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Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children today, but the good news is they are almost completely preventable. According to the Center for Disease Control, about one-third of all cavities can be prevented by fluoride varnish, which children can obtain from dental applications, fluoride-treated water, and toothpaste containing fluoride. Below, we outline seven healthy habits that will make dental health more fun for your children.

Brush Together 

Making this activity part of what you do as a family helps children establish a healthy routine. When your child sees you taking care of your own teeth, they will feel encouraged to do the same and look forward to that time together. Be sure to brush thoroughly and floss, along with completing any other routines recommended by your dentist. 

Time It Out 

Teeth should be brushed for at least two minutes, but this can be hard for children to count out in their heads. Use an hourglass or digital timer to mark exactly two minutes. Allow your child to flip the hourglass or program the timer to foster their own independence and make the activity more engaging and memorable. 

Use a Special Toothbrush 

Children enjoy having objects that they helped select. Allow them to select their own toothbrush at the store. Make sure it has soft bristles that are appropriate for young children. Many stores offer kid-friendly toothbrushes with cartoons or superheroes on the handle, which can also make brushing more exciting and personalized.

Toothpaste Flavors 

You can make brushing fun by using a special toothbrush, but don’t forget to have your child select their favorite flavor of toothpaste, too. Traditional peppermint may not be as exciting for young children, so look for whimsical flavors like bubblegum, strawberry shortcake, or wild cherry. Most manufacturers offer colorful and flavorful toothpaste for children while still including the proper fluoride and cleansing needed for cavity prevention. 

Get Competitive 

For young children who are reluctant to establish an oral hygiene routine, a friendly competition can nudge them in the proper direction. Encourage parents, older siblings, and anyone in your household to enter the competition. See who can brush his or her teeth for a full two minutes without getting tired or distracted. 

Gold Stars 

If your child enjoys competing against family members, take it one step further with a chart that allows children to earn gold stars for each night they complete their oral hygiene routine. This serves as a visual reminder of all the required steps (brushing for two minutes, flossing, etc.) and provides a tactile reward when applying the gold star. This is another activity the whole family can participate in! 

Post-Dentist Surprise 

A great way to ensure every dentist visit is a positive experience is by combining it with another activity your child loves. This reduces anxiety when they know an appointment is coming soon and allows them to remember the event fondly. Some children may enjoy taking a special picnic with snacks that promote healthy teeth, or visiting a park or museum indoors.  

By taking actions that make dental care fun, you are protecting your child’s oral health while also establishing good habits for the future. Most dental insurance providers cover preventative costs such as checkups, so be sure to visit your child’s dentist every six months. Regular visits combined with proper brushing and flossing are the best way to prevent unwanted cavities for years to come. 

If you are looking into buying a home, you may be experiencing a bit of a hard time due to the current circumstances of the housing market. Buying a fixer-upper can sometimes provide a shortcut to homeownership, whether you are a first-time homeowner or buying your next home. With the low inventory but high demand for homes, the difficulty of obtaining a home has increased, especially on a budget. This is why we are seeing a rise in people buying fixer-upper homes. But what insurance do you need if you are buying a fixer-upper instead of a traditional home? We’ve compiled a list of insurance policies that can help protect you and your new property. 

Insurance Options for a Fixer-Upper Home 

Conventional Home Insurance 

Eligibility for conventional insurance comes down to the ability to complete any outstanding repairs before or within 30 days of closing. What if the home has more difficult to complete repairs? What if you aren’t planning on moving in for a few months? The conventional insurance policy may be out of reach. Did you know that empty and under-construction homes are considered a high risk for insurance companies? The traditional insurance company will, more than likely, recommend that you get a different insurance policy that is specifically formulated for higher-risk situations like these. Some may even write the policy themselves while other insurance companies will refer you to a third-party insurer that specializes in these high-risk policies. 

Builder’s Risk 

The most common form of insurance for homeowners with a new construction or newly renovated home is builder’s risk insurance. Typically, this policy starts with lower costs and as the home gets into better conditions, the cost will rise because the home value has now increased. This policy is easier to get if there is a solid, timed plan to finish the construction or new build.    

Vacant Dwelling 

Will your new home be sitting vacant while repairs and work are being done on the property? Vacant dwelling insurance may be a possibility. This policy will cover most physical losses if there are any, but it will usually not cover any form of theft from the premises. Pay attention to the location of the property and decide if theft is a huge or minor issue. This can be a real problem anywhere if the home contains valuable appliances, tools or copper wiring and piping.  

Need to know more about policies to protect your new fixer-upper home? Reach out to your local agent for more information on the best insurance policies that fit your situation.  

Insurance companies typically view individuals who drive a vehicle as part of their daily job as high-risk drivers. This is because they are simply on the road more frequently than the average commuter. If you own a business that requires employees to travel outside of their daily commute to the office or offer company-titled vehicles, you may need additional insurance coverage. Read on to learn why these policies are important for your business to obtain before an accident occurs. 

Companies may not be covered for accidents if they occur during a work-related outing and the driver is in his or her personal vehicle. Instead, business owners may need to obtain a hired and non-owned policy to cover these vehicles used for work. 

This policy is more commonly needed by small businesses that rely on their employees to use personal vehicles for work errands. While this can seem minor, especially when the employee consents to do so, it does create liability issues that can be avoided.

Consider this possible situation. An employee is injured in an accident while driving their car to meet a customer at their office. Personal auto insurance does not cover work-related driving, so the other party in the accident could sue the business owner for the cost of medical expenses. 

If a business often rents trucks or vans for an event or conference, the hired and non-owned policy would still cover its liability in the event that the owner or an employee has an accident while driving the rented vehicle. 

For businesses that offer company-titled cars to employees, a commercial auto insurance policy is the best way to protect liability. Most states require businesses that own vehicles to obtain this insurance if employees use these cars to travel to and from work sites or offices while conducting company business. 

Businesses that transport equipment, products, or employees in company-owned vehicles should also consider obtaining commercial auto insurance, even if it is not required by the state. 

Because insurance coverage does not work retroactively, it is important to obtain the appropriate policy before an accident occurs. In rare cases, the medical expenses and repair costs from a car accident can even bankrupt a company. Speak with your local insurance agent today to evaluate your need for additional auto insurance today.

Vacations are wonderful opportunities to relax, explore new places, and enjoy time spent with family and friends. But as you prepare for time away from home, it is important to have the proper insurance policies set up in advance. While you hope to never need them, these types of insurance can help you rest easy on your next trip. 

Rental Car Insurance

If you are flying to your destination, you may also be picking up a rental car once you land at the airport. Purchasing insurance for your rental car is optional, and your own car insurance policy does come into effect in most cases when you rent a vehicle. However, if you did not purchase collision or comprehensive auto insurance for your own vehicle, this means you will be responsible for the cost of any collision damage done to the rental as well. It is always ideal to have personal collision insurance, as well as purchasing a “loss damage waiver” from the rental car company. This means your credit card will not be immediately charged for the cost of any damages.

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

You are probably aware of how your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers any possible loss, damage, or theft to your property and belongings. But did you know that in many cases, your property is also protected even as you travel? If you are bringing high-value equipment on your vacation such as scuba gear, skis, or professional cameras, these items could be covered if they are damaged unexpectedly or stolen. Keep in mind that most homeowner’s policies do have a cap on the value of covered possessions. If you are bringing equipment that exceeds that amount, it is a good idea to speak with your agent about obtaining a separate insurance policy for that specific item. 

Health Insurance

When you are on vacation outside of the U.S., the last thing you want to experience is a serious medical emergency. However, it is best to prepare ahead and avoid a stressful situation, should you become injured. First, you will need to contact your health insurance provider and determine what (if any) coverage is provided in the country you are visiting. Your policy may offer some support for emergency room visits, but this is often where coverage ends. If you need to be medically evacuated back to the U.S., this can be extremely expensive. Speak with your insurance agent about a short-term medical trip insurance policy, especially if you will be traveling abroad and engaging in high-risk activities such as scuba diving, hang gliding, or skiing. 

Travel Insurance

While this may seem like the most obvious policy to review and purchase before going on vacation, it can often be overlooked. Perhaps the last thing on your mind when planning your trip is the potential need to cancel or postpone the vacation. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon to experience. Travel insurance can provide partial reimbursement for your expenses if you need to cancel a trip due to personal injury, illness, or an unforeseen circumstance outlined in your policy. If you begin your vacation and need to return home early, your travel insurance may cover some of these expenses as well. Travel insurance can even provide reimbursement for clothing and toiletries if your luggage is lost or stolen during your trip. 

Whether you are planning an extended international adventure or four-day weekend on the coast, there are a number of ways that new and existing insurance policies can protect you, your belongings, and the investment you’ve made in your trip. To discuss the options that are best for you, contact your local insurance agent today. 

Cooling off in the pool is one of the most fun ways to beat the summer heat. But before you jump in, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. Many of these suggestions are geared towards your children or young family members, but it is up to you to enforce them and keep everyone safe. Here are six pool safety measures to take that protect both you and your loved ones this summer. 

Secure Your Pool

A vital first step in pool safety is building a barrier around the perimeter. A four-sided isolation fence reduces the risk of a child drowning by 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing. Use fencing that is durable, tall, and self-latching with a latch that is out of reach for young children. For above-ground pools, remove the steps or ladder when an adult is not present. 

Designated Water Watcher

When children are swimming, there should always be a designated adult within arm’s reach to assist if needed. If this adult is not in the water, they should be fully prepared to dive in at any time. Watching the water should also be their only task, especially if they are sitting poolside. That means no texting, reading, or playing games on their phone. A cell phone should still be within arm’s reach to call for help, but not kept in a clothing pocket to prevent water damage.

Swimming Lessons

If you plan to bring your infant into the pool, it is not necessary to have completed infant swim lessons (although classes are available). Be sure your baby has on safety-certified flotation attire, and hold them the entire time they are in the water. For older children who are going to swim or play in the pool without an adult holding onto them, it is a good idea to invest time in basic swim lessons. Teaching your children how to paddle with their head above water, float on their back, and safely exit the pool is imperative. As they become more confident, they can remove water wings and floats while learning different swimming techniques.

Drain Awareness

Children who are able to swim on their own should be educated on what to do when they approach the pool drain. If the drain is easily accessible, show your child how the drain uses strong suction to pull water from the pool. Teach children that if they get too close to the drain, their hair, swimsuit, jewelry, or limbs can become pulled down by the suction as well. While the drain is not something to be afraid of, children should not play with the drain or go near it in order to allow the pool to filter water properly.

CPR and Emergency Plan 

It is always best to prepare for an emergency that may never happen, rather than to be unprepared if the unexpected occurs. Your family should have a plan for what to do if someone needs help or is drowning. Familiarize yourself with how to perform CPR on both infants, children, and adults. Courses and certifications are often available in your community. Recruit teens or older children to call 911, and make sure younger children know to clear the pool and wait for instructions. Practice your plan so each person knows their responsibility.

Pool Insurance

Your general homeowners insurance may offer some liability coverage, should a guest injure themselves while in your pool. Pool owners are also liable for injuries, whether the guest has permission to use the pool or not. Additionally, most homeowners policies only cover a certain percentage of the cost of non-residential structures on the property. If your pool becomes damaged by a guest or natural accident such as a tree falling on it, you would only receive a percentage of the cost to replace it. Keep your family and guests safe by maintaining the proper liability and damage coverage. Your local insurance agent can help determine what coverage is right for you. 

When you set the proper ground rules for pool safety, everyone is able to enjoy a fun and worry-free experience. Use these tips and maintain the appropriate insurance coverage so you can feel secure and safe this summer. 

It’s prime time for vacation homes to be used more often than other times in the year — it’s summertime! If you have a vacation home, you may be wondering how you can protect your property and how to properly protect it based on the property’s location. Typically, you would be good with vacation rental property insurance, a policy that acts as a homeowner’s policy for homes that you don’t primarily occupy, like a vacation home. In addition, secondary home insurance is another policy that is sometimes known as vacation home insurance that protects against perils such as fire, explosion, theft, or lightning damage. In this list, we are going to be providing you with tips and additional insurance policies you can add to further protect your vacation home no matter where it’s located.  

Waterfront Property 

If you own waterfront property, meaning the property is facing a body of water such as an ocean or lake, you may need a little more insurance coverage than the general policies above. Below are three additional insurance policies that can help further protect your property, depending on the location.  

Flood Insurance 

Almost all waterfront properties are considered high risk for flooding due to the proximity they have with bodies of water. Coverage included: property’s foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, air conditioning equipment, furnaces, heaters, appliances, and personal possessions. 

Windstorm Mitigation/Hurricane Buy-Down Coverage 

This policy is to help protect your property in the event it has damage due to high winds or a hurricane. 

Earthquake Insurance 

This policy is important if the property is located near or on a fault line. Coverage included: Repairs to your house and attached structures, such as a garage, personal belongings, and additional living expenses, such as hotel bills if you can’t live in your home.  

Mountain Property 

Properties that are in mountainous areas are at more risk for suffering a wildfire than any other form of property. This is due to being surrounded by the forest and a ton of trees. Below are two additional policies that can further protect your mountain property.  

Cabin Insurance 

Coverage included: Older/lower-value homes, personal property, premises liability, vandalism, limited burglary, and theft. 

Dwelling Fire  

Coverage included: Fire and smoke-related damage, explosions, vandalism, wind and lightning damage, and equipment breakdown. 

Other Vacation Properties 

If you own a property that is within an association or community with a blanket or group policy, you may need to get additional insurance just in case the association does not cover costs after an incident. Most association policies cover the exterior of the building while everything inside the home is your responsibility, that’s why condo insurance is essential.  

Condo Insurance 

Coverage included: Fire, lightning, windstorm, smoke, vandalism or malicious mischief, theft, and accidental discharge of water. 

Are you looking to add insurance to cover your vacation property? Reach out to your local agent today for more information.  

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods are the most commonly occurring natural disaster in the U.S. However, most standard homeowners policies do not offer coverage for damages from flooding. When considering whether or not you need flood insurance, there are a few questions you will want to ask. Below, we outline those questions and highlight how this policy can protect your home. 

How do floods happen outside of floodplains? 

One of the common mistakes homeowners make is thinking that because they are not located within a federally designated floodplain, they do not need flood insurance. Floodplains are flat areas surrounding large bodies of water that can be prone to flooding. They are most commonly found close to lakes and rivers. 

Even if your home is miles from the nearest lake or river, there could be small streams nearby that feed from these larger bodies of water. These may overflow and cause serious damage to your power, septic system, and even your home’s foundation. One inch of standing water in a house can cause about $25,000 in damages and repairs – think about what even a few more inches could do. 

Floods can also happen in times of heavy rain or even melting snowfall. If you live in a flat area, your region can be prone to flooding in extreme cases of rain and snowmelt. While this may not happen in your lifetime, there is always a chance the unexpected may occur. 

What damage can floods cause? 

In many cases, floods cause widespread water damage. This can be a few inches of water harming a structure’s foundation, or a few feet of water filling a basement or main floor. If the water damage spreads past the foundation, this compromises walls, roofing, and furniture. 

Although more rare, extreme flooding can cause total destruction of buildings, roads, and infrastructure as running water moves through the area. Landslides may also occur due to extreme flooding and carry debris miles away from where it was destroyed.

Hurricane season can also create flooding, even if you do not live directly on the coast. High-speed winds and heavy rain can cause catastrophic flash-flooding miles from the ocean, with rivers, lakes, and streams receiving an influx of volume in hours or minutes. 

How does flood insurance help? 

Flood insurance policies provide coverage that can help replace the cost of your home and belongings. The premium is based on many factors, including your overall risk, property terrain, and how much coverage you elect to purchase. For homeowners who reside in low to moderate-risk areas for flooding, you may be eligible to obtain a lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy. This provides coverage for your home structure and possessions, but at a lower monthly price.

Flood insurance is optional for most homeowners, but it may be beneficial to obtain a policy so you are protected in the event of a natural disaster. Coverage is offered through the FEMA-managed National Flood Insurance Program and by some private insurers. Speak with your local insurance agent to learn more about your options for flood insurance. 

For many small businesses looking to retain top-quality staff while maintaining a tight budget, employee benefits are an excellent place to start. You may start your business with only a handful of people. If you have between one and 50 employees, you may be eligible for small business health insurance. But as your organization grows in staff and revenue, you will most likely need to apply for large group coverage. Below, we break down both types of insurance and how each can help you attract new talent and maintain loyalty within your current employees. 

Small Business Health Insurance

Small business health insurance is offered based on a few qualifications. First, there must be one full-time employee (30 hours per week or more) or the part-time equivalent (such as two employees who each work 15 hours per week) enrolled in the plan. This does not include the business owner, their spouse or dependents, or any other business partners. The business must also contribute toward the premiums of their employees. 

Typically on most plans, at least 70% of employees must be enrolled. If a majority of your staff receives individual or group insurance elsewhere, you may not be eligible. While small business health insurance is more expensive for businesses compared to large group plans, there is a significant benefit to offering coverage to your employees. Businesses will receive tax incentives, while also showing staff that they value each individual’s wellbeing.

Large Group Insurance

For companies with more than 50 employees, large group insurance becomes the better option. Unlike for small businesses where premiums are set by the insurance groups, large businesses are able to negotiate and set their preferred group insurance premium. This allows the company’s cost per person to be lower while retaining more flexibility in the coverage options. However, a large business must provide coverage to 95% of their employees or pay a penalty fee to the IRS under the Affordable Care Act. 

Large employers often choose to add technology-driven health benefits such as telemedicine, wellness checks, and wearable fitness trackers to incentivize employees to take ownership over their own health. Studies have shown that these methods help improve overall employee wellness while also reducing both employer and employee premiums over time.

Because large group insurance allows employers to offer more customized health plans and benefits, this can also become a major factor in attracting premier talent. In a 2018 survey conducted by America’s Health Insurance Plans, 46% of respondents said health insurance was either the deciding factor or a positive influence in choosing their current job. Most interestingly, 77% said they looked more favorably upon their employer after learning that 70-80% of their premiums were paid by their employer. 

Overall, offering your staff health insurance benefits is optional, especially for small businesses. While there are no laws in place that require coverage, companies with more than 50 employees may face fines for not offering benefits. By offering insurance even as a small business, you are creating a culture that values its employees and invests in their personal wellness. As your company grows, you may elect to add additional benefits such as telemedicine or behavioral health counseling. All of these benefits will help you become a top employer and retain quality employees. 

To review your business’s health insurance coverage and determine the benefits that are best for you and your employees, speak with your insurance representative today. 

There are probably many things on your mind as you prepare for your next vacation. From packing the proper clothes to booking flights and tours, your pre-trip to-do list can feel like it will never end. One task that should be at the top is obtaining travel insurance – but many people do not understand the real benefits or how this protects your investment. Here, we outline six unexpected situations where travel insurance can keep you from losing funds.

Medical Emergencies

Many travel insurance policies will allow for full or partial reimbursement if you experience a medical emergency after purchasing travel insurance, but before leaving for your trip. If you are seriously injured and your doctor says you cannot travel, this can make you eligible for a refund. Additionally, travel insurance can help pay for medical bills if you are injured while on your vacation. This can be especially beneficial for international travel where medical treatment may be expensive and your health insurance provider does not offer support.

Theft or Loss of Belongings

Chances are, you or someone you know has lost a bag during air travel. Even if you file a claim with the airline, it can take weeks for your luggage to arrive, and in many cases, it is sent to your home address and not your vacation lodgings. Depending on your travel insurance policy, you can be reimbursed for clothing, toiletries, and basic essentials that you purchased after a bag was lost or stolen. This allows you to continue enjoying your vacation without having to wear the same clothes each day.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption

Should something unexpected like a natural disaster, political conflict, or serious personal illness take place, travel insurance may provide a refund if you need to cancel your trip. In most cases, standard policies do not provide full reimbursement but may cover half or three-quarters of the cost. Full refund riders may be added to a policy for an additional fee. If you are traveling internationally or to an area prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes, it may be in your best interest to add a full refund rider. 

Emergency Evacuations

Just as medical treatment can be expensive during vacations and non-local travel, a trip to the hospital or emergency room can be costly as well. Your travel insurance policy may cover the cost of emergency evacuation via helicopter, boat, ambulance, or other medical transport. Additionally, if your home or apartment is flooded, damaged by fire, or sustains another significant natural disaster, travel insurance can even help cover the cost to change your return trip and get you home as quickly as possible. 

Unexpected Delays

Millions of flights are delayed each year, causing millions of travelers to miss connecting flights and experience significant delays in travel. Because these causes are often unpredictable, it can be frustrating and expensive to create a new travel plan on short notice. Rebooking new flights can mean you are responsible for additional fees, overnight stays in hotels, and new luggage costs, even though you were not responsible for the delay. Travel insurance can cover these fees and hotel expenses, allowing you to get back on track and reach your destination as quickly as possible.

While you may pay five to 10 percent of the cost of your trip to obtain travel insurance, it is well worth the peace of mind to know that your expenses will not be lost if the unexpected occurs. For those planning luxury, international, or experiential vacations, travel insurance can help protect you. 

Imagine coming home after dinner and a late movie showing, only to find your windows shattered and belongings scattered across the house. You know it is very clear that you have been robbed, but you do not know when this happened, what has been taken, and if the intruder is still inside. Your first priority is always the safety of you and your immediate family, so here are six steps to be familiar with should the inevitable occur. 

1. Call the Police

While it can be tempting to check your valuables first, it is vital that you call the police immediately when you discover the robbery. Do not touch anything inside, as there may be fingerprints or other identifiers that can aid the authorities. It is best to leave your home as quickly as possible, because some intruders may wait in hiding for a time they can cause harm to you and your family. Wait within a neighbor’s home or your vehicle, and be sure to lock all doors.

2. Check the Property

Once you leave your home, briefly check the surrounding area for pets or family members who may have been inside your home during the break in. Do not re-enter the home. When you are in a secure space, take note of any unusual vehicles or surroundings. Anything that appears out of the ordinary could become an important part of the authorities’ investigation. 

3. Take Inventory

When the police arrive and determine the home is safe to re-enter, conduct a thorough investigation of all your belongings and valuables. It is a good idea to already have this list created in advance, especially if you have multiple high-value items. If you do not have a list, do your best to create this as quickly as possible for the police report. Take photos of the damage, both inside and outside. 

4. Contact Your Insurance

After the police report has been filed, contact your home or renter’s insurance provider within 24 hours of the incident. In most cases, you will be able to recoup the cost of any damage to your home, and some policies may provide additional reimbursement for stolen belongings. Ask if an insurance appraiser needs to visit in-person. If this is the case, you may want to arrange to stay somewhere else until the appraisal can be completed. 

5. Plan Ahead

If you did not have a home security system at the time of the break-in, you will most likely feel safer in the future by installing one. These can include security cameras at all entrances and exits, motion detectors, outdoor lighting, and key-coded alarms that contact the police if they are not turned off. It can take some time to adjust to feeling secure in your home again after a break-in, so do not be afraid to talk to a counselor or support group if you or your family members are struggling.  

6. Take Care of Your Family

One of the most common effects of a home robbery is that family members find it hard to return back to the home when it is repaired and safe to live in again. This is very common, and you may notice that your children want to sleep near you. Even pets can be deeply affected by an intruder, and your furry friend may need to sleep on your bed for a few nights. Be gentle and understand that everyone may need a little extra reassurance as you adjust back to a new normal. 

Should the unexpected take place, these steps can help make the process of responding to a home robbery a little less painful. If you feel like your home’s value or personal assets have changed since you originally took out your insurance policy, contact your agent to review your coverage options.