Nobody – young and old alike – goes anywhere without their smartphone anymore. And, why would you? With your phone in hand, you have instant access to maps, flight details, restaurant reviews, a camera and other essential travel tools.

But, there’s more to traveling with your device than simply slipping it in your pocket and hitting the road. Do you know what to do if it’s lost or stolen? What if you forget your charger at home? And, how do you use your phone without annoying those around you?

With peak summer travel season just around the corner, these tips can help:

1. Power up: A smartphone is only a great travel tool if it has power, so plug in while you sleep every night. If you forget your charger, check with your hotel — they may have one another guest left behind. Battery always running low? Get a power pack or add-on battery so you can charge without an outlet.

2. Lock up: A simple passcode can make a big difference when it comes to protecting the personal data on your phone. And, you might want to consider software that can help you locate your phone using GPS. Many programs allow you to control and/or wipe data from your phone remotely if it is lost or stolen. And, since we’re talking about wiping data, this is a great time to remind you to back up your phone. When’s the last time you did that?

If your phone is one of the millions stolen every year, don’t panic. Try to locate and lock your phone remotely, maybe even wipe its data. Then, contact the police and your wireless provider, as well as your financial institutions if you use your phone for banking, paying bills, etc.

3. Wrap it up: If you have to take a call, finish it before you get on the plane or sit at the table. Set your ringer to silent or vibrate. And, when you’re in a crowded space, text instead of talking. Others in the vicinity will thank you.

Finally, remember to look up. At least every once in a while, put down your phone and connect with those around you. You’ll be glad you did.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

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The next time you see or hear a thunderstorm in Circleville, Ashville or Chillicothe, you might want to take a moment to review what you know about lightning safety. Strikes are most common during the summer thunderstorm season, but they can happen at any time of the year. And, a lot of less-than-accurate ideas about lightning have found a place in the popular imagination over the years.

Here’s a look at current knowledge.

Indoor Safety

• The safest place to be during a storm is typically indoors, but it is important to avoid anything that conducts electricity – metal, landline phones, appliances, wires, TV cables and plumbing.

• Automobiles can be safe havens thanks to the metal frame that diverts the electrical charge. Don’t lean on the doors during a storm, though.
Outdoor Safety
• Don’t look for shelter under a tree. If lightning hits its branches, a “ground charge” could spread out in all directions.

• Don’t lie flat on the ground. This makes you even more vulnerable to a ground charge.

• Don’t crouch down. Once recommended, the “lightning crouch” has been discredited – it’s not likely any safer than standing if you’re outside during a storm. Instead, get inside or into a car.
Where Strikes Will Happen
• Contrary to folk wisdom, lightning does indeed strike twice in the same place. The best example is New York City’s Empire State Building. It was once a lightning laboratory due to being struck scores of times every year.

• Lightning doesn’t only strike the tallest objects. Although tall, pointy, isolated objects are often hit, lightning has been known to hit the ground instead of buildings and parking lots instead of telephone poles.

• The presence of metal doesn’t affect where and if lightning will strike. Neither mountains nor trees contain metal, and both get struck. However, metal is a conductor of electricity, so avoid it during any storm.

• Strikes don’t just happen in areas where rain is falling. Even if you’re miles away from a thunderstorm, lightning can still occur.
Finally, it’s important to remember that you won’t be electrocuted if you touch someone who has been struck – the human body doesn’t store electricity. So, by all means, give a lightning strike victim first aid. You might just save a life.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

It’s easy to lower your insurance costs — especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles.

Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad campaigns to convince you to “switch and save” — but the truth is, many people can find savings no matter who their insurance company is. According to the Insurance Information Institute and other experts, here’s how you can, too:

1. Drive safely. Accidents, speeding violations, and other incidents on the road can put your safety at risk, of course. But they also can hit your wallet pretty hard, because some can cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket. On the flip side, many companies will give you a discount if you don’t have an accident or moving violation over a set amount of time — so not only will you not pay more than you should, you could pay less than you would otherwise.
2. Make sure your coverage fits your life (and your car). If you can afford higher deductibles — that is, the amount you have to pay before your insurance kicks in — you can save significantly on your premiums. The Insurance Information Institute says raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could drop your overall cost by as much as 30%. You’ll also want to consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage if your car is old and worth far less than it once was.
3. Pay your bills on time. And not just the ones from your insurance company, either. Most carriers use credit information when they’re determining how much your coverage will cost, so it pays to have a good credit history. Other things that can impact your standing include your outstanding balances and how much available credit you have.
4. Ask about discounts. There are all kinds of discounts available for drivers — including some you might not have realized. Do you own your home? You might save on your car insurance. Do you purchase your homeowners and auto policies from the same company? You’re probably already getting a discount for that. If you don’t drive much, you could be eligible for a low-mileage discount. The list goes on and on (literally), so we’ll help you get the savings you deserve!
5. Shop around. This goes for cars and insurance policies! Your car has a big impact on how expensive your insurance will be, so if you’re buying a new one, be sure to do your research on how much it costs to repair that particular model, the likelihood of theft, etc. And when it comes to insurance, we can help you get quotes from a number of insurance companies — we’ll make it easy to weigh your options and find the right balance between coverage and cost.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

February is the shortest month of the year (even in leap years, when it has 29 days instead of 28), but there’s no shortage of interesting facts about it. From weird holidays to astronomical oddities, this month has a bit of everything.

So with a nod to what February is perhaps best known for—Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14—here are 14 things we bet you didn’t know about the second month of the year.

1. February (do you see that extra “r”?) is one of the most frequently misspelled words in the English language. In 2015, even the White House press office got it wrong—several times over the course of the month.
2. For more than 40 years, February has been Black History Month. The precursor to Black History Month, however, is a lot older. Black leaders in 1926 dedicated the second week in February to the recognizing the history of African-Americans—a week chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14).
3. It’s the month for a lot of other causes, too. February also marks American Heart Month, along with some other “months” you might not recognize: Canned Food Month, Grapefruit Month, Hot Breakfast Month, and our favorite, Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month.
4. February got its start as a spring-cleaning festival. Well, kind of. It’s named after one: “Februa” was an early Roman festival and cleansing ritual held on Feb. 15.
5. It’s the only month that can pass without having a full moon. That doesn’t mean February never has a full moon—it usually does, as a matter of fact. The last time it didn’t was 1999. The next time it won’t have a full moon? 2037!
6. Groundhog Day—Feb. 2—is based on a German superstition. In Germany, though, it’s not a groundhog that forecasts either an early spring or a longer winter: It’s a badger.
7. Febuary is the only month that gets longer every four years. Sure, everybody knows about leap years, and most know why we have them. But did you know that every so often, we need a “leap second,” too? This is typically added to Coordinated Universal Time in June or December, because of irregularities in our planet’s rotation.
8. The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are about 1 in 1,461. If you’re born on a leap day, you’re typically known as a “leaper” or “leapling.” And depending on where you live, Feb. 28 or March 1 is considered your birthday in non-leap years.
9. We misspelled “February” in item No. 7. Did you catch it?
10. Valentine’s Day did not start on a romantic note. According to historians, the day now synonymous with “love” probably began as a pagan fertility festival in ancient Rome. We’ll leave it at that, because some of the other details are disturbing.
11. And maybe it’s more commercial than romantic now, anyway. It’s estimated that Americans spend more than $18 billion on gifts, chocolate and more for Valentine’s Day.
12. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about humans, either. Almost 9 million people in the U.S. buy their dogs gifts or cards for Valentine’s Day.
13. The first Sunday in February is Super Bowl Sunday (at least for the foreseeable future). It wasn’t always that way—until 2001, the game was played in January. But we’d say that’s a pretty good way to kick off a month.
14. Speaking of that, February is National Snack Food Month as well. Way before the Super Bowl took over the first weekend of February, the month was pretty slow for snack sales—and National Snack Food Month was born. We’re guessing sales are up a little bit now.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

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What to Do If You’re Caught in Your Car During a Tornado

Tornadoes are the most violent storms anywhere, and about 1,200 touch ground in the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

They’re as unpredictable as they are violent, most often occurring in the early spring on the Gulf Coast, in May and June on the southern plains, and in June and July in the upper Midwest. But, tornadoes can occur any time of year and have been recorded in every state, says the NWS.

If a twister forms when you’re traveling through an unfamiliar region, or even while driving near home, you don’t have much time to make smart decisions that can help save your life. The NWS and Red Cross recommend these actions if a tornado catches you while you’re on the go:

Be Alert and Prepared

1. Know the difference between a watch and a warning:

• Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible around the general watch area. This tells you to be alert and prepared.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been seen or has appeared on weather radar. This tells you to take immediate action to protect yourself and family.

2. Know how to access emergency broadcasts in case you encounter worrisome conditions:

• Local news stations.
• NOAA Weather Radio. Dial the VHF public service band from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards broadcast.
• Local NWS Weather Forecast Office. Access local watches, warnings, forecasts and radar images online – just not while driving.

3. Know the warning signs of a tornado:

• Dark clouds, frequently greenish.
• A wall cloud, attached to the base of a thundercloud but isolated and lowering.
• Flying debris.
• Large hailstones.
• A roaring noise, ranging from the sound of a waterfall to that of a jet engine.
• A funnel cloud, a rotating funnel extending from the base of a thundercloud. Once it touches the ground, a funnel cloud is a tornado.

If You’re Caught Outside or Driving

1. Don’t wait to see a funnel once you hear a Tornado Warning.

• Run to a sturdy building. The basement is the safest place, but a windowless interior room on the building’s lowest level is the next alternative. Mobile homes are not safe.
• Get into your car if you cannot immediately get to a shelter on foot. Fasten your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter.

Don’t try to outrun a tornado, because they can move across the landscape at 60 mph.

2. If large objects start to fly past as you are driving, pull over, park, and choose the best of the following two options:

• If you can get significantly below the level of the roadway, such as in a deep ditch, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands protecting your head.
• Otherwise, keep your seat belt on and stay in the car. Lower your head below the level of the windows, protecting yourself with your hands. If any other protection is available, such as a blanket, wrap that over your head as well.

Always remember, whenever you encounter severe weather, that a violent storm can escalate and travel quickly. If you’re at home, be ready to put your emergency plan into place, if you can – practicing family drills and setting aside supplies ahead of time will help. If not, take the most appropriate safety measures possible, such as the ones shared above.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

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Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now—as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time.

Many people don’t take even simple steps that would make it harder for thieves to gain access to banking details, Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. And even those who have been victimized previously can find themselves falling into old habits.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do, quickly and easily, to keep your data more secure. And while a really determined and skilled hacker could still find a way in, putting up a few roadblocks might encourage them to move on to a different target, similar to a burglar choosing an obviously unoccupied home instead of one with the lights on.

Here are five things experts recommend to better protect your personal information:

1. Use a stronger password. People have some truly awful passwords: The worst of 2017, as compiled by password-management company SplashData (using data leaked in various breaches), included “123456,” “qwerty,” “letmein” and the ever-popular “password.” You should try to create complex passwords using a combination of special characters, numbers and odd phrases that aren’t easily guessed. Instead of “mike2013,” for example, remember something like “In 2013, Mike broke his leg in Omaha” and translate it into “i13MbhliO!” Password-management software can help, too; these programs generate strong passwords for you and require you to remember just one master password.
2. Better yet, use multi-factor authentication. Many companies and online service providers offer this feature, which forces you to provide verification beyond a password to sign in. You might be required to enter a code that is sent to your mobile device, or answer security questions. Beware the security questions, however—thanks to publicly available information, including posts on social media, these can be easy to guess. (“What is your favorite food?” is not a great question to use, particularly if your answer is “pizza.”) So make sure your answers are things only you would know. If multi-factor authentication is available, you should use it, especially for sites with your most sensitive information.
3. Watch out for phishing attempts. We’ve all gotten calls or messages that were clearly scams, such as when the “IRS” calls to say you’re going to be arrested if you don’t immediately make a payment via credit card. But they’re not “clearly” scams to everyone, and if someone happens to send you an email that is plausible because of your present situation, you could be fooled, too. Unless you’re absolutely sure about the person or company you’re dealing with, don’t give out personal or financial details on the phone or via email. If you have a question about someone’s authenticity, type the organization’s web address into your browser (don’t click links in an email or use an address provided by a caller). Then call or email back using the information on the actual website, or get the correct contact information from your account statement.
4. Back up (or wipe out) your data. Not only is this important in case your device is stolen, it also can save you in the event of a “ransomware” attack, when someone blocks access to your data unless you pay a fee. Some devices and platforms have a feature that allows you to erase everything remotely if needed, so consider enabling that if available. And remember to always fully wipe old devices before selling or recycling them. Simply deleting files isn’t enough—check with the manufacturer and learn how to completely erase all of your information.
5. Watch where you go online (and where you’re connected). If you’re making a purchase online, don’t enter your credit-card information (or other sensitive details) unless the site’s address begins with “https.” And it’s best to avoid entering this type of data when you’re on a public network, especially if it’s unsecured.

Of course, nothing can completely protect you from all risk online. Even the founder of LifeLock, a data-security company, famously had his identity stolen multiple times. (To be fair, he did use his actual Social Security number in an advertising campaign, which in hindsight wasn’t the best move.) But if you use the steps above, you’ll be ahead of most people.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life.

However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or worse, a fire or some other disaster—also find out too late that they didn’t have enough insurance to replace their jewelry.

Here’s why: Homeowners policies typically only cover valuable items such as jewelry and watches up to a specific amount. For example, if your limit is $5,000, but you have a $15,000 diamond ring, you’d be on the hook for an extra $10,000 in order to replace it. There might be other issues as well, such as whether your policy covers each individual piece of jewelry at a set amount, or provides coverage for your collection as a whole.

This all might sound complicated, but it’s really not—especially when you work with an independent agent who can explain your options and make sure you get the right coverage. No matter how you buy your insurance, though, below are a few things you’ll want to consider.

1. Do you need more coverage? Look at your policy language, or ask your agent to explain your coverage. Do you have one or two expensive pieces, or a number of smaller items that when added together exceed your limits? You probably need to purchase additional protection.
2. What kind of coverage should you get? This depends on your lifestyle. You may want to consider whether items are covered no matter where they are (such as if you travel internationally). You’ll also want to ask about actual cash value versus replacement value, and if you would be required to actually replace the jewelry in the event of a loss or if you could just keep the cash payment.
3. Do you need an appraisal? In some instances, an insurance company will require you to get a piece appraised to determine its value.
4. Do you have items with mainly sentimental value, or ones that are irreplaceable? If so, you might not need to purchase any additional insurance at all. But we recommend talking to your agent before making that decision.
5. Do you have the ability to increase your deductible? Usually, a higher deductible means a lower premium—so that’s an option to potentially offset part or all of the cost of increased coverage for your jewelry.
6. Do you have pictures? This doesn’t necessarily have to do with your insurance, but jewelers often are able to recreate lost or stolen pieces with the help of a photo.

Whatever you choose to do, remember that you play an important role in keeping your jewelry protected, too: Be sure to store it securely, whether in a safe at home or a safe-deposit box at a different location. After all, having the right coverage is great—but it’s even better when those special pieces stay with you and your family for years to come.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up—whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost certainly going to require time and money to fix.

In many instances, however, those “unexpected” issues shouldn’t really be a surprise at all, because they’re often caused by a lack of maintenance or other oversights by homeowners. And not just new homeowners, either: It’s common for people who have been in a home for years to neglect even some of the most basic tasks that can prevent problems down the road.

Here are five mistakes we often see homeowners make—and tips from experts to help you avoid them.

1. Forgetting about (or ignoring) the small stuff. The toilet that runs constantly? That faucet with a slow drip? The little crack in that one board on the deck? They might not seem like big problems, but they can turn into bigger issues over time. For example, a leaky faucet or running toilet might mean your water bill is higher than it should be. And that small crack can lead to rot, which could lead to having to replace the board—or the entire deck. When you see “small” things around the house, take steps to address them as soon as you can, because it likely will be a lot easier (and cheaper) today or tomorrow than a year from now.
2. Not doing regular checks around the house. Speaking of seeing things around the house, how often do you look around the house? You’d be surprised how many homeowners haven’t been in their attic or crawlspace for years. It’s a good idea to do a walk-through periodically to look for issues such as leaks, areas of wear or other problems. And don’t forget to go outside! How is your roof looking? Do you see any cracks in your siding? Are the seals around your doors and windows solid? It’s important to catch those things before the rainy season begins in fall and winter.
3. Skipping maintenance on your appliances. Not only will keeping your appliances in good shape ensure they work effectively and prolong their lifespan, maintenance also can prevent serious risks. For example, when was the last time you cleaned out your dryer exhaust vent? No, not the screen you pull out when you’re doing laundry, but the one on the back or side. Too much lint buildup there can cause a fire—so clean it out at least once a year. You also should check the hoses connected to your washing machine and dishwasher. Are they worn? Do they need to be replaced? Do it now, before one fails when you’re not at home and causes significant water damage. Other tips:
   • Clean your refrigerator coils at least once a year.
   • Clear out your dishwasher’s food filter regularly.
   • Vacuum up dust and other debris in window air conditioners before you start using them each year.
   • Remember to test your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year, installing fresh batteries each time.
4. Neglecting other systems. Your HVAC system needs attention so it won’t fail when you need it most. Having your furnace, heat pump and/or central AC unit serviced each year before you start using them heavily will alert you to any potential problems. You don’t want to find out that your furnace is out of whack when it’s 30 degrees outside, or that your AC is on the fritz when it’s 95. Change filters at the appropriate intervals, and if it’s been a while since you’ve had your ducts cleaned, consider that as well.
5. Not having a home warranty. Despite your best maintenance efforts, that air conditioner might break down, leaving you sweltering in the summer. The water heater could stop working, meaning cold showers every morning. Or the refrigerator suddenly won’t get very cold any more. These things sometimes just happen, and if your appliance is out of warranty, you’re on the hook.

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it pays to be diligent about caring for it. Keep your eyes open around the house. Don’t hesitate to get out the tools, or call a professional if needed. Remember, prevention is the best medicine—and that old saying holds true just as much for your home’s health as it does for yours.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying—they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save 5% to 30% on annual energy costs by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently. Think that’s not a big deal? Based on typical energy costs, it could mean savings ranging from $105 to $627, according to Energy Star.

That sounds pretty good to us. And even if you’re not the handiest person when it comes to home maintenance, checking your energy efficiency is something you can easily do yourself. (Although if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, Energy Star recommends a professional home-energy audit.)

Just follow the tips below—you’ll see where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use.

First, just for reference, here’s how the average energy bill breaks down:
• Heating: 29%
• Electronics: 21%
• Water heating: 13%
• Cooling: 13%
• Appliances: 12%
• Light: 12%

Where’s the air?

Air commonly leaks from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors—if you feel like you’re running the heat all the time to no avail, that warm air might be escaping. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs (it will keep the cool air inside during the summer, too). Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Don’t wait to insulate

Check to see if you have enough insulation in your ceiling and walls. The attic door or hatch should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver—if the area isn’t completely filled with insulation, you’re probably losing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.
Check your furnace and AC systems Heating and cooling systems that work correctly and efficiently can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.

Let there be (efficient) light

More than half of the light sockets in the U.S. still contain an inefficient bulb, according to Energy Star—and the average home has about 70 sockets! LED bulbs use 90% energy versus regular bulbs, and they last a lot longer, too. Many will still be going after 20 years.

See how your home stacks up

Energy Star also offers a Home Energy Yardstick that allows you to compare your home’s efficiency to similar homes across the country and get advice on how to improve. It takes just five minutes. Learn more here.

Anyone can take steps to save energy—whether you’re a hardcore do-it-yourselfer or someone simply tired of sending a big check to the power company every month. Just don’t forget what might be the most important thing of all after you finish your audit and make your home more efficient: Deciding how to spend the money you’ll save!

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

With all kinds of different coverages for all kinds of different needs, insurance can be very confusing. And to make it even more challenging, at times it probably seems like insurance websites and policy documents are written in a completely foreign language.

Of course, that’s why we recommend working with an independent agent—someone who is on your side during the process and who can explain everything you need to know.

Even if you do work with a Hummel and Plum independent agent, however, it’s good to have a little basic knowledge about insurance. Below are definitions for some common terms that will help you understand your coverage a little better.

General insurance terms

• Actual cash value: This type of coverage pays according to what an item was worth at the time it was damaged—it takes depreciation and wear and tear into account. For example, if you could have sold your couch for about $200 just before it was damaged, that’s the actual cash value, even if a similar new couch would cost $1,000.
• Actual replacement cost: This pays the amount it would cost to replace a damaged item with a new one (such as the $1,000 couch above). It does not factor in depreciation or wear and tear.
• Adjuster: A person who works for an insurance company to evaluate losses and settle claims.
• Additional insured: Someone who is not the policyholder, but is still covered by an insurance policy.
• Declarations page: This is what creates a contract between you and the insurance company. It describes who owns the policy, what property is covered and for how much, etc.
• Deductible: The amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if the cost to fix your car is $2,000, but your deductible is $1,000, you would pay $1,000 of the total cost. Typically, a higher deductible means a lower premium.
• Endorsement: This is a change to your insurance policy’s coverage, usually made through a special form.
• Exclusion: Something specifically listed in your policy that is not covered by the policy.
• Liability: Your responsibility for injuries or damage to other people or property. You purchase insurance to protect against liability and other risks.
• Loss of use: When damage from an accident or other cause prevents someone from being able to live in their home or drive their car.
• Med Pay (medical payments): This pays for medical expenses for those covered by your policy in the event of an auto accident, regardless of fault. It also covers medical expenses for guests if they are injured on your property, but unless it is a car accident, it usually does not cover injuries someone suffers on their own property.
• Premium: The amount you pay for an insurance policy.
• Subrogation: When an insurance company pays a claim, and then seeks damages from a third party who was responsible for causing the damage or loss. For example, your insurance company might pay for your car to be fixed even though an accident wasn’t your fault—and then pursue reimbursement from the person who was at fault.
• Term: The period of time your insurance policy is in effect, usually six or 12 months.
• Umbrella: A policy that provides additional liability coverage. It kicks in after your other insurance policies have reached their coverage limits.
• Underwriting: The evaluation process insurance companies use to determine if they will provide coverage to a customer.

Auto insurance terms

• Aftermarket parts: Vehicle parts made by a different company than the one that manufactured those originally included with the vehicle.
• Bodily injury coverage: Covers expenses for physical injuries, such as hospital bills or medical care.
• Collision coverage: This pays for damage to a vehicle caused by you or someone else covered by your policy.
• Comprehensive coverage: If your vehicle is damaged by something you could not control, such as fire or a tree falling, comprehensive coverage applies.
• PIP (personal injury protection): This pays medical expenses for a policyholder or additional insured, and their passengers, if they are hurt in an auto accident, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM): Pays for your damages and expenses if another driver is at fault in an accident but does not have enough insurance to cover your costs.

Homeowners insurance terms

• Additional living expenses: Coverage for expenses above your usual living expenses, such as if you have to stay in a hotel because you can’t live in your damaged home.
• Catastrophe: A disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado, that impacts a specific area and results in significant damage.
• Flood insurance: Typically, standard homeowners policies do not provide coverage for flooding—it must be purchased separately.
• Home contents: These are the things inside your house that aren’t fixed to the structure, such as your furniture, appliances, etc.
• Peril: A specifically defined risk, such as hail, flooding, wind, etc.
• Scheduled personal property: Separate coverage for high-value items, such as expensive jewelry, that exceed the limits of your policy or are otherwise excluded.

If something isn’t clear when you’re buying or considering insurance, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your independent agent is there to help you get the coverage you need—and make sure you understand it, too.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency are happy to help. Call us at 740-477-3311.

Photo by RODNAE Productions