Keep Your Garage Sale Safe

Posted on by AgentInsure

When setting up garage sales, safety isn’t usually on the forefront of people’s minds. Instead, they’re focused on pricing and displaying items. If you’re organizing things for a garage sale, though, make sure to keep in mind some basic safety tips.

Safety at Garage Sales

Safety doesn’t need to get in the way of pricing and setting up items for sale, but it’s something you should keep in mind at all times. Organizing your sale around a few common-sense principles will reduce the likelihood that someone accidently gets hurt. For example, you can:

  • place sharp objects out of the reach of small children
  • keep small items on tables so people don’t trip over them
  • make sure there’s a clear pathway through your wares

These are all simple steps but will help keep your sale safe for everyone who comes.

Your Liability Coverage

No matter how much attention you give to safety, you can’t eliminate all accidents. To protect yourself if there is an accident on your property, you should have liability coverage.

Most homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage, although policies’ terms and conditions that govern the coverage vary widely. If someone is injured in an incident that’s covered by your liability coverage, your insurance policy may protect you.

If you only have limited liability coverage through your current homeowners policy, consider increasing your protection before you have a garage sale. At The Insurance Shop USA, we can help you find a new homeowners policy if you live in Sandypoint, ID. In just a few moments, our agents can find you a policy with the liability coverage you want. To get in touch with them, send us an email through our website.

 

SurpriseHomeowners Coverages in Sandpoint, ID

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For those looking to purchase a homeowners insurance policy in Sandpoint, ID, there are many considerations you will want to take into account. While most people consider a homeowners policy as being primarily for protection in the case of the total destruction of the home, the fact is that your homeowners insurance policy likely has many more coverages than you may have imagined. For example:

  • Coverages related to foundation damage

Many homeowners insurance policies cover foundation damage which may affect a home, and offers coverages to replace such damaged features as a sinking deck or porch, in addition to the home’s actual foundation. One thing you should take into account is that homeowners policies do not always cover the foundation directly, and you may need to purchase a separate rider in order to have the foundation covered. This is because repairing the home’s foundation can be very expensive, and therefore its coverage is often extra.

  • Coverage against theft

Many people would be surprised to learn that their homeowners insurance policy usually covers their personal belongings against theft. Every policy has its own coverage limits, terms, and conditions, and strict documentation of the home’s contents will likely be needed in the case that a claim needs to be filed.

  • Accidental bodily harm

Suppose your dog bites your neighbors child while warn your property. Many homeowners policies will have coverages for this type of situation and other instances of accidental bodily harm.Like all other coverages, it is a good idea to talk to your broker about just how much your policy covers in the case of accidental bodily harm, and what kinds of accidents are covered.

Do These 4 Things And Your Vehicle In Sandypoint Will Be Around Longer

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When you live in Sandypoint, Idaho, you want your vehicle to be around for a long time. While you may be taking care of the interior and thinking you are taking care of everything that is under the hood, there is more that you can probably be doing.

Watch Your Speed

Speeding can not only be dangerous, but can also cost you more in gas. It may also cause you to make sudden stops, which will take a negative toll on your brakes. Slow down and you may be able to hold onto your vehicle for longer.

Empty Your Trunk

Empty out your trunk from time to time so that you aren’t driving around with any excess weight. More weight can result in poor engine performance and cost you more in gas.

Change the Oil

You need to make sure that you are changing the oil and the oil filter periodically so that your engine isn’t being fed sludge. The frequency of your oil changes depend upon the make and model, but should range somewhere between 3,000 and 8,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual so that you know when it’s time to have the service.

Inflate Your Tires

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is to forget about their tires. Approximately 1/3 of all drivers on the road are driving around with under inflated tires. By checking the PSI on a regular basis, you can make sure that it is at the level that the manufacturer recommends. If it is lower than it should be, simply put some air in the tires.

Call The Insurance Shop USA today to learn more about ways to protect you and your car. We can help you find a car insurance policy that is affordable, and provides you with peace of mind while out on the roads in Idaho.

 

 

Do You Need Renters Insurance? 4 Facts to Consider

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Many people opt to rent a house or apartment in lieu of owning a home. In some cases, this is for financial reasons. Others opt to do so to avoid many of the pitfalls that come with owning your own home.

But what happens when there’s a weather event, fire, or theft? Do you really need renters insurance? Here are four facts to consider.

#1: Your Landlord is Not Responsible for Your Belongings

One really big misconception among renters is that their landlord is responsible for their belongings if an incident occurs. The truth is that your landlord is only responsible for the building itself, not your items. By having renters insurance, you can make sure you are covered against any unexpected losses.

#2: A Fire or Theft Could Happen Anytime

The unexpected usually happens when you are the least prepared. By having a renters policy in place, you can rest assured that if a fire, theft, or other incident occurs, you are ready.

#3: Most Policies Cover Your Items Anywhere in the World

Do you travel often? Or do you leave a variety of different personal items in your vehicle? If you answered yes to either of these questions, purchasing a renters policy is important. Most carriers offer coverage for your items no matter where they are. This means that your laptop that your accidentally left in your passenger seat and that heirloom necklace you took with you on your whirlwind European vacation are both covered.

#4: Renters Policies Are Affordable

Another misconception about renters policies is that they are expensive, when they are quite affordable. Often, you can get total coverage for your belongings for only a few dollars a month. Some policyholders even receive a special discount for having a renters policy and their auto insurance with the same carrier, which often makes the cost of premiums the same or lower than just covering your car alone.

Learn more now. Contact our team at the Insurance Shop USA today for a no-obligation quote.

Are You Grilling The Safest Way Possible?

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How often do you grill and not pay any attention to the safety aspects? Many people grill in Sandypoint, ID throughout the year. When you’re one of them, it’s important to be a responsible homeowner and follow a few safety points.

One of the most important aspects is where your grill is located. You want to keep it at least 20 feet away from your home, and if you live in a condominium or apartment, there may be additional rules as to where the grill needs to be before you light it.

You also want to make sure that the grill is clean before you begin to use it. If there is a lot of caked on food or grease, it can lead to flare-ups and even uncontrollable flames. A strong wire brush should do the trick.

If you want to use nonstick spray, be sure to do so before you light the grill. Otherwise, you could experience a significant flame.

The flames are live and you want to be careful. Embers can fly out and that is why you don’t want to have anything flammable too close to the grill, such as patio furniture, towels, or anything else. Keeping a fire extinguisher nearby is also a best practice so that if there is a fire, you have the ability to put it out quickly.

If you use gas for your grill, inspect the tank for leaks periodically and be sure to close the valve when you are done grilling for the day.

When you are ready to put the grill away, be sure everything has cooled down. Charcoal briquettes need to be cool before you dispose of them, and the grill needs to be cool before you put any kind of cover on top of it.

Be safe when grilling. When you want to explore affordable homeowners insurance, contact us at The Insurance Shop USA.

 

 

Wake Up When Driving

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Driving in Sandypoint, Idaho requires your utmost attention. If you are completely asleep behind the wheel, you obviously cannot react to any of your surroundings. Someone could slam on their brakes in front of you, you could veer into another lane, or wildlife could run across the road. None of this can be controlled when you are not alert enough to react.

Approximately 100,000 people reported crashes occur every year and the CDC estimates thousands more go unreported. This means that there are significant statistics out there, and you don’t want to be a part of them. You could injure yourself or others, and even death could occur.

The easiest way to wake up when drowsy is to get a good night sleep the night before. This should include 7 to 9 hours of good shut-eye. If you are going long distances, pull off the highway and take a 20 minute nap if you are starting to fall asleep. There are plenty of rest areas along the highways, and also hotels and motels for you to rest at.

If you have come off of a long shift and are tired, don’t even get behind the wheel. Call for a taxi or ask someone else to drive you home.

If you have another licensed driver in the car, split the driving duties. While you drive, they can sleep, and vice versa. This is a good best practice to get in the habit of using when you are taking long road trips. You should also take a break every two hours or hundred miles so that you can stretch and ensure that you are alert enough to continue.

At The Insurance Shop, we can help find auto insurance policies that meet your needs and your budget. Call us today so we can begin finding quotes on your behalf.

 

The Importance of Insurance for Religious Institutions

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Religious Institutions are not often thought of when considering who needs insurance coverage but they often need it as much as, if not more than, other facilities. There are a few different reasons that these facilities need insurance and each is as important as the last. For starters, religious institutions are often the repository for very valuable items. This can be things that have been donated, valuable works of art, irreplaceable artifacts, technology and so much more. This is one of the biggest reasons that religious institutions need insurance to protect these items in the case of a fire, a break in, a flood, or some other catastrophe.

There are also employees to consider. There are dozens of employees that keep each religious institution going from day to day and it is important that they are protected as well. This means making sure that they are protected by an insurance umbrella while they are at work and that they have coverage to protect them while they are on the grounds and in the building. This is important as those facilities that do not have coverage are likely to have to deal with any injuries or other issues that pop up on their own.

Lastly, religious institutions are visited by hundreds of people every day and these individuals need to be protected as well. Though most facilities keep their grounds in great shape and they keep their buildings in great shape as well, accidents do happen. This means that there should be some sort of protection in place to help pay out any claims that are made and to protect the assets of the religious institution as best as possible. All of these factors make it necessary and smart for religious institutions to have insurance policies in place.  

Choose Local: Get the Best Life Insurance Coverage with Independent Agents

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Living a full and happy life in Idaho isn’t a hard feat to achieve for most residents. The greater Sandpoint area has everything from Lake Pend Orielle to Schwitzer Mountain Resort and the Silverwood Theme Park for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. As your independent Idaho agents, we want to make sure you and your loved ones will be well taken care of for many years to come.

It’s Never Too Soon for Life Insurance

Although it may be a difficult subject for many to think about, finding a life insurance policy to care for your loved ones after you pass is the responsible and caring thing to do. At The Insurance Shop USA, we can work with you to find a policy that works best for your family and for your budget.

Many people think that time is on their side when it comes to shopping for a life insurance policy. But in this case it pays to be prepared for the worst. Whether you choose a term or whole life insurance plan, this is the easiest and best way to make sure your loved ones will be cared for after you pass.

Go Local and Save

When you shop and compare quotes with The Insurance Shop USA you’ll be connected to the top major insurance providers in the nation. You’ll also be able to still enjoy a local and personalized experience along the way. We have made shopping for and comparing quotes online easier than ever before.

Visit The Insurance Shop USA online today to easily compare quotes in just minutes. Give the ones you love most peace of mind by investing in their future with an affordable and comprehensive life insurance policy today.

Basic & Special: Two Forms of Commecial Insurance to Get to Know

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If you are in business in Idaho, you know there’s a big difference between income and profit. You also know the difference between an employee and a contract employee. But do you know the difference between Basic Form and Special Form commercial Insurance?

Basic Form and Special Form insurance are both forms of property insurance, but how they cover potential perils to your property are quite different. Knowing the difference can be helpful.

With Basic Form insurance, the specifics of your property coverage are spelled out in the policy. The policy will list each peril that is covered under the terms of the policy. If it is not listed you can assume you are not covered for a particular calamity. Special form insurance, however, takes a different approach. Special Form insurance assumes that you are covered for all perils to your property, unless they are specifically excluded. Many businesses prefer Special Form commercial property insurance because of its wider coverage. They seem to appreciate specifically knowing what is not covered.

An independent insurance agency can help find you the most competitive rates on your business insurance, whether you choose Basic or Special Form. Because they are independent, they can search multiple companies. In Idaho, The Insurance Shop USA is such an independent agency.

We can review your insurance, and scour our vendor companies to get you a rate you will appreciate. You can try us online. Visit our website and get a comparative quote for your homeowner or auto insurance.

Knowing the difference between Basic Form and Special Form insurance can make a significant difference in how you are protected. Knowing the difference between captive and independent agents can make a difference in what you pay. Contact The Insurance Shop USA today, and let us help you start saving money tomorrow!

4 Frequently-Filed Homeowners Claims and How You Can Avoid Them

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Your homeowners insurance policy is designed to help protect you as well as your personal belongings – not to mention your house. However, no one wants to have to go through the hassles of filing an insurance claim. Therefore, if you can reduce your chances of needing to file a claim, you want to do it. Here are some tips for each of the four major types of home insurance claims that are filed:

  1. Damage from Storms – When a storm comes in, it will usually bring some significant winds with it. These winds can do some serious damage to your home. Make sure your outdoor furniture is put away or anchored down. Inspect your trees for dead limbs. Take the time to trim off any limbs hanging over your home’s roof.
  2. Damage from Fires – Fire damage does not only impact your home and its structure, as it always damages your personal belongings. You need to take caution when using candles, matches, fireplaces, and other fire-related items in the home, including the stove. Whenever possible, you should not smoke inside.
  3. Damage from Water – In order to prevent water damage, you need to make sure that your frozen pipes, plumbing leaks and other water-related problems are taken care of immediately. Keep in mind that flood damage is typically covered underneath a separate flood policy.
  4. Personal Injuries – While your home should be safe, you, your family and home guests should be as well. When a person gets injured on your property, you are at risk of a personal injury claim. Make sure that your swing sets, hot tubs, pools and trampolines are very dangerous, so it is crucial that you keep the areas secure.

When you own your home, it is important that you have taken the necessary steps to keep it safe and secure for your entire family and any guests that may come over. By following the above steps, you are less likely to need to file a claim in Rathdrum, ID. If you aren’t currently insured, give our agency a call to get quotes for homeowners coverage.

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