Insurance: The Basics

Protect your house from sewer backups

Backed up sewers can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, electrical systems, walls, furniture and other belongings. Learn about causes of sewer backups, what you as a homeowner are responsible for maintaining and steps you can take to protect your home against sewer problems.

Bicycle safety

Two out of three bicycle injuries involve children and some of these accidents result in death. Wearing a helmet and having a properly maintained bike can greatly reduce your child's risk of injury. Learn more about how to keep your child riding safely. Spokespersons: Sue Guzman, Brain Injury Association; Dr. Howard Benesohm, Psychologist

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Hurricane Andrew and Insurance: The Enduring Impact of an Historic Storm

Hurricane Andrew struck Florida on August 24, 1992, and the tumult it created for the property insurance market in the state has not ceased in the 20 years since, according to an analysis by the Insurance Information Institute (.I.I.). The I.I.I. white paper outlines  six key insurance market changes attributed to the costliest Florida disaster. Insurance claims payouts for Andrew totaled $15.5 billion at the time ($25 billion in 2011 dollars), and it remains the second costliest U.S. natural disaster, after Hurricane Katrina, which hit in 2005.

 

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Download Hurricane Andrew and Insurance PDF

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Buyer beware: Flood-damaged cars

A great deal, or a great deal of damage? Dishonest car dealers will buy cars that have been damaged by a flood and attempt to sell them in unaffected states to unsuspecting buyers. Know these warning signs.

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8 auto insurance myths

When purchasing an auto policy, it’s important to understand the factors that affect your policy costs and coverage. Unfortunately, there's a lot of bad information that passes for "common wisdom"—here, we separate myth from facts about car insurance.

Preventing trees from falling

Dylan Brown, Certified Arborist, offers advice on how to properly maintain trees surrounding your house or property and to safeguard them from damage.

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Home buyer's insurance guide

Shopping for your dream house? There are many considerations when looking at real estate, like property taxes, school district, the appeal of the neighborhood—and, of course, the bottom line. Don't overlook the financial implications of homeowners insurance as part of your overall investment. Use this guide to help think through all the costs associated with buying a home.

Insurance 101

Growth and role of property/casualty insurance

Sharing, or pooling, of risk is the central concept of the business of insurance. The idea has the beauty of simplicity combined with practicality.

Facts about wildfires

Thirty-eight U.S. states are at risk for wildfires, especially during drought conditions and in mountain, foothill or grassland areas. If this sounds like where you live, make sure you understand the risks and that you're adequately protected from these catastrophically destructive events.

How to file a homeowners claim

A violent storm damages your house. A grilling accident leaves your guest injured. A burglar breaks in. When an unfortunate event strikes close to home, you might need to file a claim with your insurance company. As part of the contract between you and your insurer, a claim against your homeowners policy comes with rules and procedures that both your insurer and you must follow.

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