Prevent Crime There are steps you can take to safeguard your property.  Don’t become a victim of crime. • Do a visual surveillance on the outside of your property and implement changes that will discourage burglars from approaching your home.  Keep bushes trimmed and cut back away from doors and windows.  Install deadbolt locks and property secure windows.  Ample lighting and motion detectors can deter a thief from approaching your premises.  Don’t leave items such as bicycles, ladders and yard tools outside to entice thieves. • Even when you are not home, make your residence look lived in.  Central alarm monitoring systems, lighting activated by timers, secure locks on windows and doors, and even dogs, are all deterrents that may prevent you from being broken into. • If you are on vacation, arrange for a competent person, who will know where to contact you, to check your house regularly.  Make sure things such as your mail, cutting the grass and/or snow removal, are taken care of.  Your home should have the appearance that you are there. Specific conditions, that can affect your coverage, apply to a vacant or unoccupied dwelling.  Be sure to contact your agent/broker for guidance. Prevent Fires Take precautions to make sure you and your family are safe.  Preventative measures may save your life or the life of a loved one. • Fire extinguishers should be in good working order and strategically placed so they will be readily available; • Place smoke detectors on each level of you home remembering to change batteries on a regular basis; • Maintain and upgrade electrical wiring and receptacles; • Properly store flammable materials; • Do not leave candles unattended. We provide a free inspection service to our policyholders.  We encourage you to comply with our inspector’s requirements.

How to Reduce Your Insurance Premium  Here are some suggestions that will help you reduce your insurance costs: • Increase your deductibles.   If you assume a larger portion of your losses by increasing your deductibles, you will reduce your insurance premiums; • Install a monitored burglary and fire alarm.  If you take steps to prevent burglary, theft and fire losses, you may quality for an additional discount; • Remain claims free.   If you can remain claims free for a period of five years or more, you may be eligible for an additional discount; • Perform routine maintenance.  Ensure your home is safe and in good repair. After a loss, could you make a list of your personal property? Property insurance not only protects your home, it also protects your belongings.  Keep an itemized list of your personal property in a safe place. Download our helpful inventory form.

Water Damage Tips to protect your home and contents from water damage: 1. Inspect the roof to safeguard against leaks and clear out gutters; 2. Divert snow away from around the home, its foundation, doors and basement windows and as ice melts clear any areas where water may gather; 3. Examine and test your sump pump to ensure it is working properly; 4. Protect for valuables by moving them away from high-risk areas such as basements, high shelves or windows in areas that are prone to water damage; 5. Seal the exterior walls when finishing a basement.