot. It can also make it hard to hear sirens from emergency vehicles.

These tips can help you get where you're going safely. Not only that, but you can rest assured that you're protecting others on the road as well!

Bonus tip — be sure that your car is properly insured by a trusted insurance agency like Insurance Place of Wyoming to ensure that you and your vehicle are covered in case of an accident.

4 Important Tips to Help you Choose the Right Home Repair Professional

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 20:47:11 GMT

Your home is in need of some repairs, but you don't want just anyone in your home. Hiring a home repair professional can be stressful since it's crucial that you find one that you can trust. But finding the perfect home repair professional doesn't have to be a headache. Before hiring, you should be sure that your home is insured in case of a covered loss.

Check out our three tips to help you find the perfect one.

Talk to them on the phone. With nearly everything online these days, it's easy to check out a company's website and want to hire them on the spot. The only problem is, reading their website isn't the same as talking to them over the phone or in person. Before signing on the dotted line with your home repair professional, you should call them on the phone to talk over details of your project like what they can do for you, how much they'll charge, and more. You'll also be able to get a feel for their personality and determine if they're someone that you'd like working on your home.
Check out their reviews and testimonials. Reviews and testimonials are a great way to determine the quality of a home repair professional. Testimonials are extremely effective because they're unsolicited comments on the company - and they're all positive comments. Customers aren't forced to give testimonials, and when they give them, you know that it's because the service was amazing. You'll also want to check out reviews to see if the positive ones outweigh the negative ones.
Determine your budget and stick with it. To find the right home repair specialist for you, they have to fit within your budget. If they don't you could find yourself in financial turmoil when there are plenty of options out there that do fit your budget. Be sure to get a quote before you sign on with a specific repair company, and have your budget in mind when you talk to them. If you go into a conversation with an open budget, you're much more likely to overspend.
Make sure they are properly insured. Independent contractors should have the proper insurance coverage in place before they start work on your home. It is always a good idea to double check proof of insurance to ensure the repair professional and your property is covered.

Follow these four tips to help you find the perfect home repair professional that fits your needs.

Household Cleaning Tips to Keep your Home in Tip Top Shape

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 22:35:07 GMT

Some people love to clean – while others find it a chore. If you're someone who finds cleaning to be a drag, you're not alone! The last thing you want to do when you get home from a long day at work is to clean your entire home.

But with our cleaning tips, you'll be able to keep your home in tip-top shape and enjoy doing it. Don’t forget to have your home properly insured to protect its sparkling rooms from theft or damage!

Don't tackle the big projects back to back. If your entire bathroom needs cleaned and your kitchen has seen better days, don't do both projects back to back. You'll end up burning yourself out before you've even begun! Try dividing up your big projects and tackle them one at a time. It even helps to break it down into rooms, and only do one room at a time. Tell yourself at the beginning of your cleaning session that your goal is to make that one room as clean as possible. That way, you're not worrying about the other rooms that are just waiting to be cleaned.
Play your favorite music in the background. When you have fun while cleaning, it will go much faster, and be far more enjoyable. Try playing your favorite music in the background while you're cleaning to keep yourself motivated and joyful!
Get weird smells out of your carpet or furniture with baking soda. This powdery substance is great for soaking up unsavory smells in your home. Simply spread a thick layer of baking soda on the affected area and let it do its job for about a half hour. When time is up, vacuum the remaining powder and enjoy your fresh carpet or furniture. This is also a great technique for freshening your mattress.
Use waxed paper on your sink to make it shine and prevent future stains. Your sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home, and it can be frustrating to clean. Start by using an antibacterial soap to clean the faucet, handles, and basin. When everything is dry, rub waxed paper on all surfaces. Not only will it remove water spots, but the layer of wax will help prevent future stains! You'll still want to be sure to sanitize your sink after every use, though!

Happy Cleaning!

When Should I Review My Home Insurance Coverage?

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 20:20:58 GMT

Insurance is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only does it protect you from damages caused by things like fire and vandalism, but it can also protect your personal property or additional structures like garages, and provide liability coverage.

But when is it time to review your coverages? Should you evaluate your coverage monthly, yearly, or somewhere in between?

The most important times to review coverage

Let’s talk about events that should prompt you to review your home insurance coverage.

You’ve received a shiny new gift or bought something expensive: To eliminate the risk of not being covered if someone were to steal personal belongings, it’s important to review your home insurance coverage when you are keeping something expensive in the home.

If you’ve just received a beautiful diamond bracelet, an expensive new television system, or a timeless (and expensive) piece of artwork, it’s important to talk to an agent to ensure that you’re properly covered.
You’ve added square footage to your home: Many insurance companies base your coverage off of the square footage of your home. That means that if you add a new sunroom to your existing structure, it’s important to report it to your agent.

If not, in the event of a damaging fire or thunderstorm, your entire home may not be covered.
You got married: If you’re going to be adding another person to your home, they’ll likely bring all of their belongings with them. That means that the value of items in your home will increase — in which case, you’ll need to contact your agent to increase your coverage.
You’re starting a business out of your home: If you run a business out of your home, it’s important to report this to your insurance agency.

Why? You’ll need to have liability coverage for the employees that will be working under your roof, which will be a change to your normal policy.
Policy renewal is coming up: When your policy is set to renew, it’s a great time to review it.

Instead of hastily signing on the dotted line to renew your coverage, take time to read the fine print to see if coverage changed in price, if you’ve made any of the above changes to your home, or if there are any new discounts available.

For example, some insurance agencies will offer discounts for installing a security system to your home, and we all want the best price for our insurance.

Are you shopping for home insurance?

If you’re looking to purchase insurance for a new home, or simply looking for a change in policies, contact us to learn about your options! We’re an independent agency and we offer some of the best prices for home insurance in the area.