Whether it’s a pocket watch passed down to you from your great-grandfather, an engraved necklace from your parents, or that perfect engagement ring your spouse spent months picking out, we all have possessions we value. Like anything valuable, our most treasured items deserve to be protected. One of the easiest ways to do just that is to make sure our cherished belongings are properly insured against loss, theft, damage, and the unexpected.

From all of us at Gibson, we wish you peace, prosperity, and a happy new year!

The holidays are officially here! 

As much as we'd all like to solely focus on the fun and spirit of the season, there are safety hazards that come along with the celebrations. Christmas trees, decorations, and candles are the culprits for serious fire damage during the holidays. And the hazards for pets and small children are numerous. 

How can you make this a safe holiday season for your family?

As Daylight Savings Time comes to end and you rewind your clocks, take a moment to change out the batteries of your smoke detectors.

Few pet owners believe their dog is capable of biting another person. The truth is - dog bites are more common than you think. Each day in the U.S., dog bites cause over 2,000 injuries requiring medical attention.

Dog bites aren't just common; they're also expensive. The average claim for a dog bite is $37,214 and dog bites accounted for more than one third of all homeowner liability claims paid in 2015.

You don’t have to live in a rural area to be at risk for run-ins with deer. Many suburbs see their fair share of deer activity. And the fall brings a heightened risk. October through December is migration and mating season for deer. During this time the deer population is much more active and there is a significant increase in deer-vehicle accidents.

When you hear the word earthquake, you likely think of the West Coast. But earthquake zones are not limited to coastal regions. In 2015, the most earthquakes actually occurred in Oklahoma, not California. FEMA reminds us that “all 50 states and 5 U.S. territories are at some risks for earthquakes.” And unlike hurricanes and tornadoes which tend to occur in specific seasons, earthquakes can happen at any time during the year.

Your wedding, or that of your child, is a special day. And it is the result of months of preparation – dress, venue, flowers, cake, and so much more.

That preparation also brings significant costs. The average couple spends $31,213 for their wedding, according to experts at The Knot.

Though we don’t like to think about anything going wrong at a wedding, issues can arise. What happens if the limo driver fails to appear and you have to rebook with another company at exorbitant rates? What if the bridal salon loses or damages the dress? Or what if your reception hall declares bankruptcy a few weeks before the big day?

Disaster struck. Now what? Whether a hail storm, destructive winds, or a tornado, when your life is turned upside down by severe weather, it is important to stay smart to avoid further harm.

Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, fishing, or a relaxing ride - summer is the perfect time to explore the water. But a sunny summer often leads to a rise in boat traffic, which can result in unpleasant outcomes for the uninsured and unprepared sailor.

A Coast Guard report states that over $42 million dollars of damage to property occurred due to recreational boating accidents in 2014, with a 2.3% increase in accidents since the prior year.

Do you have the proper insurance in place to protect you in case of an accident? Are you following safety precautions to prevent incidents and injuries? Here are 8 tips to help you sail safely this summer: