<![CDATA[Eley Insurance Agency - Blog]]>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:02:23 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[Why Every Homeowner Needs Flood Insurance]]>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 22:44:25 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/why-every-homeowner-needs-flood-insuranceEven if you don’t live in a designated flood zone, your home and belongings are at risk from heavy rains, flash flooding, melting snow—and even backed-up storm drains. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude flood damage. A dedicated Flood Insurance policy is the only way to safeguard your investment and your peace of mind.

Did You Know? 
• 25% of flood claims come from moderate‐to‐low risk areas 
• The average flood claim exceeds $35,000 
• Just one inch of water can cause more than $25,000 in damage 
• Federal Disaster Assistance is a loan, not a grant—and it must be repaid with interest

Key Benefits of Flood Insurance 
1. Comprehensive Coverage 
  – Structural protection: foundation, walls, electrical/heating systems 
  – Contents coverage: furniture, appliances, clothing, valuables 
  – Additional living expenses: temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable 

2. Affordability 
  – Premiums start as low as a few hundred dollars per year 
  – Compare to average flood loss costs—investing in insurance makes financial sense 

3. Guaranteed Availability 
  – Backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
  – No risk-based underwriting—coverage available whether you’ve had prior flood damage or claims 

4. Peace of Mind 
  – Rest easy knowing you’re protected against costly repairs and replacement 
  – Avoid out-of-pocket disaster expenses that can drain savings 

Who Needs Flood Insurance? 
  • Homeowners inside FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) – often required by mortgage lenders 
  • Homeowners outside SFHA – nearly one in four claims comes from outside high-risk zones 
  • Renters – you can purchase contents coverage on its own 
  • Condo owners – building associations’ policies often exclude personal property 

Take Action Now 
1. Check Your Flood Risk—visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center or ask your insurance agent. 
2. Request a Quote—most policies go into effect 30 days after purchase. 
3. Review Coverage Limits—ensure you have enough to rebuild and replace your belongings. 
]]><![CDATA[The Importance of Insurance in Daily Life]]>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:15:04 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/the-importance-of-insurance-in-daily-life 1. Financial Security:

One of the primary​ reasons insurance is crucial is its ability to provide financial security. Life is inherently unpredictable; accidents, illnesses, and natural disasters happen when we least expect them. Without insurance, individuals could face crippling debt due to medical bills, property repairs, or legal fees. For instance, health insurance can help cover high hospital costs, ensuring that treatment is accessible without causing financial hardship.

2. Peace of Mind:

Insurance serves as a psychological buffer against the anxiety of potential disasters. Knowing that you have coverage in place allows individuals to focus on their daily lives without the constant fear of financial ruin from unexpected events. This peace of mind is particularly important in high-risk environments, such as driving, where auto insurance can protect you from the financial fallout of accidents.

3. Legal Requirements:

Certain types of insurance are legally mandated, such as auto insurance in many jurisdictions. Failing to secure the necessary insurance not only exposes individuals to significant financial risk but can also lead to legal repercussions, including fines or penalties. Compliance with insurance regulations is crucial to avoid unnecessary legal entanglements.

4. Protection of Assets:

Insurance protects not only individuals but also their invaluable assets. Homeowners insurance, for example, covers damages to property caused by disasters, theft, or vandalism. Without it, the loss of a home or significant repairs could lead to devastating financial consequences. Similarly, renters insurance safeguards personal belongings within rented spaces, ensuring that tenants can recover from loss or damage.

5. Business Continuity:

For entrepreneurs, insurance is indispensable. Business insurance protects against various risks, including property damage, liability claims, and employee-related issues. In today’s volatile market, having the right insurance coverage can mean the difference between a thriving business and financial collapse. For small businesses, in particular, a single lawsuit or unexpected disaster can be catastrophic without adequate coverage.

Types of Insurance Coverage

Understanding the different types of insurance can help individuals choose the right coverage tailored to their needs:

- Health Insurance: Covers medical expenses, promoting access to healthcare services.
- Auto Insurance: Required to safeguard against damages from vehicle accidents.
- Homeowners/Renters Insurance: Protects property and personal belongings.
- Life Insurance: Provides financial support to beneficiaries after the insured's death.
- Disability Insurance: Offers income replacement if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Travel Insurance: Covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies abroad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of insurance in our daily lives cannot be overstated. From ensuring financial security and compliance with legal requirements to providing peace of mind and protecting valuable assets, insurance plays a vital role in navigating life's uncertainties. As you plan for the future, consider the diverse insurance options available and the protections they offer. Investing in insurance is not merely a precaution; it is a fundamental component of responsible living that safeguards you, your loved ones, and your financial well-being. Embrace insurance as a steadfast ally in the face of uncertainty, ensuring that you are prepared for whatever life may throw your way.]]><![CDATA[Why Pet Insurance is a Must-Have for Every Pet Parent]]>Wed, 27 Mar 2024 23:23:47 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/why-pet-insurance-is-a-must-have-for-every-pet-parentAs pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions. From regular check-ups to emergency treatments, ensuring our pets receive the necessary care is a top priority. However, unexpected medical expenses can quickly add up, putting a strain on our finances and potentially compromising our pets' well-being. This is where pet insurance comes in as a valuable safety net, providing peace of mind and financial protection for both pets and their owners.

1. Financial Protection:
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of veterinary care, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgeries, and emergency treatments. By having pet insurance, pet parents can avoid the dilemma of choosing between their pet's health and their financial stability. With a pet insurance policy in place, pet owners can focus on providing the best possible care for their furry friends without worrying about the cost.
2. Comprehensive Coverage:
Pet insurance policies offer a range of coverage options to suit different needs and budgets. From accident-only plans to comprehensive policies that cover accidents, illnesses, and preventive care, pet insurance allows pet parents to customize their coverage based on their pet's specific needs. This ensures that pets receive the necessary care at every stage of their life, from puppyhood to senior years.
3. Peace of Mind:
One of the most significant benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your pet is covered in case of unexpected medical expenses can alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany pet ownership. With pet insurance, pet parents can rest assured that they can provide the best possible care for their pets without compromising their financial well-being.
4. Emergency Preparedness:
Emergencies can happen at any time, and having pet insurance can help pet parents be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it's a sudden illness, injury, or accident, pet insurance ensures that pets can receive prompt medical attention without delay. This can make a significant difference in the outcome of a pet's health and well-being, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

Pet insurance is a valuable investment for every pet parent, offering financial protection, comprehensive coverage, peace of mind, and emergency preparedness. By having pet insurance, pet owners can ensure that their furry companions receive the best possible care without the worry of unexpected medical expenses. Ultimately, pet insurance is a must-have for every pet parent who wants to provide the highest level of care for their beloved pets. 
]]><![CDATA[Snowmobile Safety Week]]>Mon, 22 Jan 2024 22:40:21 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/snowmobile-safety-weekWith all the snow we’ve seen this winter it’s a great time to break out the snow gear and hit the trails with snow mobiles. Snowmobiling is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
 
However, much like operating a car there is a lot of responsibility that snowmobile riders must assume to keep their selves, passengers, and others safe. Did you know that snowmobile accidents are responsible for 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries per year? These accidents are generally caused by excess speed, drinking, and driver inexperience.
 
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association works with major snowmobile manufacturers every year to educate riders on safety matters. This year’s campaign is “Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe.
 
Learn more about snowmobile safety awareness week, as well as tips to help keep you and your fellow riders safe this season.
]]><![CDATA[5 Common (and Potentially Costly) Homeowners Mistakes]]>Fri, 19 May 2023 16:00:20 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/5-common-and-potentially-costly-homeowners-mistakes​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 be a surprise at all because they're often due to 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 become more significant 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 replacing the board—or the entire deck. When you see "small" things around the house, take steps to address them as soon as possible 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 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, but 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 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? Please 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 anymore. These things sometimes happen, and if your appliance is out of warranty, you're on the hook.
Your home is one of the most significant 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 just as much for your home's health as it does for yours.
]]><![CDATA[10 Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft]]>Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:33:03 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/10-tips-to-help-prevent-identity-theft​Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do daily, there's the risk of identity theft.
You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you're shopping at a legitimate site. Your doctor's office could experience a data breach. Or, you could come across a tampered credit card reader at the gas pump.
The risks your identity faces go on and on. So, what can you do to stop it? Unfortunately, virtually no one today can completely negate the risk of identity theft. But, we can all take some necessary steps to help prevent it.
Here are ten sensible habits to adopt that will help you protect your identity:
  1. Limit what you carry in your wallet, and know what's there if it goes missing. First things first, don't carry your Social Security card regularly. Instead, keep it in a locked safe at home. Have a form of identification or some other card with your Social Security number (SSN) on it? Carry a photocopy instead of the real thing, and cut out or otherwise render your SSN unreadable. As for credit cards, only carry the ones you need. Finally, make photocopies of the front and back of the cards you always keep in your wallet and store them in your home safe. If one (or all of them) goes missing, you won't have to search high and low for the card issuer's contact information.
  2. Keep your computers, software, and other electronics secure and up to date. This means using strong passwords or enabling passcodes – remember not to write them down. It also means installing firewall, spyware, and virus protection. Keep everything up to date (and backed up) for the latest security enhancements. For your portable devices, consider installing software to remotely wipe your data or locate the device if it's ever lost or stolen.
  3. Don't overshare. Does every entity that asks for your (or your child's) SSN need it? Take a moment to think instead of automatically jotting it down. At the very least, maybe only the last four digits will do. In addition, be careful what you share online. Posting your full address, phone number, license plate number, or your birth date online, even if it's in a photo, may help others piece together a complete picture of your identity.
  4. Do check your credit reports throughout the year. You're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three bureaus once a year. And, since the information on each report is frequently primarily the same, you can stagger your requests and receive a different report once every four months. Once you receive it, check your report for accounts and other activity you don't recognize. Even a credit check from a company you haven't done business with could be an attempt at identity theft. To order your free credit reports, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.
  5. Keep an eye on your accounts. Your account statements can alert you to identity theft sooner than your credit report, in most cases. Check regularly for unauthorized charges or withdrawals and other illicit activity, such as address changes or additional cards you didn't request.
  6. Watch your surroundings. Whether you're using the ATM or a portable device, you want to be sure others nearby aren't watching as you type in your PIN or password. And, just because you don't see anyone nearby doesn't mean they're not there. If you're using a shared or public WiFi, everyone else on the same network may see the data, including passwords or account numbers, you submit. Be sure to conduct sensitive transactions on secure networks.
  7. Reduce your mail. Start by opting out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT and following the prompts. This should stay in effect for five years and help curb the risk of someone else obtaining a new credit card in your name. Next, sign up for paperless billing with your financial and service providers and/or schedule automatic payments through your bank. The less mail containing personal and account details that comes to your home, the less likely it will fall into the wrong hands.
  8. Be skeptical when someone asks for your information. Scam artists don't always have to steal your information. Sometimes they convince you to give it up willingly by telling you via a phone call, email, snail mail, or text that you won a prize or need to verify your account. To claim the prize or account, you'll, of course, need to supply some sensitive information. Requests like these are almost always inauthentic – what's known as a "phishing" scam. So, stay on guard and contact the entity through a known, verified method to inquire about the matter, rather than providing personal details on the spot.
  9. Mind your garbage. If you're throwing out account statements or other documents with personal information, you're making it easy for dumpster divers to learn a little, perhaps a lot, about you. They may even know enough to take over one of your accounts. So, shred your sensitive documents and then recycle them – don't just throw them out in the garbage.
  10. Tidy up at home. Tax returns, credit cards you use infrequently, checkbooks, passports, birth certificates – are important documents you should store under lock and key. Whether it's in a home safe or a locking desk or file cabinet is up to you. And, don't leave the code or key in an easily discoverable place.
Despite your best efforts, you may still discover that your identity was stolen. If so, take immediate action to:
  • Fill out the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Affidavit.
  • Take your affidavit to the police and file a report. Be sure to get a copy for your records. It will come in handy if you need to close fraudulent accounts, straighten out your credit report, and more.
  • Call your financial providers to request new account numbers and, if needed, cards.
    Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, which will encourage creditors to contact you before opening new lines of credit on your credit report. The bureau you contact will share it with the other two.
    Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
And, if you're involved in a data breach and offered free credit monitoring, be sure to take advantage of it.
In today's world of hyper-connectivity and speed, it's easy for your information to end up in the wrong hands. But, by being cautious with how you use and share your information and checking for misuse, you can help keep your identity secure.
]]><![CDATA[A few reasons why your Insurance may be going Up!]]>Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:13:23 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/a-few-reasons-why-your-insurance-may-be-going-upPicture
As an Independent Insurance Agency we definitely understand the value we bring to the public. Because we represent many insurance companies therefore giving you options on pricing and coverage. Also, being Independent allows us to offer more insurance products. And this is important to us because we can fill the gaps in your need of insurance.

So why are Independent Insurance Agents the better option? Because, again, we can shop around coverage for you with a price you can afford.
Below we are discussing some factors why you may be seeing your insurance premiums increase.
  1. When applying for Property insurance/ Auto insurance. Companies look at few things to determine your rates: coverage, insurance score, location, claim history. Your insurance score is similar to a credit score, but there is no hard hit on your credit (no worries). 
  2. Insurance is based on risk. So if you have filed a lot of claims within a certain number of years, this may make you more risky and therefore your insurance premium will reflect that. If you live in an area that is more prone to crime, i.e. theft, burglaries, break-ins. These crimes mostly happen to our auto or properties and the more this happens in the zip code you live the higher the insurance may be.
  3. Climate change! We are not justifying increased rates, but to rather give you an idea of how it works. So, climate change is something that has been happening for sometime now and insurance companies are taking a big hit. Some insurance companies have closed business because they did not have enough reserves to be solvent. Reserves allows an insurance company to stay in business and have the money to pay claims when needed. Also, keep in mind insurance is regulated by the state you are in. So sometimes you will see your insurance increase due to what we call Rate increases. This happens even if you don't file a claim. But it happens because insurance may be paying more money for claims in your zip code or could be a rate increase to make sure the company has enough money in reserves to pay claims when needed. 
In comparison, during the pandemic in 2020-2021, a lot of us saw our auto rates decrease because less people were driving, less auto accidents were occurring. 

We hope this helps in your understanding of how insurance works. And it's never too let to shop around!
]]><![CDATA[What the Life Insurance?]]>Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:31:48 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/what-the-life-insurancePicture
We speak to our clients and the public about Life insurance and surprisingly they think it is only good for one thing, to provide a death benefit when their loved one(s) die. If they knew that Life insurance can do so much more would they have gotten covered earlier in life?
​
That answer is dependent on your needs and what you can afford. Because millions of people are covered through their job. But, as the world changes so does our employment.
But let's discuss a few of the many benefits that Life insurance can provide, specifically Indexed Universal Life insurance.

Often times people discuss the benefit of "Being your Own Bank". But what does it mean, and can someone be able to access the funds they need with out having to seek funding elsewhere?
Well, yes, it is possible. You can, "Be your Own Bank" with Life insurance. Depending on how you  structure your policy and that is one of the reasons why it is beneficial to have your own Life insurance outside of your job. And get it as soon as you can. The early the better!

We recently did a online workshop discussing Indexed Universal Life insurance. It's a product that offers a death benefit but like Whole Life insurance, you grow a savings within the policy. Some want to grow that savings much faster and Indexed Universal Life insurance gives you that option because the interest varies and is credited by the stock market. As you can guess, there are many people that are taking advantage of this policy.

Depend on how you structure it; you can use it to supplement your future income. And also provide coverage for Long term care. 
​
Long term care coverage is something many people do not think about. And when you need the coverage it may be too much to afford. Consider your options and contact us to discuss more.
]]><![CDATA[Keep your home safe during this Hurricane Season.]]>Fri, 03 Jun 2022 16:53:51 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/keep-your-home-safe-during-this-hurricane-seasonPicture
Today marks the 3rd day of Hurricane Season. And if you are a property owner there are things you need to know to keep you, your family, and your property safe.

Now is a good time to check your property insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage from the effects of a hurricane. One thing that we mention often is that Floods are not covered in a standard property insurance policy. 
And this is crucial to know, because floods do come from exterior water, but they do not always occur from rainwater, overflow of rivers, etc. And if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone that does not mean you are safe from floods.
The National Flood Insurance Program receives over 40% of claims from those that reside in low-risk areas. So DONT WAIT to get coverage! It takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect. 

Also, check if your property insurance covers you from Wind and Hail damage. These are perils that are frequent to happen, and they are in the top 3 mostly reported claims.
It is also a good time to check your roof for any wear and tear because when the water comes in, it could be hard to get it out!

So, do your best to prepare you and your loved ones this hurricane season.
It has been reported that the northeast will see an uptick in hurricanes due to the effects of climate change. And with ocean waters getting warmer, this only strengthens them.

~When all you have is your home, you do your best to make sure it is covered. ~
Give us a call TODAY for a flood insurance quote!
]]><![CDATA[Flood insurance the insurance that is rarely discussed.]]>Mon, 04 Apr 2022 18:14:26 GMThttps://www.eleyinsurance.com/blog/flood-insurance_the-insurance-that-is-rarely-discussedPicture
If you have been watching the news you see that weather events are becoming more severe especially floods. 
Flood insurance is the insurance that is rarely discussed because if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone you probably believe you do not need it.

To the contrary, we are seeing historic flooding in areas that do not usually flood.
​So what does that mean for you?
Well, it has been reported that natural disasters will be getting worse overtime. And more areas will see floods.

Flood waters can happen from a water main break, a bad rain storm, overflow of inland or tidal waters, just to name a few. And the coverage is less expensive if you do not live in a high risk flood zone.
​
The policy will provide coverage for your home as well as your personal property, if you choose.
When all you have is your home you do your best to make sure its covered from all risk that is likely to happen.
Go to fema.gov to learn more. And give us a call if you have further questions.
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