Insurance News

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Home Improvement Projects and Avoid Liability Claims

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:38:00 GMT

Painting Materials Beside a Ladder by Blue Bird

If you’re planning a home improvement project, you probably have many contractors available to choose from. How do you pick the right one that will get the job done safely and without liability issues? Follow these tips.

Get Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

One of the best ways you can find a contractor is to ask friends and neighbors who have done remodels or additions you like. Ask about things like:

Was the contractor punctual and reliable?
Did the project come in on or under budget?
Would they hire the contractor again?

Read Online Reviews

Online reviews are another great resource today for finding contractors. Read reviews carefully, and look at star ratings. One or two disgruntled customers out of hundreds is probably par for the course, but avoid contractors who have lots of bad reviews. Look for critiques such as:

The contractor started the project, but left in the middle to work on another job, extending the completion date beyond the initial agreement.
The job was not completed satisfactorily.
The project went considerably over budget.
The workers arrived late, made a mess in the home, or were rude to clients.
There were safety issues during the project or after its completion (electrical dangers, chemicals or tools left exposed, tripping hazards, etc.).

Hire Experienced Contractors

In general, you want to hire contractors who are more experienced, as they tend to be able to work faster and deal with any unforeseen problems that arise. That also means you want contractors who have done projects similar to yours in the past. If you have a historic home, for example, it may be better to hire someone who has only been in business for a few years, but specializes in historic renovations, rather than going with a 20-year-old firm that has only worked on contemporary homes.

Make Sure Your Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

Your contractor should be licensed as required by law in your region or state. They should also be insured, especially for liabilities. This protects you if someone in your home is hurt while the project is in progress or if there is a safety issue after the job is done. A reputable contractor will happily provide proof of insurance on request.

The contractor’s insurance should cover injuries or damages for which they’re responsible and pay to fix any remaining problems. That way you don’t have to file an insurance claim with your own home insurance. Most states require contracting businesses with multiple employees to have workers' compensation insurance as well, which is intended to help pay for the care of any contractors injured while on the job.

Finally, you can ask your contractor to take out a bond if engaging in a major renovation for you, like an addition, building a second story, or gutting and rebuilding an old property. This can pay you if they do not reasonably adhere to the timeline in your contract, which can have financial repercussions for you. Bonds usually also hold a contractor to certain standards of execution to avoid sloppy work that creates headaches for you years later.

Don’t forget that your homeowner insurance policy should be updated when doing home improvement projects to cover the added value you’ve given the property. Call Dickson Insurance Agency, Inc. at 615-446-3742 to speak with an independent agent about insurance protection for your home in case of storms, fire, vandalism, or theft. Ready to start a policy now? Contact us or request a homeowner insurance quote to tell us how we can help you.

Top Home Improvement Projects That Can Increase Your Home Value

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 21:45:00 GMT

Modern Kitchen by Mark

When you tackle home improvement projects, it’s wise to prioritize those that add the most to your property’s value, especially if you might put your home on the market in the next few years. Here are the renovations that give you the biggest return on your investment.

Kitchen Remodels

If you’re like most folks, you probably spend a fair amount of time in your kitchen, even when you have guests. For this reason, making over your kitchen will usually let you recoup your investment in equity or a higher sale price. Common remodeling elements include:

Replacing appliances
Installing new counters
Refinishing cabinets
Changing fixtures and hardware
Building an island or bar
Adding luxury extras

Bathroom Upgrades

You might be surprised to learn that the most cost-effective upgrade to your bathroom isn’t necessarily a complete renovation. Doing a remodel can yield more than a 100 percent return.

Don’t worry about knocking out walls or replumbing. Instead, focus on cosmetic improvements like replacing old tile, swapping out faucets, and painting. Other relatively small upgrades include adding more storage, putting in a nicer shower surround, and replacing outdated flooring.

Attic and Basement Conversions

In many cases, converting an attic or basement lets you add another room to your home. You can gain a bedroom, playroom, office, workshop, or rec room by making over what is often unused space in the home.

To really make the conversions worthwhile, be sure you explore things like emergency egress and HVAC to meet building codes and make the space fully usable. If you plan to sell the home soon, aim for a conversion that could work for multiple purposes, as potential buyers may be looking for something different.

Deck and Porch Additions

Adding a deck, patio, or porch lets you expand your living space outside in nice weather. The warmer the climate where you live, the more you want to have some comfy outdoor space for al fresco meals, grilling, and relaxing.

You don’t have to spend a ton to get a big bang for your buck with outdoor spaces. You can enhance any outside area with nice furniture, potted plants, and fencing to make the spot more private.

Curb Appeal Improvements

Curb appeal makeovers are always popular, and they’re great whether you plan to stay in the home for years or put it on the market. Some popular ways to make your home look beautiful when approached from the street include:

Adding or replacing a front walk
Building a small front porch or covered entryway
Landscaping for four-season beauty
Painting the front door and window trim
Resurfacing the driveway
Replacing the garage door

Energy-Efficient Updates

Some curb appeal improvements overlap with making the home more energy efficient too. If you’re not happy with your home’s entrance, consider replacing the door with one that offers better protection from the outdoors or installing a storm door with screens.

Other updates that offer a good ROI include:

Installing thermal windows
Replacing an old roof
Adding a better furnace or hot water heater
Using insulated garage doors
Insulating the attic or other chilly spaces
Placing solar panels on the roof

Even small upgrades like installing a programmable thermostat or ceiling fans can bring you energy savings year after year.

Don’t forget to contact your insurance agent to review your home insurance coverage when you add to your home or perform major renovations. Need help with home coverage? Call Dickson Insurance Agency, Inc. at 615-446-3742 today for a quote, or reach out online to let us know how we can help.

Preparing Your Teen Driver for Different Road Conditions and Situations

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:33:00 GMT

Teenage Driver by why kei

If you have a young driver in your home, you may be fearful about them driving on their own, especially in bad weather or road construction. Here are some tips to share with them to improve safety by adapting their driving to current conditions.

Rain, Snow and Ice

It’s not always possible to stay put in inclement weather, although that should be your teen’s first choice in a storm or freezing weather. If your child must venture out, here’s what they should know:

Understand that posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; driving well below the speed limit is almost always required in poor weather. If they feel they are going slower than other vehicles, that’s okay. Put on the hazard lights (“flashers”) to alert other motorists.
If heavy rain hits, pull over in a safe area and let the worst pass before continuing.
Never drive in flooded areas or where they don’t know how deep ponded water is.
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive or low gear, they should know how to use that to allow the car to help them get better traction.
Watch out for "black ice" in freezing temperatures.
Know what to do if the car begins to skid. Fight the urge to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction, and instead, turn into the skid trying to slowly come to a stop.
If driving outside the immediate neighborhood in winter, always carry emergency gear in case they get stuck, like blankets, a shovel, food, water, and an extra cell phone charger. If they have to stay put in the vehicle for a long stretch, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of obstructions and the windows are cracked before running the engine for warmth.

Low Visibility at Dawn and Dusk

Early morning and sunset are times of reduced visibility and therefore more accidents. Use headlights, reduce speed if necessary, and watch out for animals, like deer, on the road.

Road Construction

Construction zones always have lower speed zones to protect workers, so your teen should prepare to drive considerably slower. Pay attention to changing road surfaces, detours, merging where lanes discontinue, and workers manually directing traffic with signs and hand semaphores.

If two lanes narrow to one, never compete with other vehicles to be first through the merge. Rather, follow the patterns of every other car weaving into the new lane or simply let other traffic go ahead until the way is clear.

Rural Roadways

Country roads have unique hazards such as:

Winding roads with reduced views into the distance
Farm vehicles
Animal crossings
Little to no shoulder
Minimal passing areas
More motorcycles and bicycles

Driving on these roads requires more patience and extra vigilance. Turn down the radio, put away the snacks, and focus on the driving conditions.

City Driving

City roads also have their own risks. Your teen should watch out for:

Weaving and turning traffic.
Frequent stoplights.
Pedestrians and bicycles.
Garbage trucks and delivery vehicles.
People in parked cars opening their doors into traffic.

Rarely can drivers travel the speed limit in dense urban areas. Remind your teen to allow as much stopping distance as possible at crossings and when following other vehicles. They should use their directional signals whenever turning but not assume other motorists will be as courteous.

If your teen will be driving frequently in city traffic, they should become adept at parallel parking by practicing in a low-stress environment until it becomes second nature.

Navigating Highways

Highway driving requires its own skill set, which your child should practice with an experienced driver during low-traffic times before attempting it on their own. Here are a few final suggestions for safe highway driving:

When given the chance, pick the middle of three or more lanes to avoid merging vehicles on the right and passing vehicles on the left.
Give semi trucks a wide berth, and remember they have blind spots where they can’t see small cars. Allow plenty of room to pass a semi, and do it quickly so as not to sit too long next to the truck.
Use directional signals and do a shoulder check before changing lanes or exiting.
There’s no need to drive as fast as some people go on the highway. Stay at the speed limit, even if it means being passed.
Watch out for debris on the road, like shredded tires and pieces of metal. If everyone in front of your teen driver is suddenly veering out of the lane, it’s likely because of debris or a stalled vehicle.

Car Insurance

Do you have a teen driver in your household that needs to be added to your auto insurance policy? Consider increasing your liability coverage at the same time to make certain you have adequate protection in case of an accident. Our independent agents at Dickson Insurance Agency, Inc. can help you find the best policy for your needs. Call us at 615-446-3742 with your questions, or start a policy online any time at your convenience.

Things to Know When Shopping for Home and Auto Insurance

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 20:23:00 GMT

Car in front of a house by Jose Rago

If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should know when you consider options for your residence or vehicle.

What Is a Deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. Deductibles were created decades ago to discourage policyholders from filing petty or even fraudulent claims.

In most cases, deductibles are a flat fee, such as $500 or $1,000, but can vary based on your policy. You can potentially lower your deductible by paying a higher premium (the cost of the insurance policy). This works in reverse, too: being willing to pay a higher deductible typically results in a lower premium. It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you have a good driving record or never file homeowner claims, it may be worth having a higher deductible so you can pay less for your policy.

What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance usually has three components:

Liability insurance (almost always dictated by your state)
Collision insurance
Comprehensive insurance

Liability coverage can help pay for medical care and property damage if you are at fault in an accident. Collision insurance is designed to help cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle if you are at fault or are the victim of a hit and run or your car is damaged by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Finally, comprehensive insurance is intended to protect your car or truck in the event of damage from something other than a car accident, such as theft, vandalism, or loss to fire or most natural disasters.

Does Your Insurance Always Pay After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Insurance carriers usually pay out for liability or collision insurance only when you are at fault in an accident. If someone else is determined to be at fault, their insurance typically pays.

There are exceptions to this; for example, some states are “no-fault” states, meaning each party’s insurance pays for their own damages, regardless of who is at fault. There are also situations where an uninsured or underinsured driver may hit your car. We recommend you understand how this works before purchasing auto insurance and deciding on coverage options.

What Is Replacement Cost Versus Actual Cash Value?

Most home insurance policies are based on either replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). The former reimburses you for what it costs at the time of your claim to replace lost furnishings, appliances, clothing, and personal items or to repair or rebuild your dwelling.

Actual cash value insurance pays out at what your property is worth at the time of the claim, with depreciation for wear and tear over time. This is why ACV insurance usually costs a bit less than replacement coverage.

Why Do Independent Agents Offer More Choices?

Independent agents don’t work for just one insurance carrier with a limited number of insurance products — we network with multiple insurance carriers to find you the right coverage.

Do you have more questions about selecting home or auto insurance? Call Dickson Insurance Agency, Inc. at 615-446-3742 for more information, or contact us for a quote.

Avoiding Water Issues in Your Home

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:04:00 GMT

Rain drops by Pixabay

Water damage is one of the worst problems that homeowners can run into. Not only can it be incredibly expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but it can also create the potential for mold and mildew to form. This can pose a serious health risk to you and your loved ones, especially if anyone at your home has allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems. Follow these helpful tips to minimize your risk of water issues in and around your home.

Know Where the Shutoff Valve Is

Everyone in your home should know where the water supply shutoff valve is located. In many homes, it is in the garage, in the basement, or along the side of the house towards the front of the property. Make sure that everyone knows how to operate it as well. This way, if you encounter a burst pipe or other complication, you'll be able to turn off the water supply as quickly as possible to minimize the extent of the damage.

Maintain Your Sprinkler System

As long as your plants and lawn are healthy, you probably don't give much thought to your sprinkler system. However, this is one of the most common areas for burst pipes, as plant and tree roots are often strong enough to puncture the pipes and hoses throughout your sprinkler system. When your system is running, take the time to inspect your yard, looking for any areas that are especially wet, as this could be a sign of an underground leak. Fixing the leak not only prevents the damage from spreading to your home but stops your water bills from skyrocketing as well.

Winterize All Outdoor Pipes and Faucets

If you live in an area that is prone to freezing in the winter, it is crucial that you winterize any exposed pipes. Water expands as it freezes, which can rupture the pipes, leading to a massive leak when the water thaws once again. Thermal wrappings for pipes are relatively inexpensive, but they don't last forever. Be sure to inspect them before the cold weather hits each year, replacing them as needed to keep your pipes protected.

The better you are able to keep watch on your water system, the easier it will be to spot any potential leaks before they can cause major damage to your property. So, stay vigilant throughout the year to keep your home safe!

Be Sure You're Covered

If you have any questions about what kinds of water damage are and are not covered by your homeowner insurance, please get in touch with us and we can discuss your current policy with you and help identify any potential gaps in coverage.

Tips for Saving Money on Heating and Cooling Your Home

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:48:00 GMT

HVAC units by Sonar

If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills can seriously add up over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy costs to save money without having to sacrifice comfort. Try these helpful tips, and watch the savings roll in.

Check window and door seals. Doors and windows are among the worst culprits for allowing inside air to escape, so it's important to check the seals around them on a regular basis. Inspect them once at the beginning of the summer and again going into winter. Watch for any cracks, broken seals, and other signs of deterioration. In general, replacing these seals is not very expensive, and this small repair can make a big difference in your energy bills over time.
Upgrade your insulation. Your roof is another common area for cool air and warmth to escape. While your home was likely built with insulation in the roof, the insulation materials can deteriorate over time, causing them to be less effective at regulating the internal temperature of your home. Rodent and other pest activity in your attic can also wreak havoc on your insulation, as these little critters use the materials to make their nests. Especially if your home is older, you may need to upgrade your insulation, as technology has come a long way over the decades.
Use a programmable thermostat. If you keep your home at a constant temperature throughout the day, you're likely wasting a lot of energy when you aren't even at home. Rather than having to remember to adjust the thermostat before you leave for work each morning and when you return home in the evenings, invest in a thermostat that you can program. This way, you'll be able to let your house get a bit hotter or colder while you are away, then have it come back to a comfortable temperature before you get back. By shutting off your system when you are out of the house, you can reduce your energy consumption dramatically.

Of course, the old standby tips of opening windows in the summer and putting on an extra layer in the winter still hold true and can help you reduce your energy costs even further. It's all about striking a balance between comfort and affordability to find what works best for you.

How to Make a Fire Safety Plan

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Living room by Kara Eads

No one likes to think about the possibility of a fire in their home, but this is one situation where it definitely pays to be prepared. This is especially true if you have children or pets in your home. Read on to learn how to develop a fire safety plan to ensure you and your loved ones are as safe as possible in an emergency.

Plan Multiple Routes Out of Your Home

Depending on where the fire starts and how much of your home it consumes, you may not necessarily be able to use the most obvious exit. Of course, the best way to get out of your home in a fire is the quickest route, but you may not have access to it if fire is blocking it. In addition to identifying the fastest way out, be sure to have several contingency options at the ready as well.

This is especially important if your home has two or more levels. If a fire is blocking the stairs, how will you get your loved ones out safely? Think about as many possible ways to get out of every room in your home as you can, and make sure all members of your family are familiar with their exit routes, no matter where they are.

Consider All Members of Your Family

Small children and pets will likely need assistance in the event of a fire, so you and any other adults in your home will need to plan who will take on which responsibilities. For example, you might tend to your children while your partner handles the pets, or vice versa. The important thing is to ensure that everyone will be taken care of and that no one will be forgotten. The last thing you want to have to do is run back into a burning house to rescue a forgotten hamster on the upper floor.

Do Several Practice Runs

All that planning can quickly go out the window in the stress and chaos of an actual emergency, so be sure to practice your fire exit plan frequently. This will instill the exit routes and procedure in your and your loved ones' minds so everyone can get out safely without panicking. Make sure your kids understand the importance of this practice as well to ensure they take it seriously and pay attention to the details. With practice, you and your family will be well-prepared in the event of a fire.

How to Decide If Solar Panels Are Right for Your Home

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Solar panels by Bill Mead

Solar panels can provide clean electricity for your home, helping you to save money on energy costs while also doing your part to help the environment. However, not all homes are suited to solar energy. Here's what you need to know to determine whether solar panels make sense for your home.

Can you afford solar panels?

Gone are the days when you had to shell out thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars upfront to buy solar panels. You'll have a lot of other options available to you these days, including taking out a personal loan, financing the project through the solar panel company, and leasing the panels from the company. Depending on where you live, you may even be eligible for state or federal subsidies or rebates to encourage you to go solar.

Take the time to request quotes from several solar companies, and be sure to research the many options in your jurisdiction. This way, you'll have all the information you'll need to work out which option makes the most sense for your budget. You'll likely be pleasantly surprised that solar panels are much more affordable than you might think.

Do you get plenty of sunshine?

Of course, you'll need to have plenty of sun on your roof throughout the day to make solar panels worthwhile, or enough space on your property for a ground-mounted system. If you have a large tree that shades the bulk of your property, or if you live in an area where the weather is often cloudy, solar panels may not be cost-effective for you. Think about the layout of your roof and the typical weather where you live to determine whether you'll get enough sunshine to produce the necessary electricity to reduce or your electric bill enough to make the project worthwhile.

Are there any local or HOA requirements?

Some jurisdictions have regulations regarding solar panels, so you'll want to ensure you are complying with any laws in your area. If your home is in a community with a homeowner association (HOA), you may also have to comply with their rules and bylaws. Be sure to do your research in advance and request approval so you don't end up getting fined for not following the rules.

Get Started with Solar Today

You'll never know how much you could save with solar panels until you start looking into it, so start your research today. You could save a lot of money on your electric bills while also potentially adding value to your property and preserving the environment, so it is in your best interest to at least check out the possibilities.

How Independent Agents Are Different from Captive Agents

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Client Meeting by Goodluz

When it comes to buying insurance, you have two primary options available to you: independent agents like us, and captive agents. While both can provide insurance services, these two types of insurance agents are not the same, and it's important to understand the differences.

Captive Insurance Agents

A captive agent works for a single insurance company, either as an employee of that company or as an independent contractor. This means that a captive insurance agent will be limited to the specific insurance products offered by that particular company, so they won't be able to help you if you need a type of insurance they don't offer, or shop around to find the best deals on the market.

The insurance company may also push certain products, so there is no guarantee that you are truly getting what is best for you, and not just what is best for the company.
Independent Insurance Agents

An independent agent is not controlled by any one insurance company, and instead works with multiple insurers. This means independent agents have access to all of the insurance products and services offered by all of the companies they represent.

As a result, it's often the case that an independent agent will be able to help you with all of the products you need, even if those products come from multiple insurance companies.

As an independent insurance agency, we are not bound to a single company and can assist you with insurance products from multiple providers. This enables us to shop around to get you the best possible rates for you. We offer a wide range of insurance products, and we can help tailor a plan that fits your specific needs and budget.

We also take customer service very seriously. If you need to file a claim, we’ll walk with you and work on your behalf throughout the process. We’re available for questions, and we can even regularly review your policy to ensure it is still the best possible fit for you.

To see how an independent insurance agent can help you, or to find out how much you might save by switching, get in touch with us today.

Benefits of Using a Dash Cam

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:24:00 GMT

Dash cam by Proxima Studio / Depositphotos.com

More and more people these days are choosing to add dash cams to their vehicles, and for good reason. These small cameras can be highly useful to you, especially in the event that you get a traffic ticket or are involved in a crash or other incident on the road. Here's how a dash cam can benefit you.

Document What Happened in a Crash

Car crashes can be incredibly traumatizing, and this can greatly impact your memory of the event. Not only that, but you and the other driver are likely to differ in your accounts of what happened. With a dash cam, you'll have the footage to prove exactly what happened leading up to and during the incident.

You can then provide this information to law enforcement and your insurance company to ensure everything proceeds as it should. If the other driver was at fault, this would also maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement from their insurance company. Some drivers may omit information to avoid fault, and your dash cam footage can fill in the gaps to provide a more complete story.

Avoid Traffic Tickets

Police officers are human just like the rest of us, and that means that they can make mistakes too. If you have received a ticket and don't believe you actually committed the offense they said you did, dash cam footage can help to get the charges dismissed. Of course, it won't help if you actually were in the wrong, but it can minimize the risk of officer error.

Find Out How You Got That Door Ding

Some dash cams are always on, even when you're not in your car, and can detect when something bumps into your car. When that happens, they store video from a minute or two before until a minute or two after the bump so you can see what happened, possibly even catching the license plate of the car that was responsible for causing the damage.

Share Your Adventures

If you enjoy off-roading or track racing in your vehicle, a dash cam is the perfect way to document your activities. You can then share the videos later with your friends. Just remember to keep your attention on driving, and put the dash cam out of your mind until it's time to retrieve the video later.

Equip Your Vehicle with a Dash Cam to See All the Benefits

We're sure you can come up with many other benefits besides these once you get started with your own dash cam. These devices are affordable and easy to set up, so just about anyone can add a dash cam to their vehicle. Dash cams are available from several manufacturers and with many different options to fit your needs and your budget.