2 min read

Personal Risk Management: Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

By Gibson on Nov 2, 2016 6:30:00 AM

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

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
2 min read

Personal Risk Management: The Real Cost Of A Dog Bite

By Gibson on Oct 26, 2016 6:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
3 min read

Deer-Vehicle Accidents And Your Auto Insurance

By Gibson on Oct 3, 2016 6:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
2 min read

Personal Risk Management: Earthquakes In The Midwest?

By Gibson on Aug 24, 2016 6:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
3 min read

Wedding Bells: Is Your Big Day Protected From The Unexpected?

By Gibson on Aug 8, 2016 6:30:00 AM

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?

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
2 min read

Personal Risk Management: 7 Tips For Avoiding Home Repair Scams

By Gibson on Jul 18, 2016 6:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
4 min read

Personal Risk Management: 8 Tips To Consider Before Hitting The Water

By Gibson on Jun 29, 2016 6:30:00 AM


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:

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
3 min read

Personal Risk Management: Swim Safely This Summer

By Gibson on Jun 20, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Summer is here! A dip in the pool is likely on many people’s minds. The reprieve from the heat might be worth the costs of installing a pool right in your own backyard. But before cannonballing into a decision about getting a pool or buying a home that already has one, it’s important to think about pool safety and insurance.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
3 min read

Personal Risk Management: Electrical Safety At Home

By Gibson on May 9, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Charging your phone, making coffee, doing laundry, watching TV, working on the computer, simply turning on a light…you use electricity in so many ways each and every day. But the dangers associated with electricity – fires, accidents, electrocutions – pose a significant risk to your home and family.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
2 min read

Homeowners Insurance: What Is "Other Structures" Coverage?

By Gibson on Apr 25, 2016 6:30:00 AM

An area often overlooked in a homeowners insurance policy is the Other Structures coverage. What does it cover? What is excluded? Is the coverage amount sufficient?

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management