Page 10 - AAA Now! – AAA Shelby County – November/December 2020

INSURANCE SERVICES
PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER STORMS
Winter storms can wreck your home. In 2016, winter storms in the U.S. resulted in an estimated $1 billion in losses, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Ice, snow, rain and wind are all potential dangers. Taking preventive steps now to winterize your home can make it safer and may even save you money and time.
Check some of these winter preparedness actions off your to-do list in the weeks leading up to the season. When winter storms hit, you’ll be glad you did.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
Check your heating system: Before firing up your furnace, boiler or chimney, have your heating system(s) serviced to make sure they are working properly. It’s a good idea to have these checked at least once a year.
Inspect and insulate pipes: Carefully inspect pipes for cracks and leaks, and have them repaired as soon as possible. Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks to prevent them from leaking or even bursting.
Know the location of the main water shutoff valve: If your pipes freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing them from bursting and causing major damage.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: As the mercury drops and more of us light fires in the fireplace and use indoor heaters, residential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increase, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Check your detectors regularly to make sure they are in working condition.
Clean out gutters: Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters so rain and melting snow can
flow freely. This will help prevent backed up gutters and water seeping into your house through ceilings and walls.
Trim trees and remove dead branches: Ice, snow, wind and rain can cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home – or fall on people walking on or near your property.
Seal exterior cracks and holes: To keep your energy bill low and your home free of mold, caulk openings and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent cold air and moisture from entering.
STOCK UP ON EMERGENCY ITEMS
Be sure you have flashlights and a portable radio with extra batteries, any necessary medications, at least three days of water and non-perishable food for family and pets, a can opener, first-aid supplies, heating fuel, and a lighter and/or generous supply of matches.
For more information, contact AAA Shelby County at 937-492-3167 or visit our office.
Can I buy both Term and Permanent Life Insurance?
Yes. Many people use a combination of these two types of life insurance to cover temporary and permanent needs.
Get covered for life. Get a quote.
Regardless of which type of insurance you choose, you have so many reasons to take the necessary steps to keep you and your family covered. No one plans
to pass away, but when it happens, it’s reassuring to know that their college tuition, the household bills, your final expenses, and other costs today and 30 years down the road could be taken care of.
ADJUSTING YOUR INSURANCE
Continued from page 9
Can I convert a Term policy to a Permanent policy?
Yes. Many people “convert” their term coverage to a permanent policy. This conversion privilege, which
is available in many term policies, may offer those who cannot initially afford permanent insurance an opportunity to switch at a later date. Discover why it may be beneficial to convert your life insurance policy.
What are the benefits of converting Term insurance to a Permanent policy?
When you convert a Term policy to a Permanent policy, it typically eliminates the need to undergo
a new medical examination or provide updated financial information – as long as there are no increases in the coverage amount or any additional riders. There may be other restrictions and limitations, so please contact a AAA agent to discuss your options.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020