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There are a handful of tasks during the winter months that need to be addressed in order to keep your home or business in good condition. From shoveling snow that’s obstructing pathways to ensuring your pipes don’t burst, the process of protecting your home or business during the winter is one that should not be overlooked.

But there is one task that some people may not be aware of: protecting your roof from ice dams.

Ice dams occur when warm air from your living area escapes into your attic. This warm air then heats up your roof, causing any snow that has accumulated on there to begin melting. This melting snow runs down to your roof’s edge, freezing in your gutters to create an ice dam. The remaining melting snow is then trapped and begins to back up underneath the shingles of your roof.

Ice dams are very harmful and can cause severe damage to your roof if they are not prevented. Here are a few tips to prevent ice dams from forming this winter:

1. Keep your gutters clean. 
   Keeping your gutters clear of debris, like twigs and leaves, is a very simple way to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof in the winter. Make sure there is a place for melting snow to drain from your roof to eliminate the possibility of ice dams from forming.
2. Invest in a snow rake. 
   Investing in a snow rake is an excellent idea to protect your roof and help eliminate the formation of ice dams. Snow rakes are flat-headed with a long handle (some have extensions), and they allow you to remove snow from your roof while being able to stay on the ground. These rakes can range anywhere from $35 to $110, depending on the length and quality of the rake. This is an efficient and safe way to clear accumulating snow that could potentially melt and form an ice dam.
3. Ventilate your attic. 
   Making sure your attic is well ventilated is crucial when it comes to maintaining your roof during the winter. According to Energy Star, allowing a natural flow of outdoor air to ventilate into your attic will help keep it cold and prevent ice dams from forming.
4. Consult a professional. 
   Consulting a professional snow removal contractor to assist in the snow removal process is a fantastic way to protect your roof from ice dams. These professionals will inspect your roof to ensure that it is able to handle the winter months, as well as remove any snow or ice dams that have accumulated.

Professional snow removal contractors use rakes, shovels, de-icing and anti-icing techniques to remove existing snow and to prevent the formation of ice on your roof.

Carefully research the snow removal contractors in your area so you know the professional you are hiring is credible and will take the necessary steps to clear your roof in a safe and effective manner.

Although this is the most expensive method for maintaining your roof during the winter, it is also one of the best ways to prevent ice dams and snow from causing issues on your roof.

#TheWrightCoverage

References:
– IBHS
– Energy Star

It seems to happen in the blink of an eye.

First, the kids go back to school. Then, the leaves turn from green to yellow, orange and red. Next thing you know the holidays are here and then – hello, winter!

But before you go “dashing through the snow,” there are some things both homeowners and renters should consider doing to prepare for the colder winter months ahead.

When Old Man Winter appears, make sure your home is prepared with these 10 tips:

1. Check the gutters.
   Prevent ice dams by cleaning out your gutters, installing gutter guards (if feasible) and making sure the attic floor is properly insulated. The attic itself should be well-ventilated and about 10 degrees warmer than outside.
2. Protect the pipes.
   Protect against frozen pipes by insulating those that could be susceptible to freezing. With severe temperature drops, keep a stream of water running in a few faucets to guard against freezing and bursting.
3. Seal the cracks.
   Caulk around holes and openings to help prevent cold air from seeping in. Install weather stripping and seals around openings such as windows, doors, air conditioners and mail chutes.
4. Stop the slips.
   Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow and repair any issues with steps and handrails.
5. Install an emergency release.
   Consider installing an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can prevent them from bursting. It’s also a good idea to learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located.
6. Keep it cozy.
   Set your thermostat for at least 65 degrees and make sure your house or apartment is well-insulated.
7. Have heating checked.
   Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to clear any buildup and to keep them running efficiently.
8. Test your detectors.
   Residential fires are more common in winter, so it is important that all of your smoke detectors work. Check them monthly and replace batteries as needed. You should also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to avoid inadvertently trapping this toxic gas in your home.
9. Clear the yard.
   Keep the trees trimmed and remove dead branches and debris from your yard. Ice, snow and wind can weaken trees and cause branches to fall and potentially damage your home, car or even yourself and others.
10. House the hose.
    Remove all attached garden hoses, drain them and store them away. Shut off the valves and insulate the faucet.

And finally, if you’re heading south for the winter, you need to take extra precautions. Turn the water completely off and consider having the plumbing system drained to keep pipes from freezing. Also, have a friend or neighbor check on your home regularly to look for any issues. If a problem is detected, time is of the essence.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover damages due to extreme winter weather, but make sure you speak with Brandon to answer any questions you have about your specific homeowners, condo or renters’ insurance policy.

Now, enjoy those fireplace-filled weekends knowing you’re well-prepared for the winter!

#TheWrightCoverage

This article is for information purposes only. If insurance policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. Talk to Brandon Wright to learn more about winter weather risks and how to get the most from your home, condo or renters’ insurance policy.

References:
– Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
– Insurance Information Institute

Distracted driving is a bad habit, and one worth breaking.

It’s dangerous — not only for drivers and their passengers, but also for pedestrians and bicyclists. It can also be deadly. In 2016, 9% of fatal crashes in the U.S. were reported as distracted driving crashes and about 14% involved a cell phone. Additionally, drivers age 15 to 19 years old made up the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash.

It all comes down to this: if we can break our distracted driving habits, we can help save lives. And that’s worth doing!

Safe driving requires visual, manual and cognitive attention to work together. Taking your attention away from even one of these areas means you’re driving distracted.

1. Visual.
   Visual distracted driving means taking your eyes off the road. To properly see, anticipate and react to obstacles while driving, you must watch the road.

Examples of visual distractions:

• Taking your eyes off the road to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
• Reading something on your cell phone, a book or a computer
• Looking in your rearview mirror to talk to a passenger
• Watching an accident scene as you drive by (i.e. “rubbernecking”)

Reduce visual distractions by:

• Asking a front seat passenger to adjust your radio or climate controls.
• Setting the location in your navigation system prior to driving. If you need to adjust it mid-drive, safely pull off the road or park to update the system from your stationary vehicle.
• Placing devices outside of your reach while driving so you can’t pick them up.
• Focusing your eyes on the road instead of passengers inside your vehicle.
• Practicing extra caution while driving by an accident scene and watching for people, cars and road debris in the path ahead of you.

2. Manual.
   Manual distracted driving means taking your hands off the steering wheel. Keeping two hands on the steering wheel is the best way to stay on the road and avoid accidents. One hand, two knees or anything else you might use to steer your vehicle isn’t going to give you the control or turning radius to stay safe.

Examples of manual distractions:

• Taking a hand off the steering wheel to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
• Texting or talking on a cell phone or operating a device while driving
• Eating, drinking, smoking or putting on makeup
• Searching for an item in your purse or fast food bag

Reduce manual distractions by:

• Asking a passenger to adjust your radio, climate controls or help you navigate.
• Making hands-free phone calls and committing to never text while driving.
• Putting devices outside of your reach or turning them off.
• Applying makeup, eating or smoking only in a parked and stationary vehicle.
• Keeping both hands on the steering wheel when the car is in motion.

3. Cognitive.
   Cognitive distracted driving means not focusing on driving. Stress is no stranger to most drivers. But when thoughts, feelings or tiredness get in the way of paying attention to what’s happening on the roadway, it’s time to pull over and take a break. Then you can come back onto the road ready to focus and drive safely.

Examples of cognitive distractions:

• Tiredness
• Daydreaming
• Crying or emotional distress
• Listening and singing with the radio or other music

Reduce cognitive distractions by:

• Pulling over to rest if you become tired while driving.
• Actively thinking about driving.
• Pulling off to a safe location until you’re ready to drive again.
• Driving alone without passengers or asking them to quietly occupy themselves.
• Turning off the radio or music and enjoying the sounds of the world around you.

#TheWrightCoverage

References:
– National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
– InsureUonline.org

One of the most common and severe hazards for outdoor workers is the heat. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2015, heat exposure led to more than 2,800 illnesses and injuries involving days away from work.

If you work outside, especially in the summer months, it’s essential that you follow safety precautions and procedures to avoid heat-related illness.

Even if your job doesn’t require you to work outdoors or in a hot indoor environment, if you’re in the heat for extended periods of time working on the lawn or fixing up your house, it’s also wise to keep these safety practices in mind.

1. Stay hydrated.
Always have water on hand when outdoors. When working in the heat, OSHA recommends drinking a liter of water over one hour, which equates to one cup every fifteen minutes.

2. Take frequent breaks.
It’s important that you take time to rest and get out of the hot weather. Take frequent breaks either in the shade or an air conditioned indoor area.

3. Take time to acclimatize.
Your body will slowly build a tolerance to working in the heat. This process is called acclimatization. For new workers, start with 20% exposure on the first day and increase by, at most, 20% every day. Also, if there’s a drastic change in temperature, all workers should start adjusting to the climate by cutting their time outside in half. Workers should then slowly increase workload over the next three days, so by day four, they are back at their regular work schedule.

4. Dress light.
Depending on your outdoor work, if possible, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Many outdoor workers are required to wear certain gear for protection. And while light clothing can protect against heat illness, only wear these items if they will not create a hazard in your workplace.

5. Watch what you eat and drink.
Be cognizant of what you’re putting into your body. Before work, eat smaller meals and avoid alcohol and caffeine. And if you’re taking any medications, ask your health care provider if it is OK for you to work in the heat.

6. Monitor the weather.
If you will be working outside, or you manage workers who will be outside, make sure you monitor the weather and heat index. Being aware of the conditions of the day allows you to best prepare for the heat. Plus, there are many tools that can help. For instance, the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety App can help you calculate the heat index of your worksite, determine the risk level to workers and know which precautions to take.

7. Use the buddy system.
Work outside with someone else, or partner up at a large worksite to ensure that everyone stays safe and can get quick help if showing signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, nausea, vomiting, fainting and seizures. If someone shows signs of heat stroke or severe heat exhaustion, call 911 and get medical help immediately. Remove the person from the hot area and take off their outer clothing. Place ice or a cold compress on their body until help arrives.

#thewrightcoverage

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only.

References:
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– National Safety Council (NSC)

More U.S. households are renting now than at any point in the last 50 years.¹ However, only 37% of renters have renters’ insurance.²

Common misconceptions like, “My landlord’s policy will cover me” and “I don’t have that much stuff or anything worth that much” may factor into the low percentage. But if something were to happen to your home, it could be financially devastating even if you’re renting. Regardless of the value of your possessions, there are many other instances where renters’ insurance is key to helping you stay financially sound.

Take a look at the top reasons you need renters’ insurance. Then, give us a call to see what kind of coverage is best for your situation.

1. Protect your personal possessions.
   If something were to happen to your apartment, your landlord’s insurance policy will cover the structure, as well as all cabinets, appliances and other property that he or she owns. However, your personal property, like your TV, furniture or laptop, is not covered under your landlord’s policy. Renters’ insurance can help cover costs to replace your belongings after covered events, such as a fire or robbery.

Tip: Know if your policy covers the Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost of your belongings. Replacement Cost covers the full amount to repair or replace the item. Actual Cash Value will reimburse you for how much the item is worth in its current condition, accounting for wear and tear over the years.

2. Create a safety net for liability costs.
   It’s easy to dismiss the need for liability coverage and think, “My guests won’t sue me.” But what if your dog bites a neighbor? Or you leave the oven on and cause damage to other units in the complex?

If you are negligent or at-fault for damage to your landlord, fellow tenants, guests or their property, the liability coverage in renters’ insurance can help cover litigation expenses and any other costs for which you are held accountable.

3. Know you can afford a temporary home away from home.
   If there’s a disaster that makes your apartment uninhabitable, renters’ insurance may cover additional living expenses if you need to relocate. For instance, if you normally pay $800 in rent per month, and your temporary relocation costs total $1,000 per month, renters’ insurance that offers additional living expenses would cover the difference.
4. Keep your possessions covered anywhere in the world.
   On vacation and your laptop gets stolen? Renters’ insurance covers your belongings even when they’re not in your home. However, your possessions won’t be covered to the extent that they would if a loss were to occur while the item is in your residence. There is often a limit on how much you can be reimbursed, so check with your agent to review the exact details of your policy.

And now that you know how important it is to have renters’ insurance, be sure to ask us how you can save money when purchasing a policy. Many providers will offer a discount if you purchase your renters’ and auto insurance with the same company. You can get discounts for other things too, like not having any prior losses or renting an apartment with a central station fire or burglar alarm.

Talk to Brandon to learn more and determine what coverage is best for you.

#thewrightcoverage.com

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If insurance policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies.

References:
1 – Pew Research Center
2 – Insurance Information Institute

“Look twice, save a life” isn’t just a slogan—it’s solid advice. While safety should always be the main concern whenever you’re driving, when automobiles and motorcycles begin to share the road in warmer months, it’s a good idea to be extra vigilant.

Remember, motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. It’s important for motorists to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists, such as size, visibility and motorcycle riding practices, to know how to best respond to them.

Whether you’re the one operating the automobile or the motorcycle, check out our 10 tips for sharing the road to make sure everyone makes it to their destination safely.

1. Share the road, not the lane.
   Although it may look like there’s enough room in a single lane for both an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Give the motorcyclist some space and don’t share the lane.
2. Increase your following distance for flashing turn signals.
   Self-cancelling turn signals didn’t become standard on motorcycles until the 1970s, and there are still a lot of motorcycles on the road today without them. When you see a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle, wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you attempt to pass it. If you notice that a motorcyclist has been driving with the turn signal on for a while, increase your following distance so that if it does turn, you’ll have enough time to react.
3. A minor annoyance to a motorist could be a major hazard to a motorcyclist.
   Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions, such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement.
4. Remember that motorcycles react differently.
   Did you know that in dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars? Allow more following distance so you have enough time to react in case the motorcycle makes a sudden stop since rear-ending a motorcycle can be fatal to the rider.
5. Look in all directions during left turns.
   Motorcycle crashes involving another motor vehicle continue to account for nearly half of all motorcyclist fatalities in the United States. Before you turn left, remember to look for oncoming traffic, especially motorcycles. Vehicle accidents involving the collision of a left-turning automobile and an oncoming motorcycle can be severe, as oftentimes the motorcycle T-bones the automobile while it’s in the left turn.
6. Treat intersections with special care.
   Many accidents that involve both automobiles and motorcycles occur at intersections. Always follow the safety protocol for intersections every single time that you approach one: come to a complete halt, view and obey posted traffic signs and signals, look both ways for approaching traffic and proceed slowly.
7. Check your blind spots.
   Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. With a smaller profile, it can also be difficult to judge the speed and distance of an oncoming motorcycle, particularly in blind spots. And, the shape and size of a motorcycle can blend into the images in your rear and side-view mirrors. Newer technology, including lane departure warning and blind spot detection systems, have helped with this issue but nothing beats the old fashioned over-the-shoulder glance.
8. Pass with care.
   When a motorist passes a motorcyclist, the gust of wind that follows could cause the motorcycle to become unstable. Always use your turn signal before changing lanes or merging to allow the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. When passing, make sure you are several car lengths ahead of the motorcycle before you return to your lane.
9. Keep weather in mind.
   Inclement weather has more drastic effects on motorcyclists than it does on motorists, particularly rain, snow and wind. Windy conditions can make it difficult for motorcyclists to control their motorcycle on the road, and precipitation like rain or snow can reduce everyone’s visibility and make motorcycles more difficult to see.
10. Help riders stay safe at night.
    You can help motorcyclists stay safe after dark by increasing your following distance, ensuring that your high-beams are turned off when you notice an approaching motorcycle and refraining from passing.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If insurance policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. To learn more about auto or motorcycle insurance coverage, contact us!

#thewrightcoverage

When you’re involved in an auto accident, working through a claim can be stressful. But knowing what to expect can ease you through the process and help you have a pleasant experience working with your claims professional.

Although the car insurance claim process can vary, most of the basics are the same.

If you’re in an auto accident, here’s what to do:

1. Stay at the scene.
2. Contact the police immediately.
3. Exchange contact information, the name of your insurance company and your auto insurance policy number with the other parties involved in the accident.
4. If applicable, be sure to gather contact information from any witnesses.
5. Avoid discussions of insurance policy coverage, limits or fault.
6. Report the claim once you and your car are safe.

So, what comes next?

1. Let’s chat.
   You’ll get a call from your claim representative, who will ask you about the details of your loss and explain your policy coverage and the claims process, including options for obtaining an estimate for the damage to your vehicle.
2. Get back on the road with a rental car.
   If your car is no longer drive-able and you have Rental Reimbursement coverage, you should be covered for the daily rate of your rental vehicle. The amount covered by your auto insurance is based on your policy’s rental reimbursement limits. Not sure if you’re covered for a rental vehicle? Your claim representative will provide direction. But, before you’re even involved in an auto accident, you should talk to Brandon about Rental Reimbursement coverage and see if it makes sense to add it to your policy.
3. Sometimes claims require an investigation.
   In claims with multiple vehicles, the adjuster will need to talk to all parties involved to determine things like liability, getting estimates, repair shop options and other important factors.
4. Repair your vehicle.
   While you always have the right to take your vehicle to any repair shop you like, most insurance companies can provide you with a recommended body shop which could come with extra perks, such as a lifetime guarantee on repairs while you own your vehicle, convenient scheduling and priority service. After you select a repair shop, your claim representative will guide you through each step of the repair process and work with you to resolve your claim fairly and effortlessly.
5. Tell your insurance company how the claim process went.
   After your claim is resolved, you may receive a survey regarding your experience. Your feedback is important to your insurance provider and essential to the growth and development of their products, services and people. If asked, be sure to provide your two cents, which will help improve the car insurance claims process for others. And lastly, consider giving kudos to an adjuster or claim representative who helped you have a great experience with your claim.

Reference:
-Insurance Information Institute

#thewrightcoverage

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Parenting is a crazy, amazing experience. As a new parent, your life will never be the same — and neither will your insurance needs.

You’ll want to protect your little bundle of joy forever. This is why life insurance is so important for parents. It provides a financial safety net in case you’re no longer there to provide for your child. And even if you already have a life insurance policy, your needs change greatly once kids are in the picture.

Here are some things to consider and tips for purchasing life insurance as a new parent.

1. Consider permanent and term life insurance… and know the difference.
   There are two main categories of life insurance: permanent and term. Permanent life insurance offers lifelong coverage, while term life insurance provides coverage over a set time period. For parents, it may be wise to purchase a permanent policy and then add term insurance during your kids’ dependent years. This allows you to have a strong coverage foundation, plus some extra protection to ensure that your children will have what they need.
2. Think about education expenses.
   It may seem too soon to be thinking about education expenses for a child who can’t even walk yet, but it’s important to consider these costs when determining your life insurance policy. We all want our kids to have the best opportunities possible. Factoring education expenses into your life insurance can help ensure that they will have the same opportunities even if you aren’t around.
3. Stay-at-home parents need life insurance, too.
   Stay-at-home parents may not earn an income outside of the home, but consider what it would cost to replace everything that they do. The loss of a stay-at-home parent may mean that the surviving parent will now need to cover childcare and other expenses, which can rival the cost of college tuition.¹Purchasing life insurance for a stay-at-home parent can help cover these costs and relieve some of the financial burden on the surviving parent.
4. Don’t designate your minor child as your beneficiary.
   Yes, you’re buying the policy so your kids have financial protection, but it can be a big mistake to designate a minor as your beneficiary. A better option would be to set up a trust or designate an adult, like your spouse or a close relative, to oversee the distribution of money to the minor. State regulations may limit if or how much a minor child can receive in life insurance proceeds, so they may have to wait to receive the life insurance benefits until the court appoints a guardian to administer the funds. This can take quite some time and typically requires multiple court dates.

5. Speak with an independent agent.
   Brandon can help you find the best life insurance coverage, for the right price. Brandon can provide quotes from multiple carriers, discover discounts and work with you to determine your exact life insurance needs.

Get started today by contacting us and taking the first step to protect your family’s future.

#thewrightcoverage

References:
1 – Business Insider

Protecting your customer data is about more than a business’s legal responsibility, it’s about keeping your customers’ trust.

According to a Ponemon Institute study, 57% of consumers who received a breach notification letter from a business said they lost trust and confidence in that business, while 31% ended their relationship.¹

Few businesses and organizations can afford that kind of damage to their brand or their customer base. So, don’t wait for the worst to happen. Take action now by following a few simple steps that can help you limit the risk of a data breach and losing valuable customer information—and help you keep your customers’ trust.

1. Use a dedicated server. 
   Yes, it’s more expensive, but using a dedicated server greatly reduces your exposure to hackers as compared to a shared server.
2. Encrypt data.
   Any file that’s not encrypted is at risk—especially if it’s sent over the internet.
3. Utilize a website malware monitoring service. 
   If your website gets hacked, you might not even know it until it’s too late. Malware monitors will protect your website and visitors and notify you if your site has been compromised.
4. Restrict access to personal information.
   Limiting access to customer information to only those in your company who “need-to-know” should be part of your records management policy. Keep sensitive files—paper and electronic—in a centralized location. For employees working remotely, make sure their laptops can only access files through a secure VPN.
5. Shred your paper documents and use a wiping program for hardware. 
   Businesses are required to properly dispose of customer and employee information. Shred, burn or pulverize physical documents. On computer hardware, use a wiping program to erase all appropriate data.
6. Create a data breach plan. 
   Reacting quickly can help minimize the damage from a breach—and to do that you must be prepared. Develop a plan that can help you isolate the issue, notify customers and work with a cyber security expert.²

And in case of a data breach, make sure your business is protected ahead of time by cyber insurance coverage. Speak with Brandon to determine the right coverage for your business. Brandon will review your exposure, different coverage options and make the best policy recommendation for you.

Please contact The Wright Insurance Company for complete details on coverage’s and discounts.

#thwrightcoverage

1 – Firstdata.com
2 – Quickbooks.intuit.com