Insurance: The Basics

Why should I buy life insurance?

Many financial experts consider life insurance to be the cornerstone of sound financial planning. It can be an important tool in the following situations:

Protect your home from winter weather

Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences to your home—and to your household budget. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid the expense and inconvenience of winter damage—and even help you save on heating costs. Get started when the leaves begin to turn so your home is well prepared when the cold, harsh weather hits.

Remodeling your home

Though the results are worth it, home remodeling construction is usually a messy and disruptive process with lots of heavy equipment, sharp tools, and other potential dangers. Don't put your home improvement efforts and resources at risk: when undertaking a remodeling project, make sure that the house, the contractor and the subcontractors have adequate insurance coverage.

Here are some guidelines.

Bicycle safety and insurance

Bicycling is increasingly popular, both as a sport and as a means of transportation. Whether you spent a few hundred or a few thousand dollars on your bike, whether you use it to commute to work or to cycle around the block with your kids, it's important to understand the rules of the bike lane and protect your financial investment with the proper insurance.

Protecting your home from mold

Mold is destructive to your home and possessions—and the damage it causes generally isn't covered by homeowners insurance. Learn how to defend your home against mold.

Pool safety and insurance

Whether you plan to install a luxury, in-ground Olympic model or you're just inflating one for the kids, backyard pools and hot tubs have safety and insurance implications. Here's what you need to know.

Securing your home against burglary

Burglars won't find your home an easy target if it's well lit and features security measures that slow them down. Don't let your home be an easy mark for theft and vandalism. Protect yourself and your belongings—and save on insurance premiums—by employing commonsense safety precautions.

Grilling safety and insurance

Millions of Americans safely enjoy outdoor barbecues, but accidents do happen. Ensure trouble-free summer cooking fun by maintaining your grill, using it safely and knowing what to do in case of emergency.

The homeowner's severe cold weather survival guide

Much of North America experiences periods of severely cold weather and is susceptible to snow and ice storms—extreme conditions that can inflict considerable damage on homes and create liability risks. Standard homeowners policies will cover most disasters that result from a freeze—but when the weather outside is frightful, it's better to minimize the potential risks. Here's how.

Lightning coverage and safety

Lightning can cause damage to your home and belongings—and can cause bodily harm. It's prudent to take steps to prevent the dangerous effects of lightning and to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are some things you can do.

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