Insurance News

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Home Improvement Projects and Avoid Liability Claims

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:17:00 GMT

Painting Materials Beside a Ladder by Blue Bird

If you’re planning a home improvement project, you probably have many contractors available to choose from. How do you pick the right one that will get the job done safely and without liability issues? Follow these tips.

Get Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

One of the best ways you can find a contractor is to ask friends and neighbors who have done remodels or additions you like. Ask about things like:

Was the contractor punctual and reliable?
Did the project come in on or under budget?
Would they hire the contractor again?

Read Online Reviews

Online reviews are another great resource today for finding contractors. Read reviews carefully, and look at star ratings. One or two disgruntled customers out of hundreds is probably par for the course, but avoid contractors who have lots of bad reviews. Look for critiques such as:

The contractor started the project, but left in the middle to work on another job, extending the completion date beyond the initial agreement.
The job was not completed satisfactorily.
The project went considerably over budget.
The workers arrived late, made a mess in the home, or were rude to clients.
There were safety issues during the project or after its completion (electrical dangers, chemicals or tools left exposed, tripping hazards, etc.).

Hire Experienced Contractors

In general, you want to hire contractors who are more experienced, as they tend to be able to work faster and deal with any unforeseen problems that arise. That also means you want contractors who have done projects similar to yours in the past. If you have a historic home, for example, it may be better to hire someone who has only been in business for a few years, but specializes in historic renovations, rather than going with a 20-year-old firm that has only worked on contemporary homes.

Make Sure Your Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

Your contractor should be licensed as required by law in your region or state. They should also be insured, especially for liabilities. This protects you if someone in your home is hurt while the project is in progress or if there is a safety issue after the job is done. A reputable contractor will happily provide proof of insurance on request.

The contractor’s insurance should cover injuries or damages for which they’re responsible and pay to fix any remaining problems. That way you don’t have to file an insurance claim with your own home insurance. Most states require contracting businesses with multiple employees to have workers' compensation insurance as well, which is intended to help pay for the care of any contractors injured while on the job.

Finally, you can ask your contractor to take out a bond if engaging in a major renovation for you, like an addition, building a second story, or gutting and rebuilding an old property. This can pay you if they do not reasonably adhere to the timeline in your contract, which can have financial repercussions for you. Bonds usually also hold a contractor to certain standards of execution to avoid sloppy work that creates headaches for you years later.

Don’t forget that your homeowner insurance policy should be updated when doing home improvement projects to cover the added value you’ve given the property. Call CW Rea Insurance Agency at 314-965-0501 to speak with an independent agent about insurance protection for your home in case of storms, fire, vandalism, or theft. Ready to start a policy now? Contact us or request a homeowner insurance quote to tell us how we can help you.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Top Home Improvement Projects That Can Increase Your Home Value

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 23:24:00 GMT

Modern Kitchen by Mark

When you tackle home improvement projects, it’s wise to prioritize those that add the most to your property’s value, especially if you might put your home on the market in the next few years. Here are the renovations that give you the biggest return on your investment.

Kitchen Remodels

If you’re like most folks, you probably spend a fair amount of time in your kitchen, even when you have guests. For this reason, making over your kitchen will usually let you recoup your investment in equity or a higher sale price. Common remodeling elements include:

Replacing appliances
Installing new counters
Refinishing cabinets
Changing fixtures and hardware
Building an island or bar
Adding luxury extras

Bathroom Upgrades

You might be surprised to learn that the most cost-effective upgrade to your bathroom isn’t necessarily a complete renovation. Doing a remodel can yield more than a 100 percent return.

Don’t worry about knocking out walls or replumbing. Instead, focus on cosmetic improvements like replacing old tile, swapping out faucets, and painting. Other relatively small upgrades include adding more storage, putting in a nicer shower surround, and replacing outdated flooring.

Attic and Basement Conversions

In many cases, converting an attic or basement lets you add another room to your home. You can gain a bedroom, playroom, office, workshop, or rec room by making over what is often unused space in the home.

To really make the conversions worthwhile, be sure you explore things like emergency egress and HVAC to meet building codes and make the space fully usable. If you plan to sell the home soon, aim for a conversion that could work for multiple purposes, as potential buyers may be looking for something different.

Deck and Porch Additions

Adding a deck, patio, or porch lets you expand your living space outside in nice weather. The warmer the climate where you live, the more you want to have some comfy outdoor space for al fresco meals, grilling, and relaxing.

You don’t have to spend a ton to get a big bang for your buck with outdoor spaces. You can enhance any outside area with nice furniture, potted plants, and fencing to make the spot more private.

Curb Appeal Improvements

Curb appeal makeovers are always popular, and they’re great whether you plan to stay in the home for years or put it on the market. Some popular ways to make your home look beautiful when approached from the street include:

Adding or replacing a front walk
Building a small front porch or covered entryway
Landscaping for four-season beauty
Painting the front door and window trim
Resurfacing the driveway
Replacing the garage door

Energy-Efficient Updates

Some curb appeal improvements overlap with making the home more energy efficient too. If you’re not happy with your home’s entrance, consider replacing the door with one that offers better protection from the outdoors or installing a storm door with screens.

Other updates that offer a good ROI include:

Installing thermal windows
Replacing an old roof
Adding a better furnace or hot water heater
Using insulated garage doors
Insulating the attic or other chilly spaces
Placing solar panels on the roof

Even small upgrades like installing a programmable thermostat or ceiling fans can bring you energy savings year after year.

Don’t forget to contact your insurance agent to review your home insurance coverage when you add to your home or perform major renovations. Need help with home coverage? Call CW Rea Insurance Agency at 314-965-0501 today for a quote, or reach out online to let us know how we can help.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Defensive Driving Techniques to Avoid Accidents and Insurance Claims

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:32:00 GMT

Man driving a car by JESHOOTS.com

If you want to reduce your risk of traffic accidents and the insurance claims that accompany them — which could cause your premium to go up — you need to drive defensively. Here are some driving tips to help you avoid crashes and stay safe on the road.

Always Assume Other Motorists Will Make Mistakes

Defensive driving means always anticipating that other vehicles will be careless or worse, break the law. So, when you come to a four-way stop, for example, don’t assume other motorists will know the right-of-way laws. It’s always better to wait a few seconds and let others go first than to risk a crash.

Don’t Drive Distracted or Under the Influence

In most places, it’s illegal to have a mobile phone in your hand while driving, whether you’re talking to someone or checking a text. Stow your device, and use hands-free or voice-activated aids if you need to have a conversation or get directions. Or you can pull over if you must manually use your phone.

Other common distractions that should be addressed include:

Kids fussing or fighting
Unrestrained pets
Eating and drinking
Loose items in the cabin
Loud music

Watch Your Speed

Statistically, many accidents in the United States, including those with fatalities, involve operating over the speed limit. Obey posted speed limits, and be especially vigilant in school zones and pedestrian areas.

You may need to drive under the speed limit if traffic is heavy, the weather is bad, the roads are slippery, or there is road construction nearby. Dawn and dusk are also times when you could experience poor visibility, so slow down if necessary and turn on your headlights.

Use Your Turn Signals

Many drivers ignore their turn signals, weaving in and out of traffic and turning without warning. This also contributes to accidents.

Pick the safest lane if you have options, and try to stay in it as much as possible. For instance, if you are on a highway with at least three lanes in one direction, choose the center lane to avoid passing and merging vehicles. When you do need to change lanes, turn on your turn signal well in advance to alert other drivers of your intentions.

Be Aware of the Most Dangerous Driving Scenarios

There are situations where accidents are more likely to occur than others. These include:

Railroad crossings
Highways
High-speed boulevards with frequent traffic signals
Uncontrolled intersections
Left-hand turns
Parking lots
Winding rural roads
Motorways used by large trucks

Be extra careful in these scenarios. Don’t drive too close to semis; if you must pass one, give yourself plenty of space and avoid driving for too long alongside the truck. If a truck is following too close to your bumper (tailgating is another defensive driving no-no), pull into another lane or off the road to let it pass.

Reminder: Always Carry Proof of Insurance with You

Sometimes, despite practicing defensive driving, you can still get in an accident. You must carry proof of insurance with you for these situations or for when stopped by law enforcement. Most states today allow you to have an electronic version of your insurance ID card on your phone, but it’s good to have a paper copy in your glove box.

Not sure if your auto insurance is giving you the best protection? The independent agents at CW Rea Insurance Agency are happy to help you. Call us at 314-965-0501, or request a quote online today.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Benefits of Safe Driving Apps

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:28:00 GMT

Woman using a smartphone by Keira Burton

Many insurance carriers today offer smartphone apps that track telematics to monitor driving. Here’s how they work and how these apps may help you lower your auto insurance premium, along with a few other advantages.

Safe Driving Apps Help You Improve Your Driving

Telematics usually works either via a small plugin provided by the insurance company that is attached to your vehicle, or by simply downloading a smartphone app. However, there are also models that plug into dashboard ports.

This is capable of monitoring a variety of driving elements, which can include:

Distance and time of day driven
Location
Speed
Acceleration
Sudden stops
Phone Usage

Over time, you get a picture of your driving habits through the associated app that collects driving data for you. This allows you to work on areas for improvement, like staying under the speed limit or giving yourself more time to come to a stop to avoid the risk of hitting the car in front of you.

Telematics Are Great for Teen Drivers

While many adult drivers could certainly use some help when it comes to their motoring skills, teens typically need more help than other groups. If you have a teen driver in your household, telematics can help you monitor their driving behavior when you’re not with them. You can use this information to decide how much freedom to give them behind the wheel or whether they could use some additional practice before going too far on their own.

Enjoy Lower Insurance Rates With Safe Driving Practices

One of the biggest benefits of telematics driving apps is that the information is also shared with your insurance company. If you demonstrate that you are a safe driver, you may be rewarded with a discount on your auto insurance rates. Auto insurance premiums are based in part on your driving record and risk profile. Those deemed less likely to get into an accident can be rewarded by paying less because the probability of filing a claim is lower.

Ask Us About Safe Driving Apps for Your Auto Insurance Policy

When you’re shopping for auto insurance, here are two tips for you. First, you’ll have more choice if you partner with independent agents like the experts at CW Rea Insurance Agency. We work with many major carriers as well as some lesser-known ones, so we can give you a bigger selection for more customized coverage.

Second, be sure to ask about safe driving apps for your policy and for others in your family. You may be able to improve your driving and save money at the same time. Call us at 314-965-0501 to learn more, or request an auto insurance quote online.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 20:52:00 GMT

Couple in a convertible by monkeybusinessimages

Your auto insurance is one of the most important elements of your personal insurance portfolio. But some people purchase only the minimum required liability coverage, not realizing they may be leaving themselves open to huge bills for damage to their own vehicles after an accident. Here’s how you can better protect yourself with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

How Claims Usually Work After an Accident

Most states in the U.S. require some type of auto liability insurance to register a vehicle and drive legally. This type of auto insurance can help pay for medical care and damage if another motorist is hurt or their property is damaged.

The insurance of the person at fault in an accident typically covers liability for the other party. Say you miss a stop sign and hit another car. The person in the other vehicle has a minor injuries and significant damage to the side of their minivan. A claim is filed with your insurance carrier, which checks the police report and, after determining that you were indeed at fault, writes a check to the other party in the accident.

Likewise, if another party hits you, and they are at fault, their insurance typically pays for your medical bills, doctors’ appointments, lost work days, and repairs to your vehicle.

What Happens If Someone Without Insurance Hits You?

Insurance works well, like in the scenarios above, when everyone has at least the minimum liability coverage required by their state. However, each state sets its own requirements for mandatory liability coverage, some being higher than others.

If someone without insurance or with a low state requirement hits you and is at fault in an accident, what happens then? Maybe they have no auto insurance at all. Or perhaps they have $25,000 in property damage coverage, but your new $60,000 car is totaled in the accident. How do you make up the difference?

In some cases, you could go to court to sue the other driver for damages. But those cases can go on for months or even years, with no guarantee of a win. If the person you’re suing doesn’t have the money — maybe they’re unemployed, which is why they were driving without insurance — how would they pay a court judgment that awards money to you? How would you cover the replacement of your vehicle, which you need to get to work every day and are still making payments on to your auto lender?

How to Better Protect Yourself with Extra Coverage

There is a solution: uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. While a few states make this mandatory, many make it optional. We suggest it should be an essential part of your auto insurance coverage, precisely for the hypothetical situation described above. Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance can help protect you when the other party has no auto insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your injuries or damages.

Our independent agents at CW Rea Insurance Agency will work with you to make sure you have the right protection, between liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Call us at 314-965-0501 today, or request a quote online, and be sure to ask about protection if you’re hit by someone without insurance.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 21:46:00 GMT

Family meeting by Matthew Henry

It seems like every day on the news that we hear stories about a hurricane, flood, or wildfire creating massive damage in the U.S. and putting people out of their homes. Have you thought about how your family would handle this kind of emergency? Here are a few tips to keep you and your household safe if disaster strikes.

Plan a Fire Escape Route

Home fires strike thousands of families every year in America. If your home were to catch on fire, do you have an escape route planned?

Every member of the family, including children, should know what to do if your smoke alarm sounds. Do they wait for an adult or exit the house on their own via a path you’ve discussed previously? Do you have emergency escape mechanisms, such as window ladders, if your doors aren’t accessible?

If you have children, seniors, or someone with a disability in your household, it’s wise to practice escaping a fire so you know what to do if the real thing happens.

Be Ready to Evacuate

Some emergencies, like wildfires and severe storms, require you to leave your home. If you live in an area particularly prone to evacuations, it’s smart to have a “go bag” packed for each household member in case you have to leave in a hurry.

Keep a list of other things you want to pack if you only have a few hours or a day to leave, such as before a hurricane. This includes items like medications, precious valuables, important papers, and electronics.

Your first priority is the safety of you, your family members, and your pets (see below). Next is your go bag. If you have time after that, work through your list, taking as much as you can but never jeopardizing your lives to save things. That’s what your homeowner insurance or renters insurance is for.

Have Reunification and Communication Plans If Separated

Sometimes disasters strike while household members are at work or school. Therefore, have a plan for where you will reunite if you are separated and can’t return to your home. Usually, meeting at a designated evacuation center is preferable.

You may not be able to directly communicate if power is out and cell towers go down or are used to prioritize 911 calls. Try to develop a plan for how you will get in touch with each other if your cell phones or email don’t work, like using a nearby relative as an intermediary.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Remember, your pets are part of your family too! Don’t forget to include them in fire escape and evacuation plans. Your evacuation supplies should include food and water for them, as well as anything else they need, such as medications, bedding, and leashes. Having crates and carriers for your pets will make evacuation much easier, especially if you have to stay away from home overnight.

Keep Emergency Supplies on Hand

Everyone should have supplies handy at home in case you need to shelter in place after a storm or earthquake. You may not have tap water or electricity, so in addition to nonperishable food and medications, keep these items at the ready:

Enough bottled water for everyone
Disinfectant and wipes
Batteries
Emergency radio
Power bank to charge phones and small electrical devices
Flashlights and electric lanterns
Warm blankets and clothing
Camp stove or grill (always use outside, never inside the house)

Consider the kind of emergencies you’re most likely to face depending on your location and climate, and plan accordingly. If you have frequent power outages already, you may wish to install an emergency backup generator or keep a supply of firewood on hand for heat and cooking.

Are high winds a hazard where you live? Be sure to keep your supplies in a shelter below ground, if possible, along with pillows and blankets if you have to hunker down there.

Make Your Home Less Prone to Damage

There are ways to minimize damage to many homes. Some common methods include:

Improving drainage through the yard with greenscaping, water catch basins, French drains, etc., or adding a sump pump
Upgrading your roofing materials or redoing an old roof
Adding hurricane straps to the roof
Trimming back large trees around your home
Installing new windows and doors or hurricane shutters
Reinforcing your structure and securing tall furniture to the wall

Some disaster-proofing can also save you money on your home insurance. To learn more about proper insurance coverage, call CW Rea Insurance Agency at 314-965-0501 today.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Should I Notify My Insurance Company About a New Puppy?

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:43:00 GMT

Australian Shepherd puppy by Brett Sayles

Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some practicalities. For example, should you inform your insurance company about your new dog? Are there things you can do to keep your puppy safer? What about protecting yourself financially if your dog bites someone? Here’s what you need to know as a dog owner.

A New Puppy and Insurance Coverage

Whether you own your own home or rent, you probably have insurance coverage for the property. And you should definitely let your insurance company know if you have a new puppy because it may change your policy.

First, you want to know if you’re covered for things like damage caused by your dog. Also, you need to find out if you should add more protection (see dog bite liability below).

Pro tip: while you’re inquiring about insurance coverage, it’s worth asking your insurance agent about your vehicle. Are you covered if your pooch chews a hole in the seat (it doesn’t just happen in the movies) or punctures something with its nails?

Keeping Your Pup Safe

Did you know that Great Dane puppies grow as much in a year as the average human does from birth to high school? While your dog may become practically pony-size very quickly, you still need to protect it while it’s tiny. Here are some home puppy-proofing tips, so hopefully, you won’t have to rely on that pet insurance policy:

Remove attractive items like shoes and kids’ toys until your dog learns not to chew on human belongings or can reliably respond to “Leave it!”
Investing in pet gates can protect your puppy from hazards and rooms you want to keep dog-free.
Decide from the start if you want to allow your puppy on the furniture. Once you have a policy, be consistent. It’s perfectly okay to insist your pup sleeps in its own bed and doesn’t romp on your sofa.
Keep your pup on a leash, even at places like the dog park, until its recall (coming when you call its name) is trustworthy. Never walk your puppy off leash in places where this is not allowed, even if you think your dog won’t roam. It can still get into garbage or chase a squirrel into the road.
Seriously consider crate training your puppy. This will give you a safe place to leave your dog in your absence or when you have workers in the house. It’s also great for calming down an anxious or high-energy dog — bonus points for helping with potty training, as dogs generally won’t go where they sleep.
Don’t forget about your yard. It’s best not to leave very young dogs unsupervised there, even for a minute, but you still need to check for toxic plants, gaps in the fence, and other dangers. Make sure gates shut firmly, and consider posting a sign if people enter your yard for landscaping or playtime with kids. Chasing a loose puppy through your neighborhood (they always seem to get away when you’re still in your pajamas) isn’t nearly as fun as it looks!

Find a good vet before you bring your new puppy home or soon thereafter, and they can offer more tips specific to your breed and lifestyle.

The Importance of Dog Bite Liability Coverage

Even the most friendly dog can wind up biting someone if it is scared, or believes it’s defending its owner or home. And of course, some breeds are more protective than others, particularly as they grow, and larger breeds can inflict serious damage with a bite.

That’s why every new puppy owner should discuss dog bite liability coverage with their insurance agent. Your current renters insurance and homeowners insurance policies may cover liability up to a certain amount, but dog owners might want to supplement that with a personal umbrella policy.

Do you need to double check your insurance coverage as a new puppy owner? Call CW Rea Insurance Agency at 314-965-0501 today. We can help ensure you’re properly protected when it comes to your new four-legged household member.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Things to Know When Shopping for Home and Auto Insurance

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:45:00 GMT

Car in front of a house by Jose Rago

If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should know when you consider options for your residence or vehicle.

What Is a Deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. Deductibles were created decades ago to discourage policyholders from filing petty or even fraudulent claims.

In most cases, deductibles are a flat fee, such as $500 or $1,000, but can vary based on your policy. You can potentially lower your deductible by paying a higher premium (the cost of the insurance policy). This works in reverse, too: being willing to pay a higher deductible typically results in a lower premium. It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you have a good driving record or never file homeowner claims, it may be worth having a higher deductible so you can pay less for your policy.

What Is "Full Coverage" Auto Insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance can mean different things but usually has three components:

Liability insurance (almost always dictated by your state)
Collision insurance
Comprehensive insurance

Liability coverage can help pay for medical care and property damage if you are at fault in an accident. Collision insurance is designed to help cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged while it's moving. Comprehensive insurance is intended to protect your car or truck in the event it's damaged while it isn't moving (hail, theft, parking lot, etc.).

Does Your Insurance Always Pay After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Insurance carriers usually pay out for liability or collision insurance only when you are at fault in an accident. If someone else is determined to be at fault, their insurance typically pays.

There are exceptions to this; for example, some states are “no-fault” states, meaning each party’s insurance pays for their own damages, regardless of who is at fault. Missouri is not a no-fault state. There are also situations where an uninsured or underinsured driver may hit your car. We recommend you understand how this works before purchasing auto insurance and deciding on coverage options.

What Is Replacement Cost Versus Actual Cash Value?

Most home insurance policies are based on either replacement cost (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV).

Actual cash value insurance pays out at what your property is worth at the time of the claim with depreciation for wear and tear over time. This is why ACV insurance usually costs a bit less than replacement coverage.

RCV will then make you whole for the full cost to repair or replace property at today's prices. That's why RCV is a little higher.

For example, if your roof is damaged by hail and has an RCV settlement, the company will pay the ACV first and then the full RCV amount when the replacement is complete. Very often your insurer will work with your roofer to get the job done.

Why Do Independent Agents Offer More Choices?

Independent agents don’t work for just one insurance carrier with a limited number of insurance products — we network with multiple insurance carriers to find you the right coverage.

Do you have more questions about selecting home or auto insurance? Call CW Rea Insurance Agency at 314-965-0501 for more information, or contact us for a quote.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Grill Safely With These Outdoor Cooking Tips

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Grilling by Luis Quintero

Grilling food is a fun pastime, and it’s ideal on those summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. But every year, there are accidents and home fires because people don’t grill safely. Follow these tips to make sure you and your household don’t become one of those statistics.

Avoid Grilling on Dangerous Days

It’s not the time to grill if winds are super high, as just a spark can ignite dwellings and landscaping. This is especially important in drought areas, where trees and plants may be tinder dry due to lack of water. Your fire department may even have warnings, such as black flag or red flag days, when grilling or other types of outdoor fires are not allowed.

Place Your Grill in a Safe Place

Use your grill in the safest location possible. Ideally, that’s on a paved surface or sandy area, not on a wood deck or forested area when camping. Also, move your grill away from any structures, so if flames grow, they don’t touch anything.

Never Leave Your Grill Unattended

It takes only a second for a stray ember to catch your home or a neighbor’s home on fire. Always keep an eye on your grill once it’s been lit. Rotate with someone in your household if you need to go inside.

Clean Your Grill Before Every Use

Scraping down your grill with the appropriate tools can remove old oils and drippings that could ignite and cause a fire. This will make your food look and taste better too.

Only Use Fire Starting Fluid on an Unlit Grill

If you need to use a flammable liquid to start your fire, only use it on cold, unlit charcoal briquets. Never add a fire starter to a grill once it has ignited, even if it looks like it’s not burning much. You run the risk of burns from fire arcing from the grill to your hand. Never use any kind of flammable liquid in conjunction with a gas grill.

Have Fire Control Measures Nearby

Keep proper fire suppression methods handy when using your grill, whether that’s a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of sand. The type of fire control you choose should depend on the kind of grill you’re using (charcoal vs. gas vs. campfire).

Dispose of Ash Properly

When your grilling is done, you may wind up with ash that needs to be discarded. Like with your fireplace ash, you need to dispose of this correctly. Never use a plastic or other type of flammable container to hold ash, even if it appears the fire is out. Instead, use a metal bucket or stony part of the yard to contain old ash.

Let it sit for a week or two for good measure before disposing of ash in your trash. It can take days for embers to completely die out. Every year there are trash and house fires because unaware or careless property owners don’t dispose of ash properly.

And, even when you're careful, it's still important to be properly insured. Make sure you have the right protection in place. Call CW Rea Insurance Agency at 314-965-0501, or get in touch online.

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com

Sewer Backup and Flood: What’s the Difference?

Mark Dischinger — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:11:00 GMT

Flooding, outside of being terrifying, uncontrollable, and devastating can be costly to repair. One instrument to fund repair, restoration, and rebuilding is an insurance policy, but it’s important to know what policies you need.

Understanding insurance coverage can seem daunting, and by now you've heard that flood is not included on a homeowners policy. Before we define two different types of water damage -- flood and water/sewer backup -- here's a quick rule of thumb about weather-related water damage:

If the damage is caused by

Water coming from the sky (rain through a hole in the roof), this is the homeowners policy.
Water or sewage coming up from below through a backed-up pipe or drain, it can go either way: it's an add-on to the homeowners policy which will respond unless the backup is caused directly or indirectly by a flood -- then the only coverage would be with a flood policy.
Water coming in from ground level (runoff, flash flooding, a river), it's probably the flood policy and not homeowners.

Flood – this how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines flood:

“A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 2 or more acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties (at least 1 of which is the policyholder's property) from:

Overflow of inland or tidal waters; or
Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or
Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused by flooding and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, […]
Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.”

Here in Eastern Missouri we usually see 1 or 2: a river escapes, or rain causes flash flooding. In these cases, water comes into the home from the surface, or enters the basement through the foundation or from below (not through the sewer line). Get a flood quote.

Water/Sewer Backup – if water flows backwards through a sewer line or drain system and enters the house, this is water/sewer backup. Sump pump failure can be included in this category.

So, where’s it covered?

Flood is covered by flood insurance, a separate policy.
Sewer Backup can be part of a homeowners policy if it's added, but sewer backup caused by flood would likely be covered by a flood policy only.

We strongly recommend adding water or sewer backup to your homeowners policy if you haven’t already. Drain and sewer backups aren't always caused by a flood, and a flood policy won't cover backup unless it's caused by flood. Talk to your agent.

You can buy a flood insurance policy for the building only or the building and the contents, and a flood policy could cover water backup caused by flood. Talk to us about flood insurance.

More about flood insurance.

(AS ALWAYS, refer to your own policy for a complete description of coverage and limits. Everything mentioned here is a general overview of typical insurance policies only, and is not a guarantee of coverage.)

Read the full article at www.reainsuranceagency.com