Dowd Insurance Agency • January 2025 Updates
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Start the Year Right: A Quick Insurance Checkup
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Happy New Year! As you embark on another exciting trip around the sun, there’s one quick but crucial item to add to your January to-do list: reviewing your insurance needs. Sure, it’s not as fun as trying out your new fitness tracker or planning a vacation, but it’s just as important—and surprisingly satisfying!
Why Review Now?
The start of the year is a perfect time to make sure your insurance still fits your life like your favorite cozy sweater. Did you welcome a new family member (human, furry, or finned)? Make a big purchase? Change jobs? These milestones might mean it’s time to adjust your coverage.
What Should You Look At?
- Home and Belongings: Have you added new gadgets, furniture, or even a home office? Ensure your homeowners or renters insurance covers your current setup.
- Wheels: If you’ve upgraded your ride or started driving less, your auto insurance may need a refresh.
- Life Insurance: Are your loved ones adequately protected? Reassess your coverage if life’s changed.
Peace of Mind for the Year Ahead
Taking a few minutes now to review your insurance can save you a world of headaches later. So, start the year off right, and set yourself up for a safe, secure, and stress-free 2025. Cheers to smart choices and happy beginnings!
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Understanding Collision and Comprehensive Auto Coverage
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Understanding your auto insurance’s details is critical to ensure you are adequately protected from the financial consequences of vehicle-related incidents.
Two common features of standard auto insurance are collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. These components focus on financially protecting your insured vehicle in the following ways:
- Collision coverage can help pay to repair your vehicle after striking another automobile or a stationary object, such as a building, guardrail or signpost.
- Comprehensive coverage may provide financial assistance if your car is damaged by noncollision incidents, such as fires, hail, theft, vandalism and falling objects (e.g., tree limbs).
Although collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are not usually required by law, each offers critical financial protection. Without them, you may struggle to repair your vehicle following an accident or other incident.
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Are You Prepared For A Wildfire?
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Many homeowners face the risk of wildfires, which are usually triggered by lightning or accidents. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Some homes survive, but unfortunately, many others do not. Those that survive almost always do so because their owners had prepared for fire. Reduce your risk by preparing now to protect your family, home and property in the event of a wildfire.
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Important Insurance Reminders
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Post Holiday Insurance Updates
If you have made any major purchases or received any high-value gifts over the holidays, make sure your insurance coverage reflects those changes. Contact the office today to make sure any new jewelry, expensive artwork, big-ticket electronics or any other high-value items are covered under your existing coverage or to add protection for those items.
When to file a claim?
Sometimes it difficult to know if you should file a claim or get a repair quote first. We recommend calling the office prior to submitting a claim. Having multiple claims can increase your premium and decrease your options when we shop your policies to try to find lower rates. Even if a claim is closed with $0 being paid, it can still affect your insurance rating. If you ever have a question on whether or not you should file a claim, call the office, so we can help you navigate the process.
Uber/Lyft/Airbnb/Vrbo
While partnering with Uber, Lyft, Airbnb and Vrbo is a great way supplement your income, it is important you have the right insurance to ensure your vehicles and property are fully covered. Many insurance policies exclude coverage when engaged in these activities unless the policy is properly endorsed. If you drive for Uber, Lyft or any other delivery service or rent your home or even a room on Airbnb or Vrbo, please contact the office, so we can make sure you have coverage in place.
Life Events That Affect Your Insurance Needs
What To Do If You’re In An Accident
Life Insurance Review
Access Your Account Online
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Your Referrals = Donations
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Thanks to your referrals, we’ve donated $150 to Samaritan’s Purse, our charity of the quarter from October to December. Every time you refer a friend, we donate to a charity, and you’re also entered into our annual $100 gift card drawing.
Congratulations to Sheryle Patterson, the winner of our 2024 gift card drawing!
Referral Program Details
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Tips for Preventing Mold In Your Home
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Mold can be a costly and difficult issue in your home. To avoid expensive repairs and rehabilitation costs, the following strategies are advisable to prevent infestation:
- Ensure proper drainage. Clear gutters and downspouts and grade your property to drain away from your home to limit the risk of water leaking through your roof or foundation.
- Limit humidity. Appliances that produce moisture, such as dryers, should be vented. Run bathroom and exhaust fans or open windows while showering.
- Prioritize plumbing. Insulate and maintain pipes to limit their risk of leaking or bursting, which can occur out of sight and allow mold to grow before you notice the issue.
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New Year, Happier Mind: Easy Wellness Habits
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As a new year starts, many of us reflect on the past and set resolutions for the future. Although physical health goals often take center stage, focusing on mental wellness is equally important. Building good mental wellness habits can significantly enhance your quality of life, helping you navigate stress, improve relationships and achieve a greater sense of fulfillment.
Try These Strategies
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