Great Christmas Tree Safety Tips!!

Happy Holidays everyone!! Before decking the halls and lighting that tree, be sure to check out this great article on Christmas tree safety tips, and call Tague Insurance Agency if you have any questions about coverage that your homeowners or renters insurance may provide for potential holiday claims.

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS
15 Must Know Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Let's face these days it seems like there danger in everything we do. But don't worry there are plenty of safety tips to ensure there are no mishaps this holiday season. Below is a list of things you can do to make you have a happy, accident free holiday season.

1. Make sure you buy the freshest tree possible (brittle leaves is an indicator that your tree is dry)

2. Cut off a half inch of the trunk of your tree, this will allow the tree to suck in more water

3. When choosing a spot for your tree, make sure there are no heating vents, radiators, fireplaces or used electrical outlets.

4. Make sure your tree is not blocking any exits

5. Make sure you keep candles and other sources of fire away from the tree at all times.

6. Make sure your Christmas tree lights are for indoor use and are the correct voltage. Also only buy UL lights because they are tested for safety.

7. Try to use miniature lights, they produce less heat and are more energy efficient.

8. Make sure your Christmas tree stand is secure and stable

9. Give you thirsty tree a lot of water and re-fill it everyday

10. Check all of your lights for shorts before you put them on your tree

11. Shake your tree free of dry bristles before you take it inside

12. Turn your Christmas trees off at night and when you're leaving the house

13. Keep flammable items like curtains, paper and combustibles away from your tree

14. Have a fire extinguisher nearby for those rare emergencies

15. Discard your tree right after Christmas to avoid having a dry, dead fire hazard in your house!

And remember, most of all, to have a safe, and happy holiday season!

Tague Insurance - Renter's Insurance Needs

If you are renting an apartment, condo, or home there are some very important things you should consider.

Did you know that you may be able to fully offset the cost of Renter's Insurance by combining your Auto Insurance and Renter's Insurance with the same company?

For example: one of our companies offers a basic Renter's Insurance policy for about $120 per year. The average savings on the combined auto policy usually runs about $90-$150 per year depending on the cost of the auto insurance. Tague Insurance can save you money today.

In addition to saving money you need to understand some of the important protection that a Renter's Insurance policy provides you. Take a look at the article below for some valuable information. Please feel free to contact Tague Insurance with any questions you have.

Renters’ Insurance Needs

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Persons who live in apartments or rent a residence are fortunate. Most insurance companies can protect their assets and belongings by using a policy that is designed especially for tenants. Typical policies cover your possessions for common causes of loss, additional living expenses related to making other living arrangements, medical expenses for treating people injured on your premises and, of course, lawsuits.

Property Coverage

Protection under a standard renters policy is on an actual cash value basis (item’s replacement cost less depreciation).

Example: Stewart’s kitchen catches fire and his five year old refrigerator is destroyed. A new model of the refrigerator costs $750. His insurance company pays him $162, explaining that it’s the effect of five years of deteriorating value. Most companies offer coverage on a replacement cost basis if you purchase a separate endorsement.

Theft Limitations

Certain types of property are quite vulnerable to being stolen, therefore very limited coverage is available for items such as jewelry, furs, gems, gold, silverware, pewterware, money, securities, guns and accessories. Protection can be increased by adding additional coverage to the tenant policy or by purchasing a personal article floater policy.

Additional Living Expenses

A typical tenant policy provides a limit equal to 20% of your contents insurance limit. If your contents limit is $15,000, then your additional living expenses limit will be $3,000.

Liability Coverage

Liability insurance covers you for injury you cause to others and for damage to property that belongs to others. The policy also provides for the cost of a lawyer (if necessary) and most court costs. Examples of liability claims include: slips and falls; beaning a neighbor’s child with a baseball; hitting a golfer with your errant hook shot; or a friend breaking her hip when she trips on a skateboard your child left on the stairs.

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