What to Look for When Insuring a Second or Rental Home

| August 31, 2022

You probably know that you need an adequate homeowner’s insurance policy to protect yourself and your property if you own a home. But if you own a second home or a rental property, do you know what kind of policy you need? Here’s what to look for in a policy when insuring a second or rental home.

 

Make Sure to Cover Your Personal Belongings

You’ll need additional coverage whether you rent your second home or not if there is any furniture, electronics, or appliances in the house. If the home is vacant, then the lack of activity could miss any issues that happen over a few month’s time. If it is being rented, then tenants can potentially damage these furnishings.

Landlord Insurance

If you plan on renting your second home, even if it’s just for a few weeks out of the year, you’ll need landlord insurance. Landlord policies include liability, property damage, and loss of income insurance. Most landlord policies will also reimburse you for rent loss if your property becomes uninhabitable. If necessary, you can also get additional coverage like flood insurance to further protect your rental property.

Renter’s Insurance

If you’re renting out your second home, encourage your tenants to get renter’s insurance. Most states don’t require renter’s insurance by law, so it’s the tenants’ responsibility to get it themselves. If a natural disaster were to occur, you would be protected by your insurance policy for your property. However, for your tenant’s personal property to be covered, they’d need their own renter’s insurance policy.

Additional Coverage for Secondary or Rental Homes

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover the insurance needs of a primary residence. However, you shouldn’t get the same type of policy for a secondary or rental home. Talk to an insurance professional about your plans for the property to ensure you get all of the additional coverage you will need.

 

Do you need an insurance policy for your second or rental home? Give Leigh Agency a call today. We can get you the coverage you need.

Save Money by Bundling Your Policies

| July 30, 2022

Think of all the things you own that have insurance policies. Your home, your car, your motorcycle, your business, your vacation home – that’s a lot of insurance coverage! Have you ever considered bundling your insurance policies? It’s a smart way to save money and make your insurance coverage easier to manage. Here’s how!

 

Discounts for Using the Same Insurance Provider

When you purchase multiple insurance policies from the same provider, you have access to discounts you wouldn’t find otherwise. Some insurance companies will offer up to 25% savings on some policies just for bundling! Over time, this could add up to significant savings. The more policies that are bundled, the more money you will save. This is why it is important to work with a reputable insurance agent. They can see if bundling your insurance is the right decision for you!

Priceless Convenience

Bundling your policies can also provide priceless convenience. If you bundle many of your policies, then it’s very likely your claim will need to be submitted to the same company each time. You won’t need to visit multiple websites or learn multiple submission processes whenever you have a claim.

Save Money and Have Peace of Mind

Not only will you be saving money by bundling your insurance policies with one company, but you’ll also have more stability. If you have separate policies with separate agencies, you will have many bills to keep track of. If you miss the payment on one of those bills, then you may not be covered in the event of a loss. However, you’ll have to keep track of fewer bills if most of your policies are bundled with one company.

 

Ready to bundle your insurance? Give Leigh Agency a call at 732-780-8338 today to see what we can do for you!

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

| July 20, 2022

Are you looking for some simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint and utility bills? There are plenty of simple changes you can make to accomplish this! Even just one eco-friendly change can have a significant impact. Here are some ways to make your home more energy efficient.

 

Be More Strategic with Your Thermostat

Lowering the temperature of your thermostat while you’re away from home or at night can make a big difference in your energy bills. Even a few degrees can make a difference, but Energy.gov recommends lowering your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees when you’re not home. This can save 5% to 15% on your energy bills annually, so get into the habit of changing it each time you leave your home!

 Install Low-Flow Shower Heads

Consider installing low-flow showerheads in your bathrooms to make your home more water-efficient. These types of showerheads have a flow rate of fewer than 2.5 gallons per minute. Most conventional showerheads use more than 5 gallons per minute. This means you can cut your water usage from showers in half!

 Seal Up Your Windows

Air leaks around your windows could be forcing you to use more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Adding weather-stripping around your window frames or caulking up cracks in your drywall could make a huge difference. Better yet, consider replacing your windows altogether with energy efficient models.

 Unplug Your Chargers When Not in Use

Those chargers you leave plugged in all day are energy vampires. Contrary to popular belief, they still use energy whenever they are plugged into an outlet. The wasted energy can add up when multiple chargers are plugged in all day! So, get into the habit of unplugging those chargers when you’re not using them.

 

You can easily make your home more energy efficient with a few simple changes and new habits.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Your Home or Business

| July 10, 2022

This time of year is the perfect time to spruce up your home or business with cleaning and organization. Not only will it make the place look great, but you’ll also feel better knowing the clutter is gone. Here are some maintenance tips for your home or business.

 

Deep Clean Those Windows

When was the last time you gave your windows a deep cleaning? Windowpanes can build up with all kinds of nasty gunk, and it’s a good idea to wipe them down thoroughly at least once or twice a year. Also, this would be a good time to check those screens and replace any torn or cracked ones. You want to make sure these are in great shape for the days you want to open all of the windows!

Replace Your Air Filters

When the weather changes, it’s a great reminder to replace your HVAC air filters. Dirty filters can allow lots of dust particles and allergens into the air. So, while you’re doing your annual cleaning and maintenance, replace all your air filters.

Paint Touch Ups

Do you know that chipped spot on your garage trim you’ve meant to touch up? It’s a great time to touch up any chipped or peeling paint on the exterior of your home or business. Getting all the touch-ups done at once could save you both time and money for supplies and paint.

Declutter and Organize Closets

Going through closets is a great way to do inventory on your home and business. You’ll most likely find some lost treasures that you may have forgotten about. You’ll also have the opportunity to organize the things you plan on keeping and coordinate them in a way that makes the closet space more functional.

 

Good luck with all of your cleaning and decluttering!

How to Avoid Grilling Disasters

| June 30, 2022

The best part about summer is arguably the BBQs. Who doesn’t love food on the grill? Whether it’s burgers, veggies, or steak – grilling is an American staple. But even expert grillers can have some dangerous mishaps if they don’t take precautions. Here are some ways to reduce your chances of experiencing a grilling disaster this season.

 

Avoiding Fiery Flare-Ups

It happens more often than you think. You’re grilling a burger, and suddenly a fireball appears out of nowhere. While you’re going to have flames while cooking over a fire, there are ways to avoid those sudden, dangerous flare-ups. When you finish cooking, turn the heat to high to burn off any grease or residue. Then, clean the grill thoroughly. Fat and oil are usually responsible for those flare-ups, so if you’re cooking a piece of meat, be sure to trim any excess fat. Hold a supply of baking soda to toss over any out-of-control flames.

Avoid Backyard Singes

While it may seem obvious, your grill should be used in a relatively open area with no overhanging branches or greenery. It only takes one spark to cause a fire, so be sure your grill is in a place that is safely distanced from structures and trees. You should also be grilling on a flat surface, preferably concrete.

Avoid Fires and Odd Tasting Food

Nothing is more frustrating than biting into your freshly grilled food and having it not taste how you expected it to. If you’re cooking with charcoal, avoid using too much lighter fluid. Using too much can add a strange chemical taste to your food, and it increases the likelihood of a fire. Also, avoid using anything other than charcoal or propane for your heat source. Items like newspapers or cardboard can also affect the taste and increase the chances of a fire.

 

Be sure to grill your heart out this summer. Just be sure to do it safely!

Why Pet Sitters and Pet Walkers Need Insurance

| June 24, 2022

Pet walking and pet sitting businesses have been booming for the last decade. Technological advances are partially responsible for this boom. Obtaining credentials and posting services online through pet sitter directories has made it easier than ever to start a business and build a client base. Being able to set your own hours and pricing while hanging out with cute animals all day is also incredibly appealing! However, owning a pet sitting business isn’t always a walk in the park. These business owners can still be faced with incidents such as theft, property damage, lawsuits, and more. This is why it’s important to consider a home business insurance policy.

 

Liability Insurance for Pet Walkers and Pet Sitters

Animals can be unpredictable. Even the most well-trained dog could accidentally cause property damage or bodily injury. For that reason, pet walkers and pet sitters need to carry liability insurance. It’s not legally required for businesses of these types to have liability insurance, but it is extremely risky to operate without it. Depending on the policy and coverage, a general liability insurance policy can cover:

  • Repair costs to damaged property of client
  • Medical payments due to bodily injury to pet
  • Legal fees in the event of a lawsuit

Common Activities Covered by This Insurance Policy

 It’s important to understand what specific services it covers and why it’s important to have one for your pet walking/sitting business. Here are some activities that will be covered by this policy:

  • Pet Sitting at The Customer’s Home
  • Pet Walking, Feed, Exercise, Caring for Animals of Client
  • Poop Scooping Services Associated With Sitting or Walking
  • Transportation of Pets

 

Protecting any business with an insurance policy is always important. However, it’s even more crucial when dealing with unpredictable animals! Not sure what type of coverage you need? Call Leigh Agency today to get your pet walking or pet sitting business covered!

With Summer Events Coming, Consider an Umbrella Insurance Policy

| June 13, 2022

Summer is probably the busiest season of all. Sure, there’s no school. But there are plenty of playdates, backyard barbecues, pool parties, and hanging out with friends. Because of all this activity, it’s also the most common time of year for unexpected accidents. Having an umbrella insurance policy in place before the summer hits is a great way to make sure you and your family are protected. Read on to learn more about umbrella insurance policies and how they can help you relax and enjoy the summer.

 

What is an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

A personal umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage that goes beyond the limits of your other policies. So when the liability on your homeowner’s or auto insurance ends, your umbrella policy picks up from there. For instance, if an unexpected accident occurs on your property with costs exceeding your homeowners policy liability limits, the umbrella policy will cover the additional costs. This is why it’s essential to understand your homeowner coverage limits and learn why an umbrella policy makes sense for you.

Why is Summer the perfect time to consider an Umbrella Policy?

While every activity and hobby come with liability risks, the summer is full of even more risky activities. The summer is when we swim, are doing more driving, have bonfires, go boating, or have large parties and gatherings. Getting an umbrella policy in place before these summer activities could help give you peace of mind.

 

Are you interested in an umbrella insurance policy or just have questions? Our independent agents at Leigh Agency are ready to help. Let us make sure you and your family are covered this summer, so you can focus on enjoying the sun and warm weather!

Make Sure Your RV is Properly Insured Before that Road Trip

| April 20, 2022

Recreational vehicles are a great way to explore the country with friends or family. However, it would help if you understood that RVs need a unique insurance policy since they double as transportation and sleeping quarters. For this reason, insuring your RV is a bit different than insuring your car or home. So, before you take off for that fun road trip, make sure you have the right insurance policy for your RV. Here’s what to look for.

 

What to Consider

Depending on what state you live in, RV insurance requirements can vary. But most states require liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Since RVs are some of the largest vehicles on the road, they can do quite a bit of damage in an accident. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you have proper liability coverage. You may even want to consider an umbrella policy to protect any savings or retirement funds in the event of a serious accident.

Comprehensive and Collision

Depending on what kind of comprehensive or collision policy you have on your RV, damage can be covered in different ways. It’s important to talk to an insurance professional to understand the coverage options fully. A quick conversation will help you decide what makes the most sense for you, your family, and your RV.

Total Loss Replacement Coverage

If your RV is totaled in an accident or stolen and not recovered, you’ll save yourself a huge headache and a lot of money if you have Total Loss Replacement coverage. This kind of policy ensures that you can replace your RV with a comparable new model.

 

Not sure what kind of coverage you need for your RV? Before you hit the open road, contact us at Leigh Agency. We can make sure you get the right policy right away.

Why You Should Review Your Boat Insurance Policy Every Year

| April 20, 2022

Once you get a proper insurance policy for your boat, you’re set! Right? Well, not exactly. An annual review of your boat insurance policy is a smart way to ensure you’re still getting the right coverage you need at a fair price. Here are some factors that are considered.

 

What Is Your Boat’s Current Value?

The main reason why you should review your boat insurance policy every year is that your boat’s value could change. If you’ve recently put money into repairs or upgrades on your boat, your boat is probably now worth more money. However, as your boat ages, it could be worth less than when you originally obtained your insurance policy. An annual review ensures you have the adequate amount of coverage you need depending on your boat’s value.

Is Everyone Covered?

Maybe your teenager has finally come of age to drive the family boat. Or perhaps you’ve decided to loan your boat to your brother. An annual review is a great time to make sure all your boat’s drivers are covered.

What Are Your Storage Arrangements?

How, where, and when you store your boat can change the type of coverage you need. For instance, if you store it with a company in a boatyard, do you know if you need insurance if your boat is damaged while being stored? On the other hand, if your boat is stored on your property, you may need different coverage. Since storage situations can change from year to year, this is an important factor to consider in your review.

 

Do you have the right insurance coverage for your boat? Is it time to do a yearly review? Ask the experienced agents at Leigh Agency, and we’ll make sure your boat insurance policy is up to date and covers all your bases. Give us a call today!

What to do During Bad Air Quality Days

| March 24, 2022

Are you aware of when there are bad air quality days in your area? If not, there are apps and alerts that you can easily find through your town or state’s website. There are certain things you can do on these days to reduce your exposure to poor air quality. The summer season usually has the worst air quality days due to the heat and humidity. However, it can happen in any season or weather condition. Here’s what to do during a bad air quality day.

 

What does it mean when there’s bad air quality?

It makes the air harder to breathe when you have a mix of high temperatures, wind, pollution, or airborne particles from a wildfire. It’s not necessarily safe to do things like running, jogging, biking, or exercising outside when there’s bad air quality. Since it’s harder to breathe, you won’t have much energy, and it could be dangerous to try to be active outside. If you have lung problems or concerns like asthma or COPD, this is an even more significant concern.

Stay Inside if You Can

Besides going outside to get to work or school, or whatever necessities you need, you should try to stay inside as much as possible on bad air quality days. Exercise indoors and limit your kids’ outside playtime as well.

Don’t Contribute to the Bad Air

Avoid burning wood, having bonfires, or even using the grill on bad air quality days. Instead, do your cooking indoors. Also, avoid using gas-powered yard equipment like lawnmowers.

Bad air quality days are nothing to be nervous or afraid of, and with a bit of planning, you and your family can stay safe and healthy. Don’t hesitate to visit your town’s online resources for more information on what to do, and not to do, on bad air quality days.