(2773,1,'2022-10-17 22:48:38','2022-10-17 22:48:38','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2738,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Small-business.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2738\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What better way to&nbsp;show customers that you care than to&nbsp;send them a&nbsp;customer appreciation gift? Your competitors might try to&nbsp;win over customers with stale “thank you” emails. You, on&nbsp;the&nbsp;other hand, can leave a&nbsp;deep impression.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The trouble with&nbsp;thank-you&nbsp;gifts is&nbsp;figuring out what to&nbsp;send. You can’t choose something that’s too expensive, nor can you pick something that might be&nbsp;seen as&nbsp;worthless. You have to&nbsp;walk a&nbsp;thin line between price and&nbsp;practicality when selecting&nbsp;thank-you&nbsp;gift ideas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Use Gifts for Marketing?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While the&nbsp;explicit purpose of&nbsp;a&nbsp;customer appreciation gift is&nbsp;to&nbsp;show you care, it&nbsp;has another motive as&nbsp;well: to&nbsp;market your online store. You certainly want customers to&nbsp;feel happy and&nbsp;appreciated, but it&nbsp;would also be&nbsp;nice if&nbsp;they were to&nbsp;recommend your store to&nbsp;their friends.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To&nbsp;use customer appreciation gifts as&nbsp;a&nbsp;marketing tactic, there are a&nbsp;number of&nbsp;things you need to&nbsp;keep in&nbsp;mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Gifts vs. discounts</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Using discounts and&nbsp;offers to&nbsp;maximize sales is&nbsp;old hat in&nbsp;e-commerce.&nbsp;The question to&nbsp;ask is: how does a&nbsp;discount compare against a&nbsp;gift in&nbsp;terms of&nbsp;marketing impact?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To&nbsp;answer this question, you’ll have to&nbsp;consider two things:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>How often you offer discounts:</strong>&nbsp;The perceived value of&nbsp;a&nbsp;discount depends on&nbsp;how frequently you offer it. If&nbsp;you have frequent sales and&nbsp;offers, customers might not be&nbsp;too enthusiastic about yet another discount, no&nbsp;matter how steep.</li><li><strong>Discount value and&nbsp;conditions:</strong>&nbsp;A&nbsp;steep discount with liberal terms might end up&nbsp;costing you more than a&nbsp;free gift. On&nbsp;the&nbsp;other hand, if&nbsp;the&nbsp;discount is&nbsp;too low with strict terms, customers might not be&nbsp;interested.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Interestingly, research in&nbsp;consumer psychology indicates that&nbsp;people prefer to&nbsp;get more rather than spend less. A&nbsp;free gift might have higher perceived value since it&nbsp;gives them more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Of&nbsp;course, this only applies if&nbsp;you’re actually telling customers that you’re giving them a&nbsp;gift. This brings us&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;next point.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Explicit vs. secret gifts</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Should you tell customers about the&nbsp;gift or&nbsp;should you just send them a&nbsp;surprise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are pros and&nbsp;cons to&nbsp;each approach. Telling customers upfront might convince them to&nbsp;make a&nbsp;purchase, especially if&nbsp;they see the&nbsp;gift as&nbsp;a&nbsp;“deal”. At&nbsp;the&nbsp;same time, it&nbsp;robs you of&nbsp;the&nbsp;customer delight that comes with a&nbsp;surprise gift.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What approach you use will depend on&nbsp;what you hope to&nbsp;achieve with the&nbsp;gift. If&nbsp;your goal is&nbsp;to&nbsp;delight customers, build loyalty, and&nbsp;increase word of&nbsp;mouth (including social media), choose a&nbsp;surprise gift.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">On&nbsp;the&nbsp;other hand, if&nbsp;you want to&nbsp;use gifts as&nbsp;an&nbsp;incentive to&nbsp;buy more, tell customers about it&nbsp;upfront.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Gifting to&nbsp;some vs. gifting to&nbsp;all customers</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Another dilemma is&nbsp;figuring out who to&nbsp;gift&nbsp;— some customers or&nbsp;all of&nbsp;them?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Gifting everyone has the&nbsp;obvious cost disadvantage. You might also not realize many benefits from gifting people who are inactive on&nbsp;social media or&nbsp;unlikely to&nbsp;recommend you to&nbsp;friends.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">At&nbsp;the&nbsp;same time, gifting only a&nbsp;few customers might make them feel special&nbsp;— at&nbsp;the&nbsp;cost of&nbsp;other customers. Customer B&nbsp;might wonder why Customer A&nbsp;got a&nbsp;gift and&nbsp;he&nbsp;didn’t. This can create resentment for&nbsp;your brand&nbsp;— the&nbsp;exact opposite purpose of&nbsp;gifting.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Maximize the&nbsp;impact of&nbsp;gifting</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To&nbsp;get the&nbsp;most out of&nbsp;your customer appreciation gifts, there are a&nbsp;few things you should keep in&nbsp;mind:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Customers buy more when there is&nbsp;a&nbsp;“mystery” involved in&nbsp;the&nbsp;purchase, as&nbsp;one&nbsp;University of&nbsp;Miami study&nbsp;discovered. Keeping the&nbsp;gift a&nbsp;secret can help in&nbsp;this regard.</li><li>Customers who receive something free and&nbsp;unexpected are driven to&nbsp;shop more, according to&nbsp;one study. Thus, it&nbsp;might be&nbsp;worth it&nbsp;to&nbsp;lose money upfront on&nbsp;a&nbsp;sale by&nbsp;giving a&nbsp;gift. You can make up&nbsp;for&nbsp;it&nbsp;with repeat purchases.</li><li>Giving away a&nbsp;freebie creates immediate word of&nbsp;mouth, according to&nbsp;an&nbsp;article in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Journal of&nbsp;Marketing. That is&nbsp;especially true if&nbsp;the&nbsp;gift is&nbsp;the&nbsp;first experience the&nbsp;customer has with your brand. Thus, besides your top customers, you can also target&nbsp;first-time&nbsp;buyers when giving away gifts to&nbsp;create a&nbsp;positive first impression.</li><li>Focus on&nbsp;gifting customers who are active on&nbsp;social media or&nbsp;have a&nbsp;history of&nbsp;sharing your stuff. Prompt them&nbsp;— gently&nbsp;— to&nbsp;upload pictures with their gifts on&nbsp;their favorite social network.</li><li>Consider donating to&nbsp;charity on&nbsp;behalf of&nbsp;the&nbsp;customer instead of&nbsp;giving away a&nbsp;gift.&nbsp;Research&nbsp;suggests that charity donations work better than a&nbsp;practical gift, especially when the&nbsp;original purchase is&nbsp;frivolous in&nbsp;nature.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">These are just some tactics to&nbsp;maximize the&nbsp;impact of&nbsp;your gifting. Your next challenge is&nbsp;to&nbsp;select the&nbsp;right gift. We’ll share some rules for&nbsp;gift selection below.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to Select Customer Appreciation Gifts?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A&nbsp;customer appreciation gift is&nbsp;usually something physical, useful, and&nbsp;related to&nbsp;your business in&nbsp;some capacity. It&nbsp;has a&nbsp;simple purpose: to&nbsp;thank customers for&nbsp;their business. Whether the&nbsp;gift elicits a&nbsp;“wow” or&nbsp;“eh” will depend on&nbsp;the&nbsp;quality of&nbsp;the&nbsp;gift.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are a&nbsp;number of&nbsp;rules you must follow when selecting a&nbsp;customer appreciation gift:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>It&nbsp;should have perceived value:</strong>&nbsp;Above everything else, the&nbsp;gift must have perceived value. Even if&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;cheap, it&nbsp;must fulfill a&nbsp;need or&nbsp;appear valuable to&nbsp;the&nbsp;customer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>It&nbsp;should be&nbsp;useful:</strong>&nbsp;A&nbsp;good gift is&nbsp;usually one that serves some practical purpose. Souvenirs and&nbsp;trinkets that only take up&nbsp;space are easily forgotten. A&nbsp;useful gift will remind the&nbsp;customer of&nbsp;your business every time they use it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>It&nbsp;should be&nbsp;easy to&nbsp;store and&nbsp;transport:</strong>&nbsp;No&nbsp;customer wants to&nbsp;deal with an&nbsp;unwanted gift that takes up&nbsp;too much storage space. Neither do&nbsp;you want to&nbsp;worry about the&nbsp;hassle of&nbsp;transporting a&nbsp;large gift. Always pick something that is&nbsp;small and&nbsp;easy to&nbsp;transport.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>It&nbsp;should be&nbsp;durable and&nbsp;lasting:</strong>&nbsp;A&nbsp;gift that is&nbsp;perishable or&nbsp;easy to&nbsp;destroy will quickly lose its value. Avoid fragile items or&nbsp;anything that might spoil over a&nbsp;couple of&nbsp;weeks.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>It&nbsp;should be&nbsp;related to&nbsp;the&nbsp;business:</strong>&nbsp;An&nbsp;ideal gift is&nbsp;related to&nbsp;the&nbsp;business in&nbsp;some way so&nbsp;that it&nbsp;reminds the&nbsp;customer of&nbsp;you. If&nbsp;you run a&nbsp;fashion store, select a&nbsp;fashion accessory, not a&nbsp;book on&nbsp;macroeconomics.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>It&nbsp;should be&nbsp;harmless:</strong>&nbsp;Lastly, the&nbsp;gift shouldn’t trigger allergies, have dangerous, sharp edges, or&nbsp;pose a&nbsp;choking hazard to&nbsp;children. Ask: can this gift cause problems for&nbsp;anyone in&nbsp;my&nbsp;customer’s household (especially old people and&nbsp;children)? If&nbsp;the&nbsp;answer is&nbsp;“yes”, pick something else.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">19&nbsp;Thank-You&nbsp;Gift Ideas for&nbsp;Your Customers</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Now that you have a&nbsp;list of&nbsp;rules for&nbsp;selecting gifts, here are a&nbsp;few ideas you can choose from.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>1.&nbsp;Write personalized handwritten notes</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A&nbsp;popular and&nbsp;extremely affordable gifting option is&nbsp;to&nbsp;simply send a&nbsp;personalized handwritten note to&nbsp;your customers. Make the&nbsp;message unique, personalized, and&nbsp;most importantly, authentic. Use pen and&nbsp;paper, not a&nbsp;printed message. It&nbsp;costs next to&nbsp;nothing except for&nbsp;your time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2.&nbsp;Send flowers</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Although perishable, flowers are a&nbsp;universally liked gift item. They’re also mostly brand agnostic, i.e. you don’t have to&nbsp;worry whether they align with your brand. Plus, the&nbsp;visual spectacle of&nbsp;a&nbsp;bunch of&nbsp;free flowers makes for&nbsp;a&nbsp;good photo opportunity and&nbsp;the&nbsp;social shares that go&nbsp;with it. Giving flowers to&nbsp;every customer is&nbsp;expensive, but if&nbsp;you pick the&nbsp;recipients (the most loyal customers, those with huge follower base on&nbsp;social media) and&nbsp;the&nbsp;occasion (birthday, Women’s Day) flowers can do&nbsp;magic.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The only time flowers won’t work is&nbsp;if&nbsp;you’re targeting young, single male customer groups who usually don’t have an&nbsp;affinity for&nbsp;them. Remember to&nbsp;pick&nbsp;non-allergic&nbsp;flowers for&nbsp;your gifts.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3.&nbsp;Offer books</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Books might not make an&nbsp;obvious choice for&nbsp;a&nbsp;gift, but for&nbsp;the&nbsp;right customer group, they can be&nbsp;a&nbsp;fantastic option. A&nbsp;relevant book not only shows that you understand the&nbsp;customer, but it&nbsp;will also stick with them for&nbsp;a&nbsp;long time, reminding them of&nbsp;your brand.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Further, books have a&nbsp;brand of&nbsp;their own. Sending a&nbsp;non-fiction&nbsp;book that pioneers new ideas can get customers to&nbsp;think of&nbsp;your brand as&nbsp;“innovative” as&nbsp;well. For best results, send&nbsp;non-fiction&nbsp;and&nbsp;non-controversial&nbsp;books.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4.&nbsp;Give charitable gifts</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Making a&nbsp;charitable donation on&nbsp;behalf of&nbsp;the&nbsp;customer can work well as&nbsp;a&nbsp;gift idea, especially if&nbsp;your customers are&nbsp;eco-conscious&nbsp;and&nbsp;philanthropically-inclined.&nbsp;Just make sure that the&nbsp;charity is&nbsp;well-recognized,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that there is&nbsp;sufficient proof of&nbsp;the&nbsp;donation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>5.&nbsp;Offer surprise upgrades</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Win over customers by&nbsp;offering them a&nbsp;free upgrade to&nbsp;their existing purchase. This works particularly well if&nbsp;the&nbsp;upgrade is&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;but better than their current purchase. Just ensure that you ask customers before making the&nbsp;upgrade&nbsp;— some might specifically want a&nbsp;lower-tier&nbsp;model.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>6.&nbsp;Help customers learn something</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One of&nbsp;the&nbsp;best gifts you can give customers is&nbsp;the&nbsp;gift of&nbsp;learning. Perhaps you can put together a&nbsp;series of&nbsp;lessons to&nbsp;help them make the&nbsp;most of&nbsp;the&nbsp;purchase (such as&nbsp;a&nbsp;guitar store gifting free music lesson CDs). Or&nbsp;perhaps you can offer them courses on&nbsp;topics that complement the&nbsp;purchase (such as&nbsp;a&nbsp;handicrafts store offering a&nbsp;free pottery class).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>7.&nbsp;Gift an&nbsp;experience</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An&nbsp;experience&nbsp;— a&nbsp;spa package, tickets to&nbsp;a&nbsp;local event, etc.&nbsp;— is&nbsp;a&nbsp;great way to&nbsp;make yourself memorable. Ensure that the&nbsp;experience aligns with your brand and&nbsp;customer profile, i.e. don’t gift tickets to&nbsp;a&nbsp;metal concert if&nbsp;your customers are&nbsp;50-year&nbsp;old women. Also, pick an&nbsp;experience that is&nbsp;easy to&nbsp;reach, has broad appeal, and&nbsp;doesn’t cost too much to&nbsp;dent your profitability.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>8.&nbsp;Send a&nbsp;birthday gift</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Sending customers gifts on&nbsp;special occasions such as&nbsp;birthdays and&nbsp;anniversaries can help you win customer loyalty. It&nbsp;shows that you care enough to&nbsp;remember them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Remember that once you start sending birthday gifts, customers might come to&nbsp;expect them every year. So&nbsp;pick something that is&nbsp;affordable enough for&nbsp;repeat gifting. A&nbsp;simple handwritten card works well enough for&nbsp;most customers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>9.&nbsp;Offer a&nbsp;treat</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Cookies, chocolates, candy&nbsp;— sweet, customizable, and&nbsp;widely-loved&nbsp;treats make for&nbsp;a&nbsp;fantastic customer appreciation gift. Most customers will appreciate a&nbsp;tin of&nbsp;freshly baked cookies along with their purchase. You can even customize the&nbsp;packaging to&nbsp;include a&nbsp;personalized message or&nbsp;your brand logo.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The only thing you have to&nbsp;look out for&nbsp;is&nbsp;food allergies. Try to&nbsp;avoid any&nbsp;treat with common allergens such as&nbsp;peanuts.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>10. Feature customers on&nbsp;social media</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Everyone wants their 15&nbsp;minutes of&nbsp;fame, and&nbsp;your customers are no&nbsp;different. If&nbsp;you have a&nbsp;popular social channel, featuring your customers or&nbsp;their projects can be&nbsp;an&nbsp;unusual “gift”. This tactic works best if&nbsp;the&nbsp;customer has uploaded a&nbsp;picture of&nbsp;your product or&nbsp;interacted with you on&nbsp;social media before. It&nbsp;tells them&nbsp;— and&nbsp;your social media audience&nbsp;— that you’re listening.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>11. Share local products</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Gifting customers local products (such as&nbsp;a&nbsp;locally sourced food item) works wonderfully well for&nbsp;two reasons:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>It&nbsp;portrays your business as&nbsp;a&nbsp;“friend” to&nbsp;other local small businesses, thus improving your brand perception.</li><li>It&nbsp;shows customers that you care enough about them to&nbsp;personalize the&nbsp;gift as&nbsp;per their location.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Partner up&nbsp;with a&nbsp;local business to&nbsp;offer these products. Your customers will appreciate them, as&nbsp;will local businesses.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>12. Create an&nbsp;exclusive group</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How can you make your customers feel special? Simple: by&nbsp;creating an&nbsp;exclusive,&nbsp;invite-only&nbsp;group for&nbsp;your top customers. This can be&nbsp;something as&nbsp;simple as&nbsp;a&nbsp;closed Facebook group. Offer deep discounts unavailable elsewhere to&nbsp;emphasize the&nbsp;exclusivity of&nbsp;the&nbsp;group.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>13. Offer a&nbsp;free consultation</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Valuable advice can be&nbsp;a&nbsp;type of&nbsp;gift as&nbsp;well, especially in&nbsp;industries known to&nbsp;be&nbsp;difficult to&nbsp;approach. If&nbsp;you sell clothes, for&nbsp;instance, you can offer a&nbsp;freestyle consultation. If&nbsp;you sell fitness equipment, you can offer a&nbsp;custom diet plan and&nbsp;workout routine.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>14. Send coupons to&nbsp;local businesses</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Sending customers coupons to&nbsp;local businesses has the&nbsp;same effect as&nbsp;gifting local products. It&nbsp;shows customers that you care about small businesses. It&nbsp;also demonstrates that you’re willing to&nbsp;personalize gifts for&nbsp;each customer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Find a&nbsp;local business that can offer something related (but not competitive) to&nbsp;your brand. Work out a&nbsp;deal with them where your customers can get a&nbsp;discount on&nbsp;future purchases.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>15. Give away a&nbsp;free product from your catalog</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A&nbsp;perennial gifting favorite is&nbsp;to&nbsp;simply give away a&nbsp;cheap but useful product from your product catalog. This product should be&nbsp;low cost yet must have perceived value to&nbsp;the&nbsp;customer. Also make sure that it&nbsp;is&nbsp;related to&nbsp;the&nbsp;original purchase, example: free socks with a&nbsp;pair of&nbsp;shoes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>16. Throw a&nbsp;party for&nbsp;special customers</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Another way to&nbsp;make customers feel special is&nbsp;to&nbsp;throw a&nbsp;party or&nbsp;host a&nbsp;meetup. This works best if&nbsp;you have a&nbsp;lot of&nbsp;customers in&nbsp;the&nbsp;same location.&nbsp;Warm-up&nbsp;customers to&nbsp;the&nbsp;idea of&nbsp;a&nbsp;party by&nbsp;inviting them to&nbsp;an&nbsp;exclusive group first (such as&nbsp;a&nbsp;Facebook first). Once they’ve all gotten to&nbsp;know each other a&nbsp;bit, invite them out to&nbsp;a&nbsp;party.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It&nbsp;might be&nbsp;expensive, but it&nbsp;will be&nbsp;an&nbsp;experience your customers won’t forget. Plus, all the&nbsp;social media updates from it&nbsp;will do&nbsp;wonders for&nbsp;your word of&nbsp;mouth.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>17. Gift a&nbsp;low-maintenance&nbsp;potted plant</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A&nbsp;small potted plant makes for&nbsp;a&nbsp;great gift. Something low maintenance and&nbsp;hardy&nbsp;—&nbsp;such as&nbsp;a&nbsp;cactus&nbsp;— not only looks good but also emphasizes your “green” credentials. If&nbsp;your customers are&nbsp;eco-conscious,&nbsp;this can be&nbsp;an&nbsp;affordable and&nbsp;memorable gift to&nbsp;send.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Alternatively, send customers plant seeds or&nbsp;even small DIY growing kits (&nbsp;with seeds, soil, and&nbsp;pot).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>18. Give away free swag</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A&nbsp;staple in&nbsp;gifting is&nbsp;to&nbsp;give away free swag&nbsp;—&nbsp;t-shirts,&nbsp;bags, notebooks, etc. Try not to&nbsp;include your logo on&nbsp;them. Doing so&nbsp;turns the&nbsp;swag from a&nbsp;gift to&nbsp;an&nbsp;overt marketing tool. Instead, pick something that reflects your brand’s values or&nbsp;products yet can be&nbsp;worn publicly.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>19. Make one customer feel special</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Instead of&nbsp;sending an&nbsp;ordinary gift to&nbsp;every customer, you can get a&nbsp;lot of&nbsp;social media mileage out of&nbsp;making a&nbsp;single customer feel truly special. Pick a&nbsp;customer who has been exceptionally loyal to&nbsp;your brand, then make a&nbsp;gesture that goes far beyond a&nbsp;standard “gift”.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, Honda found out that one of&nbsp;its customers was about to&nbsp;hit 1&nbsp;million miles in&nbsp;one of&nbsp;its cars. To&nbsp;make the&nbsp;customer feel special about this major milestone, Honda gave him a&nbsp;free new car and&nbsp;made a&nbsp;video about it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.ecwid.com/blog/19-customer-appreciation-gift-ideas-to-thank-your-customers.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','19 Customer Appreciation Gift Ideas to Thank Your Customers','','inherit','closed','closed','','2737-revision-v1','','','2022-10-17 22:48:38','2022-10-17 22:48:38','',2737,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2773',0,'revision','',0);
INSERT INTO `smart_posts` VALUES (2789,1,'2022-10-18 13:18:16','2022-10-18 13:18:16','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Mortgage lenders generally require homeowners insurance coverage, and it’s almost always a smart buy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2770,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2770\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Nerdy takeaways</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Homeowners insurance provides coverage in case a disaster damages your home or personal belongings.</li><li>It can also pay out when you’re held responsible for an accident or injury.</li><li>Home insurance generally covers damage due to fire, wind or snow, but it won’t cover floods or earthquakes.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your home is more than just a roof over your head. It may be your most valuable asset — and one you likely can’t afford to replace out of pocket if disaster strikes. That’s why protecting your place with the right homeowners insurance is important.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is homeowners insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance pays out if an event covered under your policy damages or destroys your home or belongings. It will also cover you in certain instances if you injure someone else or cause property damage. Homeowners insurance has four main functions:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Pay to repair your house, landscaping and other structures.</li><li>Pay to repair or replace your personal belongings.</li><li>Pay for you to live elsewhere while your house is being repaired.</li><li>Cover personal liability if you’re held legally responsible for damage or injury to someone else.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Note that homeowners insurance isn’t the same as mortgage insurance, which you may have to buy if you put less than 20% down on your home loan. (FHA and other federal loans may also require mortgage insurance, regardless of your down payment amount.) If you default on your loan, mortgage insurance will help reimburse your lender.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Mortgage insurance protects your lender, while homeowners insurance protects you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is homeowners insurance required?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance isn’t required by law, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to insure the home to protect its investment. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, home insurance is almost always a wise purchase. Because it gives you property and liability coverage, a homeowners policy is a financial safety net you may someday be glad to have.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What does homeowners insurance cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Standard homeowners insurance policies generally include six types of coverage:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Coverage type</th><th scope=\"col\">What it does</th><th scope=\"col\">Typical amount</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Dwelling</td><td>Covers damage to the home and attached structures, such as a porch.</td><td>Enough to rebuild your home.</td></tr><tr><td>Other structures</td><td>Covers stand-alone structures on your property, such as a fence or shed.</td><td>10% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Personal property</td><td>Pays to repair or replace stolen or damaged belongings.</td><td>50% to 70% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Loss of use</td><td>Helps pay temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired.</td><td>20% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Personal liability</td><td>Pays if you injure someone or cause property damage unintentionally or through neglect.</td><td>$100,000 to $500,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Medical payments</td><td>Pays to treat someone injured on your property, regardless of who’s at fault. It also pays if you, a family member or a pet injures someone away from your home.</td><td>$1,000 to $5,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Dwelling coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage covers the structure of your home, including the walls, floors, windows and roof. Built-in appliances, such as furnaces, are also typically included in your dwelling coverage. If your home has an attached garage, porch or deck, these would fall under your dwelling coverage, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: Most homeowners policies cover your dwelling for any cause of damage that isn’t specifically excluded. Some of the most common causes of homeowners insurance claims include wind, hail, freezing, fire and lightning, according to the Insurance Information Institute.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A severe thunderstorm uproots a tree that falls onto your home, crushing part of the roof and attic. You’d pay your share of the repair cost — known as the deductible — and then the insurer would pay the rest, up to the limit of your dwelling coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Other structures coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just like it sounds, other structures coverage provides insurance for structures on your property that aren’t attached to your house. That could include a shed, fence or detached garage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: As with dwelling coverage, most homeowners insurance policies cover other structures for any event that isn’t specifically excluded. That means you\'d likely have coverage for fire, wind, hail and snow, among other issues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: Part of your fence collapses under the weight of heavy snow. The insurance company would pay to repair it, minus your deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Personal property coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Personal property refers to your personal belongings — like clothes, furniture, electronic devices and appliances that aren’t built in. Most homeowners policies cover these items anywhere in the world, not just inside your house. So if someone steals your bike from outside a store, it’ll likely be covered (minus your deductible).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: In most homeowners policies, personal property coverage works differently than dwelling and other structures coverage. Instead of covering your belongings for anything that isn’t specifically excluded, homeowners policies often cover only disasters that are listed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">These events, typically called “perils” in your policy, tend to include the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Fire or lightning.</li><li>Smoke.</li><li>Windstorms and hail.</li><li>Explosions.</li><li>Theft.</li><li>Vandalism.</li><li>Weight of ice, snow and sleet.</li><li>Sudden damage from a power surge.</li><li>Volcanic eruptions.</li><li>Falling objects.</li><li>Water overflow or discharge from household systems like plumbing, air conditioning and appliances.</li><li>Freezing of those same household systems.</li><li>Sudden tearing, cracking or bulging of a hot water system, steam system, air conditioning or fire protective system.</li><li>Riots.</li><li>Damage from aircraft.</li><li>Damage caused by vehicles.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A pipe bursts on a frigid winter night, sending water cascading into your kitchen and dining room. Although dwelling coverage would pay for damage to built-in items such as cabinets, personal property coverage would take care of damaged furniture, minus your deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Loss of use coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Sometimes called “additional living expenses,” the loss of use section of your homeowners policy can come in handy if your home is too damaged to live in. Loss of use coverage may pay for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses associated with living somewhere else if your home is uninhabitable after a disaster your policy covers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: As long as your home is undergoing repairs for a covered claim, you’ll likely be eligible for loss of use coverage. But if your home’s damage is due to a disaster that isn’t covered — such as a flood — your insurer won’t pay your additional living expenses, either.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: After a kitchen fire spreads to your living room, your home is out of commission for a few months while contractors make repairs. Your insurance company would pay for you and your family to rent a similarly sized house nearby.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Liability coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Personal liability coverage offers financial assistance if someone sues you for injuring them or damaging their property. Coverage generally extends to anyone in your household, including pets — so if your dog bites someone at the park, you may have coverage. (See Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites? for more information.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to others, with some exceptions. For instance, your policy won\'t cover criminal acts or harm you cause on purpose. Nor will it pay for injuries or damage from a car accident (your liability car insurance would cover those).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A delivery person slips on your icy sidewalk before you can salt it. He breaks his wrist in the fall and sues you for medical bills and lost wages. Your liability coverage could pay your legal fees, plus any damages you’re responsible for in the lawsuit, up to your policy limit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Medical payments coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Like liability coverage, medical payments coverage pays if you cause physical injury to someone outside your household. However, no lawsuit is required, and you don’t need to be found at fault for medical payments coverage to pay out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: You could tap your medical payments coverage if someone suffers a minor injury on your property or if you cause harm to someone outside your home. Similar restrictions apply to liability and medical payments, with no coverage for intentional acts or car accidents, among other exclusions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: Your dog bites the hand of a visiting friend. There’s no serious harm, but your medical payments insurance covers the cost of their trip to urgent care for stitches.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What homeowners insurance won\'t cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even the broadest homeowners insurance policy won’t cover everything that could go wrong with your home. For example, you can’t intentionally damage your house and then expect your insurer to pay for it. Policies also typically exclude damage from other causes such as:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Flooding from external sources such as heavy rainfall or storm surges.</li><li>Water damage from drain and sewer backups.</li><li>Earthquakes, landslides and sinkholes.</li><li>Infestations by birds, vermin, fungus or mold.</li><li>Wear and tear or neglect.</li><li>Nuclear hazard.</li><li>Government action, including war.</li><li>Power failure.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, you can buy separate coverage for some of these risks. Flood insurance and earthquake insurance are available separately, and in hurricane-prone states, you may need or want windstorm insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Expand your coverage with endorsements</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Talk to your insurer if you have concerns about damage and events your policy doesn’t cover. In many cases, you can add endorsements — which usually cost extra — that provide more coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Below are a few of the most common home insurance endorsements. Note that availability may vary by state and company.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Scheduled personal property</strong> covers a specific valuable item such as a ring or musical instrument. You may need an appraisal — a document that states the value of the item — to get this coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Ordinance or law coverage</strong> pays to bring your home up to building codes during repairs or rebuilding.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Water backup coverage</strong> pays for damage due to backed-up sewer lines, drains or sump pumps.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Equipment breakdown coverage</strong> pays for HVAC systems and large appliances if they stop working for reasons other than normal wear and tear.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Service line protection</strong> pays for damage to water, electric or other utility lines that you’re responsible for.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Identity fraud coverage</strong> pays expenses associated with identity theft such as lost wages and legal fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is it covered?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This table shows common problems and whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Problem</th><th scope=\"col\">Covered?</th><th scope=\"col\">Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Dog bites</td><td>Usually.</td><td>Your liability coverage typically covers lawsuits if your dog bites someone outside your household. </td></tr><tr><td>Fire</td><td>Usually.</td><td>Fire is one of the standard perils most homeowners insurance policies cover. </td></tr><tr><td>HVAC problems</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>If a covered event such as a windstorm damages your heating or cooling system, your homeowners policy would likely pay to repair it. Adding an equipment breakdown endorsement to your policy could give you additional coverage for mechanical failures. However, homeowners insurance won\'t pay for normal wear and tear.</td></tr><tr><td>Lost jewelry</td><td>Usually not.</td><td>A standard homeowners insurance policy covers jewelry only for theft, fire or other named events, not for accidental loss. That’s why it’s a good idea to add broader coverage for valuable jewelry. </td></tr><tr><td>Mold</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on the cause of the mold. Most insurers will cover mold only if it\'s caused by a covered problem such as a burst pipe. </td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>Damage from sudden, accidental leaks may be covered, but slow leaks that develop over time generally won’t be. (The latter are considered a maintenance issue.) Your policy probably won’t pay for plumbing damage due to neglect, either.</td></tr><tr><td>Roof leaks</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on why your roof is leaking. Insurance typically covers damage due to a sudden, accidental event such as hail or wind, but it won\'t cover simple wear and tear. </td></tr><tr><td>Termite damage</td><td>Usually not.</td><td>Insurance companies generally consider dealing with infestations to be a part of regular home maintenance, which they don\'t cover.</td></tr><tr><td>Water damage</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on the type of water damage. Most home insurance policies won’t cover floods, for example. They won\'t cover damage from a backed-up drain or sewer unless you\'ve paid for that endorsement. But if a pipe freezes and bursts, your insurer will typically pay for the resulting damage. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Types of homeowners insurance policies</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance comes in several types, called “policy forms.” Some types provide more expansive coverage than others, so it’s worthwhile to know the difference. Note that different insurance companies may have different names for these policies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Most popular: HO-3 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HO-3 insurance policies, also called “special form,” are the most common. If you have a mortgage, your lender is likely to require at least this level of coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HO-3 insurance policies generally cover damage to your home from any cause except those the policy specifically excludes, such as an earthquake or flood. However, where it concerns your belongings, HO-3 insurance typically covers only damage from the perils listed in your policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Broadest coverage: HO-5 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An HO-5 insurance policy provides the most extensive homeowners coverage. It pays for damage to your home and belongings from all causes except those the policy excludes. It’s typically available only for well-maintained homes in low-risk areas, and not all insurers offer it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Nerdy Tip: HO-5 policies are sometimes called “comprehensive form” or “premier” coverage. However, an HO-3 policy may also be labeled “premier” in some cases, without offering the broader coverage of an HO-5 policy. If you want HO-5 insurance coverage, be sure to ask your agent or representative.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Limited coverage: HO-1 and HO-2 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Much less popular are HO-1 and HO-2 homeowners insurance, which pay out only for damage caused by events listed in the policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Other policy types include HO-4 insurance for renters, HO-6 for condo owners, HO-7 for mobile homes and HO-8 — a rarely used type that provides limited coverage for older homes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How homeowners insurance works?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If your home is destroyed, your homeowners insurance company isn’t likely to simply write you a check for the amount listed on your policy. First, you’ll have to file a claim, documenting the damage. And your payout could vary depending on your coverage and deductible options.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Replacement cost vs. actual cash value</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One key factor in your payout is whether your coverage will pay whatever it takes to rebuild your home, even if that cost exceeds your policy limits. This situation may arise, for instance, if construction costs have increased in your area while your coverage limits haven\'t changed. Here’s a rundown of several options you may encounter.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Actual cash value coverage</strong> pays the cost to repair or replace your damaged property, minus a deduction for depreciation. Most policies don’t use this method for the house, but it’s common for personal belongings. For items that are several years old, this means you’ll probably get only a fraction of what it would cost to buy new ones.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Functional replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays to fix your home with materials that are similar but possibly cheaper. For example, your contractor could replace damaged plaster walls with less expensive drywall.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays to repair your home with materials of “like kind and quality,” so plaster walls can be replaced with plaster. However, the payout won’t exceed your policy’s dwelling coverage limits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some policies offer replacement cost value coverage for personal items. This means the insurer would pay to replace your old belongings with new ones, with no deduction for depreciation. If this feature is important to you, check the policy details before you buy. It’s a common option, but you typically need to pay more for it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Extended replacement cost value coverage</strong> will pay out more than the face value of your dwelling coverage, up to a specified limit, if that’s what it takes to fix your home. The limit can be a dollar amount or a percentage, such as 25% above your dwelling coverage amount. This gives you a cushion if rebuilding is more expensive than you expected.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Guaranteed replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays the full cost to repair or replace your home after a covered loss, even if it exceeds your policy limits. Not all insurance companies offer this level of coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance deductibles</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners policies typically include a deductible — the amount you’re required to cover before your insurer starts paying. The deductible can be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>A flat dollar amount, such as $500 or $1,000.</li><li>A percentage, such as 1% or 2% of the home’s insured value.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When you receive a claim check, your insurer subtracts your deductible amount. Say you have a $1,000 deductible and your insurer approves a claim for $10,000 in repairs. The insurer would pay $9,000, and you would be responsible for $1,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Nerdy Tip: Choosing a higher deductible will usually reduce your premium. However, you’ll shoulder more of the financial burden should you need to file a claim. A lower deductible, on the other hand, means you might have a higher premium but your insurer would pick up nearly the whole tab after an incident.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Be aware that some policies include separate — and often higher — deductibles for specific types of claims such as damage from wind, hail, hurricanes or earthquakes. For example, a policy might have a $1,000 deductible for most losses but a 10% deductible for optional earthquake coverage that you added to the policy. This means if an earthquake damages a home with $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage, the deductible would be $30,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Liability claims generally don’t have a deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/understanding-homeowners-insurance?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=What%20Is%20Homeowners%20Insurance%2C%20and%20What%20Does%20It%20Cover%3F&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=next-steps\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Homeowners Insurance, and What Does It Cover?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2769-revision-v1','','','2022-10-18 13:18:16','2022-10-18 13:18:16','',2769,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2789',0,'revision','',0),(2775,1,'2022-10-17 22:58:50','2022-10-17 22:58:50','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Mortgage lenders generally require homeowners insurance coverage, and it’s almost always a smart buy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2770,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2770\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Nerdy takeaways</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Homeowners insurance provides coverage in case a disaster damages your home or personal belongings.</li><li>It can also pay out when you’re held responsible for an accident or injury.</li><li>Home insurance generally covers damage due to fire, wind or snow, but it won’t cover floods or earthquakes.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your home is more than just a roof over your head. It may be your most valuable asset — and one you likely can’t afford to replace out of pocket if disaster strikes. That’s why protecting your place with the right homeowners insurance is important.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is homeowners insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance pays out if an event covered under your policy damages or destroys your home or belongings. It will also cover you in certain instances if you injure someone else or cause property damage. Homeowners insurance has four main functions:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Pay to repair your house, landscaping and other structures.</li><li>Pay to repair or replace your personal belongings.</li><li>Pay for you to live elsewhere while your house is being repaired.</li><li>Cover personal liability if you’re held legally responsible for damage or injury to someone else.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Note that homeowners insurance isn’t the same as mortgage insurance, which you may have to buy if you put less than 20% down on your home loan. (FHA and other federal loans may also require mortgage insurance, regardless of your down payment amount.) If you default on your loan, mortgage insurance will help reimburse your lender.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Mortgage insurance protects your lender, while homeowners insurance protects you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is homeowners insurance required?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance isn’t required by law, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to insure the home to protect its investment. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, home insurance is almost always a wise purchase. Because it gives you property and liability coverage, a homeowners policy is a financial safety net you may someday be glad to have.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What does homeowners insurance cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Standard homeowners insurance policies generally include six types of coverage:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Coverage type</th><th scope=\"col\">What it does</th><th scope=\"col\">Typical amount</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Dwelling</td><td>Covers damage to the home and attached structures, such as a porch.</td><td>Enough to rebuild your home.</td></tr><tr><td>Other structures</td><td>Covers stand-alone structures on your property, such as a fence or shed.</td><td>10% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Personal property</td><td>Pays to repair or replace stolen or damaged belongings.</td><td>50% to 70% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Loss of use</td><td>Helps pay temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired.</td><td>20% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Personal liability</td><td>Pays if you injure someone or cause property damage unintentionally or through neglect.</td><td>$100,000 to $500,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Medical payments</td><td>Pays to treat someone injured on your property, regardless of who’s at fault. It also pays if you, a family member or a pet injures someone away from your home.</td><td>$1,000 to $5,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Dwelling coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage covers the structure of your home, including the walls, floors, windows and roof. Built-in appliances, such as furnaces, are also typically included in your dwelling coverage. If your home has an attached garage, porch or deck, these would fall under your dwelling coverage, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: Most homeowners policies cover your dwelling for any cause of damage that isn’t specifically excluded. Some of the most common causes of homeowners insurance claims include wind, hail, freezing, fire and lightning, according to the Insurance Information Institute.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A severe thunderstorm uproots a tree that falls onto your home, crushing part of the roof and attic. You’d pay your share of the repair cost — known as the deductible — and then the insurer would pay the rest, up to the limit of your dwelling coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Other structures coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just like it sounds, other structures coverage provides insurance for structures on your property that aren’t attached to your house. That could include a shed, fence or detached garage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: As with dwelling coverage, most homeowners insurance policies cover other structures for any event that isn’t specifically excluded. That means you\'d likely have coverage for fire, wind, hail and snow, among other issues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: Part of your fence collapses under the weight of heavy snow. The insurance company would pay to repair it, minus your deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Personal property coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Personal property refers to your personal belongings — like clothes, furniture, electronic devices and appliances that aren’t built in. Most homeowners policies cover these items anywhere in the world, not just inside your house. So if someone steals your bike from outside a store, it’ll likely be covered (minus your deductible).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: In most homeowners policies, personal property coverage works differently than dwelling and other structures coverage. Instead of covering your belongings for anything that isn’t specifically excluded, homeowners policies often cover only disasters that are listed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">These events, typically called “perils” in your policy, tend to include the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Fire or lightning.</li><li>Smoke.</li><li>Windstorms and hail.</li><li>Explosions.</li><li>Theft.</li><li>Vandalism.</li><li>Weight of ice, snow and sleet.</li><li>Sudden damage from a power surge.</li><li>Volcanic eruptions.</li><li>Falling objects.</li><li>Water overflow or discharge from household systems like plumbing, air conditioning and appliances.</li><li>Freezing of those same household systems.</li><li>Sudden tearing, cracking or bulging of a hot water system, steam system, air conditioning or fire protective system.</li><li>Riots.</li><li>Damage from aircraft.</li><li>Damage caused by vehicles.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A pipe bursts on a frigid winter night, sending water cascading into your kitchen and dining room. Although dwelling coverage would pay for damage to built-in items such as cabinets, personal property coverage would take care of damaged furniture, minus your deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Loss of use coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Sometimes called “additional living expenses,” the loss of use section of your homeowners policy can come in handy if your home is too damaged to live in. Loss of use coverage may pay for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses associated with living somewhere else if your home is uninhabitable after a disaster your policy covers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: As long as your home is undergoing repairs for a covered claim, you’ll likely be eligible for loss of use coverage. But if your home’s damage is due to a disaster that isn’t covered — such as a flood — your insurer won’t pay your additional living expenses, either.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: After a kitchen fire spreads to your living room, your home is out of commission for a few months while contractors make repairs. Your insurance company would pay for you and your family to rent a similarly sized house nearby.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Liability coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Personal liability coverage offers financial assistance if someone sues you for injuring them or damaging their property. Coverage generally extends to anyone in your household, including pets — so if your dog bites someone at the park, you may have coverage. (See Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites? for more information.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to others, with some exceptions. For instance, your policy won\'t cover criminal acts or harm you cause on purpose. Nor will it pay for injuries or damage from a car accident (your liability car insurance would cover those).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A delivery person slips on your icy sidewalk before you can salt it. He breaks his wrist in the fall and sues you for medical bills and lost wages. Your liability coverage could pay your legal fees, plus any damages you’re responsible for in the lawsuit, up to your policy limit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Medical payments coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Like liability coverage, medical payments coverage pays if you cause physical injury to someone outside your household. However, no lawsuit is required, and you don’t need to be found at fault for medical payments coverage to pay out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: You could tap your medical payments coverage if someone suffers a minor injury on your property or if you cause harm to someone outside your home. Similar restrictions apply to liability and medical payments, with no coverage for intentional acts or car accidents, among other exclusions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: Your dog bites the hand of a visiting friend. There’s no serious harm, but your medical payments insurance covers the cost of their trip to urgent care for stitches.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What homeowners insurance won\'t cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even the broadest homeowners insurance policy won’t cover everything that could go wrong with your home. For example, you can’t intentionally damage your house and then expect your insurer to pay for it. Policies also typically exclude damage from other causes such as:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Flooding from external sources such as heavy rainfall or storm surges.</li><li>Water damage from drain and sewer backups.</li><li>Earthquakes, landslides and sinkholes.</li><li>Infestations by birds, vermin, fungus or mold.</li><li>Wear and tear or neglect.</li><li>Nuclear hazard.</li><li>Government action, including war.</li><li>Power failure.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, you can buy separate coverage for some of these risks. Flood insurance and earthquake insurance are available separately, and in hurricane-prone states, you may need or want windstorm insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Expand your coverage with endorsements</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Talk to your insurer if you have concerns about damage and events your policy doesn’t cover. In many cases, you can add endorsements — which usually cost extra — that provide more coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Below are a few of the most common home insurance endorsements. Note that availability may vary by state and company.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Scheduled personal property</strong> covers a specific valuable item such as a ring or musical instrument. You may need an appraisal — a document that states the value of the item — to get this coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Ordinance or law coverage</strong> pays to bring your home up to building codes during repairs or rebuilding.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Water backup coverage</strong> pays for damage due to backed-up sewer lines, drains or sump pumps.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Equipment breakdown coverage</strong> pays for HVAC systems and large appliances if they stop working for reasons other than normal wear and tear.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Service line protection</strong> pays for damage to water, electric or other utility lines that you’re responsible for.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Identity fraud coverage</strong> pays expenses associated with identity theft such as lost wages and legal fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is it covered?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This table shows common problems and whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Problem</th><th scope=\"col\">Covered?</th><th scope=\"col\">Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Dog bites</td><td>Usually.</td><td>Your liability coverage typically covers lawsuits if your dog bites someone outside your household. See Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?</td></tr><tr><td>Fire</td><td>Usually.</td><td>Fire is one of the standard perils most homeowners insurance policies cover. Learn about home insurance and wildfires.</td></tr><tr><td>HVAC problems</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>If a covered event such as a windstorm damages your heating or cooling system, your homeowners policy would likely pay to repair it. Adding an equipment breakdown endorsement to your policy could give you additional coverage for mechanical failures. However, homeowners insurance won\'t pay for normal wear and tear.</td></tr><tr><td>Lost jewelry</td><td>Usually not.</td><td>A standard homeowners insurance policy covers jewelry only for theft, fire or other named events, not for accidental loss. That’s why it’s a good idea to add broader coverage for valuable jewelry. Learn more about jewelry insurance.</td></tr><tr><td>Mold</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on the cause of the mold. Most insurers will cover mold only if it\'s caused by a covered problem such as a burst pipe. Learn more about homeowners insurance and mold.</td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>Damage from sudden, accidental leaks may be covered, but slow leaks that develop over time generally won’t be. (The latter are considered a maintenance issue.) Your policy probably won’t pay for plumbing damage due to neglect, either.</td></tr><tr><td>Roof leaks</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on why your roof is leaking. Insurance typically covers damage due to a sudden, accidental event such as hail or wind, but it won\'t cover simple wear and tear. Learn more about homeowners insurance and roof leaks.</td></tr><tr><td>Termite damage</td><td>Usually not.</td><td>Insurance companies generally consider dealing with infestations to be a part of regular home maintenance, which they don\'t cover.</td></tr><tr><td>Water damage</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on the type of water damage. Most home insurance policies won’t cover floods, for example. They won\'t cover damage from a backed-up drain or sewer unless you\'ve paid for that endorsement. But if a pipe freezes and bursts, your insurer will typically pay for the resulting damage. To learn more, see Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Types of homeowners insurance policies</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance comes in several types, called “policy forms.” Some types provide more expansive coverage than others, so it’s worthwhile to know the difference. Note that different insurance companies may have different names for these policies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Most popular: HO-3 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HO-3 insurance policies, also called “special form,” are the most common. If you have a mortgage, your lender is likely to require at least this level of coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HO-3 insurance policies generally cover damage to your home from any cause except those the policy specifically excludes, such as an earthquake or flood. However, where it concerns your belongings, HO-3 insurance typically covers only damage from the perils listed in your policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Broadest coverage: HO-5 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An HO-5 insurance policy provides the most extensive homeowners coverage. It pays for damage to your home and belongings from all causes except those the policy excludes. It’s typically available only for well-maintained homes in low-risk areas, and not all insurers offer it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Nerdy Tip: HO-5 policies are sometimes called “comprehensive form” or “premier” coverage. However, an HO-3 policy may also be labeled “premier” in some cases, without offering the broader coverage of an HO-5 policy. If you want HO-5 insurance coverage, be sure to ask your agent or representative.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Limited coverage: HO-1 and HO-2 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Much less popular are HO-1 and HO-2 homeowners insurance, which pay out only for damage caused by events listed in the policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Other policy types include HO-4 insurance for renters, HO-6 for condo owners, HO-7 for mobile homes and HO-8 — a rarely used type that provides limited coverage for older homes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How homeowners insurance works?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If your home is destroyed, your homeowners insurance company isn’t likely to simply write you a check for the amount listed on your policy. First, you’ll have to file a claim, documenting the damage. And your payout could vary depending on your coverage and deductible options.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Replacement cost vs. actual cash value</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One key factor in your payout is whether your coverage will pay whatever it takes to rebuild your home, even if that cost exceeds your policy limits. This situation may arise, for instance, if construction costs have increased in your area while your coverage limits haven\'t changed. Here’s a rundown of several options you may encounter.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Actual cash value coverage</strong> pays the cost to repair or replace your damaged property, minus a deduction for depreciation. Most policies don’t use this method for the house, but it’s common for personal belongings. For items that are several years old, this means you’ll probably get only a fraction of what it would cost to buy new ones.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Functional replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays to fix your home with materials that are similar but possibly cheaper. For example, your contractor could replace damaged plaster walls with less expensive drywall.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays to repair your home with materials of “like kind and quality,” so plaster walls can be replaced with plaster. However, the payout won’t exceed your policy’s dwelling coverage limits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some policies offer replacement cost value coverage for personal items. This means the insurer would pay to replace your old belongings with new ones, with no deduction for depreciation. If this feature is important to you, check the policy details before you buy. It’s a common option, but you typically need to pay more for it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Extended replacement cost value coverage</strong> will pay out more than the face value of your dwelling coverage, up to a specified limit, if that’s what it takes to fix your home. The limit can be a dollar amount or a percentage, such as 25% above your dwelling coverage amount. This gives you a cushion if rebuilding is more expensive than you expected.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Guaranteed replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays the full cost to repair or replace your home after a covered loss, even if it exceeds your policy limits. Not all insurance companies offer this level of coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance deductibles</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners policies typically include a deductible — the amount you’re required to cover before your insurer starts paying. The deductible can be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>A flat dollar amount, such as $500 or $1,000.</li><li>A percentage, such as 1% or 2% of the home’s insured value.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When you receive a claim check, your insurer subtracts your deductible amount. Say you have a $1,000 deductible and your insurer approves a claim for $10,000 in repairs. The insurer would pay $9,000, and you would be responsible for $1,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Nerdy Tip: Choosing a higher deductible will usually reduce your premium. However, you’ll shoulder more of the financial burden should you need to file a claim. A lower deductible, on the other hand, means you might have a higher premium but your insurer would pick up nearly the whole tab after an incident.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Be aware that some policies include separate — and often higher — deductibles for specific types of claims such as damage from wind, hail, hurricanes or earthquakes. For example, a policy might have a $1,000 deductible for most losses but a 10% deductible for optional earthquake coverage that you added to the policy. This means if an earthquake damages a home with $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage, the deductible would be $30,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Liability claims generally don’t have a deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/understanding-homeowners-insurance?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=What%20Is%20Homeowners%20Insurance%2C%20and%20What%20Does%20It%20Cover%3F&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=next-steps\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Homeowners Insurance, and What Does It Cover?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2769-revision-v1','','','2022-10-17 22:58:50','2022-10-17 22:58:50','',2769,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2775',0,'revision','',0),(2776,1,'2022-10-17 23:02:52','2022-10-17 23:02:52','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2777,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2777\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\">Car theft is an awful experience, leaving victims anxious and worried. Finding out your car insurance covers theft may be one bright spot in this otherwise trying experience. Though many types of car insurance cover vehicle theft, whether your policy does depends on the exact terms and conditions of the coverage you\'ve chosen to purchase. And remember that even with a policy that covers vehicle theft, personal property in the stolen vehicle isn’t included. For that, claims are filed with your homeowners or renters insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Several types of car insurance exist—liability insurance won’t cover theft of the vehicle.</li><li>Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers theft as well as vandalism.</li><li>Car insurance typically doesn’t cover theft of personal property inside the car—homeowners or renters policies take care of those items.</li><li>File a police report and an insurance claim as soon as possible after a theft happens.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\">Liability vs. Comprehensive Car Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-5\">Car insurance comes in a few different varieties. Liability is the most basic and is mandatory in all states except New Hampshire. Collision insurance helps pay for additional damages in case of an accident. Neither liability nor collision coverage protects against vehicle theft.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">If you’re looking for insurance that covers stolen vehicles, you need a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive vehicle insurance is often bundled with collision and other types of coverage, or you can just buy a comprehensive policy that provides coverage if your car is broken into or stolen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-9\">Other Types of Insurance May Help</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">Though comprehensive generally covers vehicle theft, it covers only the car itself and not personal property left inside. For that, you’ll need to file a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance provider.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">Most homeowners or renters policies cover theft of your personal property, even items stolen from your car. Check the exact terms and conditions of your policy so that you know what is and isn’t covered. So, be prepared to make two different insurance claims, one to your car insurance for the car itself, and another to your homeowners or renters insurance for the personal property that was inside the car.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Be aware that some homeowners insurance policies have a lower limit for property stolen when you’re not at home.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\">What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">If your car or truck is stolen, call the police and file a report immediately. The police will want basic information such as the make and model, plate number, and maybe the vehicle identification number. Then contact your insurance company to see if you\'re covered. Call your homeowners or renters insurance carrier if you think personal items were left inside the car.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Do these things without delay. Your claim will be processed quicker, and the odds that your car is found will improve.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">If your claim is successful, many insurance carriers use the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle to determine your payout. The total will also depend on the terms of your policy. An adjuster from the insurance company determines the vehicle’s value based on its age, make, model, and normal wear and tear. This will also account for upgrades you have made, such as premium seats or wheels, but not accessories you can remove, such as a premium stereo or music player. When the adjuster has come up with a value for the car, you\'ll usually receive a check for that amount minus any deductible that you have on your policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">The Bottom Line</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">With a variety of car insurance policies available, remember that only some will protect you if your car is broken into or stolen. You won’t be protected with only liability or collision insurance. Only comprehensive insurance covers your car if it\'s stolen, and it won\'t cover personal property left inside. For that, you\'ll need to file a claim with the issuer of your homeowners or renters policy. Make sure to file a police report and insurance claim as soon as possible—that will expedite the process and allow you to replace your car as soon as possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/does-car-insurance-cover-theft-5187222\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?','','publish','closed','closed','','does-car-insurance-cover-theft-2','','','2022-10-17 23:02:52','2022-10-17 23:02:52','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2776',0,'post','',0),(2777,1,'2022-10-17 22:59:46','2022-10-17 22:59:46','','Insurance-7','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-7-7','','','2022-10-17 22:59:46','2022-10-17 22:59:46','',2776,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-7.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2778,1,'2022-10-17 23:02:52','2022-10-17 23:02:52','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2777,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2777\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\">Car theft is an awful experience, leaving victims anxious and worried. Finding out your car insurance covers theft may be one bright spot in this otherwise trying experience. Though many types of car insurance cover vehicle theft, whether your policy does depends on the exact terms and conditions of the coverage you\'ve chosen to purchase. And remember that even with a policy that covers vehicle theft, personal property in the stolen vehicle isn’t included. For that, claims are filed with your homeowners or renters insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Several types of car insurance exist—liability insurance won’t cover theft of the vehicle.</li><li>Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers theft as well as vandalism.</li><li>Car insurance typically doesn’t cover theft of personal property inside the car—homeowners or renters policies take care of those items.</li><li>File a police report and an insurance claim as soon as possible after a theft happens.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\">Liability vs. Comprehensive Car Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-5\">Car insurance comes in a few different varieties. Liability is the most basic and is mandatory in all states except New Hampshire. Collision insurance helps pay for additional damages in case of an accident. Neither liability nor collision coverage protects against vehicle theft.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">If you’re looking for insurance that covers stolen vehicles, you need a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive vehicle insurance is often bundled with collision and other types of coverage, or you can just buy a comprehensive policy that provides coverage if your car is broken into or stolen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-9\">Other Types of Insurance May Help</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">Though comprehensive generally covers vehicle theft, it covers only the car itself and not personal property left inside. For that, you’ll need to file a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance provider.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">Most homeowners or renters policies cover theft of your personal property, even items stolen from your car. Check the exact terms and conditions of your policy so that you know what is and isn’t covered. So, be prepared to make two different insurance claims, one to your car insurance for the car itself, and another to your homeowners or renters insurance for the personal property that was inside the car.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Be aware that some homeowners insurance policies have a lower limit for property stolen when you’re not at home.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\">What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\">If your car or truck is stolen, call the police and file a report immediately. The police will want basic information such as the make and model, plate number, and maybe the vehicle identification number. Then contact your insurance company to see if you\'re covered. Call your homeowners or renters insurance carrier if you think personal items were left inside the car.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-19\">Do these things without delay. Your claim will be processed quicker, and the odds that your car is found will improve.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">If your claim is successful, many insurance carriers use the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle to determine your payout. The total will also depend on the terms of your policy. An adjuster from the insurance company determines the vehicle’s value based on its age, make, model, and normal wear and tear. This will also account for upgrades you have made, such as premium seats or wheels, but not accessories you can remove, such as a premium stereo or music player. When the adjuster has come up with a value for the car, you\'ll usually receive a check for that amount minus any deductible that you have on your policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">The Bottom Line</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">With a variety of car insurance policies available, remember that only some will protect you if your car is broken into or stolen. You won’t be protected with only liability or collision insurance. Only comprehensive insurance covers your car if it\'s stolen, and it won\'t cover personal property left inside. For that, you\'ll need to file a claim with the issuer of your homeowners or renters policy. Make sure to file a police report and insurance claim as soon as possible—that will expedite the process and allow you to replace your car as soon as possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/does-car-insurance-cover-theft-5187222\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2776-revision-v1','','','2022-10-17 23:02:52','2022-10-17 23:02:52','',2776,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2778',0,'revision','',0),(2779,1,'2022-10-17 23:07:30','2022-10-17 23:07:30','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2780,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2780\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">A named perils insurance policy is a home insurance (or business) insurance policy that only provides coverage on losses incurred to your property from hazards or events named on the policy. Named peril coverage may be purchased as a less expensive alternative to a comprehensive coverage or broad policies, which are policies that tend to offer coverage to most perils.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-3\">How a Named Perils Insurance Policy Works?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\">If a homeowner doesn\'t live in an earthquake and flooding prone area, they&nbsp;may elect to get a named perils insurance policy and only declare coverage against fire, theft, and hail, while leaving the earthquake and flooding coverage off the policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>A named perils insurance policy only provides coverage on losses incurred to your property from events or risks named on the plan.</li><li>Homeowners may purchase a named perils insurance policy and only declare coverage against hazards like theft or fire.</li><li>If a homeowner lives in a flood zone, they may elect to get a named perils insurance policy rather than earthquake coverage.</li><li>Theft, fire, and natural disasters like hail, earthquakes, and flooding are events or hazards that may be declared on a named perils insurance policy.</li><li>When a person purchases an all risks policy, it covers all perils except those expressly excluded from the list.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">Keep in mind that all risks policy does not necessarily guarantee your property will be covered against all forms of perils.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">It\'s thus a good idea for homeowners to check their broad coverage policies to make sure they do cover all the perils that they are concerned about. If the broad policy isn\'t sufficient, homeowners should buy a named peril policy to fill that hole in their coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">Named Perils Insurance vs. All Risks Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">Insurance providers generally offer two types of property coverage for homeowners and businesses—named perils and all risks. \"All risks\" is a type of insurance coverage that automatically covers any risk that the contract does not explicitly omit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, if an all-risk homeowner\'s policy does not expressly exclude hurricane damage, then the house will be covered in the event of a hurricane.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> A named perils policy contains conditions that cover what the insurer thinks are the most likely perils.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-22\">All Risks</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">By contrast, an all risks policy covers the insured from all perils, except those&nbsp;specifically excluded from the list. Contrary to a named perils contract, an all-risks policy does not name the risks covered, but instead, names the risks&nbsp;not&nbsp;covered. In so doing, any peril not named in the policy is automatically covered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Special Considerations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The most common types of perils excluded from all risks include earthquake, war, government seizure or destruction, wear and tear, infestation, pollution, nuclear hazard, market loss, etc.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">An individual or business who requires coverage for any excluded event under all risks may have the option to pay an additional premium, known as a rider or floater, to have the peril included in the contract.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/named_perils.asp\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is a Named Perils Insurance Policy?','','publish','closed','closed','','what-is-a-named-perils-insurance-policy','','','2022-10-17 23:07:30','2022-10-17 23:07:30','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2779',0,'post','',0),(2780,1,'2022-10-17 23:04:25','2022-10-17 23:04:25','','Insurance-8','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-8-6','','','2022-10-17 23:04:25','2022-10-17 23:04:25','',2779,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-8.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2781,1,'2022-10-17 23:07:30','2022-10-17 23:07:30','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2780,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2780\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-1\">A named perils insurance policy is a home insurance (or business) insurance policy that only provides coverage on losses incurred to your property from hazards or events named on the policy. Named peril coverage may be purchased as a less expensive alternative to a comprehensive coverage or broad policies, which are policies that tend to offer coverage to most perils.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-3\">How a Named Perils Insurance Policy Works?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\">If a homeowner doesn\'t live in an earthquake and flooding prone area, they&nbsp;may elect to get a named perils insurance policy and only declare coverage against fire, theft, and hail, while leaving the earthquake and flooding coverage off the policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>A named perils insurance policy only provides coverage on losses incurred to your property from events or risks named on the plan.</li><li>Homeowners may purchase a named perils insurance policy and only declare coverage against hazards like theft or fire.</li><li>If a homeowner lives in a flood zone, they may elect to get a named perils insurance policy rather than earthquake coverage.</li><li>Theft, fire, and natural disasters like hail, earthquakes, and flooding are events or hazards that may be declared on a named perils insurance policy.</li><li>When a person purchases an all risks policy, it covers all perils except those expressly excluded from the list.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">Keep in mind that all risks policy does not necessarily guarantee your property will be covered against all forms of perils.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\">It\'s thus a good idea for homeowners to check their broad coverage policies to make sure they do cover all the perils that they are concerned about. If the broad policy isn\'t sufficient, homeowners should buy a named peril policy to fill that hole in their coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\">Named Perils Insurance vs. All Risks Insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">Insurance providers generally offer two types of property coverage for homeowners and businesses—named perils and all risks. \"All risks\" is a type of insurance coverage that automatically covers any risk that the contract does not explicitly omit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, if an all-risk homeowner\'s policy does not expressly exclude hurricane damage, then the house will be covered in the event of a hurricane.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Important:</strong> A named perils policy contains conditions that cover what the insurer thinks are the most likely perils.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-22\">All Risks</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\">By contrast, an all risks policy covers the insured from all perils, except those&nbsp;specifically excluded from the list. Contrary to a named perils contract, an all-risks policy does not name the risks covered, but instead, names the risks&nbsp;not&nbsp;covered. In so doing, any peril not named in the policy is automatically covered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-25\">Special Considerations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\">The most common types of perils excluded from all risks include earthquake, war, government seizure or destruction, wear and tear, infestation, pollution, nuclear hazard, market loss, etc.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\">An individual or business who requires coverage for any excluded event under all risks may have the option to pay an additional premium, known as a rider or floater, to have the peril included in the contract.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/named_perils.asp\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is a Named Perils Insurance Policy?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2779-revision-v1','','','2022-10-17 23:07:30','2022-10-17 23:07:30','',2779,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2781',0,'revision','',0),(2782,1,'2022-10-17 23:15:37','2022-10-17 23:15:37','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2783,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2783\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people don’t expect to be the victim of theft or vandalism, but it can happen to anyone, no matter where you live. If you come home to find your property stolen or destroyed, your first phone call should be to the authorities to file a police report. Your second call? It should be to your insurance agent, who can then start the process of paying you on your claim.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Generally, homeowners insurance policies cover theft, although there are some specifics that you should be aware of. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Does home insurance cover theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have an&nbsp;HO-3 policy&nbsp;— the most common type of homeowners insurance — you have theft insurance. Theft is one of the&nbsp;named perils&nbsp;that is standard coverage with this type of policy. Your coverage comes from three of the elements that make up a standard policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage, also known as Coverage A, is the portion of your policy that pays for damage to your home itself, which includes damage caused by theft or vandalism. Someone breaking into your home may damage windows or doors in the process. Your dwelling coverage should pay for those repairs after your deductible is applied.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, there may be limits to this coverage. Talking to your agent to ensure you are adequately covered might be a good idea. If the locks on your door, for example, are custom or antique, you might benefit from increasing your policy’s coverage amount if possible so that you could replace them with something similar in quality. Keep in mind that damages must be over&nbsp;your deductible&nbsp;for insurance to kick in.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Other structures coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If the damage or theft occurred in a detached structure on your property,&nbsp;other structures coverage&nbsp;should pay for damage to the building. Say someone breaks into your garage. In that case, the damage to your garage from the break-in would likely be covered. However, other structures coverage usually maxes out at 10% to 20% of your home’s insurance value on a standard homeowners policy. So if you’re worried about your garage, shed or fence not being fully repaired as a result of a break-in, you should talk to your insurance agent about potentially increasing your coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just like dwelling coverage, the damage to the structure must be over your deductible for insurance to pay anything out.&nbsp; Also remember that if your car is stolen from your garage, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it. You would need to have&nbsp;comprehensive coverage&nbsp;on your auto policy to cover a stolen vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Personal property coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This may be the most important part of your homeowners policy if items are stolen from you because it covers your personal belongings. From clothing to furniture, your&nbsp;personal property insurance&nbsp;is designed to pay the costs of replacing your personal items, up to your policy’s limits and taking your deductible into account. If your property was stolen from your car, your car insurance should pay for the damage to your vehicle, but your homeowners insurance could pay for the personal property that was stolen. Auto insurance policies do not cover your personal property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have expensive, high-end, collectible or antique items, you may want to consider&nbsp;scheduled personal property coverage. Scheduling your personal property can be beneficial if you own expensive electronics, cameras, furs, jewelry or other items. If your hobby involves collecting items such as stamps or coins, or if you have high-value musical equipment, talking to your insurance agent about scheduling those items could help ensure you get an adequate claim payout if they are stolen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You’ll probably need to have an appraisal of their value to schedule them, but once you have one, you may be able to insure them for the full value if they are stolen or damaged by covered events. One benefit is that scheduling may expand the range of events you are covered for and often includes replacement if you’ve lost them. Another benefit: there is usually no deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Actual cash value vs. replacement cost insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your insurance should cover you in the event of a theft, but how much it covers your belongings for is determined partly by whether you have an&nbsp;actual cash value&nbsp;or a&nbsp;replacement cost&nbsp;policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the difference? Actual cash value insurance takes depreciation into account. For example, if your two-year-old laptop is stolen from your home, you might only receive a few hundred dollars in a claim payout with actual cash value insurance, since computers depreciate quickly. That may not be enough to replace your property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, on the other hand, would pay you what was needed to purchase a new laptop of approximately the same quality as the old one. So your payout might be $1,000 or more, depending on what it would cost you to purchase a new one.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, as you might imagine, is generally more expensive than actual cash value insurance, but it can leave your finances in far better shape after a home invasion.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to file a home insurance claim for theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’ve been the victim of theft and the damages are greater than your deductible, you might want to&nbsp;file a home insurance claim. This allows your insurance provider to investigate your loss and potentially pay you for your damages. You can file a claim by following these steps:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Assess the damage.&nbsp;</strong>If your home or car has been broken into, take stock of what was damaged. Damage to your car should be covered by a&nbsp;full coverage auto insurance policy, whereas damage to your home and any stolen property (from your home or car) should be covered by your home insurance. You don’t have to work up an exact dollar amount for the car or home damage and stolen items, but you’ll probably want to make sure the damage is above your deductible before you file a claim.</li><li><strong>Contact your insurance company.&nbsp;</strong>Many companies have mobile apps that allow you to file a claim or access online customer portals. You might need to call an 800-number or talk to your local agent to initiate the claims process. You’ll need the date the loss happened, details about the event and information about the damage that occurred.</li><li><strong>Work with your claim representative.</strong>&nbsp;Your case will likely be handled by a claim representative, although occasionally you’ll work with an entire team of claim handlers. These&nbsp;insurance representatives are called adjusters. Keep in contact with your adjuster via email, phone, text or mail. You may need to provide documentation proving you owned the stolen property and proof of its value.</li><li><strong>Receive your payout.&nbsp;</strong>If your claim is approved, you’ll likely get a check in the mail for the agreed-upon value of the damages. For your personal property, the check will likely just be in your name, unless the property is jointly owned. However, if there is damage to your home or car, the check may include your mortgage or finance company’s name as well and you’ll need to work with that institution to cash the check.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to prevent theft from your home?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people will agree that it is better not to have to deal with a theft than to have to deal with the aftermath of one. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for making your home less appealing to burglars and giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family and your belongings are safe.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Install deadbolt locks on all doors and reinforce your window locks.</li><li>Install security devices, such as motion-sensor lights or a burglar alarm.</li><li>Ask your local police if they will do a security audit of your home. Then, tackle as many of their suggestions as you can afford.</li><li>Keep bushes in front of windows clipped back so no one can hide behind them while they are jimmying the locks. Planting bushes with thorns under windows may deter potential burglars.</li><li>Keep valuables such as important documents, money or expensive collections out of sight and, if possible, in a locked safe.</li><li>Don’t leave ladders or tools visible outside.</li><li>Don’t talk about your vacation plans in a public place. While gone, ask the police and neighbors to keep an eye on your property.</li><li>Make sure your garage or shed doors and windows have locks.</li><li>If you have a pet door, make sure it’s locked when not in use.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Insurance companies will often give discounts if you have safety devices that lessen the risk of your home being broken into. These devices might include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Deadbolt locks</strong>, which make breaking into your residence more difficult.</li><li><strong>Local alarms</strong>, which sound at the residence to scare off intruders.</li><li><strong>Central alarms</strong>, which ring at the residence and automatically alert the authorities to the situation.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, if you live in a gated community or a community with a security guard at the entrance, you might get a discount on your home insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Frequently asked questions</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What insurance company offers the best homeowners insurance?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While there are some home insurance companies that stand out from the pack, there isn’t a single best company for everyone. That’s because different policyholders want and need different things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>If I’m the victim of a theft that happens while I’m on vacation, am I covered?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Yes. Your personal property coverage extends to you when you are traveling, so if your luggage is stolen when you’re on vacation, your belongings will still be covered if the damage is over your deductible. If your home is broken into while you’re on vacation, you’ll likely still be covered for the damage to your house and the stolen items. However, if you are gone from your home for a significant period of time, your insurer could consider it vacant and deny coverage. If you plan to take a lengthy trip, contact your insurance company to discuss your options ahead of time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How can I protect myself from identity theft?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This rapidly-growing type of crime is something that insurers are increasingly addressing by offering riders, or amendments, to homeowner policies to cover the costs of repairing your credit and recovering from&nbsp;identity theft. Ask your agent about adding this coverage to your basic policy so that you’ll be covered if someone steals your identity. To lessen the risk of your identity being stolen, review your financial statements often, choose strong passwords for online banking and shopping sites, use antivirus software and thoroughly shred any documents with personal information on them before you throw them out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-theft/\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does homeowners insurance cover theft?','','publish','closed','closed','','does-homeowners-insurance-cover-theft','','','2022-10-18 23:36:29','2022-10-18 23:36:29','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2782',0,'post','',0),(2783,1,'2022-10-17 23:08:39','2022-10-17 23:08:39','','Insurance-9','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-9-5','','','2022-10-17 23:08:39','2022-10-17 23:08:39','',2782,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-9.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2791,1,'2022-10-18 23:36:29','2022-10-18 23:36:29','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2783,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2783\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people don’t expect to be the victim of theft or vandalism, but it can happen to anyone, no matter where you live. If you come home to find your property stolen or destroyed, your first phone call should be to the authorities to file a police report. Your second call? It should be to your insurance agent, who can then start the process of paying you on your claim.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Generally, homeowners insurance policies cover theft, although there are some specifics that you should be aware of. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Does home insurance cover theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have an&nbsp;HO-3 policy&nbsp;— the most common type of homeowners insurance — you have theft insurance. Theft is one of the&nbsp;named perils&nbsp;that is standard coverage with this type of policy. Your coverage comes from three of the elements that make up a standard policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage, also known as Coverage A, is the portion of your policy that pays for damage to your home itself, which includes damage caused by theft or vandalism. Someone breaking into your home may damage windows or doors in the process. Your dwelling coverage should pay for those repairs after your deductible is applied.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, there may be limits to this coverage. Talking to your agent to ensure you are adequately covered might be a good idea. If the locks on your door, for example, are custom or antique, you might benefit from increasing your policy’s coverage amount if possible so that you could replace them with something similar in quality. Keep in mind that damages must be over&nbsp;your deductible&nbsp;for insurance to kick in.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Other structures coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If the damage or theft occurred in a detached structure on your property,&nbsp;other structures coverage&nbsp;should pay for damage to the building. Say someone breaks into your garage. In that case, the damage to your garage from the break-in would likely be covered. However, other structures coverage usually maxes out at 10% to 20% of your home’s insurance value on a standard homeowners policy. So if you’re worried about your garage, shed or fence not being fully repaired as a result of a break-in, you should talk to your insurance agent about potentially increasing your coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just like dwelling coverage, the damage to the structure must be over your deductible for insurance to pay anything out.&nbsp; Also remember that if your car is stolen from your garage, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it. You would need to have&nbsp;comprehensive coverage&nbsp;on your auto policy to cover a stolen vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Personal property coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This may be the most important part of your homeowners policy if items are stolen from you because it covers your personal belongings. From clothing to furniture, your&nbsp;personal property insurance&nbsp;is designed to pay the costs of replacing your personal items, up to your policy’s limits and taking your deductible into account. If your property was stolen from your car, your car insurance should pay for the damage to your vehicle, but your homeowners insurance could pay for the personal property that was stolen. Auto insurance policies do not cover your personal property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have expensive, high-end, collectible or antique items, you may want to consider&nbsp;scheduled personal property coverage. Scheduling your personal property can be beneficial if you own expensive electronics, cameras, furs, jewelry or other items. If your hobby involves collecting items such as stamps or coins, or if you have high-value musical equipment, talking to your insurance agent about scheduling those items could help ensure you get an adequate claim payout if they are stolen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You’ll probably need to have an appraisal of their value to schedule them, but once you have one, you may be able to insure them for the full value if they are stolen or damaged by covered events. One benefit is that scheduling may expand the range of events you are covered for and often includes replacement if you’ve lost them. Another benefit: there is usually no deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Actual cash value vs. replacement cost insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your insurance should cover you in the event of a theft, but how much it covers your belongings for is determined partly by whether you have an&nbsp;actual cash value&nbsp;or a&nbsp;replacement cost&nbsp;policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the difference? Actual cash value insurance takes depreciation into account. For example, if your two-year-old laptop is stolen from your home, you might only receive a few hundred dollars in a claim payout with actual cash value insurance, since computers depreciate quickly. That may not be enough to replace your property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, on the other hand, would pay you what was needed to purchase a new laptop of approximately the same quality as the old one. So your payout might be $1,000 or more, depending on what it would cost you to purchase a new one.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, as you might imagine, is generally more expensive than actual cash value insurance, but it can leave your finances in far better shape after a home invasion.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to file a home insurance claim for theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’ve been the victim of theft and the damages are greater than your deductible, you might want to&nbsp;file a home insurance claim. This allows your insurance provider to investigate your loss and potentially pay you for your damages. You can file a claim by following these steps:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Assess the damage.&nbsp;</strong>If your home or car has been broken into, take stock of what was damaged. Damage to your car should be covered by a&nbsp;full coverage auto insurance policy, whereas damage to your home and any stolen property (from your home or car) should be covered by your home insurance. You don’t have to work up an exact dollar amount for the car or home damage and stolen items, but you’ll probably want to make sure the damage is above your deductible before you file a claim.</li><li><strong>Contact your insurance company.&nbsp;</strong>Many companies have mobile apps that allow you to file a claim or access online customer portals. You might need to call an 800-number or talk to your local agent to initiate the claims process. You’ll need the date the loss happened, details about the event and information about the damage that occurred.</li><li><strong>Work with your claim representative.</strong>&nbsp;Your case will likely be handled by a claim representative, although occasionally you’ll work with an entire team of claim handlers. These&nbsp;insurance representatives are called adjusters. Keep in contact with your adjuster via email, phone, text or mail. You may need to provide documentation proving you owned the stolen property and proof of its value.</li><li><strong>Receive your payout.&nbsp;</strong>If your claim is approved, you’ll likely get a check in the mail for the agreed-upon value of the damages. For your personal property, the check will likely just be in your name, unless the property is jointly owned. However, if there is damage to your home or car, the check may include your mortgage or finance company’s name as well and you’ll need to work with that institution to cash the check.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to prevent theft from your home?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people will agree that it is better not to have to deal with a theft than to have to deal with the aftermath of one. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for making your home less appealing to burglars and giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family and your belongings are safe.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Install deadbolt locks on all doors and reinforce your window locks.</li><li>Install security devices, such as motion-sensor lights or a burglar alarm.</li><li>Ask your local police if they will do a security audit of your home. Then, tackle as many of their suggestions as you can afford.</li><li>Keep bushes in front of windows clipped back so no one can hide behind them while they are jimmying the locks. Planting bushes with thorns under windows may deter potential burglars.</li><li>Keep valuables such as important documents, money or expensive collections out of sight and, if possible, in a locked safe.</li><li>Don’t leave ladders or tools visible outside.</li><li>Don’t talk about your vacation plans in a public place. While gone, ask the police and neighbors to keep an eye on your property.</li><li>Make sure your garage or shed doors and windows have locks.</li><li>If you have a pet door, make sure it’s locked when not in use.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Insurance companies will often give discounts if you have safety devices that lessen the risk of your home being broken into. These devices might include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Deadbolt locks</strong>, which make breaking into your residence more difficult.</li><li><strong>Local alarms</strong>, which sound at the residence to scare off intruders.</li><li><strong>Central alarms</strong>, which ring at the residence and automatically alert the authorities to the situation.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, if you live in a gated community or a community with a security guard at the entrance, you might get a discount on your home insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Frequently asked questions</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What insurance company offers the best homeowners insurance?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While there are some home insurance companies that stand out from the pack, there isn’t a single best company for everyone. That’s because different policyholders want and need different things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>If I’m the victim of a theft that happens while I’m on vacation, am I covered?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Yes. Your personal property coverage extends to you when you are traveling, so if your luggage is stolen when you’re on vacation, your belongings will still be covered if the damage is over your deductible. If your home is broken into while you’re on vacation, you’ll likely still be covered for the damage to your house and the stolen items. However, if you are gone from your home for a significant period of time, your insurer could consider it vacant and deny coverage. If you plan to take a lengthy trip, contact your insurance company to discuss your options ahead of time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How can I protect myself from identity theft?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This rapidly-growing type of crime is something that insurers are increasingly addressing by offering riders, or amendments, to homeowner policies to cover the costs of repairing your credit and recovering from&nbsp;identity theft. Ask your agent about adding this coverage to your basic policy so that you’ll be covered if someone steals your identity. To lessen the risk of your identity being stolen, review your financial statements often, choose strong passwords for online banking and shopping sites, use antivirus software and thoroughly shred any documents with personal information on them before you throw them out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-theft/\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does homeowners insurance cover theft?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2782-revision-v1','','','2022-10-18 23:36:29','2022-10-18 23:36:29','',2782,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2791',0,'revision','',0),(2784,1,'2022-10-17 23:15:37','2022-10-17 23:15:37','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2783,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2783\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people don’t expect to be the victim of theft or vandalism, but it can happen to anyone, no matter where you live. If you come home to find your property stolen or destroyed, your first phone call should be to the authorities to file a police report. Your second call? It should be to your insurance agent, who can then start the process of paying you on your claim.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Generally, homeowners insurance policies cover theft, although there are some specifics that you should be aware of. Bankrate can help you understand the finer points of your home insurance coverage as it relates to theft and burglary.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Does home insurance cover theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have an HO-3 policy — the most common type of homeowners insurance — you have theft insurance. Theft is one of the named perils that is standard coverage with this type of policy. Your coverage comes from three of the elements that make up a standard policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage, also known as Coverage A, is the portion of your policy that pays for damage to your home itself, which includes damage caused by theft or vandalism. Someone breaking into your home may damage windows or doors in the process. Your dwelling coverage should pay for those repairs after your deductible is applied.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, there may be limits to this coverage. Talking to your agent to ensure you are adequately covered might be a good idea. If the locks on your door, for example, are custom or antique, you might benefit from increasing your policy’s coverage amount if possible so that you could replace them with something similar in quality. Keep in mind that damages must be over your deductible for insurance to kick in.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Other structures coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If the damage or theft occurred in a detached structure on your property, other structures coverage should pay for damage to the building. Say someone breaks into your garage. In that case, the damage to your garage from the break-in would likely be covered. However, other structures coverage usually maxes out at 10% to 20% of your home’s insurance value on a standard homeowners policy. So if you’re worried about your garage, shed or fence not being fully repaired as a result of a break-in, you should talk to your insurance agent about potentially increasing your coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just like dwelling coverage, the damage to the structure must be over your deductible for insurance to pay anything out.  Also remember that if your car is stolen from your garage, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it. You would need to have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy to cover a stolen vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Personal property coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This may be the most important part of your homeowners policy if items are stolen from you because it covers your personal belongings. From clothing to furniture, your personal property insurance is designed to pay the costs of replacing your personal items, up to your policy’s limits and taking your deductible into account. If your property was stolen from your car, your car insurance should pay for the damage to your vehicle, but your homeowners insurance could pay for the personal property that was stolen. Auto insurance policies do not cover your personal property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have expensive, high-end, collectible or antique items, you may want to consider scheduled personal property coverage. Scheduling your personal property can be beneficial if you own expensive electronics, cameras, furs, jewelry or other items. If your hobby involves collecting items such as stamps or coins, or if you have high-value musical equipment, talking to your insurance agent about scheduling those items could help ensure you get an adequate claim payout if they are stolen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You’ll probably need to have an appraisal of their value to schedule them, but once you have one, you may be able to insure them for the full value if they are stolen or damaged by covered events. One benefit is that scheduling may expand the range of events you are covered for and often includes replacement if you’ve lost them. Another benefit: there is usually no deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Actual cash value vs. replacement cost insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your insurance should cover you in the event of a theft, but how much it covers your belongings for is determined partly by whether you have an actual cash value or a replacement cost policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the difference? Actual cash value insurance takes depreciation into account. For example, if your two-year-old laptop is stolen from your home, you might only receive a few hundred dollars in a claim payout with actual cash value insurance, since computers depreciate quickly. That may not be enough to replace your property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, on the other hand, would pay you what was needed to purchase a new laptop of approximately the same quality as the old one. So your payout might be $1,000 or more, depending on what it would cost you to purchase a new one.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, as you might imagine, is generally more expensive than actual cash value insurance, but it can leave your finances in far better shape after a home invasion.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to file a home insurance claim for theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’ve been the victim of theft and the damages are greater than your deductible, you might want to file a home insurance claim. This allows your insurance provider to investigate your loss and potentially pay you for your damages. You can file a claim by following these steps:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Assess the damage. </strong>If your home or car has been broken into, take stock of what was damaged. Damage to your car should be covered by a full coverage auto insurance policy, whereas damage to your home and any stolen property (from your home or car) should be covered by your home insurance. You don’t have to work up an exact dollar amount for the car or home damage and stolen items, but you’ll probably want to make sure the damage is above your deductible before you file a claim.</li><li><strong>Contact your insurance company. </strong>Many companies have mobile apps that allow you to file a claim or access online customer portals. You might need to call an 800-number or talk to your local agent to initiate the claims process. You’ll need the date the loss happened, details about the event and information about the damage that occurred.</li><li><strong>Work with your claim representative.</strong> Your case will likely be handled by a claim representative, although occasionally you’ll work with an entire team of claim handlers. These insurance representatives are called adjusters. Keep in contact with your adjuster via email, phone, text or mail. You may need to provide documentation proving you owned the stolen property and proof of its value.</li><li><strong>Receive your payout. </strong>If your claim is approved, you’ll likely get a check in the mail for the agreed-upon value of the damages. For your personal property, the check will likely just be in your name, unless the property is jointly owned. However, if there is damage to your home or car, the check may include your mortgage or finance company’s name as well and you’ll need to work with that institution to cash the check.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to prevent theft from your home?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people will agree that it is better not to have to deal with a theft than to have to deal with the aftermath of one. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for making your home less appealing to burglars and giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family and your belongings are safe.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Install deadbolt locks on all doors and reinforce your window locks.</li><li>Install security devices, such as motion-sensor lights or a burglar alarm.</li><li>Ask your local police if they will do a security audit of your home. Then, tackle as many of their suggestions as you can afford.</li><li>Keep bushes in front of windows clipped back so no one can hide behind them while they are jimmying the locks. Planting bushes with thorns under windows may deter potential burglars.</li><li>Keep valuables such as important documents, money or expensive collections out of sight and, if possible, in a locked safe.</li><li>Don’t leave ladders or tools visible outside.</li><li>Don’t talk about your vacation plans in a public place. While gone, ask the police and neighbors to keep an eye on your property.</li><li>Make sure your garage or shed doors and windows have locks.</li><li>If you have a pet door, make sure it’s locked when not in use.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Insurance companies will often give discounts if you have safety devices that lessen the risk of your home being broken into. These devices might include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Deadbolt locks</strong>, which make breaking into your residence more difficult.</li><li><strong>Local alarms</strong>, which sound at the residence to scare off intruders.</li><li><strong>Central alarms</strong>, which ring at the residence and automatically alert the authorities to the situation.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, if you live in a gated community or a community with a security guard at the entrance, you might get a discount on your home insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Frequently asked questions</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What insurance company offers the best homeowners insurance?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While there are some home insurance companies that stand out from the pack, there isn’t a single best company for everyone. That’s because different policyholders want and need different things. If you’re shopping for home insurance, make a list of the coverage types, discounts, policy features and other factors you are looking for in a company and then get quotes from a few different carriers to see which is the best option for you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>If I’m the victim of a theft that happens while I’m on vacation, am I covered?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Yes. Your personal property coverage extends to you when you are traveling, so if your luggage is stolen when you’re on vacation, your belongings will still be covered if the damage is over your deductible. If your home is broken into while you’re on vacation, you’ll likely still be covered for the damage to your house and the stolen items. However, if you are gone from your home for a significant period of time, your insurer could consider it vacant and deny coverage. If you plan to take a lengthy trip, contact your insurance company to discuss your options ahead of time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How can I protect myself from identity theft?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This rapidly-growing type of crime is something that insurers are increasingly addressing by offering riders, or amendments, to homeowner policies to cover the costs of repairing your credit and recovering from identity theft. Ask your agent about adding this coverage to your basic policy so that you’ll be covered if someone steals your identity. To lessen the risk of your identity being stolen, review your financial statements often, choose strong passwords for online banking and shopping sites, use antivirus software and thoroughly shred any documents with personal information on them before you throw them out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-theft/\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does homeowners insurance cover theft?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2782-revision-v1','','','2022-10-17 23:15:37','2022-10-17 23:15:37','',2782,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2784',0,'revision','',0),(2785,1,'2022-10-17 23:24:54','2022-10-17 23:24:54','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2786,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-10.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2786\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The personal property coverage section in a homeowners insurance policy will, depending upon limits, pay for the replacement or repair of your personal belongings when they are damaged or stolen as well as some surprising losses. The most common claims involve damage from an external event such as a fire, but loss from theft is typically covered as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Covered items will also include packages that were delivered to you or your family which are stolen from the porch or after being placed inside your home. Often these may not be expensive items so beware that unless the package is valued higher than your deductible limits, there will not be a monetary recovery from your insurer. The standard deductible amount for home insurance is between $500 and $1,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In 2020, it was reported that 1.7 million packages were stolen or lost every day. There are a wide variety of precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk that you will be a theft victim. While theft risk in your area can have an impact on the cost of your homeowners insurance policy, having the right coverage in place to protect yourself financially is a recommended safeguard.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">When is theft not covered?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While most homeowners insurance policies cover loss from theft, there are factors that can limit recoveries. Of course, personal property limits and deductibles will dictate coverage but there also can be problems in valuations of very expensive items. There can also be disputes with your home insurance company about paying the full replacement cost of a stolen item.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, it is important to understand the reporting requirements in a policy. Most homeowners policies require that the homeowner report a theft or other loss within a certain period of time from the discovery of the loss. Failure to do this may result in the denial of an entire claim.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Theft limits</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Though homeowner policies vary, most do specifically provide coverage for lost, stolen or damaged precious items such as jewelry, high end watches, furs, firearms, fine wine and antiques. Be careful, however, since there are also typically standard limits which apply to certain of these. For example:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Jewelry –</strong>&nbsp;it is not uncommon to see a limit of $1,500 for jewelry which in many cases would not come close to addressing a total loss of these items.</li><li><strong>Items with sentimental value –</strong>&nbsp;Wedding rings, fine silverware and other items which carry a particularly personal value beyond the cost will not be fully protected.</li><li><strong>Collectibles –</strong>&nbsp;baseball cards, coins and stamps will typically not be fully covered for the true value without additions to the standard homeowner policy.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Cash and jewelry theft</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Cash and jewelry are two items that concern insurers, in part because it is often easy to make a claim without supporting documentation or evidence. For example, it is difficult to know how much cash someone has on hand and many people have a great deal of jewelry that can be worth a significant amount. For these reasons, the recovery for the loss of these items is typically specifically limited in the policy. For cash, the amount can be as low as $200 in some cases.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Understanding just what your policy does cover if these items are stolen may help guide your discussions with an agent regarding your policy. If it is a concern, ask about increasing your limits for both items and other high value items, prepare a schedule and discuss a specific endorsement or floater to cover the items per that schedule.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Who is protected from theft in your homeowners insurance policy?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In most cases, you and your family are covered in the event items are stolen from your home or packages are taken from your front porch, although not all losses may be worth filing a claim over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It is also possible that a homeowners policy will cover the stolen personal property of guests you have invited to your home. Most policies also cover injuries and losses to you while away from home though there are certain limitations you should speak to your insurer about.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Other ways to protect yourself from theft</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In addition to taking common sense steps to secure your home, like locking doors and windows and using automated lighting when away, there are a number of ways to tailor your home insurance policy to better financially protect yourself in the event of theft. If you are in possession of valuable items, it may be necessary to schedule these items and develop a specific policy strategy to ensure they are protected to their full replacement value. Also pay close attention to the limits offered in your policy. If they are not sufficient, they can be increased.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Increase coverage limits</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Typical homeowners policies make limited or no accommodation for coverage for unique and high value items. A standard policy will usually include a contents coverage limit based upon some percentage of the valuation used for the home itself. This likely will not satisfy your needs in the event of a significant loss of personal belongings. For what is generally a relatively modest premium increase, a homeowner may be able to increase the limit on personal belongings without significantly impacting the overall policy premium or the coverage amount for the home itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Schedule high-value items</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Conducting an inventory with pictures of all high-value items is always recommended. For very valuable items get an appraisal. Include with this schedule as much detail and documentation as you can which supports the true replacement cost of the items. For an extra cost, you can add a Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement to your policy which designates the amount of recovery in the event of the loss, damage or theft of the high-value item.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Install home security devices</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are many different security devices on the market that can help deter thieves and prevent theft. Of course the best way to prevent theft is to make theft more difficult. Some examples that may help include installing:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Automatic flood lights —</strong> Positioned strategically in a yard, these devices are triggered by movement and offer an excellent deterrent.</li><li><strong>Door cameras —</strong> Ever-growing in popularity, door cameras capture a package thief on camera and at the same time alert the homeowner who can verbally warn the thief or call the police.</li><li><strong>Security system —</strong> The best of these are linked directly to a security company or the local police department and can initiate a response when a break in is detected.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-packages/?itm_source=parsely-api\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does home insurance cover packages?','','publish','closed','closed','','does-home-insurance-cover-packages','','','2022-10-17 23:24:54','2022-10-17 23:24:54','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2785',0,'post','',0),(2786,1,'2022-10-17 23:19:20','2022-10-17 23:19:20','','Insurance-10','','inherit','closed','closed','','insurance-10-6','','','2022-10-17 23:19:20','2022-10-17 23:19:20','',2785,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-10.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2787,1,'2022-10-17 23:24:54','2022-10-17 23:24:54','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2786,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-10.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2786\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The personal property coverage section in a homeowners insurance policy will, depending upon limits, pay for the replacement or repair of your personal belongings when they are damaged or stolen as well as some surprising losses. The most common claims involve damage from an external event such as a fire, but loss from theft is typically covered as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Covered items will also include packages that were delivered to you or your family which are stolen from the porch or after being placed inside your home. Often these may not be expensive items so beware that unless the package is valued higher than your deductible limits, there will not be a monetary recovery from your insurer. The standard deductible amount for home insurance is between $500 and $1,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In 2020, it was reported that 1.7 million packages were stolen or lost every day. There are a wide variety of precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk that you will be a theft victim. While theft risk in your area can have an impact on the cost of your homeowners insurance policy, having the right coverage in place to protect yourself financially is a recommended safeguard.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">When is theft not covered?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While most homeowners insurance policies cover loss from theft, there are factors that can limit recoveries. Of course, personal property limits and deductibles will dictate coverage but there also can be problems in valuations of very expensive items. There can also be disputes with your home insurance company about paying the full replacement cost of a stolen item.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, it is important to understand the reporting requirements in a policy. Most homeowners policies require that the homeowner report a theft or other loss within a certain period of time from the discovery of the loss. Failure to do this may result in the denial of an entire claim.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Theft limits</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Though homeowner policies vary, most do specifically provide coverage for lost, stolen or damaged precious items such as jewelry, high end watches, furs, firearms, fine wine and antiques. Be careful, however, since there are also typically standard limits which apply to certain of these. For example:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Jewelry –</strong>&nbsp;it is not uncommon to see a limit of $1,500 for jewelry which in many cases would not come close to addressing a total loss of these items.</li><li><strong>Items with sentimental value –</strong>&nbsp;Wedding rings, fine silverware and other items which carry a particularly personal value beyond the cost will not be fully protected.</li><li><strong>Collectibles –</strong>&nbsp;baseball cards, coins and stamps will typically not be fully covered for the true value without additions to the standard homeowner policy.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Cash and jewelry theft</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Cash and jewelry are two items that concern insurers, in part because it is often easy to make a claim without supporting documentation or evidence. For example, it is difficult to know how much cash someone has on hand and many people have a great deal of jewelry that can be worth a significant amount. For these reasons, the recovery for the loss of these items is typically specifically limited in the policy. For cash, the amount can be as low as $200 in some cases.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Understanding just what your policy does cover if these items are stolen may help guide your discussions with an agent regarding your policy. If it is a concern, ask about increasing your limits for both items and other high value items, prepare a schedule and discuss a specific endorsement or floater to cover the items per that schedule.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Who is protected from theft in your homeowners insurance policy?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In most cases, you and your family are covered in the event items are stolen from your home or packages are taken from your front porch, although not all losses may be worth filing a claim over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It is also possible that a homeowners policy will cover the stolen personal property of guests you have invited to your home. Most policies also cover injuries and losses to you while away from home though there are certain limitations you should speak to your insurer about.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Other ways to protect yourself from theft</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In addition to taking common sense steps to secure your home, like locking doors and windows and using automated lighting when away, there are a number of ways to tailor your home insurance policy to better financially protect yourself in the event of theft. If you are in possession of valuable items, it may be necessary to schedule these items and develop a specific policy strategy to ensure they are protected to their full replacement value. Also pay close attention to the limits offered in your policy. If they are not sufficient, they can be increased.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Increase coverage limits</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Typical homeowners policies make limited or no accommodation for coverage for unique and high value items. A standard policy will usually include a contents coverage limit based upon some percentage of the valuation used for the home itself. This likely will not satisfy your needs in the event of a significant loss of personal belongings. For what is generally a relatively modest premium increase, a homeowner may be able to increase the limit on personal belongings without significantly impacting the overall policy premium or the coverage amount for the home itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Schedule high-value items</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Conducting an inventory with pictures of all high-value items is always recommended. For very valuable items get an appraisal. Include with this schedule as much detail and documentation as you can which supports the true replacement cost of the items. For an extra cost, you can add a Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement to your policy which designates the amount of recovery in the event of the loss, damage or theft of the high-value item.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Install home security devices</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are many different security devices on the market that can help deter thieves and prevent theft. Of course the best way to prevent theft is to make theft more difficult. Some examples that may help include installing:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Automatic flood lights —</strong> Positioned strategically in a yard, these devices are triggered by movement and offer an excellent deterrent.</li><li><strong>Door cameras —</strong> Ever-growing in popularity, door cameras capture a package thief on camera and at the same time alert the homeowner who can verbally warn the thief or call the police.</li><li><strong>Security system —</strong> The best of these are linked directly to a security company or the local police department and can initiate a response when a break in is detected.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-packages/?itm_source=parsely-api\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does home insurance cover packages?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2785-revision-v1','','','2022-10-17 23:24:54','2022-10-17 23:24:54','',2785,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2787',0,'revision','',0),(2788,1,'2022-10-18 13:17:17','2022-10-18 13:17:17','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Mortgage lenders generally require homeowners insurance coverage, and it’s almost always a smart buy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2770,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2770\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Nerdy takeaways</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Homeowners insurance provides coverage in case a disaster damages your home or personal belongings.</li><li>It can also pay out when you’re held responsible for an accident or injury.</li><li>Home insurance generally covers damage due to fire, wind or snow, but it won’t cover floods or earthquakes.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your home is more than just a roof over your head. It may be your most valuable asset — and one you likely can’t afford to replace out of pocket if disaster strikes. That’s why protecting your place with the right homeowners insurance is important.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What is homeowners insurance?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance pays out if an event covered under your policy damages or destroys your home or belongings. It will also cover you in certain instances if you injure someone else or cause property damage. Homeowners insurance has four main functions:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Pay to repair your house, landscaping and other structures.</li><li>Pay to repair or replace your personal belongings.</li><li>Pay for you to live elsewhere while your house is being repaired.</li><li>Cover personal liability if you’re held legally responsible for damage or injury to someone else.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Note that homeowners insurance isn’t the same as mortgage insurance, which you may have to buy if you put less than 20% down on your home loan. (FHA and other federal loans may also require mortgage insurance, regardless of your down payment amount.) If you default on your loan, mortgage insurance will help reimburse your lender.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Mortgage insurance protects your lender, while homeowners insurance protects you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is homeowners insurance required?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance isn’t required by law, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to insure the home to protect its investment. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, home insurance is almost always a wise purchase. Because it gives you property and liability coverage, a homeowners policy is a financial safety net you may someday be glad to have.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What does homeowners insurance cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Standard homeowners insurance policies generally include six types of coverage:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Coverage type</th><th scope=\"col\">What it does</th><th scope=\"col\">Typical amount</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Dwelling</td><td>Covers damage to the home and attached structures, such as a porch.</td><td>Enough to rebuild your home.</td></tr><tr><td>Other structures</td><td>Covers stand-alone structures on your property, such as a fence or shed.</td><td>10% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Personal property</td><td>Pays to repair or replace stolen or damaged belongings.</td><td>50% to 70% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Loss of use</td><td>Helps pay temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired.</td><td>20% of dwelling coverage.</td></tr><tr><td>Personal liability</td><td>Pays if you injure someone or cause property damage unintentionally or through neglect.</td><td>$100,000 to $500,000.</td></tr><tr><td>Medical payments</td><td>Pays to treat someone injured on your property, regardless of who’s at fault. It also pays if you, a family member or a pet injures someone away from your home.</td><td>$1,000 to $5,000.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Dwelling coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage covers the structure of your home, including the walls, floors, windows and roof. Built-in appliances, such as furnaces, are also typically included in your dwelling coverage. If your home has an attached garage, porch or deck, these would fall under your dwelling coverage, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: Most homeowners policies cover your dwelling for any cause of damage that isn’t specifically excluded. Some of the most common causes of homeowners insurance claims include wind, hail, freezing, fire and lightning, according to the Insurance Information Institute.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A severe thunderstorm uproots a tree that falls onto your home, crushing part of the roof and attic. You’d pay your share of the repair cost — known as the deductible — and then the insurer would pay the rest, up to the limit of your dwelling coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Other structures coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just like it sounds, other structures coverage provides insurance for structures on your property that aren’t attached to your house. That could include a shed, fence or detached garage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: As with dwelling coverage, most homeowners insurance policies cover other structures for any event that isn’t specifically excluded. That means you\'d likely have coverage for fire, wind, hail and snow, among other issues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: Part of your fence collapses under the weight of heavy snow. The insurance company would pay to repair it, minus your deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Personal property coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Personal property refers to your personal belongings — like clothes, furniture, electronic devices and appliances that aren’t built in. Most homeowners policies cover these items anywhere in the world, not just inside your house. So if someone steals your bike from outside a store, it’ll likely be covered (minus your deductible).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: In most homeowners policies, personal property coverage works differently than dwelling and other structures coverage. Instead of covering your belongings for anything that isn’t specifically excluded, homeowners policies often cover only disasters that are listed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">These events, typically called “perils” in your policy, tend to include the following:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Fire or lightning.</li><li>Smoke.</li><li>Windstorms and hail.</li><li>Explosions.</li><li>Theft.</li><li>Vandalism.</li><li>Weight of ice, snow and sleet.</li><li>Sudden damage from a power surge.</li><li>Volcanic eruptions.</li><li>Falling objects.</li><li>Water overflow or discharge from household systems like plumbing, air conditioning and appliances.</li><li>Freezing of those same household systems.</li><li>Sudden tearing, cracking or bulging of a hot water system, steam system, air conditioning or fire protective system.</li><li>Riots.</li><li>Damage from aircraft.</li><li>Damage caused by vehicles.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A pipe bursts on a frigid winter night, sending water cascading into your kitchen and dining room. Although dwelling coverage would pay for damage to built-in items such as cabinets, personal property coverage would take care of damaged furniture, minus your deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Loss of use coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Sometimes called “additional living expenses,” the loss of use section of your homeowners policy can come in handy if your home is too damaged to live in. Loss of use coverage may pay for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses associated with living somewhere else if your home is uninhabitable after a disaster your policy covers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: As long as your home is undergoing repairs for a covered claim, you’ll likely be eligible for loss of use coverage. But if your home’s damage is due to a disaster that isn’t covered — such as a flood — your insurer won’t pay your additional living expenses, either.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: After a kitchen fire spreads to your living room, your home is out of commission for a few months while contractors make repairs. Your insurance company would pay for you and your family to rent a similarly sized house nearby.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Liability coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Personal liability coverage offers financial assistance if someone sues you for injuring them or damaging their property. Coverage generally extends to anyone in your household, including pets — so if your dog bites someone at the park, you may have coverage. (See Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites? for more information.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to others, with some exceptions. For instance, your policy won\'t cover criminal acts or harm you cause on purpose. Nor will it pay for injuries or damage from a car accident (your liability car insurance would cover those).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: A delivery person slips on your icy sidewalk before you can salt it. He breaks his wrist in the fall and sues you for medical bills and lost wages. Your liability coverage could pay your legal fees, plus any damages you’re responsible for in the lawsuit, up to your policy limit.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Medical payments coverage</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Like liability coverage, medical payments coverage pays if you cause physical injury to someone outside your household. However, no lawsuit is required, and you don’t need to be found at fault for medical payments coverage to pay out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Which events are covered: You could tap your medical payments coverage if someone suffers a minor injury on your property or if you cause harm to someone outside your home. Similar restrictions apply to liability and medical payments, with no coverage for intentional acts or car accidents, among other exclusions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How it works: Your dog bites the hand of a visiting friend. There’s no serious harm, but your medical payments insurance covers the cost of their trip to urgent care for stitches.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What homeowners insurance won\'t cover?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even the broadest homeowners insurance policy won’t cover everything that could go wrong with your home. For example, you can’t intentionally damage your house and then expect your insurer to pay for it. Policies also typically exclude damage from other causes such as:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Flooding from external sources such as heavy rainfall or storm surges.</li><li>Water damage from drain and sewer backups.</li><li>Earthquakes, landslides and sinkholes.</li><li>Infestations by birds, vermin, fungus or mold.</li><li>Wear and tear or neglect.</li><li>Nuclear hazard.</li><li>Government action, including war.</li><li>Power failure.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, you can buy separate coverage for some of these risks. Flood insurance and earthquake insurance are available separately, and in hurricane-prone states, you may need or want windstorm insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Expand your coverage with endorsements</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Talk to your insurer if you have concerns about damage and events your policy doesn’t cover. In many cases, you can add endorsements — which usually cost extra — that provide more coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Below are a few of the most common home insurance endorsements. Note that availability may vary by state and company.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Scheduled personal property</strong> covers a specific valuable item such as a ring or musical instrument. You may need an appraisal — a document that states the value of the item — to get this coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Ordinance or law coverage</strong> pays to bring your home up to building codes during repairs or rebuilding.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Water backup coverage</strong> pays for damage due to backed-up sewer lines, drains or sump pumps.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Equipment breakdown coverage</strong> pays for HVAC systems and large appliances if they stop working for reasons other than normal wear and tear.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Service line protection</strong> pays for damage to water, electric or other utility lines that you’re responsible for.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Identity fraud coverage</strong> pays expenses associated with identity theft such as lost wages and legal fees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is it covered?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This table shows common problems and whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Problem</th><th scope=\"col\">Covered?</th><th scope=\"col\">Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Dog bites</td><td>Usually.</td><td>Your liability coverage typically covers lawsuits if your dog bites someone outside your household. See Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?</td></tr><tr><td>Fire</td><td>Usually.</td><td>Fire is one of the standard perils most homeowners insurance policies cover. Learn about home insurance and wildfires.</td></tr><tr><td>HVAC problems</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>If a covered event such as a windstorm damages your heating or cooling system, your homeowners policy would likely pay to repair it. Adding an equipment breakdown endorsement to your policy could give you additional coverage for mechanical failures. However, homeowners insurance won\'t pay for normal wear and tear.</td></tr><tr><td>Lost jewelry</td><td>Usually not.</td><td>A standard homeowners insurance policy covers jewelry only for theft, fire or other named events, not for accidental loss. That’s why it’s a good idea to add broader coverage for valuable jewelry. Learn more about jewelry insurance.</td></tr><tr><td>Mold</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on the cause of the mold. Most insurers will cover mold only if it\'s caused by a covered problem such as a burst pipe. Learn more about homeowners insurance and mold.</td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>Damage from sudden, accidental leaks may be covered, but slow leaks that develop over time generally won’t be. (The latter are considered a maintenance issue.) Your policy probably won’t pay for plumbing damage due to neglect, either.</td></tr><tr><td>Roof leaks</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on why your roof is leaking. Insurance typically covers damage due to a sudden, accidental event such as hail or wind, but it won\'t cover simple wear and tear. Learn more about homeowners insurance and roof leaks.</td></tr><tr><td>Termite damage</td><td>Usually not.</td><td>Insurance companies generally consider dealing with infestations to be a part of regular home maintenance, which they don\'t cover.</td></tr><tr><td>Water damage</td><td>Maybe.</td><td>It depends on the type of water damage. Most home insurance policies won’t cover floods, for example. They won\'t cover damage from a backed-up drain or sewer unless you\'ve paid for that endorsement. But if a pipe freezes and bursts, your insurer will typically pay for the resulting damage. To learn more, see Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n<!-- /wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Types of homeowners insurance policies</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance comes in several types, called “policy forms.” Some types provide more expansive coverage than others, so it’s worthwhile to know the difference. Note that different insurance companies may have different names for these policies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Most popular: HO-3 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HO-3 insurance policies, also called “special form,” are the most common. If you have a mortgage, your lender is likely to require at least this level of coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HO-3 insurance policies generally cover damage to your home from any cause except those the policy specifically excludes, such as an earthquake or flood. However, where it concerns your belongings, HO-3 insurance typically covers only damage from the perils listed in your policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Broadest coverage: HO-5 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An HO-5 insurance policy provides the most extensive homeowners coverage. It pays for damage to your home and belongings from all causes except those the policy excludes. It’s typically available only for well-maintained homes in low-risk areas, and not all insurers offer it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Nerdy Tip: HO-5 policies are sometimes called “comprehensive form” or “premier” coverage. However, an HO-3 policy may also be labeled “premier” in some cases, without offering the broader coverage of an HO-5 policy. If you want HO-5 insurance coverage, be sure to ask your agent or representative.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Limited coverage: HO-1 and HO-2 insurance</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Much less popular are HO-1 and HO-2 homeowners insurance, which pay out only for damage caused by events listed in the policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Other policy types include HO-4 insurance for renters, HO-6 for condo owners, HO-7 for mobile homes and HO-8 — a rarely used type that provides limited coverage for older homes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How homeowners insurance works?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If your home is destroyed, your homeowners insurance company isn’t likely to simply write you a check for the amount listed on your policy. First, you’ll have to file a claim, documenting the damage. And your payout could vary depending on your coverage and deductible options.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Replacement cost vs. actual cash value</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One key factor in your payout is whether your coverage will pay whatever it takes to rebuild your home, even if that cost exceeds your policy limits. This situation may arise, for instance, if construction costs have increased in your area while your coverage limits haven\'t changed. Here’s a rundown of several options you may encounter.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Actual cash value coverage</strong> pays the cost to repair or replace your damaged property, minus a deduction for depreciation. Most policies don’t use this method for the house, but it’s common for personal belongings. For items that are several years old, this means you’ll probably get only a fraction of what it would cost to buy new ones.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Functional replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays to fix your home with materials that are similar but possibly cheaper. For example, your contractor could replace damaged plaster walls with less expensive drywall.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays to repair your home with materials of “like kind and quality,” so plaster walls can be replaced with plaster. However, the payout won’t exceed your policy’s dwelling coverage limits.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some policies offer replacement cost value coverage for personal items. This means the insurer would pay to replace your old belongings with new ones, with no deduction for depreciation. If this feature is important to you, check the policy details before you buy. It’s a common option, but you typically need to pay more for it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Extended replacement cost value coverage</strong> will pay out more than the face value of your dwelling coverage, up to a specified limit, if that’s what it takes to fix your home. The limit can be a dollar amount or a percentage, such as 25% above your dwelling coverage amount. This gives you a cushion if rebuilding is more expensive than you expected.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Guaranteed replacement cost value coverage</strong> pays the full cost to repair or replace your home after a covered loss, even if it exceeds your policy limits. Not all insurance companies offer this level of coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Homeowners insurance deductibles</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Homeowners policies typically include a deductible — the amount you’re required to cover before your insurer starts paying. The deductible can be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>A flat dollar amount, such as $500 or $1,000.</li><li>A percentage, such as 1% or 2% of the home’s insured value.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When you receive a claim check, your insurer subtracts your deductible amount. Say you have a $1,000 deductible and your insurer approves a claim for $10,000 in repairs. The insurer would pay $9,000, and you would be responsible for $1,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Nerdy Tip: Choosing a higher deductible will usually reduce your premium. However, you’ll shoulder more of the financial burden should you need to file a claim. A lower deductible, on the other hand, means you might have a higher premium but your insurer would pick up nearly the whole tab after an incident.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Be aware that some policies include separate — and often higher — deductibles for specific types of claims such as damage from wind, hail, hurricanes or earthquakes. For example, a policy might have a $1,000 deductible for most losses but a 10% deductible for optional earthquake coverage that you added to the policy. This means if an earthquake damages a home with $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage, the deductible would be $30,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Liability claims generally don’t have a deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/understanding-homeowners-insurance?trk_channel=web&amp;trk_copy=What%20Is%20Homeowners%20Insurance%2C%20and%20What%20Does%20It%20Cover%3F&amp;trk_element=hyperlink&amp;trk_elementPosition=1&amp;trk_location=PostList&amp;trk_subLocation=next-steps\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','What Is Homeowners Insurance, and What Does It Cover?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2769-autosave-v1','','','2022-10-18 13:17:17','2022-10-18 13:17:17','',2769,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2788',0,'revision','',0),(2790,1,'2022-10-18 13:19:17','2022-10-18 13:19:17','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2783,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Insurance-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2783\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people don’t expect to be the victim of theft or vandalism, but it can happen to anyone, no matter where you live. If you come home to find your property stolen or destroyed, your first phone call should be to the authorities to file a police report. Your second call? It should be to your insurance agent, who can then start the process of paying you on your claim.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Generally, homeowners insurance policies cover theft, although there are some specifics that you should be aware of. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Does home insurance cover theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have an&nbsp;HO-3 policy&nbsp;— the most common type of homeowners insurance — you have theft insurance. Theft is one of the&nbsp;named perils&nbsp;that is standard coverage with this type of policy. Your coverage comes from three of the elements that make up a standard policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Dwelling coverage, also known as Coverage A, is the portion of your policy that pays for damage to your home itself, which includes damage caused by theft or vandalism. Someone breaking into your home may damage windows or doors in the process. Your dwelling coverage should pay for those repairs after your deductible is applied.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, there may be limits to this coverage. Talking to your agent to ensure you are adequately covered might be a good idea. If the locks on your door, for example, are custom or antique, you might benefit from increasing your policy’s coverage amount if possible so that you could replace them with something similar in quality. Keep in mind that damages must be over&nbsp;your deductible&nbsp;for insurance to kick in.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Other structures coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If the damage or theft occurred in a detached structure on your property,&nbsp;other structures coverage&nbsp;should pay for damage to the building. Say someone breaks into your garage. In that case, the damage to your garage from the break-in would likely be covered. However, other structures coverage usually maxes out at 10% to 20% of your home’s insurance value on a standard homeowners policy. So if you’re worried about your garage, shed or fence not being fully repaired as a result of a break-in, you should talk to your insurance agent about potentially increasing your coverage.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just like dwelling coverage, the damage to the structure must be over your deductible for insurance to pay anything out.&nbsp; Also remember that if your car is stolen from your garage, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it. You would need to have&nbsp;comprehensive coverage&nbsp;on your auto policy to cover a stolen vehicle.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Personal property coverage</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This may be the most important part of your homeowners policy if items are stolen from you because it covers your personal belongings. From clothing to furniture, your&nbsp;personal property insurance&nbsp;is designed to pay the costs of replacing your personal items, up to your policy’s limits and taking your deductible into account. If your property was stolen from your car, your car insurance should pay for the damage to your vehicle, but your homeowners insurance could pay for the personal property that was stolen. Auto insurance policies do not cover your personal property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have expensive, high-end, collectible or antique items, you may want to consider&nbsp;scheduled personal property coverage. Scheduling your personal property can be beneficial if you own expensive electronics, cameras, furs, jewelry or other items. If your hobby involves collecting items such as stamps or coins, or if you have high-value musical equipment, talking to your insurance agent about scheduling those items could help ensure you get an adequate claim payout if they are stolen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You’ll probably need to have an appraisal of their value to schedule them, but once you have one, you may be able to insure them for the full value if they are stolen or damaged by covered events. One benefit is that scheduling may expand the range of events you are covered for and often includes replacement if you’ve lost them. Another benefit: there is usually no deductible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Actual cash value vs. replacement cost insurance</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your insurance should cover you in the event of a theft, but how much it covers your belongings for is determined partly by whether you have an&nbsp;actual cash value&nbsp;or a&nbsp;replacement cost&nbsp;policy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s the difference? Actual cash value insurance takes depreciation into account. For example, if your two-year-old laptop is stolen from your home, you might only receive a few hundred dollars in a claim payout with actual cash value insurance, since computers depreciate quickly. That may not be enough to replace your property.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, on the other hand, would pay you what was needed to purchase a new laptop of approximately the same quality as the old one. So your payout might be $1,000 or more, depending on what it would cost you to purchase a new one.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Replacement cost insurance, as you might imagine, is generally more expensive than actual cash value insurance, but it can leave your finances in far better shape after a home invasion.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to file a home insurance claim for theft?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you’ve been the victim of theft and the damages are greater than your deductible, you might want to&nbsp;file a home insurance claim. This allows your insurance provider to investigate your loss and potentially pay you for your damages. You can file a claim by following these steps:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Assess the damage.&nbsp;</strong>If your home or car has been broken into, take stock of what was damaged. Damage to your car should be covered by a&nbsp;full coverage auto insurance policy, whereas damage to your home and any stolen property (from your home or car) should be covered by your home insurance. You don’t have to work up an exact dollar amount for the car or home damage and stolen items, but you’ll probably want to make sure the damage is above your deductible before you file a claim.</li><li><strong>Contact your insurance company.&nbsp;</strong>Many companies have mobile apps that allow you to file a claim or access online customer portals. You might need to call an 800-number or talk to your local agent to initiate the claims process. You’ll need the date the loss happened, details about the event and information about the damage that occurred.</li><li><strong>Work with your claim representative.</strong>&nbsp;Your case will likely be handled by a claim representative, although occasionally you’ll work with an entire team of claim handlers. These&nbsp;insurance representatives are called adjusters. Keep in contact with your adjuster via email, phone, text or mail. You may need to provide documentation proving you owned the stolen property and proof of its value.</li><li><strong>Receive your payout.&nbsp;</strong>If your claim is approved, you’ll likely get a check in the mail for the agreed-upon value of the damages. For your personal property, the check will likely just be in your name, unless the property is jointly owned. However, if there is damage to your home or car, the check may include your mortgage or finance company’s name as well and you’ll need to work with that institution to cash the check.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How to prevent theft from your home?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people will agree that it is better not to have to deal with a theft than to have to deal with the aftermath of one. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for making your home less appealing to burglars and giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family and your belongings are safe.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Install deadbolt locks on all doors and reinforce your window locks.</li><li>Install security devices, such as motion-sensor lights or a burglar alarm.</li><li>Ask your local police if they will do a security audit of your home. Then, tackle as many of their suggestions as you can afford.</li><li>Keep bushes in front of windows clipped back so no one can hide behind them while they are jimmying the locks. Planting bushes with thorns under windows may deter potential burglars.</li><li>Keep valuables such as important documents, money or expensive collections out of sight and, if possible, in a locked safe.</li><li>Don’t leave ladders or tools visible outside.</li><li>Don’t talk about your vacation plans in a public place. While gone, ask the police and neighbors to keep an eye on your property.</li><li>Make sure your garage or shed doors and windows have locks.</li><li>If you have a pet door, make sure it’s locked when not in use.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Insurance companies will often give discounts if you have safety devices that lessen the risk of your home being broken into. These devices might include:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li><strong>Deadbolt locks</strong>, which make breaking into your residence more difficult.</li><li><strong>Local alarms</strong>, which sound at the residence to scare off intruders.</li><li><strong>Central alarms</strong>, which ring at the residence and automatically alert the authorities to the situation.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, if you live in a gated community or a community with a security guard at the entrance, you might get a discount on your home insurance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Frequently asked questions</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>What insurance company offers the best homeowners insurance?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While there are some&nbsp;home insurance companies&nbsp;that stand out from the pack, there isn’t a single best company for everyone. That’s because different policyholders want and need different things. If you’re shopping for home insurance, make a list of the coverage types, discounts, policy features and other factors you are looking for in a company and then get quotes from a few different carriers to see which is the best option for you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>If I’m the victim of a theft that happens while I’m on vacation, am I covered?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Yes. Your personal property coverage extends to you when you are traveling, so if your luggage is stolen when you’re on vacation, your belongings will still be covered if the damage is over your deductible. If your home is broken into while you’re on vacation, you’ll likely still be covered for the damage to your house and the stolen items. However, if you are gone from your home for a significant period of time, your insurer could consider it vacant and deny coverage. If you plan to take a lengthy trip, contact your insurance company to discuss your options ahead of time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How can I protect myself from identity theft?</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This rapidly-growing type of crime is something that insurers are increasingly addressing by offering riders, or amendments, to homeowner policies to cover the costs of repairing your credit and recovering from&nbsp;identity theft. Ask your agent about adding this coverage to your basic policy so that you’ll be covered if someone steals your identity. To lessen the risk of your identity being stolen, review your financial statements often, choose strong passwords for online banking and shopping sites, use antivirus software and thoroughly shred any documents with personal information on them before you throw them out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-theft/\">click here</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does homeowners insurance cover theft?','','inherit','closed','closed','','2782-revision-v1','','','2022-10-18 13:19:17','2022-10-18 13:19:17','',2782,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2790',0,'revision','',0),(2793,1,'2022-11-25 16:45:32','2022-11-25 16:45:32','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2794,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2794\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\">If you\'re considering purchasing a home in the near future, then it\'s wise to brush up on your mortgage knowledge. Learn about best practices when applying for a mortgage, what to look for when shopping for a mortgage, and what you can do with your mortgage after you\'ve bought a home.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Before you apply for a mortgage, it\'s a good idea to review your credit report to make any corrections or work on improving your credit.</li><li>You should also review all the expenses of home ownership and plan your budget accordingly.</li><li>Finally, compare all of your mortgage options in terms of rate, loan term, and type to find the right one for you.</li><li>If you need to make adjustments later, you can consider refinancing your mortgage or taking out a home equity loan.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">Your Credit</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">To qualify for a mortgage, good credit is essential. Find out your credit score, and be sure to check your credit report carefully for errors since lenders use it to determine if you qualify for a loan—and to decide the interest rate they\'ll charge you. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a free credit report checklist you can use to help you thoroughly review your report.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Note: You can get a free copy of your credit report from the three major reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—once per year at annualcreditreport.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What constitutes a good credit score depends on the lenders\' requirements, as well as the type of mortgage you\'re looking for. However, 620 is usually the minimum score you need to qualify for a conventional mortgage. If you\'re looking to get a mortgage from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) through its program for first-time home buyers then you may qualify with a credit score as low as 500. However, you will need to make a larger down payment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">Your Budget</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Mortgage lenders want to make sure you don\'t borrow too much. They look at how much your mortgage payments are relative to your income, ensuring you have the ability to pay. It\'s important to run your calculations to understand what you can afford. Here are some of the major items to account for in your budget:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Mortgage principal</li><li>Mortgage interest</li><li>Property taxes</li><li>Homeowner and mortgage insurance</li><li>Utilities (electricity, water, gas, cable, internet, etc.)</li><li>Repair expenses</li><li>Condo or homeowner\'s association dues</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-18\">It\'s also important to determine how much you can pay for a down payment, because that will affect how much your monthly payments are.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-20\">Your Mortgage Options</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">There are a wide variety of mortgage options out there, and they can vary based on the size of the loan, the amount of time you\'ll take to repay it (or term), the interest rate type, and whether they\'re part of a special program. It pays to learn about the risks of each type before making a decision.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\"><strong>Loan Terms</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">Loan terms are generally 30 or 15 years, but other options exist as well. Shorter-term loans usually have higher monthly payments with lower interest rates and lower total costs. Longer-term loans usually have lower monthly payments with higher interest rates and higher total costs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\"><strong>Interest Rate Types</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-27\">In general, you can have a fixed or adjustable interest rate. Fixed interest rates offer a lower risk because they don\'t change over the life of the loan, so your monthly payments stay the same. Adjustable interest rates may be lower to start, but they\'re considered much riskier because after a fixed period, the rate can increase or decrease based on the market—and your payments will rise or fall based on that.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\"><strong>Loan Types</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">The majority of mortgages are considered conventional loans. But if you\'re a first-time homebuyer or have an unusual situation, you may qualify for a special mortgage. Organizations that that offer these types of loans include the FHA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some state governments, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Do your research to become familiar with these programs and the restrictions on them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-32\">Refinancing and Second Mortgages</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\">There may come a time when you can get a better mortgage. Perhaps mortgage interest rates have changed, or your credit improved. Refinancing a mortgage is a powerful move when done for the right reasons.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Note:</strong> It\'s important make sure you\'re refinancing for the right reasons—and to know what they are.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\">A second mortgage allows you to borrow against the value of your home. It\'s also called a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. You may be able to get access to a large line of credit with an attractive rate, but it comes with some pitfalls You\'re adding to your overall debt burden, which can make you more vulnerable during difficult financial situations.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.thebalancemoney.com/before-you-get-a-mortgage-315700\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-options/\" target=\"_blank\"></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Mortgage','','publish','closed','closed','','things-you-need-to-know-before-getting-a-mortgage','','','2022-11-25 16:45:32','2022-11-25 16:45:32','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2793',0,'post','',0),(2794,1,'2022-11-25 16:39:13','2022-11-25 16:39:13','','Money-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','money-1-7','','','2022-11-25 16:39:13','2022-11-25 16:39:13','',2793,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2795,1,'2022-11-25 16:45:32','2022-11-25 16:45:32','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2794,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2794\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\">If you\'re considering purchasing a home in the near future, then it\'s wise to brush up on your mortgage knowledge. Learn about best practices when applying for a mortgage, what to look for when shopping for a mortgage, and what you can do with your mortgage after you\'ve bought a home.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Before you apply for a mortgage, it\'s a good idea to review your credit report to make any corrections or work on improving your credit.</li><li>You should also review all the expenses of home ownership and plan your budget accordingly.</li><li>Finally, compare all of your mortgage options in terms of rate, loan term, and type to find the right one for you.</li><li>If you need to make adjustments later, you can consider refinancing your mortgage or taking out a home equity loan.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">Your Credit</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\">To qualify for a mortgage, good credit is essential. Find out your credit score, and be sure to check your credit report carefully for errors since lenders use it to determine if you qualify for a loan—and to decide the interest rate they\'ll charge you. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a free credit report checklist you can use to help you thoroughly review your report.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Note: You can get a free copy of your credit report from the three major reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—once per year at annualcreditreport.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What constitutes a good credit score depends on the lenders\' requirements, as well as the type of mortgage you\'re looking for. However, 620 is usually the minimum score you need to qualify for a conventional mortgage. If you\'re looking to get a mortgage from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) through its program for first-time home buyers then you may qualify with a credit score as low as 500. However, you will need to make a larger down payment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">Your Budget</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-14\">Mortgage lenders want to make sure you don\'t borrow too much. They look at how much your mortgage payments are relative to your income, ensuring you have the ability to pay. It\'s important to run your calculations to understand what you can afford. Here are some of the major items to account for in your budget:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\" class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Mortgage principal</li><li>Mortgage interest</li><li>Property taxes</li><li>Homeowner and mortgage insurance</li><li>Utilities (electricity, water, gas, cable, internet, etc.)</li><li>Repair expenses</li><li>Condo or homeowner\'s association dues</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-18\">It\'s also important to determine how much you can pay for a down payment, because that will affect how much your monthly payments are.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-20\">Your Mortgage Options</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-21\">There are a wide variety of mortgage options out there, and they can vary based on the size of the loan, the amount of time you\'ll take to repay it (or term), the interest rate type, and whether they\'re part of a special program. It pays to learn about the risks of each type before making a decision.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-23\"><strong>Loan Terms</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\">Loan terms are generally 30 or 15 years, but other options exist as well. Shorter-term loans usually have higher monthly payments with lower interest rates and lower total costs. Longer-term loans usually have lower monthly payments with higher interest rates and higher total costs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-26\"><strong>Interest Rate Types</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-27\">In general, you can have a fixed or adjustable interest rate. Fixed interest rates offer a lower risk because they don\'t change over the life of the loan, so your monthly payments stay the same. Adjustable interest rates may be lower to start, but they\'re considered much riskier because after a fixed period, the rate can increase or decrease based on the market—and your payments will rise or fall based on that.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\"><strong>Loan Types</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\">The majority of mortgages are considered conventional loans. But if you\'re a first-time homebuyer or have an unusual situation, you may qualify for a special mortgage. Organizations that that offer these types of loans include the FHA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some state governments, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Do your research to become familiar with these programs and the restrictions on them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-32\">Refinancing and Second Mortgages</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-33\">There may come a time when you can get a better mortgage. Perhaps mortgage interest rates have changed, or your credit improved. Refinancing a mortgage is a powerful move when done for the right reasons.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Note:</strong> It\'s important make sure you\'re refinancing for the right reasons—and to know what they are.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\">A second mortgage allows you to borrow against the value of your home. It\'s also called a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. You may be able to get access to a large line of credit with an attractive rate, but it comes with some pitfalls You\'re adding to your overall debt burden, which can make you more vulnerable during difficult financial situations.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.thebalancemoney.com/before-you-get-a-mortgage-315700\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-options/\" target=\"_blank\"></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Mortgage','','inherit','closed','closed','','2793-revision-v1','','','2022-11-25 16:45:32','2022-11-25 16:45:32','',2793,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2795',0,'revision','',0),(2796,1,'2022-11-25 21:37:10','2022-11-25 21:37:10','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">On this week\'s Money Confidential, we explore how to avoid both FOMO and financial woes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2797,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2797\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\">One of the toughest parts of trying to get your financial life in order is still continuing to live your actual life while you pay down debt and meet your goals. That\'s the issue our guest, 28-year-old Gabrielle (not her real name) from Brooklyn, N.Y., faces on this week\'s episode of&nbsp;<em>Money Confidential</em>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\">Like many people, Gabrielle went into debt trying get set up her first apartment and her life, and has struggled since then to pay down the debt. The hardest part is continuing to prioritize getting out of debt when she sees people around her buying brownstones, going to brunch, and taking vacations. \"I haven\'t done a lot of traveling in the past few years, because I\'ve been focusing on the debt so much, so I think that\'s the one thing that gives me the real FOMO,\" Gabrielle says. \"I see all these people going on trips. It doesn\'t feel like something that would make sense for me, if I\'m trying to pay down credit card debt. I probably shouldn\'t be dropping thousands of dollars to go on a trip somewhere.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">So how do you find the balance between being financially responsible and paying off your debts—and still find space in your budget for the things you really want to do?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-9\">Aja Dang, who chronicled paying off $200,000 in debt on Instagram and YouTube, found space in her budget for the things she really wanted, like facials. It\'s all about prioritizing. \"Obviously, when you put something aside that\'s not a quote unquote necessity, you\'re sacrificing something else,\" Dang says. \"So me contributing that $85 [toward facials] is taking away from food or it\'s taking away additional payments towards my debt. And when you think about it that way, you think whether or not it\'s important enough to replace, you know, that money going to something more as a necessity.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-11\">Dang sets aside time each week to go over her budget, and sets up flow charts to chronicle every step along her debt-repayment journey to help her see (and get excited about) her progress.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">Dang also recommends looking for ways to enjoy a social life without spending big bucks—such as choosing less expensive restaurants or planning low-cost excursions. \"Going to the park and having a picnic is not that expensive,\" Dang says. \"So there\'s other workarounds that you can do while still enjoying your life and still exploring the city that gets you out and about and social.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\"></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.realsimple.com/money/money-confidential-podcast/how-to-pay-off-debt-without-sacrificing-your-social-life\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Pay Off Debt Without Sacrificing Your Social Life','','publish','closed','closed','','how-to-pay-off-debt-without-sacrificing-your-social-life','','','2022-11-25 21:37:10','2022-11-25 21:37:10','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2796',0,'post','',0),(2797,1,'2022-11-25 20:45:59','2022-11-25 20:45:59','','Money-2','','inherit','closed','closed','','money-2-8','','','2022-11-25 20:45:59','2022-11-25 20:45:59','',2796,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-2.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2798,1,'2022-11-25 21:37:10','2022-11-25 21:37:10','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">On this week\'s Money Confidential, we explore how to avoid both FOMO and financial woes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2797,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2797\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\">One of the toughest parts of trying to get your financial life in order is still continuing to live your actual life while you pay down debt and meet your goals. That\'s the issue our guest, 28-year-old Gabrielle (not her real name) from Brooklyn, N.Y., faces on this week\'s episode of&nbsp;<em>Money Confidential</em>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\">Like many people, Gabrielle went into debt trying get set up her first apartment and her life, and has struggled since then to pay down the debt. The hardest part is continuing to prioritize getting out of debt when she sees people around her buying brownstones, going to brunch, and taking vacations. \"I haven\'t done a lot of traveling in the past few years, because I\'ve been focusing on the debt so much, so I think that\'s the one thing that gives me the real FOMO,\" Gabrielle says. \"I see all these people going on trips. It doesn\'t feel like something that would make sense for me, if I\'m trying to pay down credit card debt. I probably shouldn\'t be dropping thousands of dollars to go on a trip somewhere.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\">So how do you find the balance between being financially responsible and paying off your debts—and still find space in your budget for the things you really want to do?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-9\">Aja Dang, who chronicled paying off $200,000 in debt on Instagram and YouTube, found space in her budget for the things she really wanted, like facials. It\'s all about prioritizing. \"Obviously, when you put something aside that\'s not a quote unquote necessity, you\'re sacrificing something else,\" Dang says. \"So me contributing that $85 [toward facials] is taking away from food or it\'s taking away additional payments towards my debt. And when you think about it that way, you think whether or not it\'s important enough to replace, you know, that money going to something more as a necessity.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-11\">Dang sets aside time each week to go over her budget, and sets up flow charts to chronicle every step along her debt-repayment journey to help her see (and get excited about) her progress.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-13\">Dang also recommends looking for ways to enjoy a social life without spending big bucks—such as choosing less expensive restaurants or planning low-cost excursions. \"Going to the park and having a picnic is not that expensive,\" Dang says. \"So there\'s other workarounds that you can do while still enjoying your life and still exploring the city that gets you out and about and social.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\"></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.realsimple.com/money/money-confidential-podcast/how-to-pay-off-debt-without-sacrificing-your-social-life\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','How to Pay Off Debt Without Sacrificing Your Social Life','','inherit','closed','closed','','2796-revision-v1','','','2022-11-25 21:37:10','2022-11-25 21:37:10','',2796,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2798',0,'revision','',0),(2799,1,'2022-11-28 23:28:24','2022-11-28 23:28:24','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Saving cash over the holidays is crucial because there’s so much to buy and if we’re not careful it can get out of hand. Here are some essential Christmas money saving tips that will help.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2800,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2800\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Best Christmas Money Saving Tips For The Holidays…</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Presents</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">AGREE ON A BUDGET FOR PEOPLES PRESENTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Set a limit for family and friends and let everyone know.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In my family it’s £15 which works really well, and if someone wants something that costs more, then people can club together for it rather than breaking the bank.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An expensive gift really isn’t necessary when people are getting lots of gifts anyway, right?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DO A SECRET SANTA</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Put everyone\'s name in a hat and everyone draws one name and buys for them only. Set a budget as well. That way everyone gets one really nice present that they are more than happy with, and you get to save a lot of money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HAVE A RULE THAT ONLY THE CHILDREN GET PRESENTS IN THE FAMILY.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Once everyone is having a family, things can get expensive pretty quickly. Keeping gift buying to the children only will keep that magic of watching them unwrap them – but lessen the spend overall.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">MAKE YOUR PRESENTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A homemade gift like fudge / jam / lemon curd / biscuits etc… always go down well, and you can create some amazing packaging that will make your loved ones feel extra special.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">GIVE PEOPLE PROMISES AS GIFTS&nbsp;</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">i.e. a token for a free nights babysitting, or a promise to do a friends ironing one week etc… – this will be happily accepted and is a great inexpensive gift idea!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">REGIFT PRESENTS YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN BUT THAT DON’T WORK FOR YOU</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just remember NOT to give them to whoever gave them to you in the first place…</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">BUY SOME PRESENTS THAT ARE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BUY THAT PERSON ANYWAY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, a scarf, gloves, socks etc…. There’s nothing wrong with useful stuff!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE BROWN PAPER (PARCEL PAPER) AS WRAPPING PAPER</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can buy relatively cheaply compared to Christmas wrapping paper and dress up with ribbon, or use a stamp with some paints to create your own unique designs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE LAST YEARS CHRISTMAS CARDS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can make your own gift tags from them. Simply cut out the front picture, add a hole and some ribbon or string, and voila!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Recycling at its best, and it will brighten up each and every Christmas present while you’re at it. Bonus!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE WRAPPING SERVICES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some shops will offer a wrapping service free of charge over Christmas – take advantage!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">POST AS EARLY AS YOU CAN</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This will save money on postage as you can send second class rather than first, for example.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Christmas Cards</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SEND ECARDS NOT REAL ONES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Making savings on both stamps and cards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">AND DELIVER AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even if that means giving them out a little earlier to some people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">We love to post our hand delivered local cards on Christmas Eve as it feels nice to get out and about and wish people Merry Christmas in person.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SEND AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN EARLY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And send them second class to save pounds. You could also add the cards to any parcels you’re sending with presents inside. Save the stamp altogether!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">TELL PEOPLE YOU AREN’T SENDING CARDS THIS YEAR, AND INSTEAD MAKE A DONATION TO CHARITY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can still make a saving and help people at the same time – it is the season of goodwill after all!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips To Save Money On Christmas Food</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">GET GUESTS TO BRING SOME FOOD</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people will be happy to contribute to a buffet, or bring a specific starter or pudding, or even drinks – and this can drastically cut your holiday spending.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">EAT AT HOME MORE</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Instead of going out for meals over the festive period –&nbsp;entertain at home&nbsp;more. Christmas menus can be expensive!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DON’T OVER CATER</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Christmas is really only a few days, and you can all only eat a certain amount – it’s usually the case that people have leftovers for maybe weeks afterwards, or end up wasting a lot of food – so make a list of what you really need, and how many you are catering for each day and stick to it (your waistline will also breath a sigh of relief!).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE LEFTOVERS WISELY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Turkey soup is always a winner on Boxing day, turkey sandwiches as well… I see a lot of turkey in your future!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">ALWAYS LOOK FOR CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whether it be using Aldi instead of Marks and Spencers, or going for non branded items in the supermarket of your choice – there are always ways to save something.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Christmas Shopping</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DON’T GO OVERBOARD</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Stick to a budget and don’t be tempted when you hit the shops to splurge (online holiday shopping can help to avoid the temptation still further).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE LOYALTY POINTS&nbsp;</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Try and save them up throughout the year. Boots / Nectar / Tesco etc…all offer great loyalty schemes where savings really do add up, and it’s GREAT to be able to spend while not actually spending, right!?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SHOP AT OUTLET STORES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Or shops like TKMaxx and Homesense to get quality products for less money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE THE SALES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you won’t see some people until after Christmas, use the sales in January to buy their presents instead of buying them for full price before.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SHOP ONLINE</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">So you can’t be tempted by extra things as much as you would if you were walking past all the shops and their tempting window displays.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SPEND A LITTLE MORE THIS YEAR TO SAVE NEXT YEAR</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Things like a fake Christmas tree will cost you this year, but you won’t have to budget for it again next year so you will save in the long run.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE A CASHBACK CREDIT CARD</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you can to do all your Christmas shopping – BUT always pay it back asap as any cash back you earn will be lost against the hefty interest charged otherwise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE A CASH BACK SITE</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To get some money back on your shopping (which you could save for next year ;o) ), why not use a cash back site&nbsp;such as Quidco or TopCashBack. You can earn money throughout the year and use it to pay for some of Christmas going forward as well. This is a no-brainer really because if you do a lot of shopping online, it makes sense to get some money back while doing so…</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">ALWAYS LOOK ONLINE FOR ANY COUPON CODES OR DISCOUNTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A quick Google search often leads to a little money saved.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BLACK FRIDAY (AND CYBER MONDAY) DEALS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For items you were going to get anyway – monitor shops for any deals they may be advertising and get them while they’re there.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">LOOK IN THE POUND SHOPS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Or equivalent for stocking fillers for the kids.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Christmas Decorations</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">BUY ONE NEW ITEM EACH YEAR</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t try and revamp everything based on the trends and new stuff each year, as that will eat into your budget like nothing else! Instead, replace or add one new item each year so you end up with some gorgeous things that mean something specific to you and create memories for you each year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">We like to have one main decoration item in each room, and have collected them over the years – such as a picture, a tree, lighting, wreath etc… – but have also collected specific tree decorations for special years such as my daughters first Christmas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">MAKE THEM!</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Last year I loved making my own white salt dough decorations for our tree. This recipe was the one I followed and it worked beautifully:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">BUY IN THE SALES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Obviously this one won’t help in the current year, but come January all Christmas décor goes on sale, so this is the perfect time to buy it and save for next year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How To Save Money On General Christmas Spending</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">STREAMLINE YOUR SPENDING</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In the lead up to Christmas, <strong>go without a few daily extras </strong>to save a little more (like your morning coffee from the local shop, or your takeaways for a month etc…).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">CREATE A CHANGE JAR</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In your hallway and add any change collected each day to it – it will build up to quite a sum over the year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DON’T PAY FOR EXPENSIVE ENTERTAINMENT</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Look for Christmas markets, carol services etc… in your local area that are free to attend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://organisemyhouse.com/money-saving-tips-christmas/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','23 ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS MONEY SAVING TIPS – SAVE YOUR CASH!','','publish','closed','closed','','23-essential-christmas-money-saving-tips-save-your-cash','','','2022-11-28 23:28:24','2022-11-28 23:28:24','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2799',0,'post','',0),(2800,1,'2022-11-25 21:38:18','2022-11-25 21:38:18','','Money-3','','inherit','closed','closed','','money-3-6','','','2022-11-25 21:38:18','2022-11-25 21:38:18','',2799,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-3.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2801,1,'2022-11-26 07:20:37','2022-11-26 07:20:37','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Saving cash over the holidays is crucial because there’s so much to buy and if we’re not careful it can get out of hand. Here are some essential Christmas money saving tips that will help.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2800,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2800\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Best Christmas Money Saving Tips For The Holidays…</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Money Saving Tips For Presents</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>AGREE ON A BUDGET FOR PEOPLES PRESENTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Set a limit for family and friends and let everyone know.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In my family it’s £15 which works really well, and if someone wants something that costs more, then people can club together for it rather than breaking the bank.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>An expensive gift really isn’t necessary when people are getting lots of gifts anyway, right?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>DO A SECRET SANTA</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Put everyones name in a hat and everyone draws one name and buys for them only. Set a budget as well. That way everyone gets one really nice present that they are more than happy with, and you get to save a lot of money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>HAVE A RULE THAT ONLY THE CHILDREN GET PRESENTS IN THE FAMILY.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Once everyone is having a family, things can get expensive pretty quickly. Keeping gift buying to the children only will keep that magic of watching them unwrap them – but lessen the spend overall.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>MAKE YOUR PRESENTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A homemade gift like fudge / jam / lemon curd / biscuits etc… always go down well, and you can create some amazing packaging that will make your loved ones feel extra special.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>GIVE PEOPLE PROMISES AS GIFTS&nbsp;</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>i.e. a token for a free nights babysitting, or a promise to do a friends ironing one week etc… – this will be happily accepted and is a great inexpensive gift idea!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>REGIFT PRESENTS YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN BUT THAT DON’T WORK FOR YOU</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Just remember NOT to give them to whoever gave them to you in the first place…</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>BUY SOME PRESENTS THAT ARE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BUY THAT PERSON ANYWAY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For example, a scarf, gloves, socks etc…. There’s nothing wrong with useful stuff!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>USE BROWN PAPER (PARCEL PAPER) AS WRAPPING PAPER</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can buy relatively cheaply compared to Christmas wrapping paper and dress up with ribbon, or use a stamp with some paints to create your own unique designs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>USE LAST YEARS CHRISTMAS CARDS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can make your own gift tags from them. Simply cut out the front picture, add a hole and some ribbon or string, and voila!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Recycling at its best, and it will brighten up each and every Christmas present while you’re at it. Bonus!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>USE WRAPPING SERVICES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Some shops will offer a wrapping service free of charge over Christmas – take advantage!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>POST AS EARLY AS YOU CAN</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This will save money on postage as you can send second class rather than first, for example.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Money Saving Tips For Christmas Cards</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>SEND ECARDS NOT REAL ONES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Making savings on both stamps and cards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>AND DELIVER AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Even if that means giving them out a little earlier to some people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We love to post our hand delivered local cards on Christmas Eve as it feels nice to get out and about and wish people Merry Christmas in person.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>SEND AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN EARLY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And send them second class to save pounds. You could also add the cards to any parcels you’re sending with presents inside. Save the stamp altogether!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>TELL PEOPLE YOU AREN’T SENDING CARDS THIS YEAR, AND INSTEAD MAKE A DONATION TO CHARITY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can still make a saving and help people at the same time – it is the season of goodwill after all!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','23 ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS MONEY SAVING TIPS – SAVE YOUR CASH!','','inherit','closed','closed','','2799-revision-v1','','','2022-11-26 07:20:37','2022-11-26 07:20:37','',2799,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2801',0,'revision','',0),(2802,1,'2022-11-28 23:28:24','2022-11-28 23:28:24','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Saving cash over the holidays is crucial because there’s so much to buy and if we’re not careful it can get out of hand. Here are some essential Christmas money saving tips that will help.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":2800,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Money-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2800\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Best Christmas Money Saving Tips For The Holidays…</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Presents</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">AGREE ON A BUDGET FOR PEOPLES PRESENTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Set a limit for family and friends and let everyone know.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In my family it’s £15 which works really well, and if someone wants something that costs more, then people can club together for it rather than breaking the bank.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An expensive gift really isn’t necessary when people are getting lots of gifts anyway, right?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DO A SECRET SANTA</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Put everyone\'s name in a hat and everyone draws one name and buys for them only. Set a budget as well. That way everyone gets one really nice present that they are more than happy with, and you get to save a lot of money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">HAVE A RULE THAT ONLY THE CHILDREN GET PRESENTS IN THE FAMILY.</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Once everyone is having a family, things can get expensive pretty quickly. Keeping gift buying to the children only will keep that magic of watching them unwrap them – but lessen the spend overall.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">MAKE YOUR PRESENTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A homemade gift like fudge / jam / lemon curd / biscuits etc… always go down well, and you can create some amazing packaging that will make your loved ones feel extra special.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">GIVE PEOPLE PROMISES AS GIFTS&nbsp;</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">i.e. a token for a free nights babysitting, or a promise to do a friends ironing one week etc… – this will be happily accepted and is a great inexpensive gift idea!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">REGIFT PRESENTS YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN BUT THAT DON’T WORK FOR YOU</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just remember NOT to give them to whoever gave them to you in the first place…</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">BUY SOME PRESENTS THAT ARE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BUY THAT PERSON ANYWAY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For example, a scarf, gloves, socks etc…. There’s nothing wrong with useful stuff!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE BROWN PAPER (PARCEL PAPER) AS WRAPPING PAPER</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can buy relatively cheaply compared to Christmas wrapping paper and dress up with ribbon, or use a stamp with some paints to create your own unique designs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE LAST YEARS CHRISTMAS CARDS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can make your own gift tags from them. Simply cut out the front picture, add a hole and some ribbon or string, and voila!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Recycling at its best, and it will brighten up each and every Christmas present while you’re at it. Bonus!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE WRAPPING SERVICES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Some shops will offer a wrapping service free of charge over Christmas – take advantage!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">POST AS EARLY AS YOU CAN</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This will save money on postage as you can send second class rather than first, for example.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Christmas Cards</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SEND ECARDS NOT REAL ONES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Making savings on both stamps and cards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">AND DELIVER AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even if that means giving them out a little earlier to some people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">We love to post our hand delivered local cards on Christmas Eve as it feels nice to get out and about and wish people Merry Christmas in person.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SEND AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN EARLY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And send them second class to save pounds. You could also add the cards to any parcels you’re sending with presents inside. Save the stamp altogether!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">TELL PEOPLE YOU AREN’T SENDING CARDS THIS YEAR, AND INSTEAD MAKE A DONATION TO CHARITY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can still make a saving and help people at the same time – it is the season of goodwill after all!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Tips To Save Money On Christmas Food</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">GET GUESTS TO BRING SOME FOOD</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Most people will be happy to contribute to a buffet, or bring a specific starter or pudding, or even drinks – and this can drastically cut your holiday spending.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">EAT AT HOME MORE</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Instead of going out for meals over the festive period –&nbsp;entertain at home&nbsp;more. Christmas menus can be expensive!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DON’T OVER CATER</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Christmas is really only a few days, and you can all only eat a certain amount – it’s usually the case that people have leftovers for maybe weeks afterwards, or end up wasting a lot of food – so make a list of what you really need, and how many you are catering for each day and stick to it (your waistline will also breath a sigh of relief!).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE LEFTOVERS WISELY</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Turkey soup is always a winner on Boxing day, turkey sandwiches as well… I see a lot of turkey in your future!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">ALWAYS LOOK FOR CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whether it be using Aldi instead of Marks and Spencers, or going for non branded items in the supermarket of your choice – there are always ways to save something.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Christmas Shopping</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DON’T GO OVERBOARD</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Stick to a budget and don’t be tempted when you hit the shops to splurge (online holiday shopping can help to avoid the temptation still further).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE LOYALTY POINTS&nbsp;</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Try and save them up throughout the year. Boots / Nectar / Tesco etc…all offer great loyalty schemes where savings really do add up, and it’s GREAT to be able to spend while not actually spending, right!?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SHOP AT OUTLET STORES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Or shops like TKMaxx and Homesense to get quality products for less money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE THE SALES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you won’t see some people until after Christmas, use the sales in January to buy their presents instead of buying them for full price before.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SHOP ONLINE</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">So you can’t be tempted by extra things as much as you would if you were walking past all the shops and their tempting window displays.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">SPEND A LITTLE MORE THIS YEAR TO SAVE NEXT YEAR</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Things like a fake Christmas tree will cost you this year, but you won’t have to budget for it again next year so you will save in the long run.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE A CASHBACK CREDIT CARD</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you can to do all your Christmas shopping – BUT always pay it back asap as any cash back you earn will be lost against the hefty interest charged otherwise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">USE A CASH BACK SITE</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To get some money back on your shopping (which you could save for next year ;o) ), why not use a cash back site&nbsp;such as Quidco or TopCashBack. You can earn money throughout the year and use it to pay for some of Christmas going forward as well. This is a no-brainer really because if you do a lot of shopping online, it makes sense to get some money back while doing so…</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">ALWAYS LOOK ONLINE FOR ANY COUPON CODES OR DISCOUNTS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A quick Google search often leads to a little money saved.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BLACK FRIDAY (AND CYBER MONDAY) DEALS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For items you were going to get anyway – monitor shops for any deals they may be advertising and get them while they’re there.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">LOOK IN THE POUND SHOPS</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Or equivalent for stocking fillers for the kids.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Money Saving Tips For Christmas Decorations</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">BUY ONE NEW ITEM EACH YEAR</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Don’t try and revamp everything based on the trends and new stuff each year, as that will eat into your budget like nothing else! Instead, replace or add one new item each year so you end up with some gorgeous things that mean something specific to you and create memories for you each year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">We like to have one main decoration item in each room, and have collected them over the years – such as a picture, a tree, lighting, wreath etc… – but have also collected specific tree decorations for special years such as my daughters first Christmas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">MAKE THEM!</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Last year I loved making my own white salt dough decorations for our tree. This recipe was the one I followed and it worked beautifully:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">BUY IN THE SALES</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Obviously this one won’t help in the current year, but come January all Christmas décor goes on sale, so this is the perfect time to buy it and save for next year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">How To Save Money On General Christmas Spending</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">STREAMLINE YOUR SPENDING</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In the lead up to Christmas, <strong>go without a few daily extras </strong>to save a little more (like your morning coffee from the local shop, or your takeaways for a month etc…).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">CREATE A CHANGE JAR</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In your hallway and add any change collected each day to it – it will build up to quite a sum over the year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">DON’T PAY FOR EXPENSIVE ENTERTAINMENT</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Look for Christmas markets, carol services etc… in your local area that are free to attend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://organisemyhouse.com/money-saving-tips-christmas/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','23 ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS MONEY SAVING TIPS – SAVE YOUR CASH!','','inherit','closed','closed','','2799-revision-v1','','','2022-11-28 23:28:24','2022-11-28 23:28:24','',2799,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2802',0,'revision','',0),(2803,1,'2022-11-28 23:46:51','2022-11-28 23:46:51','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2804,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Tech-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2804\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whether you’ll be traveling or staying home for the holidays, regardless of your plans, protecting your loved ones, home, and property is still a main priority. Theft, intrusions, flooding, electrical and fire hazards, and other potential dangers can&nbsp;<em>still</em>&nbsp;occur without adequate supervision.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Holiday preparations, such as trimming Christmas trees, hanging lights and other decorations, and cooking and baking, while safely caring for loved ones and household pets—must also adhere to safety hazards and precautions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Below we’ll outline our top 15 tips for safeguarding your home, family, and property this holiday season.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">1. Christmas Trees &amp; Lights</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Both artificial <em>and</em> fresh-cut Christmas trees require safety precautions. According to fire information and knowledge resource base The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): “Between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Ensure safe placement away from heat sources such as gas fireplaces, vents, or electric heaters. For artificial trees, choose one with a specified “Fire Resistant” label.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For live trees, schedule reminders for regular watering to prevent falling needles and dryness. It’s recommended to remove or recycle live trees by mid-January to avoid additional fire hazards.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Lights should comply with the highest safety standards designated by testing and certification facility Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This verifies the product has successfully passed the lab’s requirements for fire, electric shock, and other dangers. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Consider testing older models that have been through general wear and tear, and avoid additional risks, such as linking multiple light strings together.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Note the following, additional guidance:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Avoid Lights With Frayed &amp; Exposed Wires</li><li>Consult the Manufacturer’s Instruction Guide for Safe Assembly</li><li>Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets</li><li>Don’t Use Indoor Lights Outside &amp; Vice-Versa</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set up smart outlets to automatically turn lights on and off for added safety and energy efficiency.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">2. Electrical Cord &amp; Electrical Outlet Best Practices</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While many homeowners want to capture the holiday spirit through extensive colorful light displays and decorations, these also require additional outlets and extension cords. There are also additional safety features and considerations to ensure a safe display free of electrical hazards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If your light display requires extension cords, consult the following best practices:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Avoid Connecting Two Extension Cords Together</li><li>Ensure Indoor Cords Aren’t Used Outside &amp; Vice-Versa</li><li>Don’t Run Cords Through Ceilings &amp; Walls</li><li>Never Plug a Two-Prong Cord into a Three-Prong Outlet&nbsp;</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Attach your cords via a UL-approved smart power strip to avoid overheating.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">3. Have Your Gas Fireplace Checked &amp; Inspected</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">These and other gas-fueled sources such as appliances, grills, motor vehicles, and wood stoves can potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning if not inspected regularly.<br><br>It’s also prudent to have your chimney checked and swept to remove blockages, soot, and other potential dangers.<br><br>Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms offer added protection should this dangerous gas present itself within your home. When purchased through a services provider such as General Security, homeowners can add Central Station Monitoring to directly alert local authorities and first responders. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set up mobile device alerts for immediate carbon monoxide and smoke detection, and low or missing battery notifications.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">4. Protect &amp; Secure Front-Porch Areas</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Beware so-called <em>porch pirates</em>—those hoping to steal delivered packages from front porches. These perpetrators are more prevalent during the busy online holiday shopping season, and such thefts go largely undetected due to their swift, inconspicuous nature.<br><br>To help deter these and other uninvited guests or trespassers, consider adding front door and doorbell cameras for additional protection. They are equipped with two-way audio, so homeowners can initiate conversations should someone approach the front door unannounced.<br><br>Some models can also remotely answer and unlock your door when you’re not home to provide entry for expected guests, such as family members and friends, childcare providers, and home health aides. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Look for cameras with smart features such as two-way audio, remote viewing, night vision, motion detection, and video analytics. <br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">5.&nbsp;Check on Elderly Loved Ones &amp; Neighbors</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just as the coronavirus pandemic forced in-person business meetings online via video-based chats, many utilize this same technology for virtual gatherings and check-ins with elderly family members, children, <em>and even pets</em>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Smart technologies such as Wellness and WellCam provide real-time, two-way audio and video communication. Both also easily integrate with Alarm.com Personal Emergency Response wristbands for immediate connection with Central Station Monitoring.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Remote monitoring and video surveillance provide mobile check-ins, for added peace of mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">6. Safeguard Appliances &amp; Other Potentially Dangerous Household Items</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Safeguarding hot stoves, ovens, and grills is your best defense against potential cooking accidents. Ensure all appliances are in working order, and&nbsp;<em>never</em>&nbsp;leave children or pets unattended when the kitchen becomes a hot zone.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Install smart stove and grill guards for automatic appliance shutoff. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">7. Prevent Leaks &amp; Flooding With Moisture Detection</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Flood and temperature sensors can safeguard your home from possible moisture and water damage. When installed in areas that should normally be dry, these alert about interior and exterior issues, such as leaking pipes, sinks, toilets, and faulty appliances.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This technology is also useful for seasonal or rental properties. Even when you’re not physically in the home, smart technologies will send a real-time warning to your mobile phone, should an issue arise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Place sensors in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements for real-time detection.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">8. Install Contact Sensors for Break-In Detection</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When properly placed above doors and windows, contact sensors provide intrusion and break-in detection upon separation. As an important component of your home’s alarm system, these can also be added to garages and outdoor gates, and on medicine cabinets and drawers, for wellness monitoring and alerts. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: More than just intrusion detection, contact sensors can be programmed to trigger interior changes, such as in lighting, temperature, and motion.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">9. Keep Doors &amp; Windows Locked &amp; Secured</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When hiding spare keys, avoid obvious spots such as welcome mats, flower pots, and door jambs. Choose more inconspicuous locations including sheds, garages and outdoor lockboxes, or enlist a trusted neighbor.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: When programmed with a unique user code, smart locks can secure and unlock doors whether you’re home or away.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">10. Check &amp; Monitor Decorative Candles</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While they provide added holiday cheer, unattended decorative candles are fire hazards. According to the NFPA, from 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 7,400 home structure fires from candles.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Similar to Christmas trees and lights, it’s best to keep candles away from flammable materials. Never leave them unattended or burning for extended periods, and remember to extinguish them when retiring for the evening or going out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set a timer or digital reminder so candles don’t burn for extended periods, or consider other non-flammable sources.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">11. Don\'t Forget About Pet Protection &amp; Safety</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Animals can trigger motion sensors leading to false alarms with standard home security components, and accidentally automate even the most advanced smart home devices. This can all be remedied by utilizing tech equipped with pet-specific settings, while also monitoring household pets while you’re away.<br><br>The nonprofit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends additional precautions for pet protection, such as securing Christmas trees and loose decorations; removing illness-causing plants, food, and drink items; and keeping wires, cords, and other hazards out of reach.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set up all motion sensors correctly to avoid false alarms, and use security cameras to stay in touch.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">12. Stay Safe When Placing Indoor &amp; Outdoor Decorations</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As aforementioned, it’s important to check and inspect holiday lights, and extension cords and outlets for potential hazards. This also includes safe decoration placement. Independent federal regulatory agency the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported approximately 14,800 emergency room visits due to holiday-related decorating injuries during 2019.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It’s recommended to not use furniture as ladders or step stools, and ensure all decorations are in safe working order.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Inspect and check ladders and other equipment for optimum safety.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">13.&nbsp;Ensure Working Smoke Detectors &amp;<br>Carbon Monoxide Monitors</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Smoke and carbon monoxide is dangerous, <em>and can be fatal</em>. Ensuring your home’s fire and life safety devices have been checked and inspected is of paramount importance. Listen for any beeping or chirping alerts, which could indicate carbon monoxide present in the home. If so, fire emergency personnel and first responders must be contacted <em>immediately</em>. <br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Regularly inspect and check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure proper functioning.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">14. Keep Vehicles Properly Maintained for Safe Driving</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whether you have a new driver in the family, or want to keep tabs on an elderly loved one, it’s important to ensure vehicles are maintained and monitored for safe driving. If you plan to be out of town for the holidays, consider purchasing a GPS tracking device for real-time mobile alerts regarding vehicle location and diagnostics, speeding, and other important safety information.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">15.&nbsp;Create a Home Safety Checklist for Your Family</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Set a family meeting to discuss your home safety checklist and emergency preparedness plan. While you hopefully won’t ever have to utilize these, The Red Cross advises homeowners to practice home emergency safety plans biannually.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.gensecurity.com/blog/smart-holiday-safety-tips-and-precautions\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','15 Smart Holiday Safety Tips & Precautions','','publish','closed','closed','','15-smart-holiday-safety-tips-precautions','','','2022-11-28 23:46:51','2022-11-28 23:46:51','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2803',0,'post','',0),(2804,1,'2022-11-28 23:30:04','2022-11-28 23:30:04','','Tech-tips','','inherit','closed','closed','','tech-tips-4','','','2022-11-28 23:30:04','2022-11-28 23:30:04','',2803,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Tech-tips.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2805,1,'2022-11-28 23:46:51','2022-11-28 23:46:51','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2804,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Tech-tips.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2804\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whether you’ll be traveling or staying home for the holidays, regardless of your plans, protecting your loved ones, home, and property is still a main priority. Theft, intrusions, flooding, electrical and fire hazards, and other potential dangers can&nbsp;<em>still</em>&nbsp;occur without adequate supervision.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Holiday preparations, such as trimming Christmas trees, hanging lights and other decorations, and cooking and baking, while safely caring for loved ones and household pets—must also adhere to safety hazards and precautions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Below we’ll outline our top 15 tips for safeguarding your home, family, and property this holiday season.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">1. Christmas Trees &amp; Lights</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Both artificial <em>and</em> fresh-cut Christmas trees require safety precautions. According to fire information and knowledge resource base The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): “Between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Ensure safe placement away from heat sources such as gas fireplaces, vents, or electric heaters. For artificial trees, choose one with a specified “Fire Resistant” label.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For live trees, schedule reminders for regular watering to prevent falling needles and dryness. It’s recommended to remove or recycle live trees by mid-January to avoid additional fire hazards.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Lights should comply with the highest safety standards designated by testing and certification facility Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This verifies the product has successfully passed the lab’s requirements for fire, electric shock, and other dangers. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Consider testing older models that have been through general wear and tear, and avoid additional risks, such as linking multiple light strings together.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Note the following, additional guidance:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Avoid Lights With Frayed &amp; Exposed Wires</li><li>Consult the Manufacturer’s Instruction Guide for Safe Assembly</li><li>Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets</li><li>Don’t Use Indoor Lights Outside &amp; Vice-Versa</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set up smart outlets to automatically turn lights on and off for added safety and energy efficiency.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">2. Electrical Cord &amp; Electrical Outlet Best Practices</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While many homeowners want to capture the holiday spirit through extensive colorful light displays and decorations, these also require additional outlets and extension cords. There are also additional safety features and considerations to ensure a safe display free of electrical hazards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If your light display requires extension cords, consult the following best practices:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><li>Avoid Connecting Two Extension Cords Together</li><li>Ensure Indoor Cords Aren’t Used Outside &amp; Vice-Versa</li><li>Don’t Run Cords Through Ceilings &amp; Walls</li><li>Never Plug a Two-Prong Cord into a Three-Prong Outlet&nbsp;</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Attach your cords via a UL-approved smart power strip to avoid overheating.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">3. Have Your Gas Fireplace Checked &amp; Inspected</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">These and other gas-fueled sources such as appliances, grills, motor vehicles, and wood stoves can potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning if not inspected regularly.<br><br>It’s also prudent to have your chimney checked and swept to remove blockages, soot, and other potential dangers.<br><br>Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms offer added protection should this dangerous gas present itself within your home. When purchased through a services provider such as General Security, homeowners can add Central Station Monitoring to directly alert local authorities and first responders. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set up mobile device alerts for immediate carbon monoxide and smoke detection, and low or missing battery notifications.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">4. Protect &amp; Secure Front-Porch Areas</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Beware so-called <em>porch pirates</em>—those hoping to steal delivered packages from front porches. These perpetrators are more prevalent during the busy online holiday shopping season, and such thefts go largely undetected due to their swift, inconspicuous nature.<br><br>To help deter these and other uninvited guests or trespassers, consider adding front door and doorbell cameras for additional protection. They are equipped with two-way audio, so homeowners can initiate conversations should someone approach the front door unannounced.<br><br>Some models can also remotely answer and unlock your door when you’re not home to provide entry for expected guests, such as family members and friends, childcare providers, and home health aides. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Look for cameras with smart features such as two-way audio, remote viewing, night vision, motion detection, and video analytics. <br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">5.&nbsp;Check on Elderly Loved Ones &amp; Neighbors</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Just as the coronavirus pandemic forced in-person business meetings online via video-based chats, many utilize this same technology for virtual gatherings and check-ins with elderly family members, children, <em>and even pets</em>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Smart technologies such as Wellness and WellCam provide real-time, two-way audio and video communication. Both also easily integrate with Alarm.com Personal Emergency Response wristbands for immediate connection with Central Station Monitoring.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Remote monitoring and video surveillance provide mobile check-ins, for added peace of mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">6. Safeguard Appliances &amp; Other Potentially Dangerous Household Items</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Safeguarding hot stoves, ovens, and grills is your best defense against potential cooking accidents. Ensure all appliances are in working order, and&nbsp;<em>never</em>&nbsp;leave children or pets unattended when the kitchen becomes a hot zone.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Install smart stove and grill guards for automatic appliance shutoff. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">7. Prevent Leaks &amp; Flooding With Moisture Detection</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Flood and temperature sensors can safeguard your home from possible moisture and water damage. When installed in areas that should normally be dry, these alert about interior and exterior issues, such as leaking pipes, sinks, toilets, and faulty appliances.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This technology is also useful for seasonal or rental properties. Even when you’re not physically in the home, smart technologies will send a real-time warning to your mobile phone, should an issue arise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Place sensors in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements for real-time detection.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">8. Install Contact Sensors for Break-In Detection</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When properly placed above doors and windows, contact sensors provide intrusion and break-in detection upon separation. As an important component of your home’s alarm system, these can also be added to garages and outdoor gates, and on medicine cabinets and drawers, for wellness monitoring and alerts. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: More than just intrusion detection, contact sensors can be programmed to trigger interior changes, such as in lighting, temperature, and motion.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">9. Keep Doors &amp; Windows Locked &amp; Secured</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When hiding spare keys, avoid obvious spots such as welcome mats, flower pots, and door jambs. Choose more inconspicuous locations including sheds, garages and outdoor lockboxes, or enlist a trusted neighbor.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: When programmed with a unique user code, smart locks can secure and unlock doors whether you’re home or away.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">10. Check &amp; Monitor Decorative Candles</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">While they provide added holiday cheer, unattended decorative candles are fire hazards. According to the NFPA, from 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 7,400 home structure fires from candles.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Similar to Christmas trees and lights, it’s best to keep candles away from flammable materials. Never leave them unattended or burning for extended periods, and remember to extinguish them when retiring for the evening or going out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set a timer or digital reminder so candles don’t burn for extended periods, or consider other non-flammable sources.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">11. Don\'t Forget About Pet Protection &amp; Safety</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Animals can trigger motion sensors leading to false alarms with standard home security components, and accidentally automate even the most advanced smart home devices. This can all be remedied by utilizing tech equipped with pet-specific settings, while also monitoring household pets while you’re away.<br><br>The nonprofit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends additional precautions for pet protection, such as securing Christmas trees and loose decorations; removing illness-causing plants, food, and drink items; and keeping wires, cords, and other hazards out of reach.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Set up all motion sensors correctly to avoid false alarms, and use security cameras to stay in touch.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">12. Stay Safe When Placing Indoor &amp; Outdoor Decorations</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As aforementioned, it’s important to check and inspect holiday lights, and extension cords and outlets for potential hazards. This also includes safe decoration placement. Independent federal regulatory agency the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported approximately 14,800 emergency room visits due to holiday-related decorating injuries during 2019.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It’s recommended to not use furniture as ladders or step stools, and ensure all decorations are in safe working order.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Inspect and check ladders and other equipment for optimum safety.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">13.&nbsp;Ensure Working Smoke Detectors &amp;<br>Carbon Monoxide Monitors</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Smoke and carbon monoxide is dangerous, <em>and can be fatal</em>. Ensuring your home’s fire and life safety devices have been checked and inspected is of paramount importance. Listen for any beeping or chirping alerts, which could indicate carbon monoxide present in the home. If so, fire emergency personnel and first responders must be contacted <em>immediately</em>. <br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>SMART HOME SAFETY TIP</strong>: Regularly inspect and check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure proper functioning.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">14. Keep Vehicles Properly Maintained for Safe Driving</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whether you have a new driver in the family, or want to keep tabs on an elderly loved one, it’s important to ensure vehicles are maintained and monitored for safe driving. If you plan to be out of town for the holidays, consider purchasing a GPS tracking device for real-time mobile alerts regarding vehicle location and diagnostics, speeding, and other important safety information.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">15.&nbsp;Create a Home Safety Checklist for Your Family</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Set a family meeting to discuss your home safety checklist and emergency preparedness plan. While you hopefully won’t ever have to utilize these, The Red Cross advises homeowners to practice home emergency safety plans biannually.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.gensecurity.com/blog/smart-holiday-safety-tips-and-precautions\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','15 Smart Holiday Safety Tips & Precautions','','inherit','closed','closed','','2803-revision-v1','','','2022-11-28 23:46:51','2022-11-28 23:46:51','',2803,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2805',0,'revision','',0),(2806,1,'2022-11-29 00:04:19','2022-11-29 00:04:19','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2807,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Productivity.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2807\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Time to discover some Christmas fun at work. Why? Christmas is right around the corner, and the holiday spirit is in full gear everywhere. Though the holiday season is a time that is often spent with your loved ones, many people have to go to work. Today, many companies require that all or some of their employees work during Christmas as it may be a busy time. Depending on which business you are in or your general workload of course. The idea is to enjoy the holiday season and take advantage of employee engagement. So, why not pursue some office Christmas activities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"h-office-christmas-activities\">Office Christmas activities</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Having to come to work every day during the holiday season is no fun for anyone, but there are some steps that you can take to boost the festive spirit amongst your team or departments.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There is no reason that you should miss out on some holiday fun just because you are at work. Besides, if you want to engage employees and have fun at work, Christmas is a perfect time. That said, here are ten ideas to have fun at work during Christmas time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-1-decorate-the-workplace-to-add-some-christmas-cheer\"><strong>1. Decorate the workplace to add some Christmas cheer</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One of the most fun parts of Christmas is putting up the decorations. Let’s admit it – it’s hard not to have at least a little festive spirit when the whole place is decorated with lights, tinsel, Christmas socks and hats, and of course, a Christmas tree.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You’d be surprised at how a bit of decoration here and there can make colleagues feel excited about the holidays, even if they have to spend it in the office. So, if you want to encourage Christmas fun at work, Christmas decorations is a good start.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A great way to make decorating even more fun is to have the whole team involved and set a date and time to put up the decorations. This will show your colleagues that you value them and want them to have a memorable holiday experience.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-2-play-secret-santa\"><strong>2. Play Secret Santa</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s Christmas fun at work if you don’t play Secret Santa? While being original in your Christmas celebrations is essential, you shouldn’t forget about certain holiday traditions like these.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The truth is that it just won’t feel like Christmas without them! Besides, Secret Santa is a great way to get all your colleagues across different teams together, while also making sure that everyone receives some holiday appreciation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prepare name cards for each person and have everyone choose one. The card they choose is who they should be Secret Santa for. If you have many colleagues on different teams, you can even use online tools or an app to organize the Secret Santa at work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-3-have-an-ugly-christmas-sweater-day\"><strong>3. Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Day</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Ugly Christmas sweaters have somewhat become a holiday tradition, so why not add some holiday cheer. This will surely be a number one for office Christmas activities. Come to work wearing your ugliest Christmas sweater.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at work will not only help your colleagues feel excited about the season, but it is also a great way to indulge in a riot of laughter. You can even make it a competition and pick the ugliest sweater!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-4-host-an-awards-ceremony\"><strong>4. Host an Awards Ceremony</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Christmas is a time for cheer and appreciation, so why not host an awards ceremony for your colleagues? Even if your colleagues have to come in for work during a time when the majority of the workforce is enjoying their holidays at home, rewarding them for their hard work and dedication will surely make them feel valued and appreciated by the company.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">After all, this is a time for appreciation, so why not reward people for being “the most positive person in the office” for being “the kindest and most helpful” or for being “the most helpful”? etc. The typical Miss and Mister game recognizing your colleagues’ funniest sides is another interesting option to create a good atmosphere in your Digital Workplace.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">At the end of the day it is good for the organization to reward the best corporate values of each and every one of your team members and it is important to make sure that the sense of humor is valued by all colleagues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-5-be-merry-with-christmas-treats\"><strong>5. Be merry with Christmas treats</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What is Christmas without a lot of goodies to share with others? There are many ways to have fun with Christmas meals or treats at work. For example, you can suggest that each staff member come to work one day with his or her favorite dish, usually homemade. If you want to make work fun, Christmas meals are sure to help. Dinner at the restaurant is already very popular and it’s time to think of new disruptive ideas such as a good picnic or a meal with guaranteed fun.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Another great idea is to have each person bring a starter or a traditional Christmas treat one day, such as the typical Christmas canapés, prawns, or the famous roscón de reyes. Choose a date to bring it to work so that everyone can enjoy the Christmas meals without having to give so much importance to the traditional Christmas dinner. By the way, healthy food can also be a fun way to include an alternative suggestion. That will make everyone happy. ?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-6-play-different-christmas-themed-games\"><strong>6. Play different Christmas-themed games</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let’s not settle for just one activity, there are more days than sausages, and more office Christmas acitivities would never hurt. You can propose different activities that we don’t do every day. For example, play little games with a Christmas theme in the office, perhaps during lunch, to keep your colleagues happy and engaged during the holidays.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Games with Christmas themes or contests will surely encourage everyone to play along. But there are many more suggestions such as organizing a gymkhana by organizing your colleagues in groups and proposing tests of skill, mimicry or memory. Don’t forget to reward them with a gift for the winning team and consolation gifts for the rest. There are other fun games such as taboo words, the game of getting impossible challenges with votes through an app, etc</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-7-host-a-cubicle-department-decoration-contest\"><strong>7. Host a cubicle/department decoration contest</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you want to go all out on decorations, what better way than to make it into a competition? Host a cubicle or department decoration contest, where you let each person decorate their cubicle or desk the way they want to. Alternatively, allow departments to work in teams and decorate their areas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-8-band-the-office-together-for-some-charity-work\"><strong>8. Band the office together for some charity work</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Christmas is a time for cheer and merry, as well as a time for giving back. To boost morale among your colleagues during the holiday season, consider banding the entire staff together for some charity work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can collaborate with any NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) or foundation. You can visit an orphanage or a nursing home and volunteer there for a day, or you can ask employees to collect their old clothes, books, and other items so they can donate them to those in need.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-9-have-a-christmas-photocall\"><strong>9. Have a Christmas photocall</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With all these ideas, you are sure to have plenty of fun at work during your office Christmas activities. So, why not capture your Christmas fun at work by organizing a Christmas photocall? You can also have some small incentive by making it a contest. A fun way to end this is to upload the pictures.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-10-have-a-bring-your-kids-pets-to-work-day\"><strong>10. Have a “Bring Your Kids/Pets to Work” Day</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have a day to spare, you can bring your kids/pets to work. You must do this on a day when there isn’t much work, because let’s face it – it won’t be very productive. But then again, what’s Christmas if you don’t get to spend it with your loved ones?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With all these ideas, Christmas at work will be much more bearable. Don’t forget that the most important thing is to have a good time, use your imagination and propose new activities to make work less monotonous and more fun. Christmas games and ideas will not only lighten the workload of staff and colleagues but will also make your teams feel more united, efficient and productive. Are you up for it?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br>Always bet on originality, participation and fun surprises.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://ungoti.com/blog/10-ideas-christmas-fun-work/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','10 Ideas for Christmas Fun at Work','','publish','closed','closed','','10-ideas-for-christmas-fun-at-work','','','2022-11-29 00:04:19','2022-11-29 00:04:19','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2806',0,'post','',0),(2807,1,'2022-11-28 23:54:31','2022-11-28 23:54:31','','Productivity','','inherit','closed','closed','','productivity-6','','','2022-11-28 23:54:31','2022-11-28 23:54:31','',2806,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Productivity.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2808,1,'2022-11-29 00:04:19','2022-11-29 00:04:19','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2807,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Productivity.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2807\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Time to discover some Christmas fun at work. Why? Christmas is right around the corner, and the holiday spirit is in full gear everywhere. Though the holiday season is a time that is often spent with your loved ones, many people have to go to work. Today, many companies require that all or some of their employees work during Christmas as it may be a busy time. Depending on which business you are in or your general workload of course. The idea is to enjoy the holiday season and take advantage of employee engagement. So, why not pursue some office Christmas activities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\" id=\"h-office-christmas-activities\">Office Christmas activities</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Having to come to work every day during the holiday season is no fun for anyone, but there are some steps that you can take to boost the festive spirit amongst your team or departments.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There is no reason that you should miss out on some holiday fun just because you are at work. Besides, if you want to engage employees and have fun at work, Christmas is a perfect time. That said, here are ten ideas to have fun at work during Christmas time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-1-decorate-the-workplace-to-add-some-christmas-cheer\"><strong>1. Decorate the workplace to add some Christmas cheer</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One of the most fun parts of Christmas is putting up the decorations. Let’s admit it – it’s hard not to have at least a little festive spirit when the whole place is decorated with lights, tinsel, Christmas socks and hats, and of course, a Christmas tree.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You’d be surprised at how a bit of decoration here and there can make colleagues feel excited about the holidays, even if they have to spend it in the office. So, if you want to encourage Christmas fun at work, Christmas decorations is a good start.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A great way to make decorating even more fun is to have the whole team involved and set a date and time to put up the decorations. This will show your colleagues that you value them and want them to have a memorable holiday experience.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-2-play-secret-santa\"><strong>2. Play Secret Santa</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What’s Christmas fun at work if you don’t play Secret Santa? While being original in your Christmas celebrations is essential, you shouldn’t forget about certain holiday traditions like these.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The truth is that it just won’t feel like Christmas without them! Besides, Secret Santa is a great way to get all your colleagues across different teams together, while also making sure that everyone receives some holiday appreciation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Prepare name cards for each person and have everyone choose one. The card they choose is who they should be Secret Santa for. If you have many colleagues on different teams, you can even use online tools or an app to organize the Secret Santa at work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-3-have-an-ugly-christmas-sweater-day\"><strong>3. Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Day</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Ugly Christmas sweaters have somewhat become a holiday tradition, so why not add some holiday cheer. This will surely be a number one for office Christmas activities. Come to work wearing your ugliest Christmas sweater.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">An Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at work will not only help your colleagues feel excited about the season, but it is also a great way to indulge in a riot of laughter. You can even make it a competition and pick the ugliest sweater!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-4-host-an-awards-ceremony\"><strong>4. Host an Awards Ceremony</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Christmas is a time for cheer and appreciation, so why not host an awards ceremony for your colleagues? Even if your colleagues have to come in for work during a time when the majority of the workforce is enjoying their holidays at home, rewarding them for their hard work and dedication will surely make them feel valued and appreciated by the company.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">After all, this is a time for appreciation, so why not reward people for being “the most positive person in the office” for being “the kindest and most helpful” or for being “the most helpful”? etc. The typical Miss and Mister game recognizing your colleagues’ funniest sides is another interesting option to create a good atmosphere in your Digital Workplace.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">At the end of the day it is good for the organization to reward the best corporate values of each and every one of your team members and it is important to make sure that the sense of humor is valued by all colleagues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-5-be-merry-with-christmas-treats\"><strong>5. Be merry with Christmas treats</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">What is Christmas without a lot of goodies to share with others? There are many ways to have fun with Christmas meals or treats at work. For example, you can suggest that each staff member come to work one day with his or her favorite dish, usually homemade. If you want to make work fun, Christmas meals are sure to help. Dinner at the restaurant is already very popular and it’s time to think of new disruptive ideas such as a good picnic or a meal with guaranteed fun.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Another great idea is to have each person bring a starter or a traditional Christmas treat one day, such as the typical Christmas canapés, prawns, or the famous roscón de reyes. Choose a date to bring it to work so that everyone can enjoy the Christmas meals without having to give so much importance to the traditional Christmas dinner. By the way, healthy food can also be a fun way to include an alternative suggestion. That will make everyone happy. ?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-6-play-different-christmas-themed-games\"><strong>6. Play different Christmas-themed games</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let’s not settle for just one activity, there are more days than sausages, and more office Christmas acitivities would never hurt. You can propose different activities that we don’t do every day. For example, play little games with a Christmas theme in the office, perhaps during lunch, to keep your colleagues happy and engaged during the holidays.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Games with Christmas themes or contests will surely encourage everyone to play along. But there are many more suggestions such as organizing a gymkhana by organizing your colleagues in groups and proposing tests of skill, mimicry or memory. Don’t forget to reward them with a gift for the winning team and consolation gifts for the rest. There are other fun games such as taboo words, the game of getting impossible challenges with votes through an app, etc</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-7-host-a-cubicle-department-decoration-contest\"><strong>7. Host a cubicle/department decoration contest</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you want to go all out on decorations, what better way than to make it into a competition? Host a cubicle or department decoration contest, where you let each person decorate their cubicle or desk the way they want to. Alternatively, allow departments to work in teams and decorate their areas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-8-band-the-office-together-for-some-charity-work\"><strong>8. Band the office together for some charity work</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Christmas is a time for cheer and merry, as well as a time for giving back. To boost morale among your colleagues during the holiday season, consider banding the entire staff together for some charity work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can collaborate with any NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) or foundation. You can visit an orphanage or a nursing home and volunteer there for a day, or you can ask employees to collect their old clothes, books, and other items so they can donate them to those in need.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-9-have-a-christmas-photocall\"><strong>9. Have a Christmas photocall</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With all these ideas, you are sure to have plenty of fun at work during your office Christmas activities. So, why not capture your Christmas fun at work by organizing a Christmas photocall? You can also have some small incentive by making it a contest. A fun way to end this is to upload the pictures.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-10-have-a-bring-your-kids-pets-to-work-day\"><strong>10. Have a “Bring Your Kids/Pets to Work” Day</strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have a day to spare, you can bring your kids/pets to work. You must do this on a day when there isn’t much work, because let’s face it – it won’t be very productive. But then again, what’s Christmas if you don’t get to spend it with your loved ones?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">With all these ideas, Christmas at work will be much more bearable. Don’t forget that the most important thing is to have a good time, use your imagination and propose new activities to make work less monotonous and more fun. Christmas games and ideas will not only lighten the workload of staff and colleagues but will also make your teams feel more united, efficient and productive. Are you up for it?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><br>Always bet on originality, participation and fun surprises.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://ungoti.com/blog/10-ideas-christmas-fun-work/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','10 Ideas for Christmas Fun at Work','','inherit','closed','closed','','2806-revision-v1','','','2022-11-29 00:04:19','2022-11-29 00:04:19','',2806,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2808',0,'revision','',0),(2809,1,'2022-11-29 00:13:10','2022-11-29 00:13:10','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2810,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Home-improvement.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2810\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As we turn back the clocks for daylight saving and the cold winter season sets in, we tend to find ourselves frequently indoors. And during the holiday season, a bit of hibernation is more than welcomed. Whether it’s warming our feet by the fire or baking cookies and treats in the kitchen, the winter season has almost become a tradition of respite, relaxation and togetherness.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, as we spend more time indoors, we homeowners tend to look around the house and get ideas and inspiration. And that’s probably a good thing, or else cabin fever could get the best of us. Sometimes, even just thinking of the upcoming holiday season spurs homeowners into a planning frenzy. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">From major winter renovations to easy upgrades, the possibilities are endless. So, before the holidays, be sure to complete a project or two while the season calls for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Make Winter Renovations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As the year encroaches toward the holiday season, plans are made to host family and friends. Some homeowners want their homes looking as best as it can be while entertaining for the holidays.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But it’s not just about the decor and seasonal trimmings. It’s also about your home’s winter renovations. Around the holidays, homeowners get the itch to apply a fresh coat of paint on the walls, spruce up the kitchen and even renovate their flooring.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The good news is that winter is the best time to make interior renovations. With limited outdoor activities, you’re stuck indoors. Why not make the best of it? It forces you to get the job done without distractions.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Often, renovations during the summer months are costlier, which is another reason winter renovations are preferred. Contractors are reasonably more affordable in winter, as business is typically slower. It’s easier to find contractors and installers who can get a project started on short notice and get the job done as quickly as possible. You’ll save money to use toward hosting that grand holiday celebration. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, some renovations need time to execute and cannot be simply done as a weekend project. So, if you’re considering winter renovations to make your house look like a holiday greeting card, here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Stick to the Interior</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It can be tempting to renovate your front entryway and doorstep so that holiday wreath and garland complete an absolutely Pinterest-worthy postcard. But it’s best to stick to interior renovations during the winter season as weather—and especially snow, if you’re lucky—can be unpredictable, slowing down the renovation, maybe even to a complete stop.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And the best interior renovations to complete during winter are projects like applying fresh coats of paint, replacing kitchen appliances, counters or backsplashes and even updating your floors. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Make Renovations Early in the Season</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Although most renovations can be turned around quickly, it’s important to understand the time frame it takes from start to finish.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You may paint that bathroom in a weekend, but the floors, especially, take some planning. The installation process alone can take days, let alone the time it takes to order the wood and then to allow it to adjust to its new environment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Lay New Flooring</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If a new floor is part of your renovation plans before the holiday company arrives, be sure to begin this project as early as possible. From the day you finalize the best flooring for your lifestyle to the day you place the furniture back, set aside anywhere from four to five weeks to complete the project. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In fact, during the fall when the weather is cooler and the humidity is low, it’s a great time to purchase hardwood floors. But because hardwood floors are subject to moisture, they need to be allowed to rest within the room they are to be installed for at least 48 hours to a week for the wood to acclimate. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even after laying new hardwoods, it’s advised to maintain the thermostat at a comfortable yet balanced temperature that’s not too balmy. Otherwise, during the winter months, your new hardwoods can dry out, shrink and create cracks.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, if you find yourself in a bit of a time crunch, numerous flooring options can be installed much faster than hardwoods. Our top recommendation for a quick installation is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and vinyl sheet flooring. While these flooring types resemble hardwoods, many of them have the advantage of being installed the same day you bring it home, without needing to acclimate. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finish a Basement</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A finished or remodeled basement makes a nice place to hunker down from the cold. It can also add extra sleeping space for out-of-town family and guests who arrive for the holidays. Ultimately, though, this improvement can also exponentially increase the value of your home, especially if you increase the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Winter is the best time to finish this often forgotten about space. Depending on the age or the specs of your basement, updates can vary from large projects such as installing waterproof flooring on concrete to smaller tasks like coating the walls in a light color. Check out more of the best floors for basements. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Add Fresh Coats of Paint to Walls&nbsp;</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Wouldn’t it be nice to switch up a room’s color palette before company arrives for the holidays?&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It’s often assumed that the spring and summer months are better times to paint, as you can open the windows to let out fumes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and circulate the air. But winter offers the perfect opportunity to splash some colors on the walls, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Yes, keeping windows open while painting is healthier than breathing toxins and overall cleaner for your household and environment, but this can still be done in winter. Plus, it has several advantages. One such advantage is that the arid air helps paint dry quickly and speeds up the task. That way, you can tackle this project in a single weekend, allowing more time for holiday shopping and family activities for the rest of the season.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Update Lighting Fixtures</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A simple renovation project homeowners can tackle in the winter months is to update their lighting fixtures. Just as winter dries out our skin, it can also drain our energy levels and trigger a seasonal affective disorder, also known as the winter blues. But by improving the quality of your home’s lighting and illumination, you can trick your body and mind into thinking its natural sunlight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One trick is to increase the overall lighting. Open the windows during the day to allow in the natural sunlight. Replace low wattage bulbs in any overhead fixtures, such as chandeliers and recessed lighting, with full-spectrum and energy-efficient bulbs. This casts a brighter and wider glow comparable to sunlight that can improve those winter blues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">After you’ve tended to general lighting elements, you can then use accent and task lighting to create a more soothing glow. Illuminate a dark reading nook with a sconce and add a desk lamp where you intend to sign and seal holiday cards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Prepare for Holiday Guests</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Once your renovations are complete, you can put the finishing touches to your home for the holiday season.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When preparing for guests, preparation is key. And this even goes for protecting things like your newly renovated floors.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whatever type of flooring you choose to install in your renovation project, be sure it’s protected. Your home will see loads of foot traffic during holiday parties, bringing wear and tear, so it’s important to preserve the life of your floors and prevent scratches from dress heels and stains from spilled food and wine. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">During winter, all sorts of debris is tracked indoors–from wet snow to the rock salt you sprinkled along the footpath to the front door. Rock salt, especially, is harmful to floors and can leave a residue that dulls floor finishes and even scratches. To prevent yourself and guests from this mishap, simply place down a mat at each entryway and create a space to remove and store shoes. An even nicer touch would be to add cozy slippers for guests to wear instead.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And should a spill occur, it’s essential to wipe them up as soon as possible. Overall, sweeping and mopping with an approved hardwood flooring cleaner a few times each week is recommended to maintain your hardwood floors.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Add Rustic Style Ambiance</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Candles are a fantastic way to add a rustic style ambiance, especially during the holidays. Plus, the flicker adds a warm glow and dim lighting during shorter winter days.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Better yet—make it scented! From pumpkin spice to evergreen to sugar cookies, use smells that evoke favorite holiday memories. On the contrary, however, be sure to use unscented at the dinner table so that the deliciously prepared meal takes center stage. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have a fireplace or woodstove, even better! You can’t beat the crackle and woodsy smell. Of course, deck the mantel with family photos or stockings. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Bring in the Heavier Textiles</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Textiles can add a sensuality in summer and a luxuriousness in winter.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Swap out those crisp summer bed linens for something cozier. Family and guests will appreciate flannel sheets and thick comforters to bundle up with. Drape a faux fur or merino wool blanket at the foot for the chilliest nights.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Similarly, drape a warm plaid or tartan throw over the sofa and other furniture to be able to snuggle up and watch a classic holiday movie with a cup of hot cocoa. A nearby basket of blankets in the living room is a swell idea as well. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Add warmth underfoot, too. Some floors can be extra cold on bare feet in winter and a small area rug or runner can prevent being shocked awake quicker than you’d like.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, a spacious area rug in the living room offers a comfortable and casual spot to unwrap gifts and allow the kids to spend hours playing with new toys—all without damaging the floors. At the very least, a rug beneath a Christmas tree can protect your flooring from water damage as you keep it alive during the holiday season.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is Your Home Ready for the Holidays?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Taking pride in your home reaches new heights around the holidays–from the endless cords of lights strung across the facade to the delicate touch of a family heirloom brought out only on special occasions. Around this joyful season, we all take a moment to appreciate family and friends, inviting them over for dinners and get-togethers. And during this time, we want our homes to look their absolute best.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">So, as the leaves begin to turn and before the first frost hits, consider any projects around your home that you’ve been aiming to complete. By finishing that rarely used basement, could you gain an entertainment area to watch the football playoffs after Thanksgiving dinner? Could your bathroom use some freshening up with new waterproof flooring? Or do you have existing hardwoods that are beyond repair and desperately need replacing? </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However you decide to update your home to prepare it for the holiday season, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time. That way, once renovations are complete, you can appreciate the new look and add the final touches of decor.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://twentyandoak.com/inspiration/renovation-tips/winter-renovations-and-celebrations-how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-holidays\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WINTER RENOVATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS','','publish','closed','closed','','winter-renovations-and-celebrations-how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-holidays','','','2022-11-29 00:13:10','2022-11-29 00:13:10','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2809',0,'post','',0),(2810,1,'2022-11-29 00:05:28','2022-11-29 00:05:28','','Home-improvement','','inherit','closed','closed','','home-improvement-5','','','2022-11-29 00:05:28','2022-11-29 00:05:28','',2809,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Home-improvement.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2811,1,'2022-11-29 00:13:10','2022-11-29 00:13:10','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2810,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Home-improvement.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2810\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As we turn back the clocks for daylight saving and the cold winter season sets in, we tend to find ourselves frequently indoors. And during the holiday season, a bit of hibernation is more than welcomed. Whether it’s warming our feet by the fire or baking cookies and treats in the kitchen, the winter season has almost become a tradition of respite, relaxation and togetherness.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, as we spend more time indoors, we homeowners tend to look around the house and get ideas and inspiration. And that’s probably a good thing, or else cabin fever could get the best of us. Sometimes, even just thinking of the upcoming holiday season spurs homeowners into a planning frenzy. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">From major winter renovations to easy upgrades, the possibilities are endless. So, before the holidays, be sure to complete a project or two while the season calls for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Make Winter Renovations</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As the year encroaches toward the holiday season, plans are made to host family and friends. Some homeowners want their homes looking as best as it can be while entertaining for the holidays.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But it’s not just about the decor and seasonal trimmings. It’s also about your home’s winter renovations. Around the holidays, homeowners get the itch to apply a fresh coat of paint on the walls, spruce up the kitchen and even renovate their flooring.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The good news is that winter is the best time to make interior renovations. With limited outdoor activities, you’re stuck indoors. Why not make the best of it? It forces you to get the job done without distractions.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Often, renovations during the summer months are costlier, which is another reason winter renovations are preferred. Contractors are reasonably more affordable in winter, as business is typically slower. It’s easier to find contractors and installers who can get a project started on short notice and get the job done as quickly as possible. You’ll save money to use toward hosting that grand holiday celebration. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, some renovations need time to execute and cannot be simply done as a weekend project. So, if you’re considering winter renovations to make your house look like a holiday greeting card, here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Stick to the Interior</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It can be tempting to renovate your front entryway and doorstep so that holiday wreath and garland complete an absolutely Pinterest-worthy postcard. But it’s best to stick to interior renovations during the winter season as weather—and especially snow, if you’re lucky—can be unpredictable, slowing down the renovation, maybe even to a complete stop.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And the best interior renovations to complete during winter are projects like applying fresh coats of paint, replacing kitchen appliances, counters or backsplashes and even updating your floors. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Make Renovations Early in the Season</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Although most renovations can be turned around quickly, it’s important to understand the time frame it takes from start to finish.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You may paint that bathroom in a weekend, but the floors, especially, take some planning. The installation process alone can take days, let alone the time it takes to order the wood and then to allow it to adjust to its new environment.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Lay New Flooring</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If a new floor is part of your renovation plans before the holiday company arrives, be sure to begin this project as early as possible. From the day you finalize the best flooring for your lifestyle to the day you place the furniture back, set aside anywhere from four to five weeks to complete the project. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In fact, during the fall when the weather is cooler and the humidity is low, it’s a great time to purchase hardwood floors. But because hardwood floors are subject to moisture, they need to be allowed to rest within the room they are to be installed for at least 48 hours to a week for the wood to acclimate. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Even after laying new hardwoods, it’s advised to maintain the thermostat at a comfortable yet balanced temperature that’s not too balmy. Otherwise, during the winter months, your new hardwoods can dry out, shrink and create cracks.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However, if you find yourself in a bit of a time crunch, numerous flooring options can be installed much faster than hardwoods. Our top recommendation for a quick installation is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and vinyl sheet flooring. While these flooring types resemble hardwoods, many of them have the advantage of being installed the same day you bring it home, without needing to acclimate. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Finish a Basement</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A finished or remodeled basement makes a nice place to hunker down from the cold. It can also add extra sleeping space for out-of-town family and guests who arrive for the holidays. Ultimately, though, this improvement can also exponentially increase the value of your home, especially if you increase the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Winter is the best time to finish this often forgotten about space. Depending on the age or the specs of your basement, updates can vary from large projects such as installing waterproof flooring on concrete to smaller tasks like coating the walls in a light color. Check out more of the best floors for basements. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Add Fresh Coats of Paint to Walls&nbsp;</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Wouldn’t it be nice to switch up a room’s color palette before company arrives for the holidays?&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It’s often assumed that the spring and summer months are better times to paint, as you can open the windows to let out fumes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and circulate the air. But winter offers the perfect opportunity to splash some colors on the walls, too.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Yes, keeping windows open while painting is healthier than breathing toxins and overall cleaner for your household and environment, but this can still be done in winter. Plus, it has several advantages. One such advantage is that the arid air helps paint dry quickly and speeds up the task. That way, you can tackle this project in a single weekend, allowing more time for holiday shopping and family activities for the rest of the season.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Update Lighting Fixtures</h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">A simple renovation project homeowners can tackle in the winter months is to update their lighting fixtures. Just as winter dries out our skin, it can also drain our energy levels and trigger a seasonal affective disorder, also known as the winter blues. But by improving the quality of your home’s lighting and illumination, you can trick your body and mind into thinking its natural sunlight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">One trick is to increase the overall lighting. Open the windows during the day to allow in the natural sunlight. Replace low wattage bulbs in any overhead fixtures, such as chandeliers and recessed lighting, with full-spectrum and energy-efficient bulbs. This casts a brighter and wider glow comparable to sunlight that can improve those winter blues.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">After you’ve tended to general lighting elements, you can then use accent and task lighting to create a more soothing glow. Illuminate a dark reading nook with a sconce and add a desk lamp where you intend to sign and seal holiday cards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Prepare for Holiday Guests</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Once your renovations are complete, you can put the finishing touches to your home for the holiday season.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When preparing for guests, preparation is key. And this even goes for protecting things like your newly renovated floors.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Whatever type of flooring you choose to install in your renovation project, be sure it’s protected. Your home will see loads of foot traffic during holiday parties, bringing wear and tear, so it’s important to preserve the life of your floors and prevent scratches from dress heels and stains from spilled food and wine. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">During winter, all sorts of debris is tracked indoors–from wet snow to the rock salt you sprinkled along the footpath to the front door. Rock salt, especially, is harmful to floors and can leave a residue that dulls floor finishes and even scratches. To prevent yourself and guests from this mishap, simply place down a mat at each entryway and create a space to remove and store shoes. An even nicer touch would be to add cozy slippers for guests to wear instead.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And should a spill occur, it’s essential to wipe them up as soon as possible. Overall, sweeping and mopping with an approved hardwood flooring cleaner a few times each week is recommended to maintain your hardwood floors.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Add Rustic Style Ambiance</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Candles are a fantastic way to add a rustic style ambiance, especially during the holidays. Plus, the flicker adds a warm glow and dim lighting during shorter winter days.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Better yet—make it scented! From pumpkin spice to evergreen to sugar cookies, use smells that evoke favorite holiday memories. On the contrary, however, be sure to use unscented at the dinner table so that the deliciously prepared meal takes center stage. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have a fireplace or woodstove, even better! You can’t beat the crackle and woodsy smell. Of course, deck the mantel with family photos or stockings. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Bring in the Heavier Textiles</h3>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Textiles can add a sensuality in summer and a luxuriousness in winter.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Swap out those crisp summer bed linens for something cozier. Family and guests will appreciate flannel sheets and thick comforters to bundle up with. Drape a faux fur or merino wool blanket at the foot for the chilliest nights.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Similarly, drape a warm plaid or tartan throw over the sofa and other furniture to be able to snuggle up and watch a classic holiday movie with a cup of hot cocoa. A nearby basket of blankets in the living room is a swell idea as well. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Add warmth underfoot, too. Some floors can be extra cold on bare feet in winter and a small area rug or runner can prevent being shocked awake quicker than you’d like.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Additionally, a spacious area rug in the living room offers a comfortable and casual spot to unwrap gifts and allow the kids to spend hours playing with new toys—all without damaging the floors. At the very least, a rug beneath a Christmas tree can protect your flooring from water damage as you keep it alive during the holiday season.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Is Your Home Ready for the Holidays?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Taking pride in your home reaches new heights around the holidays–from the endless cords of lights strung across the facade to the delicate touch of a family heirloom brought out only on special occasions. Around this joyful season, we all take a moment to appreciate family and friends, inviting them over for dinners and get-togethers. And during this time, we want our homes to look their absolute best.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">So, as the leaves begin to turn and before the first frost hits, consider any projects around your home that you’ve been aiming to complete. By finishing that rarely used basement, could you gain an entertainment area to watch the football playoffs after Thanksgiving dinner? Could your bathroom use some freshening up with new waterproof flooring? Or do you have existing hardwoods that are beyond repair and desperately need replacing? </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">However you decide to update your home to prepare it for the holiday season, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time. That way, once renovations are complete, you can appreciate the new look and add the final touches of decor.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://twentyandoak.com/inspiration/renovation-tips/winter-renovations-and-celebrations-how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-holidays\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WINTER RENOVATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS','','inherit','closed','closed','','2809-revision-v1','','','2022-11-29 00:13:10','2022-11-29 00:13:10','',2809,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2811',0,'revision','',0),(2812,1,'2022-11-29 00:17:18','2022-11-29 00:17:18','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2813,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Small-business.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2813\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Holidays for business culture can be hit or miss. Some companies opt for the ugly Christmas sweater party, while others might skip the interaction all together for fear of potentially alienating employees from different backgrounds. Don\'t let the holidays intimidate you!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Developing a positive, personal work culture is as key to growing a business as the corporate mission. We work side by side with the same people for years and some of us barely know anything about each other. There is strong documented proof that social connections at work produce highly desirable results. People simply want to know they matter; personal connections help with this.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The holidays are a wonderful time to start building those connections with a little fun and flare. This year, instead of papering the office with snowflakes and candy canes, why not try some of these team building holiday activities that are sure to get your office in the holiday spirit and benefit your company\'s growth all at the same time?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>1. THE HOLIDAY HUNT</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;Create a list of items that incorporates all of the holidays represented in your office and don\'t be afraid to make it difficult. Pick a start and end date, or a time limit, and whether items are only in the office or can also be found outside the office. The idea is to have teams collect the holiday inspired items and be the first to return with the most items on the list.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;A scavenger hunt is a great activity that forces people to work as a team and spurs creativity, especially if tricky clues or riddles are used.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. HOLIDAY WASSAIL CARRY</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Use your favorite holiday drink in this team challenge. The goal is for each team to retrieve 10 cups of a holiday beverage from around the room and place it on a tray without spilling any. The catch? Each person can only use one hand and one leg to complete the task.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;This is a great way for groups to problem solve and hone their strengths to overcome their weakness to get the job done.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. WATCH YOUR STEP</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Using masking tape, tape out a large, convoluted shape on the floor with the idea that people must make it from one end to the other. Your playing space should be no less than 12 feet long and 6 feet wide.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Place a few squeaky, holiday-inspired dog toys inside the space and twice as many sheets of paper with holiday themed objects drawn or written on them. The sheets of paper are landmines. Two at a time and blindfolded, each member of your team must make it from start to finish without stepping out of bounds or on a \"holiday landmine\".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If they do, they are frozen and can only be unfrozen when someone steps on a squeaky toy. Their only guidance comes solely from the unblindfolded team members outside of the shape.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;This game is about communication and trust. Players learn to be multi-focused and give clear and timely advice, as well as follow directions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. THE PUZZLE TRADE</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Using several groups or teams of equal size, give each team different holiday inspired jigsaw puzzles of equal difficulty. Determine a set amount of time to finish the puzzle (minutes, hours or days) and explain to teams that some of their puzzle pieces belong to other puzzles in the room.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The goal is to be the first group to complete your puzzle and come up with your own method of convincing the other teams to relinquish the pieces you need through barter of time, exchange of team members, merger, etc. Whatever you do, you must do it as a group.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;While time consuming, this exercise fosters creative teamwork on several levels. Each time must not only solve the puzzle, but the problem of how to get their pieces back.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>5. GUESS MY NAME</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>On nametags, write down the names of holiday figures like Rudolph, Frosty, Krampus, etc. Don\'t be afraid to use Google to find more obscure and cross cultural figures. Stick the nametags on team member\'s backs, so that the wearer cannot see.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For a set amount of time, have the group mingle and ask and answer questions. They should treat each other according to the stereotypical way that figure is treated or referred to during the holiday season. Once you have discovered who you are, you exit the game until everyone has identified their figure.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:&nbsp;</strong>By dealing with stereotypes, even silly ones, we can assess how we mistakenly see people and how it feels to be narrowly defined. This is also a great way to get to know each other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>6. HOLIDAY WHODUNNIT</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;Why not spice up this year\'s holiday party with a good old fashioned murder mystery. This one might take some planning but the idea is simple. First, stage a holiday crime scene ie: a chalk outline of a dead santa with a corn cob pipe in the center of a wet spot with an unplugged space heater close by.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Next, plant some clues and even enlist the help of other non-playing coworkers. As guests arrive, divide them into teams and them investigate to solve the crime. If you\'re not comfortable doing it yourself, some pre-scripted mysteries games can be found here. Feel free to swap out some characters and situations for more holiday themed ones.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:&nbsp;</strong>This is a great way to build sense of camaraderie and cooperation in your employees while working in a dynamic and fun atmosphere.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>7. BLIND HOLIDAY RETRIEVER</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;With this fun and challenging blindfold activity, split into groups and have one person in each group be blindfolded. Then have other team members direct them around to collect certain holiday objects using simple commands before the other team can get to the objects.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:&nbsp;</strong>This is a great way to decide as a group the most efficient and effective communication necessary to get the job done. Build trust and other group dynamics with this game.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>8. HOLIDAY GIFT TRUTHS AND A LIE</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How: Give each team member four identical strips of paper. Have them write down three truths and one lie about gifts they have either received or given. The lie should be something believable. Have each team member read their slips in random order and allow the team to discuss which are the truths and the lies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Why: This is a great way for employees to get to know each other. For those introverts in the office, it\'s an easy way to engage and everyone learns a little bit more about each other and themselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>9. USE WHAT YOU GOT</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;Give each group a specific holiday themed object to create. Be specific about the restrictions, parameters and goal, ie: create an object that flicks candy canes. Then get creative. Either give each team the same supplies, a box of communal supplies, or relegate supplies to only what\'s on each team member\'s desk or workstation. Create a time frame for completion and watch the fun begin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Why: Problem solving as a team, with creativity mixed in, is a big winner for office culture. Watch this exercise translate into the daily work culture practices almost immediately.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>10. OFFICE HOLIDAY OLYMPICS</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Have teams compete in some favorite, and made up, holiday pastimes like eating candy canes without biting, unwrapping chocolate Hanukkah Gelt without using your hands, or a three-legged man race using tinsel to tie legs together. The more creative the better.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why: </strong>This is a great way to cut loose and have fun while fostering team building. Teams will learn each other\'s strengths and have a chance to offer assistance in helping fellow employees overcome some personal challenges.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.inc.com/molly-reynolds/10-creative-holiday-games-to-score-major-company-culture-points.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','10 Creative Holiday Games to Score Major Company Culture Points','','publish','closed','closed','','10-creative-holiday-games-to-score-major-company-culture-points','','','2022-11-29 00:17:18','2022-11-29 00:17:18','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2812',0,'post','',0),(2813,1,'2022-11-29 00:15:10','2022-11-29 00:15:10','','Small-business','','inherit','closed','closed','','small-business-7','','','2022-11-29 00:15:10','2022-11-29 00:15:10','',2812,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Small-business.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2814,1,'2022-11-29 00:17:18','2022-11-29 00:17:18','<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2813,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Small-business.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2813\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Holidays for business culture can be hit or miss. Some companies opt for the ugly Christmas sweater party, while others might skip the interaction all together for fear of potentially alienating employees from different backgrounds. Don\'t let the holidays intimidate you!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Developing a positive, personal work culture is as key to growing a business as the corporate mission. We work side by side with the same people for years and some of us barely know anything about each other. There is strong documented proof that social connections at work produce highly desirable results. People simply want to know they matter; personal connections help with this.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The holidays are a wonderful time to start building those connections with a little fun and flare. This year, instead of papering the office with snowflakes and candy canes, why not try some of these team building holiday activities that are sure to get your office in the holiday spirit and benefit your company\'s growth all at the same time?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>1. THE HOLIDAY HUNT</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;Create a list of items that incorporates all of the holidays represented in your office and don\'t be afraid to make it difficult. Pick a start and end date, or a time limit, and whether items are only in the office or can also be found outside the office. The idea is to have teams collect the holiday inspired items and be the first to return with the most items on the list.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;A scavenger hunt is a great activity that forces people to work as a team and spurs creativity, especially if tricky clues or riddles are used.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>2. HOLIDAY WASSAIL CARRY</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Use your favorite holiday drink in this team challenge. The goal is for each team to retrieve 10 cups of a holiday beverage from around the room and place it on a tray without spilling any. The catch? Each person can only use one hand and one leg to complete the task.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;This is a great way for groups to problem solve and hone their strengths to overcome their weakness to get the job done.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>3. WATCH YOUR STEP</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Using masking tape, tape out a large, convoluted shape on the floor with the idea that people must make it from one end to the other. Your playing space should be no less than 12 feet long and 6 feet wide.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Place a few squeaky, holiday-inspired dog toys inside the space and twice as many sheets of paper with holiday themed objects drawn or written on them. The sheets of paper are landmines. Two at a time and blindfolded, each member of your team must make it from start to finish without stepping out of bounds or on a \"holiday landmine\".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If they do, they are frozen and can only be unfrozen when someone steps on a squeaky toy. Their only guidance comes solely from the unblindfolded team members outside of the shape.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;This game is about communication and trust. Players learn to be multi-focused and give clear and timely advice, as well as follow directions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>4. THE PUZZLE TRADE</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Using several groups or teams of equal size, give each team different holiday inspired jigsaw puzzles of equal difficulty. Determine a set amount of time to finish the puzzle (minutes, hours or days) and explain to teams that some of their puzzle pieces belong to other puzzles in the room.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The goal is to be the first group to complete your puzzle and come up with your own method of convincing the other teams to relinquish the pieces you need through barter of time, exchange of team members, merger, etc. Whatever you do, you must do it as a group.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:</strong>&nbsp;While time consuming, this exercise fosters creative teamwork on several levels. Each time must not only solve the puzzle, but the problem of how to get their pieces back.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>5. GUESS MY NAME</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>On nametags, write down the names of holiday figures like Rudolph, Frosty, Krampus, etc. Don\'t be afraid to use Google to find more obscure and cross cultural figures. Stick the nametags on team member\'s backs, so that the wearer cannot see.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For a set amount of time, have the group mingle and ask and answer questions. They should treat each other according to the stereotypical way that figure is treated or referred to during the holiday season. Once you have discovered who you are, you exit the game until everyone has identified their figure.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:&nbsp;</strong>By dealing with stereotypes, even silly ones, we can assess how we mistakenly see people and how it feels to be narrowly defined. This is also a great way to get to know each other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>6. HOLIDAY WHODUNNIT</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;Why not spice up this year\'s holiday party with a good old fashioned murder mystery. This one might take some planning but the idea is simple. First, stage a holiday crime scene ie: a chalk outline of a dead santa with a corn cob pipe in the center of a wet spot with an unplugged space heater close by.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Next, plant some clues and even enlist the help of other non-playing coworkers. As guests arrive, divide them into teams and them investigate to solve the crime. If you\'re not comfortable doing it yourself, some pre-scripted mysteries games can be found here. Feel free to swap out some characters and situations for more holiday themed ones.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:&nbsp;</strong>This is a great way to build sense of camaraderie and cooperation in your employees while working in a dynamic and fun atmosphere.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>7. BLIND HOLIDAY RETRIEVER</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;With this fun and challenging blindfold activity, split into groups and have one person in each group be blindfolded. Then have other team members direct them around to collect certain holiday objects using simple commands before the other team can get to the objects.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why:&nbsp;</strong>This is a great way to decide as a group the most efficient and effective communication necessary to get the job done. Build trust and other group dynamics with this game.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>8. HOLIDAY GIFT TRUTHS AND A LIE</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How: Give each team member four identical strips of paper. Have them write down three truths and one lie about gifts they have either received or given. The lie should be something believable. Have each team member read their slips in random order and allow the team to discuss which are the truths and the lies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Why: This is a great way for employees to get to know each other. For those introverts in the office, it\'s an easy way to engage and everyone learns a little bit more about each other and themselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>9. USE WHAT YOU GOT</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:</strong>&nbsp;Give each group a specific holiday themed object to create. Be specific about the restrictions, parameters and goal, ie: create an object that flicks candy canes. Then get creative. Either give each team the same supplies, a box of communal supplies, or relegate supplies to only what\'s on each team member\'s desk or workstation. Create a time frame for completion and watch the fun begin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Why: Problem solving as a team, with creativity mixed in, is a big winner for office culture. Watch this exercise translate into the daily work culture practices almost immediately.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>10. OFFICE HOLIDAY OLYMPICS</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>How:&nbsp;</strong>Have teams compete in some favorite, and made up, holiday pastimes like eating candy canes without biting, unwrapping chocolate Hanukkah Gelt without using your hands, or a three-legged man race using tinsel to tie legs together. The more creative the better.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Why: </strong>This is a great way to cut loose and have fun while fostering team building. Teams will learn each other\'s strengths and have a chance to offer assistance in helping fellow employees overcome some personal challenges.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.inc.com/molly-reynolds/10-creative-holiday-games-to-score-major-company-culture-points.html\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','10 Creative Holiday Games to Score Major Company Culture Points','','inherit','closed','closed','','2812-revision-v1','','','2022-11-29 00:17:18','2022-11-29 00:17:18','',2812,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2814',0,'revision','',0),(2815,1,'2022-11-29 00:24:49','2022-11-29 00:24:49','<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">How to quickly limit location tracking, smart speaker recordings, and other data collection</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {\"linkTo\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":2816,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Privacy.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2816\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Keeping up with digital privacy and security is a bit like getting regular oil changes for your car—it’s maintenance to safeguard your online life.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">But fixing every privacy and security challenge at the same time would be daunting. Another approach is to take the following bite-sized steps, which you can knock out in less than a minute.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It’s an easy way to feel productive on a lazy afternoon. These tips will limit the way products and services snoop on us, feeding our personal data to big companies for targeted advertising and other uses.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Privacy isn’t just about avoiding targeted ads that you find annoying. The information tech companies gather can potentially affect important aspects in our lives in ways we can’t anticipate. The techniques on this list aren’t a cure-all, but they can make a big difference.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">These tips will help with innocuous-seeming products including your favorite smartphone games, the mobile app that gives you a weather forecast, and the apps that help you share photos with friends. All have the ability to reveal details about your life to companies looking to collect, share, and make money on consumer data.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Once you build some momentum with these quick tips, you can go even further with a personalized action plan.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Meanwhile, here are some simple ways for anyone to get started.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Limit GPS Tracking</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The apps on your smartphone don’t need to know where you are at all times, especially when you’re not looking for a traffic report, weather forecast, or dining spot.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Here’s how to limit access to your phone’s GPS data. (Apps may still use WiFi signals and other clues to infer your location, but the data is typically less precise.) While you’re at it, you can use these settings to control access to your contacts and photo library, too. Once you follow these steps, we have an even more thorough guide to protecting location data with more important details.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>On an iPhone:</strong>&nbsp;Go to Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Location Services. Tap on each app individually to control which ones get access “always,” “never,” or “while [you’re] using” the app.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>On an Android phone:</strong>&nbsp;Go to Settings &gt; Location &gt; App location permissions. You can toggle location off altogether, or choose when, if ever, individual apps can access location. (The instructions may vary depending on which kind of Android device you have, but the steps are usually similar.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Stop Your Apps From Tracking You</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Apps can collect a lot more sensitive information than you might realize, and many of them share and exchange that data with other companies, such as Facebook and Google, for targeted advertising and other business purposes. This extends from simple games to very personal apps such as period trackers. However, you can use your phone’s privacy settings to help put a stop to it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Let’s start with Apple users. Starting with iPhone operating system version iOS 14.5, you have the option to tell apps not to track you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As you use iPhone apps, some will prompt you for permission to do tracking. Say no, and Apple throws up a technical barrier that prevents the app from collecting a special ID number used for targeted advertising. Apple policy says that if the apps try to then track you in other ways, they could get banned from the app store.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can wait to see those prompts—or you can be proactive and tell your phone to say no automatically.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Android users have a similar consumer protection, but it’s not as powerful. You can tell your Android phone not to share its special advertising ID number. However, apps are allowed to keep tracking you using other methods.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>On an iPhone:</strong>&nbsp;Go to Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Tracking. Switch off the toggle for “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>On an Android phone:</strong>&nbsp;Go to Settings &gt; Privacy &gt; Advanced &gt; Ads &gt; Delete advertising ID. (These instructions are for a Google Pixel. The steps may vary depending on which kind of Android phone you have, but they should be similar. On some devices, you may have an “Opt out of Ads Personalization” setting instead.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Delete Alexa Recordings</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Amazon, Apple, and Google have at times had humans review bits of dialogue recorded by their smart speakers to improve their voice computing technology. Some people feel like that’s a privacy intrusion.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To delete select recordings and place limits on the use of such data, you can dip into the privacy settings on your smart speaker’s mobile app. (For help with that, click on the link above.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Amazon made things slightly easier with two newer voice commands: “Alexa, delete what I just said” and “Alexa, delete everything I said today.” Before you can use the feature, you have to activate it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>On the Alexa app:</strong>&nbsp;Tap the three-bar menu icon and choose Settings &gt; Alexa Privacy &gt; Manage Your Alexa Data. Flip the toggle switch to enable deletion by voice.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Strip Location Data From Your Photos</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">When you take a snapshot with your digital camera, including the one on your smartphone, the device captures data about where, when, and how the image was recorded.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And when you share that picture with someone else, that information, called Exif data, typically goes along for the ride. That’s how mobile apps and storage services, such as Google Photos and iCloud Photos, know how to sort your Springsteen summer tour pictures by place and date.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">To strip out the location data from photos stored on your computer, do the following.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>In Windows:</strong>&nbsp;Right-click on the image file, then Properties &gt; Remove Properties and Personal Information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>In macOS:</strong>&nbsp;Open the photo in Preview, then Tools &gt; Show Inspector &gt; Remove Location Info.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Try a More Private Browser</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">It’s an open secret that Google Chrome, one of the most widely used web browsers, collects lots of data about its users. That includes location information, search history, and details about your browsing, data that’s linked to your identity and harnessed for third-party advertising.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For an easy privacy fix, all you have to do is switch to a different browser. Popular alternatives include Firefox and DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Browser mobile app. Both promise to collect far less personal information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There’s a caveat, though. Chrome has a reputation for being the best option to protect your security (i.e., defending against hackers) even if it infringes on your privacy along the way. If you might be a high-value target, such as a person who handles very sensitive information or, say, the CEO of a big company, security may be a bigger concern than privacy. You’ll need to weigh the trade-off for yourself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">And all browsers, including Chrome, have privacy settings you can use to limit tracking.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Enable Multifactor Authentication</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Security experts say everyone should use multifactor authentication, also known as two-factor authentication, when it’s offered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The goal is to block hackers from gaining access, even if they’ve acquired your password. Once you turn on a company’s MFA setting, you’ll need to provide info in addition to the password anytime you try to access the account from an unverified location or device.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Typically, the company will send you a verification code by text, or—and this is more secure—you can use an app such as Authy or a physical security key. Without the second identifier, hackers armed with a stolen password get blocked. Setting up MFA is usually easy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As an example, for your Google account, go to your Gmail inbox or any other Google page. Then click the icon in the top right and hit “Manage Your Account” (you may need to sign in first) &gt; Security &gt; 2-Step Verification &gt; Get Started.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Change Your Router Password</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Your WiFi router is like the front door to your digital life, and the consequences could be dire if it’s compromised.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are a number of steps you can take to boost your router security, and one of the most important is quick: Change the default password for your router’s settings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This is different from the WiFi password. These administrative passwords tend to be the same across models in each brand.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have an extra 30 seconds, change the SSID (the name of your WiFi network), too—the default often reveals the make and model of your router, making it easier for hackers to spot vulnerabilities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If you have a newer router, it could have an associated app, which makes it easy to change all your router settings.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Otherwise, you can access the controls from a web browser. Steps for getting there are easy, but they vary across brands.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">On most Linksys and TP-Link routers, for example, type 192.168.1.1 into a web browser while you’re on the network, and then log in with the default credentials.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can often find them on a sticker on the back of the router or in the instruction manual.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Clear Your \'Off-Facebook\' Activity</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Facebook tracks you even when you aren’t on Facebook. Through partnerships with hundreds of thousands of apps and websites, the company gets details about what you do all across the web.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">This information can reveal a lot about you, and it’s especially valuable for advertising purposes. Facebook recently unveiled a new tool that lets you see some of that data and “clear” it from your account. Counterintuitively, Facebook doesn’t actually delete any data if you do this—but the company promises it won’t use any cleared data for targeted ads.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">You can use a second setting to keep this information disconnected from your account by default so that the social media giant won’t use any new off-Facebook data to target you with ads.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">In a web browser on your computer: Click the icon with your profile picture in the top right of the Facebook home page to open the menu &gt; Settings &amp; Privacy &gt; Settings &gt; Your Facebook information &gt; Off-Facebook activity. (The steps are similar in the app.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">From there, hit the “Clear previous activity” button. After you follow the prompts, go back to the Off Facebook Activity page and hit “Disconnect future activity.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Try a Fake Email Address</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">As you cruise around the internet, you’re constantly asked to give up your email address. There are plenty of reasons you might not want to if you can avoid it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For one, advertising companies use details such as your email address as clues to tie everything you do across the web together in order to build comprehensive profiles of who you are and what you’re like.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">They can also use your email address to send you spam.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Want to throw a wrench in their gears? Try a service that will generate fake email addresses you can give out instead. There are a number of options, including Sign in with Apple, a tool for Macs and iPhones, and Firefox Relay, which runs alongside the Firefox browser.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">There are also a variety of services that provide temporary inboxes that self-destruct, such as 10 Minute Mail. You can use them to create a throwaway account that you need to access only one time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Check Your Data-Breach Status</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The bad news: The majority of consumers have been the victim of a data breach at a big company such as Equifax. The good news: There’s a great database you can check to see whether you’ve been included in a breach.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">At Have I Been Pwned, you can check your email addresses and usernames against lists from hundreds of known breaches at companies including Adobe, LinkedIn, and Snapchat. (You’ll need to register to check the full database.) You can also sign up to get notifications if you’re affected by future breaches.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">If your name pops up, change the password for the compromised account and any other site where you made the mistake of using the same password. While you’re at it, check out CR’s tips for stronger passwords. (Bonus tip: Pros pronounce “pwned” as “poned,” not “pawned.”)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">Plan for the Next Steps</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">The tips above will all make a meaningful dent in your digital footprint, but there’s a lot you can do for more comprehensive protection. A broader privacy audit will take a bit longer than 30 seconds, but getting started is quick and easy with two programs we’ve put together at Consumer Reports.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">First, take a few seconds to sign up for the 7-Day Privacy Challenge. The Challenge is a week-long email series that will give you one simple activity each day. Complete them all, and your digital life will be more private and secure, and you’ll be left with a better understanding of how your information is collected and used.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">For a personalized action plan, check out the Consumer Reports Security Planner. It gives you customized tips with easy-to-follow instructions based on the gadgets you own and your specific concerns. Some steps take longer than others, but getting started is fast, and you can start with the high-priority items and come back for the rest when you have time. (Security Planner is free to use, and we won’t use the details you share for anything other than providing you with a plan.)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"extra-large\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-extra-large-font-size\">What Is Exif Data?</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"textColor\":\"black\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Attached to the photos you take on your phone are bits of information, such as when and where they were taken. On the “Consumer 101” TV show, host Jack Rico explains what you need to know about protecting your privacy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To read the full article, <a href=\"https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/30-second-privacy-fixes-simple-ways-to-protect-your-data-a9402343475/\">click here.</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','30-Second Privacy Fixes: Simple Ways to Protect Your Data','','publish','closed','closed','','30-second-privacy-fixes-simple-ways-to-protect-your-data','','','2022-11-29 00:24:49','2022-11-29 00:24:49','',0,'http://smartinsurance.tips/?p=2815',0,'post','',0),(2816,1,'2022-11-29 00:18:33','2022-11-29 00:18:33','','Privacy','','inherit','closed','closed','','privacy-6','','','2022-11-29 00:18:33','2022-11-29 00:18:33','',2815,'http://smartinsurance.tips/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Privacy.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),