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Tag: homeowners insurance

  • Home Security Tips For The Holiday Season

    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.

  • Importance Of Flood Insurance

    Importance Of Flood Insurance

    Don’t let the next Mesa, AZ flood ruin your house. Invest in flood insurance.

    When you invest in a homeowner’s insurance policy, it is easy to assume that you are covered in case of any unfortunate situation that you may run into. Flood insurance is not covered on your home insurance policy. You must purchase a separate flood policy to be covered for flood. Protecting your home and personal belongings with the right flood insurance policy can help to give you the peace of mind that you deserve.

    Even if you do not live near a body of water, your home is still at risk of experiencing a flood. All homes are built on some type of flood plain, and the degree of risk is based off of how high the threat is. Luckily, the premiums for your flood insurance policy if you live in a low to moderate flood risk zone will be much lower than if you live in a high-risk area.

    Standard flood insurance policies will cover damage that is done to the structure of your house, as well as any permanent structures, such as your water heater, air conditioner, and furnace. You also have the choice to invest in coverage for your personal property that you keep in your house, such as furniture and clothing. The more coverage you invest in, the higher your rates will be, but the better protected you will be.

    Keep in mind that flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will become active, which means the sooner you invest in a policy, the sooner you can start enjoying your coverage.

    When looking for the right flood insurance policy that will provide the right amount of protection to meet all of your needs, contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • Cover Your Furry Friend With The Right Umbrella Insurance Policy

    Cover Your Furry Friend With The Right Umbrella Insurance Policy

     

    Umbrella Coverage And Dog Bites

    When looking for ways to cut costs in your life, you may look towards your insurance policies. While you do not want to completely drop your coverage, you may think that skipping out on some coverage options can help you save money. However, each day hundreds of lawsuits are filed, which could leave you digging deep into your pockets to pay for an accident.

    One of the most common lawsuits that people overlook are dog bite lawsuits. While you may think that your furry friend is the most lovable dog around, your neighbor may not feel the same. Even the most well-behaved dogs can bite someone if they are scared or threatened. While your homeowners insurance policy may provide a limited amount of coverage, it’s limits can easily be reached if you are sued for the dog bite.

    The best way to ensure that you and your four-legged friends are protected from any peril is to invest in a personal umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage that goes beyond the coverage that is provided by your other policies, including your auto and home insurance. Once the limits of your existing policies are reached, the liability that is provided by your umbrella insurance policy will then kick in to ensure that you do not have to cover the costs out of your own pocket.

    If your dog bites someone, you will not only be held responsible for their medical bills, but you can also be sued for pain and suffering and other damages. Since umbrella insurance policies start at $1 million in coverage, you can rest assured that you have the protection that you deserve in case of any unfortunate situation.

    To ensure that you and your entire family are protected with the right umbrella insurance policy, contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • Are Your Trees in Trouble?

    Are Your Trees in Trouble?

    Tree Dangers

    Trees are a great way to help keep your house cool during the summer while also helping to increase the value of your home. However, if you do not properly care for your trees, they can cause serious and expensive damage to your house. Make sure to look out for these signs of trouble in the trees in your yard.

    • V-shaped forks in between branches are more likely to split in two and cause damage than U-shaped ones.
    • Trees that are leaning significantly or look one-sided are at danger at falling onto your property and causing damage.
    • Any limbs that can come in contact with overhead power lines can cause damage to your property, as well as cause damage to the power in your whole neighborhood.
    • If you find any cracks in major limbs or in the trunk of the tree, it can mean that there are structural issues with the tree.
    • Mushrooms that are growing from the bark of the tree can be an indication of a weakened or decaying tree.
    • Branches that cross over each other can rub against each and interfere with each other’s growth, which can weaken the tree overall.
    • Branches that hang over the roof of your house are much more likely to fall and damage your house.

    One of the best ways to prevent problems with your tree is to regularly prune it. However, over-pruning can lead to a significantly weaker tree. If you find that you have a damaged, diseased, or dead tree in your yard, can help to limit the spreading of any diseases, as well as reducing the possibility that the tree will damage your property.

    Having the right homeowners insurance policy can help to make sure that you and your home are protected in case of any damage that occurs. Contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all your home insurance needs.

  • Try This Light and Delicious Spring Recipe!

    Try This Light and Delicious Spring Recipe!

    Summer Picnic in the BackyardSpring Recipe

    With the weather heating up, it is the perfect time to find a new light and healthy recipe that the whole family can enjoy together. Try out this delicious strawberry, pistachio, and goat cheese pizza recipe this season.

    You will need:

    • 1 12 ounce pre-baked pizza crust
    • 1/3 cup, or 3 ounces, crumbled goat cheese
    • 1 cup sliced strawberries
    • 1 cup trimmed watercress
    • ½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    • Pinch of salt
    • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ cup, or 1 ounce shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
    • 3 tablespoons chopped shelled dry roasted pistachios

    Then you will need to:

    1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
    2. Place the pizza crust on the baking sheet, and bake at 425 degrees for 8 minutes. Take the crust out of the oven, and arrange the goat cheese evenly over the crust.
    3. Mix together the watercress, strawberries, olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Toss to gently coat all the ingredients. Arrange the strawberry mixture in an even layer over the goat cheese. Sprinkle the pizza with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and pistachios. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    While you are enjoying a delicious meal in your backyard this spring, it is the perfect time to look over your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage for the season. Contact the insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your home insurance coverage needs.

  • THINGS THAT YOUR HOME INSURANCE WON’T COVER

    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!

  • When Water Goes Where It Shouldn’t….

    When Water Goes Where It Shouldn’t….

    Even a small leak can become a major problem, so knowing what you’re covered for and how to prevent water damage are equally important. The below tips should help uncover any potential water problems down the road and keep your property dry.

    Check the appliance hoses. Standard hoses are not as durable as they used to be. Replace rubber hoses with steel-braided hoses. This is a low cost fix that can save thousands in water damage.

    Broken tiles in the shower can allow water to leak into the walls or on the floor. Replace cracked tiles and re-grout when needed.

    Run dishwasher and washing machine only when you are home. If a leak occurs, you can turn the appliance off right away.

    When on vacation, turn off the main water supply to your house.

    Keep storm drains near your house clear of leaves.

    Install a water pressure gauge. An inexpensive gauge can prevent damage caused by water pressure that’s too high. Pressure should be between 60 and 80 PSI.

    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!

  • Be Careful When Playing With Fire  

    Be Careful When Playing With Fire  

    wood fireIt’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!

  • Holiday Tree Safety

    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.Christmas scene with tree and fire in background

    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!

  • Homeowners Insurance: Working to Keep You Protected from the Dangers Your Swimming Pool can Cause

    Homeowners Insurance: Working to Keep You Protected from the Dangers Your Swimming Pool can Cause

    Outdoor hot tub or spa by swimming pool in the winter

    As a homeowner with a swimming pool, you will likely be having many guests over to enjoy time by the pool and swimming. Swimming is a fun leisurely activity everyone can enjoy. However, have you thought about the dangers that can come along with it? Anyone can become severely injured by both slipping and falling on the wet floor surrounding the pool, bumping their head on the bottom of the pool, and more. Since the swimming pool is located on your property, you will want to be sure you are protected from legal situations that could be involved with these accidents.

    The best way to provide yourself with some safety from these risks is with the help of homeowners insurance coverage. You can include coverage for the swimming pool on your property.

    To prevent having to use your homeowners insurance policy for accidents that happen in your own swimming pool, consider adding a fence to surround the pool. Keep the gate to your pool fence secure and keep potential “step-stools” away from the perimeter. It will prevent children from getting too close to the pool and hurting themselves.  Also, be sure you are using efficient covers for the drains around the pool. Without covers, anyone can get stuck in them and become seriously injured. Constant supervision is the ONLY way to reliably prevent drowning. Be sure you are watching and ensuring everyone is using the pool safely. This means no diving near the shallow end, or running around the pool’s edge.

    For more information about homeowners insurance and pool safety in Arizona please contact Hoey & Saks Insurance Agency, located in Mesa.