Happy Fall!
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Oops, I'm a few days early but Fall IS coming, and did you know there are certain types of insurance claims that are more prevalent during the fall and early winter seasons?

How does a home warranty differ from homeowner's insurance, and do you need it?
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Most homeowners are required to have homeowner's insurance by their mortgage company, but a home warranty is an option that can be added on to a home policy.

With the rise in vehicle technology, insurers have to consider more complex claims issues, and electric vehicles are a prime area.

Electric vehicle (EV) owners haven't necessarily thought about the risk of using public charging stations.  The software in these stations can transfer data in and out.  This allows the potential of spreading malware TO an EV from the charging station.

Cyber criminals have also been able to hack into electric vehicles, with the major results being data or privacy breaches.  However the second most common issue is theft or break-ins from accessing the wireless key fob.

Hackers have also been able to access third party applications that control music, door unlocking, and flashing headlights.

It's a matter of time before someone takes control over the steering, brakes, and acceleration functions.
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So who's responsible for cyber risks and hacking?

Have you been thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV)?  If so, you've also probably wondered if the insurance for an EV will be more than a comparable gas-powered vehicle.

So how does EV car insurance premiums compare to non-EV insurance premiums?

According to a recent comparison study of EV vs. non-EV rates across low to high cost vehicles, on average, EV insurance costs about 25% more than its gas alternative.
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Why is that?  Several reasons - generally:

The number of high-tech safety features on new vehicles has mushroomed in the past few years.   Here's a partial list:
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• back-up sensors
• blind spot warning
• adaptive cruise control
• lane departure warning
• driver alertness warning
• collision-avoidance systems
• automatic emergency braking

Do insurers offer discounts for these newer auto safety features?

Auto insurers typically give discounts for some safety features but they vary by company and state to state.

Also, some states require insurance carriers to give discounts for certain safety features.

It's important to make sure your insurance company has the right model of your vehicle.   Providing a vehicle identification number (VIN) assures the accurate information is transmitted to your company.

What safety features might qualify for discounts?

If you experienced a significant home loss due to a weather disaster as many have in the last several months, how well could you document your property and contents to the insurance company in filing a claim?

The last thing you need is the added stress of trying to list out a detailed inventory after the fact.
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Before disaster strikes, take these 5 easy steps to create a detailed and comprehensive inventory of your home and possessions:

You know the importance of insuring the big-ticket items in your home like jewelry, collectibles, firearms, and art, but what about other things that can add up too?
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Here's a quick rundown of high-end household items that might slip your mind when it comes to insurance:

Insurers are tightening their standards and restrictions so before you call to file a homeowners insurance claim and have it denied, ask yourself these questions:

- Do you know specifically what your policy covers/excludes?
- Was the damage from a sudden, acute circumstance or from a chronic issue over time?
- Have you taken photos/videos to document the damage?
- Have you spoken with your insurance agent to get his guidance on how you should proceed?

It's very important you have this information BEFORE you contact your insurance company about the damage.
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Let's take an example: