Are you preparing for a New Year's Eve celebration?  Make sure you take these 7 key tips to avoid any unforeseen insurance claims:

​- This is obvious, but needs to be emphasized:  if you or those you're with have too much to drink, do not drive.  Either designate a driver ahead of time or tap local transportation resources to get to your destination.
- If you're a host, have non-alcoholic beverage choices available, and stop serving alcohol several hours before the party is over.
- Make sure your phone is charged, and be very aware of your surroundings if you're celebrating out in public.
- Refrain from posting your location on social media so you don't alert potential thieves from visiting your residence while you're away.
- If you plan to set off fireworks, observe local ordinances about them and ensure you do that in an open area.
-  Avoid setting off fireworks in a neighborhood to avoid conflict escalation regarding noise and property safety issues.
- When you set off fireworks, make sure adults handling them take appropriate safety steps, and there is adequate supervision of children.

Be proactive in safeguarding your assets.  Make sure you have the coverage you need by reviewing your policies with an experienced independent insurance agent.  Call me today:  706-726-1446.
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 Wishing you an enjoyable and claim-free New Year's Eve!

Are you concerned about package theft this holiday season?  If so, you're not by yourself.  Almost 7 out of 10 homeowners are, according to a recent survey by the Chamberlain Group.

Do you know if your renters or homeowners insurance covers package theft?

Generally it does, but coverage is only helpful for purchases that are valued more than your deductible.

Most deductibles fall between $500 - $2000, and over half of all packages stolen last year were worth $50 - $200, so filing a claim isn't a viable option or in your best interest.

What do you do if your package isn't at your home when it says it was delivered?

According to AAA, 50% of vehicle crashes occur at night when far fewer autos are on the road.

This makes it critical that you pay attention to your headlight visibility as headlights that deteriorate over time can reduce light output by 80%!

Most of the headlights used on vehicles are made of a type of plastic, which breaks down over time and causes clouding, fogging, and scratching.
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What can you do to ensure maximum headlight visibility and reduce your chances of being involved in an accident at night?

 With Thanksgiving fast approaching here are 5 important reminders to minimize potential home insurance claims:

• Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires.  Remember not to put out cooking fires with water, but with items like baking soda, a fire extinguisher, or fire blanket.
• Candles add warmth to the ambience, but they also add a hazard to the setting.  Place them so people don't have to reach over them, aren't too close to foot traffic, and are out of reach of children and pets.
• Check smoke detectors to confirm they are working correctly.
• If you'll be away from your home, increase its security by using an internal security system, lights on timers inside, motion lights and cameras outside, and doorbell cameras.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home and collect mail/packages and have local law enforcement patrol your property, if that service is available in your area.

Haven't looked at your homeowners insurance policy lately?  Ensure you have enough coverage BEFORE the upcoming holiday season.  Call me at 706-726-1446 for a comprehensive review.

The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday formally confirms we're in the busy holiday season, which brings its own unique hazards.

Here are 4 important insurance actions to take to maximize your protection during this festive time: