Fact or fiction:  Car tires melt in extreme heat?     ....      If you said fiction, give yourself a star.

And what about this one:  Very high temperatures can cause tire pressure to increase so much it can cause your tire to explode?    ....    That's a fact.

While we're used to being  continually hot in the South during the summer months, this year's unprecedented temperatures have brought new meaning to "hot."

And that brings up potential situations you should be aware of regarding driving in extreme heat that you haven't really had reason to be concerned about in the past.

Here are 7 must-know facts to help you remain safe while driving in this summer's sweltering sun:

Many insurance policy holders are getting a big surprise when they receive their upcoming renewal notices.

The news in a nutshell?

Losses on the part of insurance companies are finally being seen in premium increases in renewal notices... AND as important, if not more so:

insurance companies are also pulling out of certain states or disallowing new and policy renewal approvals.
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Why the sudden action on the part of carriers?

Can summer heat break your car windshield or windows?
Yes, especially with the hottest summer on record.  One of my client's car windows had shatter cracks throughout the window, and had to be replaced.
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How does this happen?

There is plenty of attention given to steps to take before an anticipated storm to reduce the potential for damage and the need to file an insurance claim.

But, less focus is on steps to take AFTER a dangerous storm to reduce personal injury and property damage.  A recent study after a tornado in Illinois confirmed that 50% of physical injuries were suffered after the storm when completing post-storm tasks.

Any bad storm can damage power lines, electrical systems and gas lines that put may put you and your property at risk of fire, explosion, or electrocution.
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Here are 10 examples of steps to take after a bad storm:

​Small drips can turn not only into wasted water and increased utility costs but also into a nightmare water damage insurance claim.  The EPA says 10% of homes have water leaks that exceed 80+ gallons/day.  Yes, per DAY.
 
Some leaks are visible and can be taken care of, but other leaks can be covered and unknown to homeowners.  These are the ones more likely to cause unforeseen structural damage to your home but there are ways to detect them before that happens.
 
How can you find these hidden leaks before they cause damage? Check these places:

Roof damage is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims.  Insurance companies have used extensive data to determine likelihood of damage occurrence as a roof ages.   
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How long should you expect your roof to last?

​Before you pack up the car and head out on the road, here are 7 safety tips to take in prepping for your spring break trip:

Spring cleaning is a great way to freshen up your home after a long winter and get ready for the warmer months ahead. But did you know that spring cleaning can also help prevent homeowners insurance claims?
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Here are 5 tips to help you keep your home safe and avoid insurance claims this spring:

Questions have been raised as to whether you should buy a house built between 2020 - 2022 because of construction quality issues due to supply chain problems and worker shortages.

Some real estate industry spokesmen indicate that's an overblown concern because it's a highly regulated industry, with various inspections required during the projects.
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If you're considering purchasing a home built during this time period and are concerned about construction quality, research the following 4 items before committing: