Avoid soggy disasters with these tips. Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home can experience, costing billions of dollars annually. Safeguard your most important asset against water...

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If you are ever sued, your standard homeowners or auto policy will provide you with some liability coverage, paying for judgements against you and your attorney's fees, up to a limit set in the policy. However, in our...

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When the temperatures drop, keep hazards at bay with these simple steps. Much of North America experiences periods of severely cold weather and is susceptible to snow and ice storms-extreme conditions that can inflict...

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Serving alcohol at a party? Be a responsible host. Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party for 50 or greeting the New Year with a few friends, if you're planning to serve alcohol at your home take steps to limit your...

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Back in the early days of home security “systems,” around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire “door shakers”-night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were...

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Minimize the chances of vehicle robbery-and personal injury Having your vehicle stolen is bad enough, but carjacking-having it taken while you're behind the wheel-is potentially dangerous, even lethal. Foil would-be car...

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Med Pay? PIP? Dec pages? Insurance terms, explained With all kinds of different coverages for all kinds of different needs, insurance can be very confusing. And to make it even more challenging, at times it probably...

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“What really makes a teacher is love ... for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.” Almost everyone has a story about a teacher who inspired them-the one...

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To optimize your insurance claim, understand the valuation and repair process After an automobile accident, you want to make sure that you are adequately paid for the repair or for the value of your totaled car. Here's...

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Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life. However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars-or worse, a fire or some other...

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Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters. All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying-they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills. The U.S....

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It may sound like a dance craze from the 1950s, but a BOP-a Business Owners Policy-can protect your small business against today’s most common risks. Fire, burglary, liability and business interruption losses are all...

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The last thing you want to happen after you die is for your beneficiaries to be unable to locate and submit a claim on your life insurance. To prevent this, you should have copies of your life insurance records in at...

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How to steer clear of a common, large-and moving-hazard As the deer populations grow and urban habitats continue to encroach upon rural environments, there has been an increase in deer-car collisions-over half a million...

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In general, it's a good idea to buy long-term care insurance before you’re 60, for two reasons: - The younger you are, the less likely it is that you’ll be rejected when you apply for the policy. If you apply in your...

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Group riding is a favorite activity among many motorcycle riders. Whether you’re part of a riding club, a social event, a charity ride, or out for a leisurely cruise with friends, group riding can be a rewarding way to...

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Reduce the risks that come with inexperience and immaturity While getting a drivers license is an exciting rite-of-passage for teens, it can make a parent frantic-with good reason. The first years that teenagers spend...

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When choosing an automobile, know these important safety differences The more safely built the car you buy, the better the chances of your surviving an accident. Protect yourself and your passengers by understanding the...

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Is there a newly licensed driver in your home? Reduce the stress by understanding the implications for your car policy For parents, the excitement of having a first-time driver in the house is usually tempered with...

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We’re not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven’t noticed, it’s already time to think about the new school year. And as you think about how to get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing...

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Strategies to help simplify your search Locating life insurance documents for a deceased relative can be a daunting task-for one thing, as of this moment there are no national databases of all life insurance policies....

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Unique vehicles require special auto coverage A classic, custom, collectible or antique car requires insurance that reflects your vehicle’s uniqueness and value. If you own-or are thinking of owning-a special set of...

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The basic personal auto insurance mandated by most U.S. states provides some financial protection if you or another driver using your car causes an accident that damages someone else’s car or property, injures someone...

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Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up-whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost certainly going to require time...

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One of the most certain things in life is uncertainty. Your dog could bite the neighbor’s kid. Your teen driver could hit a cyclist. A guest could fall down your stairs. A rainy morning commute on worn-out tires could...

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Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.) The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You...

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Spring is here, which means you’ll likely see more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is “see.” People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they’re not...

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Keep your home, family and guests safe during your barbeque fun. Millions of Americans safely enjoy outdoor barbecues, but accidents do happen. Ensure trouble-free summer cooking fun by maintaining your grill, using it...

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With spring in full bloom and summer just on the horizon, prime boating season is upon us. And you might notice more people on the water than ever, because sales of recreational boats have been growing at a steady clip...

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It’s a bit of a tradition for many fathers to go on and on about the knowledge they’ve gained over the years, whether it’s about history, family stories, financial wisdom, or just plain random facts - like how that...

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Don't risk financial losses because someone else isn’t covered. Despite the legal requirements in 49 states, many drivers in the U.S. remain uninsured. Don't risk your financial health-make sure you're insured, and...

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Protect yourself financially when you owe money on a depreciated vehicle How gap insurance works - When you buy or lease a new car or truck, the vehicle starts to depreciate in value the moment it leaves the car lot. In...

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Aggressive driving can lead to accidents-and compromised coverage. Road rage incidents are not only dangerous, they are exempted from coverage by many auto insurance policies. Understand your risks and take...

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How to keep yourself, your home and your belongings safe from lightning. 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...

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A classic, custom, collectible or antique car requires insurance that reflects your vehicle’s uniqueness and value. If you own-or are thinking of owning-a special set of wheels, find out about the kind of policy you...

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Find the right insurance coverage for your bike Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right motorcycle. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle-and to be within your budget. Here's a guide to...

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April is tax season, so a lot of people are thinking about their finances these days. But if you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking in the short term: What’s my refund going to be-or how much do I owe? And...

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By Lynne McChristian, I.I.I. Non-resident Scholar and Media SpokespersonAh, spring! The season of renewal, of fresh beginnings, of flowers in bloom – and of fresh batteries in the smoke alarm. Yes, you probably...

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Term insurance comes in two basic varieties-level term and decreasing term. These days, almost everyone buys level term insurance. The terms “level” and “decreasing” refer to the death benefit amount during the term of...

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Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful...

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- Condo or Condon’t - Condo Insurance - You’ve taken the plunge and opted for condo life. Now that the papers are signed, it seems like everything is taken care of for you-building maintenance, roof repairs,...

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Standard homeowners insurance covers different kinds of tree disasters. If a tree hits your home or other insured structure, such as a detached garage, your standard homeowners insurance policy covers the damage to the...

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If you’re under 55, it’s unlikely. Even over 55, only a small percentage of the population will need long-term care before they are in their 70s or 80s. However, according to research published in the journal Inquiry by...

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A permanent life policy provides lifelong insurance protection. The policy pays a death benefit if you die tomorrow or if you live to be a hundred. There is also a savings element that will grow on a tax-deferred basis...

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You’re not just imagining it-a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days. According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and...

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- Overview - More states are passing legislation permitting medical and/or recreational marijuana use, which raises concerns about users driving under the influence of marijuana. This piece will discuss: Marijuana...

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There are various questions and issues to keep in mind when choosing a long-term care policy. Where may care occur? - The best policies pay for care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home. Benefits are...

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Choosing the right type of life insurance can be confusing, but it’s also an important decision. Here are some guidelines that can help you narrow down your best life insurance options. Consider term life insurance if......

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If you need long-term care services and have to pay to obtain them, what financial resources could you call on? Do you have enough to pay for four or more years in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or home...

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Many financial experts consider life insurance to be the cornerstone of sound financial planning. It can be an important tool in the following situations: Replace income for dependents. If people depend on your income,...

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Millions of Americans will be traveling this holiday season, and if it’s anything like previous years, a lot of that travel will be on the road. Last year, AAA estimated that more than 100 million Americans were...

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Get your home ready for freezing weather hazards with these simple tips: Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences to your home-and to your household budget. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to...

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Much of the country periodically experiences severe and sustained cold weather, with snowfalls interspersed with periods of melting and freezing. This can inflict considerable damage on homes. Here are some tips and...

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