Personal Perspective

Invasion of privacy covers everything from pictures you post on your blog to cameras in fitting rooms. If you’re a victim, you can file a lawsuit against the person responsible and recover damages. However, what if you or someone in your home is the perpetrator? Umbrella insurance provides the peace of mind you need as you protect yourself against lawsuits that result after an invasion of privacy.

What is Invasion of Privacy?

When you intrude into someone’s life without a reasonable and just cause, you’ve invaded their privacy, even if you committed the crime accidentally. Invasion of privacy includes:
*Meddling in private affairs

*Intruding on someone’s solitude

*Disclosing a embarrassing and private information

*Sharing things that are false and demeaning

*Using someone’s picture or name for your personal advantage.
Where do you Have a Right to Privacy?

Everyone expects to have privacy in their own home. People also expect privacy in places where they believe they can undress without being filmed or photographed and places where they believe they’re safe from hostile surveillance or intrusion.

Who Has to Worry About Invasion of Privacy?

Public figures, including celebrities, volunteer for the spotlight, and they typically do not receive invasion of privacy protection. Normal people like you, though, don’t expect people to be in their business. That’s why you need to be careful about your actions and those of your family members. Whether you’re a landlord, on a civic organization board or a normal person who enjoys using the Internet, you could perform an invasive act of someone’s privacy.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Protect Your Privacy?

Say you post on your blog a private fact about a neighbor or use someone’s name to promote your business even though that person did not give you permission. In both cases, you could be sued for invasion of privacy. We all know that lawsuits are highly expensive. Your umbrella insurance policy could cover incurred expenses and protect your assets.

Discuss umbrella insurance with your agent today. Invasion of privacy can occur at any time, and you want to have protection in place.

Is moving on your agenda this month or in the near future? Spring is one of the most popular times of the year to move. Avoid five common mistakes, though, as you relocate to your new rented apartment or house.

1. Poor Scheduling
Because spring is a busy moving season, don’t expect to call a moving or van rental company today for your move tomorrow. Schedule these details at least two months in advance. Start collecting boxes and packing supplies in advance, too, so you have everything you need before the big day.

2. Winging It

Do you think you’ll just toss stuff into boxes, pile the boxes into the back of your vehicle and drive to your new home where you’ll unpack? Moving is never that easy. From choosing a moving company to finding a new doctor, plan ahead to ease stress and make your move smooth.

week day moves more inexpensive

3. Choosing a Poor Moving Company

The wrong company could damage your valuables, overcharge you or not show up. The right moving company can make your experience pleasant and professional. Spend time researching moving companies and checking references so you choose one that’s reputable, reliable and trustworthy.

4. Overpacking

Do you really need to move your entire paperback book collection or clothes you haven’t worn in years? Use your move as an opportunity to cull your possessions. Save money since most moving companies charge by weight, and spend less time packing and unpacking when you only pack what you absolutely need.

5. Insufficient Insurance

From your valuable jewelry to priceless heirlooms, you want adequate insurance for all your possessions. The moving company might cover some liability, but talk to your insurance agent to beef up your renters insurance policy. Make sure it covers your valuables before you move.
Moving causes enough stress. Avoid these five mistakes to make the experience more pleasant and less chaotic. You’ll be glad you did.

Now that winters’ over, you’re ready to take a break and hit the open road. Is your vehicle ready for spring break travel? It will be when you follow this checklist of six helpful tips.
1. Fill the Fluids

Windshield wiper fluid, coolant, oil and transmission fluid deplete quickly over winter. Fill them to the recommended level for your vehicle as you prepare the engine to operate properly in warmer weather.

2. Check the Tires

After carrying your vehicle over rough winter roads, your tires need some tender loving care. Check the tread and make sure it’s sufficient to handle the wet roads you’ll encounter this spring. Then inflate the tires to the proper pressure as recommended for your specific vehicle. Consider a wheel alignment, too, as you ensure your tires are ready to work hard all season.

3. Replace the Wiper Blades

The wiper blades work extra hard all winter as they remove ice and snow from your windshield. Protect your view and safety when you replace the wiper blades.

4. Wash the Exterior

Salt and grime build up on your vehicle’s exterior and can cause corrosion, rust and damage. Wash off winter dirt with a high-powered hose at home or at the car wash. Reach the underbody, lower doors, roof and all exterior surfaces.

5. Clean Out the Interior

Food wrappers, mud and a dirty windshield create an untidy interior. Plus, salt residue can destroy the fabric on your vehicle’s floors and seats. Grab a trash can, steam cleaner and wash cloth as you clean out the inside of your vehicle this season.

6. Update Your Auto Insurance

Insurance requirements don’t change with the seasons, but double check your coverage as part of your prep for spring break travel. Make sure your coverage meets your needs and renew your policy if necessary. With the right insurance coverage, you have peace of mind wherever the road takes you.
Where are you traveling this spring? Make sure your vehicle is ready when you follow these six tips.

Heavy rains, floods, hurricanes and tornados can all threaten your home and family this spring. While no amount of preparation prevents volatile spring weather, a home emergency kit helps you prepare to be safe and survive.

Survival Essentials
A warm blanket, spare set of clothes and matches could make the difference in your survival. Pack these and all other essential supplies you might need in an airtight container that’s easily accessible.
Food and Water
The Red Cross suggests families store two weeks’ worth of food and water, which means you’ll need one gallon of water per person per day and a variety of easily prepared, non-perishable foods. Don’t forget to stock baby and pet food if necessary, too.
First Aid
Minor bumps and bruises can occur as your family rushes to safety. Your first aid kit should include basic first aid supplies like bandages, antibacterial cream, burn cream and pain reliever. Pack prescription medications, hearing aid batteries and other specialized medications if needed.
Hygiene Items
Toilet paper, toothbrushes and diapers are essential. Hand sanitizer and bleach should also be included in your emergency kit.
Stay Connected
You’ll want to stay connected to the outside world and signal for help, so include a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, your cell phone and chargers in your emergency kit. A flashlight and whistle for each person is also a good idea.
Tools
Whether you have to dig out of the basement or open a soup can, tools come in handy. Stock a multipurpose tool, work gloves, scissors, shovel, screwdriver set, hammer and manual can opener in your kit.
Important Papers
In the rush of an evacuation, you may forget to grab your purse or wallet. Copy important papers like your driver’s license, birth certificate, insurance policies and medical information. Store them, extra cash and your family’s emergency contact information in a waterproof bag to keep them safe.
This home emergency kit will play a big role in keeping you safe when volatile spring weather strikes. Update your insurance policies, too, as you stay protected and prepared.

Umbrella insurance protects consumers from financial devastation. It’s a common policy homeowners  purchase because it protects their home and other assets when an insurance claim exceeds existing homeowners or auto insurance policy limits. However, it could be a smart investment for renters, too.

It Supplements Existing Liability Protection

Typically, basic liability protection only includes $100,000 in coverage. An umbrella policy can offer $1 million or more in additional coverage. Both types of coverage offer financial protection and peace of mind.

It’s Inexpensive

For $1 million in liability protection, renters could pay as little as $300 a year. Claude Lilly, Clemson University College of Business and Behavioral Science dean, also reminds renters that an addition million may only cost $100 more. This inexpensive investment protects a renter’s possessions, auto and other assets as it gives the insured peace of mind.

It Complements Exposures

The hobbies a renter enjoys can make an umbrella policy a necessity. For instance, the renter’s dog bites a contractor or guest, resulting in thousands of dollars in medical expenses and an expensive lawsuit. The umbrella coverage kicks in after the basic renter’s insurance policy funds are exhausted, and it provides the financial protection the renter needs.

Likewise, owning a swimming pool, hunting as a hobby or playing golf can each be fun activities, but they also have the potential to turn into expensive lawsuits. Renters should invest in an umbrella policy that covers expenses associated with a claim or liability related to the exposures they enjoy.

Consider Net Worth

Each renter can decide how much umbrella insurance to purchase. Overall, the renter’s current assets and net worth determine the basic coverage amount.

Buy Based on Future Earnings

A renter who’s found liable for an auto accident could face wage garnishment. Purchasing an umbrella policy that takes future earnings into account ensures the renter is adequately covered and can pay the judgment without losing his or her home and other assets.

Remember Slander, Libel and Invasion of Privacy Protection

Umbrella coverage does more than protect financial assets after an accident or lawsuit. It also protects renters who are victims of slander, libel or privacy invasion. The protection an umbrella policy offers against these challenges makes it a wise investment.

Overall, umbrella insurance provides beneficial coverage for every consumer, including renters. An insurance agent can offer additional counsel and advice regarding how much umbrella insurance to purchase.

You and your apartment, dorm or house mate might share living expenses, but you each need your own renters insurance policy. It’s an investment that replaces your possessions if they’re damaged, stolen or lost. Learn why this $15 per month policy is an important part of your living arrangement.

Be an Individual

Whether you and your roommates are strangers, best friends or cousins, purchase separate policies. Most renters insurance companies won’t include two or more unrelated people on a policy, so be an individual and purchase your own policy.

Cover Deliberate Damage

Maybe you and your roommate get along great until you have a big fight and he or she deliberately damages your valuables. If that happens and you and your roommate share a policy, you won’t receive a payout to replace the damaged item.

Protect Your Future Insurability

Let’s say your roommate’s car is vandalized. Your combined policy pays the claim, but since your name is also on the policy, your ability to purchase affordable insurance is negatively affected for the next three to seven years. Separate policies protects your future insurability.

Keep the Payout

Joint insurance policies include payout checks made out to both parties. So when your valuable electronic equipment is stolen, both you and your roommate have to sign the check. Purchase separate coverage to ensure you receive the full amount you’re due.

Cover Liability

When a visitor trips or falls and decides to sue you, renters insurance can cover the liability. Slander and libel may also be covered. Have your own policy to cover your liability.

Know the Limits

Despite purchasing separate policies, your renters insurance might include financial limits. Discuss coverage caps with your insurance agent to ensure your vintage guitar or art collection is covered.

Purchase Adequate Coverage

You don’t know how much your possessions are worth until you create an inventory list. Then, purchase replacement value coverage. Although it costs about 10 percent more than cash value coverage, it allows you to replace the damaged, lost or stolen item at its current cost rather than the purchase price minus depreciation.

The decision to share living space with an apartment means you share expenses too. Make sure each roommate purchases a separate renters insurance policy, though, as you protect your possessions.

You shop around for auto insurance every year, right? This habit helps you compare different companies, upgrade or downgrade your coverage based on your needs, save money and ultimately ensure you have the best possible coverage. Do you know which month offers the most affordable auto insurance?

When you Shop for Auto Insurance Matters

A recent study conducted by 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com tested auto insurance rates during a 12-month period. The results reveal that auto insurance quotes vary by as much as 48 percent based on which month you shop.

December is the cheapest month for auto insurance quotes. Shop during the last month of the year, and you could save up to eight percent. Unfortunately, March is the most expensive month for auto insurance purchases.

Where you Shop Matters

Your location also influences your auto insurance costs. Hawaiian residents pay up to 48 percent more when they buy a policy in March. Pennsylvania residents spend more for auto insurance when they shop in April. Some areas don’t follow the norm, though. Eleven states report higher auto insurance rates in December.

Why do Prices Fluctuate?

Despite the results reported in this study, no one knows why auto insurance prices fluctuates. States each regulate their own auto insurance, which could play a role. Also, the results could change each year based on new car purchases and other factors.

Find Additional Auto Insurance Savings

Even though March is the most expensive month in which to purchase auto insurance, you can still save money on a new policy this month.

1. Ask at least three different companies for a free quote. Compare the price and the coverage from all three companies as you decide if switching insurance companies is fiscally responsible.
2. Raise your deductible. Increasing it by even $250 can lower your premiums. Consider an increase of $500 or $1,000 for even greater savings.
3. Combine policies. Insure your auto and home with the same company, and you could be eligible for a discount.
4. Upgrade your vehicle. A small SUV, a low-mileage vehicle or a car that’s loaded with safety features like anti-theft devices could lower your auto insurance premiums.

March might be the most expensive month for auto insurance, but take time to shop around anyway. You could find big savings on this valuable coverage.

Now that you found an apartment, it’s time to sign the lease. Before you move in, though, decide if you need to purchase renters insurance.

What is Renters Insurance?

Let’s say the roof leaks and floods your bedroom. Your landlord will pay for structural repairs, but you’re responsible to replace your personal property. That’s why you have renter’s insurance. It pays to repair or replace items that are damaged or stolen.

Is Renters Insurance Required?

Your lease may include a clause that requires you to carry renter’s insurance. It protects him or her from a lawsuit you may file if your personal property is damaged or stolen. Additionally, the building’s mortgage holder or insurer may require tenants to carry renters insurance. However, there is no universal law that makes renters insurance mandatory for all tenants.

Decide How Much Insurance Coverage You Need

Although you have the option to choose or decline renters insurance, it’s a wise investment. A small grease fire and the smoke and water damage that result can quickly ruin everything you own. If you can’t afford to replace your property, purchase renters insurance.

Determining how much insurance you need to buy can be tricky. First, decide if you want full replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV).

* Replacement Cost pays for you to buy new items at today’s cost no matter what you paid for the item. So even though your laptop is six years old, you can buy a new one with replacement cost renters insurance. This type of policy is a bit more expensive than actual cash value.

* Actual Cash Value (ACV) ACV covers the item’s current worth at the time it’s lost, stolen or damaged. This option is affordable, but if a fire damages your secondhand futon, you only receive a few bucks, which won’t be enough to buy a quality replacement. 

Next, figure out the value of what you own. Make a detailed inventory list and assign each item a fair value. With this list, you can decide on a coverage amount that provides the protection and peace of mind you need.

You’re now ready to choose a deductible. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums, but make sure you can afford the higher deductible.

Finally, talk to your insurance agent. He or she can help you find the coverage that fits your budget and needs. While renters insurance is usually optional, it’s a wise investment that you’ll probably be glad you made.