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Home Security Tips For The Holiday Season
Don’t let an intruder ruin your holiday season with these tips.

The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year. While packing your bag for your holiday vacation, it is important to think of your home security while you are away. Keep these home security tips in mind to ensure that your house stays safe and sound while you are away.
- Lock up – with everything that you are doing to get out of your house, it can be easy to forget something simple, like making sure everything is locked tight. Right before you leave your house, make sure all of your doors and windows are locked, even those on the second story.
- Light up – install sensor lights around the exterior of your house so that would-be thieves are not able to hide in the shadows. You should also install timers on a couple of lights inside your house to go off at different times so that your home does not stay dark the whole time you are away.
- Pay up – make sure your bills are all paid before you leave, especially your electric bill. Not only will it help you to relax while you are on vacation, but it will also make sure that all electric systems in your house, including your alarm system, continue working while you are away.
- Check up – ask a trusted neighbor or close friend to check up on your house periodically while you are away. Having someone go in and out of your house will help it look occupied, even if they are only visiting for an hour or two.
Before you leave, take a look at your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have the coverage you deserve while away. Contact the insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your home insurance needs this holiday season.
November 30, 2015
THINGS THAT YOUR HOME INSURANCE WON’T COVER

Mold: The best cure for mold is to prevent it from growing in the first place. If the basement floods after a rainstorm or a pipe is leaking, eliminate the moisture promptly, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says homeowners generally can clean up mold themselves if the affected area is less than about 10 square feet. Otherwise, it is best to call in an expert.

Flood Damage: water damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance, but flood damage is not. Flood by definition is a rising body of water.

Sewer backup: America’s sewer lines are rapidly aging, with some more than 100 years old. As more homes have been connected to these out-of-date lines, sewage backups have followed. If you are worried about being unprotected, consider extra insurance that may be available as endorsements to your policy for risks such as sewer backups – sewer-backup damage often can be covered for an additional premium.

Wear & Tear and Maintenance: Your home insurance policy is there to get you back to where you were before a sudden, unexpected occurrence that does damage to your home. Wear and tear and regular maintenance issues do not fall under that category.

Sinkholes: Sinkholes are sudden gaps in the earth’s surface that occur after groundwater gradually dissolves rock such as limestone and carries bits of it away, creating large pores and cracks in bedrock

Termite infestation: If these unwanted guests cause wear and tear to your home, do not expect your insurer to bail you out because homeowners policies do not pay for termite damage

Intentional or criminal acts: (aka fraudulent claims)

Puppy antics: If your new puppy uses your leather sofa or carpet as a chew toy or potty, your home insurance won’t pick up the tab for the damage. There are no policies that cover damage caused by pets.

Squirrels in the attic: A squirrel is classified as a rodent, and damage by rodents is excluded under a standard homeowners policy

Earth Movement: If the earth moves and does damage to your home, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover you. Earthquakes and landslides are just two types of earth movement that are specifically excluded on home insurance policies

Every insurance company is a little different and what is included or excluded on your policy depends on their rules as well as the type of policy you have. It’s important to be aware of all exclusions on the policy and to prepare yourself by purchasing additional coverage to fill the gaps where needed. Read all of the fine print on your policy so that you aren’t surprised by an exclusion once it’s too late.

At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

February 10, 2015
Our suggestions to safeguard your home against intruders.
Burglaries occur at American homes about every 15 seconds, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. You hear more and more of homes being robbed and families being held at gunpoint.

Here are some of our suggestions to help you safeguard your home:
- Don’t advertise new purchases: By putting out boxes from a new flat-screen television, video game system, a laptop computer or other expensive home electronics at the curb, you’re showing a potential burglar exactly what new and valuable items are now available in your home
- Keep your cell phone on and fully charged at night – next to your bed
- Install deadbolts: The two main types of deadbolts are single and double cylinder locks. A single cylinder deadbolt, about $35, has a keyed opening on one side and a knob that can be turned by hand on the other. A double cylinder deadbolt lock, about $45, is keyed on both sides
- Leave a light on at night, add motion detectors or lighting with timers
- Use shades, drapes and other window treatments to keep potentially tempting household items out of view.
- Keep an outside light on, adequate nighttime illumination is critical and will deter intruders
- Keep doors and windows locked: Intruders can break into your home at any time
- Add a burglar alarm: Arm the alarm at all times, again intruders can break into your home at any time – also consider adding video surveillance cameras and motion detectors to deter intruders.
- Shrubs and trees can offer an intruder places to hide and camouflage signs of a break-in. Trim back any overgrown vegetation so that your home’s windows, porches and doors are visible to neighbors and passersby
- Make sure your home number is visible to emergency personnel and/or the police
- Reinforce entry points: add a security door and a peep-hole to the interior door
Use Common Sense:
- Never open your front door until you know the identity of the person on the other side
- Never leave key under the door mat, in a planter or under a fake rock
- Barking dogs also deter unwelcome or uninvited guests
- Keep a baseball bat, a gun or a can of wasp spray next to your bed
- If you have a security system, don’t put one of those “Protected By” stickers in your yard. That information can provide enough info to the intruders on how to disable it. Get a generic sticker.
Contact Us!

At Saks Insurance, LLC, we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!
January 30, 2015
Be Careful When Playing With Fire
It’s a great feeling to hang out with friends and family around a blazing fire in your backyard here in Arizona — unless, of course, that fire blazes a little too much.

While a fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your home, all fires are potentially dangerous. So before you sit down with some marshmallows to roast, we here at Saks Insurance, LLC. have gathered up some tips to help you keep that fire in the pit (and away from everything else).

Are you legal?
- Before building or buying a fire pit, check the regulations in your area to learn about restrictions.
- Your fire pit may be legal, but a fire might not always be. Monitor and follow community burn bans. Log on to http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/Default.aspx to check on the air quality in your neighborhood (or download the application to receive air quality alerts on your smart phone)
- Be respectful. Nothing can extinguish the good vibes of a nice fire more quickly than police complaints from smoked-out neighbors.
What kind of pit do you want?
- You can buy a fire pit or build one. If you choose the latter, there are plenty of resources online to help you design it. Don’t dig a hole just anywhere and throw some rocks down. Put some thought into it and you’ll have a better — and safer — spot to enjoy.
- If you want convenience, a propane model might be right for you. They produce less smoke and have an adjustable flame.
Ready to build your fire?

Actually, you probably aren’t ready yet.
- First, ensure the area under and around the fire pit is clear of flammable materials. Keep the pit itself at least 10 feet from any structures.
- Before you start the fire, have a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy.
Okay, now are you ready to build your fire?
- Choose hard, seasoned woods. Sparks from softer woods like cedar can increase the danger of igniting something nearby.
- Don’t use liquid fuels, even lighter fluid, to get your fire going. And don’t burn paper, cardboard, leaves, garbage, etc.
- If you have a metal fire pit, don’t overload it and always use the included safety screen.
Is the fire out?
- When you’re done, spread out the ashes and let them cool off for a bit. Then gently pour water or sand over them. Stick around for a little while to watch for flare-ups.
We want you to have plenty of nice, warm nights — without getting burned. Here’s to making memories around the fire!

Contact Us!

At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!
December 28, 2014
Holiday Tree Safety

For many people, one of the most festive parts of the holiday season is having a fresh smelling pine tree, decorated with lights and ornaments, as the focal point of the home. While it brings joy to many, it can also introduce danger unless care is taken.

In the rush of excitement of the holidays, safety precautions are sometimes overlooked. It’s important to take the time to find a safe location for the tree, and set it up in a way so that it will not become a fire danger as the days and weeks go by.

A few tips include:

– Pick a fresh tree – they’re less of a hazard than dry trees. To check for freshness, try to bend a needle – fresh needles don’t break when bent.

– Water the tree daily throughout the holiday season to keep it fresh longer. This is especially important since it’s most likely located in a heated room, which will dry out the tree over time. Also keep your tree far away from fireplaces, heaters and radiators.

– Lighting. As you unpack your box of holiday decorations, you may find yourself grabbing the same strings of lights you used last year and possibly the year before! It’s important to carefully examine the cords and make sure there is no wear and tear. Also check to see that all the lights are working and no wires are exposed.

– Don’t fall! When decorating the top of a tall tree, or stringing lights across your windows, don’t use the arm of the sofa, or a wobbly side table to stand on. Bring in a step stool and use care.

– Don’t burn wrapping paper! It may be tempting to toss the gift wrapping paper right into the living room fireplace after opening a gift, but wrapping paper burns very hot and may create large flames. These flames can cause hot embers to blow into the home, or could ignite a chimney fire.

– How long should a tree stay up? As much as it becomes part of the home, with its lights giving the room a warm, cozy glow, a tree should be disposed of within 30 days of purchase. You can take your tree to a recycling center or have it picked up by a community service. Don’t burn the tree yourself, the needles burn very fast and hot, and could easily get out of control.

Keeping a few of these tips in mind will help you enjoy and be safe this holiday season!

Contact Us!

At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

December 1, 2014
Flood Insurance – What you should know about flood insurance

You’ve probably heard this horror story before — someone loses a home due to a flood and learns after the fact that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

At Saks Insurance,LLC. we want you to be educated about all of the risks you may face – before a loss occurs – so you can determine what insurance coverage is appropriate. Spring is a prime season for flooding, so now is a good time to review your options.

Because very few companies offer flood insurance, the U.S. government created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968. Available to homeowners, renters and business owners, this insurance often is required to obtain a mortgage in areas at high risk of flooding.

But you might want to look into a policy just for peace of mind, even if you don’t live in Cave Creek. According to the NFIP, nearly 25% of the program’s claims occur in moderate- to low-risk areas. Check out the questions and answers below to help determine if flood insurance is right for you.

Is flood insurance available in my area?

To participate in the NFIP, a community must adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance with rules regarding construction in certain flood-prone areas. In exchange, the government makes flood insurance available within that community. We’re happy to help you find out if you’re eligible for flood insurance. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144. You can also visit http://www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm.

What does it cover?

The NFIP provides coverage for both the structure and its contents. Coverage for contents is optional in some cases, so you may want to give us a call to discuss other coverage for your personal property.

Keep in mind that you typically can’t purchase flood insurance and have it take effect the next day. There is usually a 30-day waiting period. (Exceptions to this rule apply, however, particularly when the insurance is required by a lender and is purchased during the process of securing a mortgage.) If you think you need flood insurance, don’t wait to buy a policy!

What doesn’t it cover?

Generally, government-issued flood insurance will not cover the following: Buildings entirely over water or principally below ground, gas and liquid storage tanks, animals, aircraft, wharves, piers, bulkheads, growing crops, shrubbery, land, roads, machinery or equipment in the open and most motor vehicles.

How much does it cost?

As with all insurance policies, the cost of flood insurance varies depending on your situation. If your home or business is in a high-risk area, such as a “special flood hazard area,” your premium naturally will be higher than those in low- or moderate-risk zones. Premiums are based on how old the building is, how many floors it has, the location of its contents, your deductible and more. Renters insurance is typically less expensive, as renters generally insure their belongings and not the building.

Where can I find more information?

As always, we are happy to help you determine your insurance needs. Stop by our office at 5304 E. Southern Avenue or give us a call at 480-545-1144 The NFIP website, at http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, has plenty of answers as well.

September 19, 2014
Safeguard Your Home Before Vacations

The weekend is here, and you can’t wait to get on the road to your vacation getaway. You’ve spent all week packing, and are positive you didn’t forget a single thing! However, did you make sure to take all the measures necessary to protect your home against invaders? Have you done what you can to decrease your energy expenditure while you are gone? Here are some tips for securing your home before you head out on vacation:
• Secure a neighbor as an emergency contact. Give them the contact information for where you will be staying in case there is a problem with your home.
• Install light-timers, and program them to turn on in the evenings. This will help deter burglars who are looking for empty homes at night.
• Contact the Post Office and have your mail held..
• Check all windows, blinds, and doors to make sure they are secure before you leave.
• Adjust your thermostat. No one is going to be in your home, so this is an easy opportunity to cut down on costs.
• Unplug any electronics that are not in use while you are gone. This can protect you against any possible shortages that may cause a fire.
• Discard any perishable items in your fridge and empty your trash.
• Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order.
• Set your alarm system before you leave.

If you will be away for an extended period of time be sure to turn your water off. There is nothing worse than coming home to water damage from broken plumbing.
From all of us Saks Insurance wish you a safe, and fun summer vacation! For any questions about insurance in Arizona, please contact Saks Insurance. We make it our mission to find you the best coverage, and the most affordable price. Contact us today for all of your insurance needs!

July 18, 2014