Keep your home safe from springtime storms

Posted on May 20, 2013 by ancag

This year spring took longer to settle. By now, the rising temperatures melted what was left of last winter’s snow, and depending on the region where you live, they could be making room for the season’s common weather moods: thunderstorms, flooding, wind, hail, and lighting.

To make sure it doesn’t catch you by surprise, now is a good time to review your renters insurance policies with your agent or the company in charge with your home’s safety to make sure you have enough coverage for the protection of your family and your belongings. Aside from these, there are ways you can keep secure from the dangers of destructive storms:

Trim back the dead wood from the trees around your house. It will reduce the stress produced by the wind on trees and eliminate potential damage from falling limbs.
Move loose items indoor, like patio furniture and gardening tools, and brace your doors and windows, ensuring that they close and seal properly.
Keep your large windows protected and move valuables away from windows.
Inspect your basement, you might have to reseal the whole space.
Stock up on repair item such as sandbags, lumber, plastic tarps.
Prepare to be without electricity, stock up on canned food, bottled water, candles & flashlights, medicine & first aid equipment, batteries.
If you have a pool, lower the level of water before the storm so that the water doesn’t overflow and enter your home or ruin the landscape.
Check your ceiling and roof and have them repaired immediately if you find even the slightest sign of leaks.
While you’re up there, check the gutters too to make sure they drain well. If you find little granules collecting in it, it’s a good sign that your roof’s coating needs to be resealed.
Make sure that all your power boxes and exposed electrical wires are secured.

Are home security systems worth the cost?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by ericar

Overall, the quality of protection is determined by the price that you’re willing to pay. There are, however, a few exceptions to the rule.

Many renters often wonder what is the best way to protect their property from theft and damages. Having renters insurance helps in times of emergencies but it may also be a good idea to take preventative measures, such as installing a home security system.

There are security systems on the market that are worth every penny. These systems provide video and audio surveillance, automatic communication with public safety offices, and motion sensors. There are systems that equip residents with personalized passcodes to keep track of who enters the home and when. Some services include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, frozen pipe or leak notifications, and home automation packages that let you monitor energy usage and every aspect of your home’s activity.

Many of the aforementioned services do not come with standard packages. They are added at a price. The most basic security packages include motion detectors and alarms that sound when doors or windows are opened. Truth be told, those features will not protect you from an armed robber or give you the tools needed to catch a thief after the fact. That doesn’t mean that standard services are useless.

The most basic home security services do have their advantages. According to a Rutgers University study, neighborhoods with multiple home security systems are less prone to crime. Security systems do seem dissuade criminals.

Before settling on a particular security package, it is best to request an on-site assessment of your home with a security professional. If the person represents a security company, he or she will likely recommend the most advanced package for your home’s needs; this is a good starting point. If the cost of the package is within your budget, run with it. If not, you can begin customizing your package by eliminating the services that you’re less likely to need.

Transferring Renters Insurance to Your New Apartment

Posted on February 21, 2012 by ericar

Moving to a new location doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need a new insurance policy or provider. With Resident Shield, it’s easy to transfer your coverage to your new home.

Within the State

Moving into a new apartment is hectic enough without worrying about your renters insurance. (You just want to make sure that the rental truck delivers all of your possessions promptly and intact!) To make life easier, Resident Shield has created a convenient system for transferring your policy to your new apartment. Simply give us a call at 1-800-566-1186. A specialist will note your new address and you’re done! Resident Shield will send a proof of insurance document to the new management office on your behalf.

It’s common to buy new items when moving to a new apartment. When you call, notify the representative of any recent purchases such as appliances, entertainment equipment, furniture, etc. These could increase the estimated value of your possessions. You’ll want to make sure that they’re covered, too.

Out of State

Renters that relocate out of state can follow the same procedure. Give us a call with your new address and any additions and we will handle the rest. Keep in mind, however, that premiums are different from state to state. You may experience an increase or decrease in your premium once you move, though your coverage remains the same.

New roommate

If your change in location has also resulted in a new roommate, let us know immediately. Up to two adults roommates (including spouses) can be placed on your policy as insured persons. It is important to keep this information up to date to ensure proper coverage.

10 “Safe and Sound” Questions to Ask at Your Apartment

Posted on February 15, 2012 by leahe

So you’re renting a new apartment or home. Congratulations! You’ve probably already covered the basics with your leasing agent or property manager, but these 10 questions you may not have thought of. Ask them, and take appropriate action based on the responses, to make sure you’ll be safe and secure in your new home.

What phone number should I call, after 911, in case there is an emergency situation in or on the property of my new apartment?
What is the emergency evacuation plan created for my new apartment complex? Where is the nearest hospital?
Where is the neighborhood’s nearest emergency shelter facility?
Where are the nearest industrial size fire extinguishers located in proximity to my unit?
Does my property management company carry a mandated umbrella renters insurance policy for my complex that I can pay into? (If not, be sure to purchase your own individual renters insurance policy.)
Is there storage available for the apartment that’s not attached to my unit? How is it secured and can I change the lock code or combination to a personal, secure preference? (Be sure to include the contents of your on-site storage in any renters insurance cost estimate.)
Does my new complex have emergency contact information on file for me – in case something happened to you, or to your apartment, would they be able to reach you if you were at work or traveling, or contact another person who could reach you?
Am I storing my most important and valuable possessions in a safe deposit box? Some items, like birth certificates, passports, heirloom jewelry, savings bonds and other vital documents, are not recommended to be stored in the home.
If I do have extremely valuable items in my apartment, are they stored in a secure fireproof safe? A small safe can be a storage alternative that will protect your belongings in case of fire or flood.
Have I updated my renters insurance policy from my old apartment? Don’t forget to do this each and every time you move, or your policy may lapse.

Congratulations, and may yours be a safe and happy home.