Sept Newsletter

Don't Leave Your 'Home Alone': You May Not Be Covered

Have you moved to a new home, but the old one is still for sale? Is your rental property between tenants? Have you left temporarily during a remodel? And, most importantly, do you know that insurance requirements are different for vacant properties?

Although many property owners don't realize there is a difference, it's a fact that if your property is vacant for whatever reason, you need a special insurance policy. Your options usually depend on the amount of time the property will be vacant and the type of coverage you want.

Common can cover "named perils," meaning only the types of losses listed (lightning, hail, fire) will be covered, or they can be more comprehensive. If the vacancy is short, you may only need an endorsement to cover this time period. Note that during this time your regular policy won't apply. Typical options include:

Premises liability, in case someone is injured on your property
Personal property, if you are leaving furniture or appliances in the home
Vandalism, to cover damage or defacement
Burglary, for coverage of doors or windows broken during unauthorized entry and the theft of your personal items
Builder's risk, to cover improvements and repairs during renovations

If you know you will soon have a vacant property, consult with your agent immediately. Your provider will set up a policy to protect your home. After all, no one wants to leave their "home alone."

Espresso Book Machines: Just What the Bookworm Ordered

While these days, newspapers are mostly online, some enterprising book stores are still managing to hang on. In a recent CITYLAB article, Eillie Anzilotti, writes: "An old shop in Paris is holding onto its place in the city by embracing new technology." As strange as it sounds, that shop is a book store without books.

A new wave of book stores are banking on technology to keep them relevant; the so-called Espresso Book Machine is a print-on-demand device that lets buyers choose from potentially millions of books and sip coffee while waiting for their selection to be printed. The process takes minutes.

According to Anzilotti's article, can On-Demand Printing Bolster Bookstores? The first Espresso Book Machine dates back to 2007, when one was installed in the New York Public Library. "Since then, the printers have cropped up in a handful of libraries and stores in cities throughout the world," Anzilotti notes.

Book stores have been struggling to remain profitable over the last decade. Initially, big box book stores squeezed out many of the independents. Then it was competition from e-commerce. The latest fear is that people simply don't read any more.

And, in fact, many book stores of note have failed despite adding coffee shops, stationery departments and e-readers to their offerings.

For those individuals who still enjoy reading on paper, the Espresso Book Machine may be just what the bookworm ordered. It's a future-forward solution that enables book stores and libraries to stay relevant in a high-tech world. Readers rejoice!

Three Easy Ways to Cut Household Expenses

For many of us, it can be shocking to see how quickly our household expenses add up; it may feel like our entire paycheck goes toward paying bills!

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to cut back on our monthly expenses to relieve those financial burdens.

TV

With the emergence of so many available streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV, there are few reasons to have intense cable packages. Reduce your bill by downgrading to basic cable, or cut out your cable service entirely. Not only will you save money on your cable bill, but in reducing your TV viewing, you'll cut costs on your electric bill. Win-win!

DIY

Although it's easier to pick up cleaning supplies at your local store, you'll save money by getting rid of these expensive products altogether. As writer, Clare Hudson, points out in a Lifehack article entitled 30 Ways to Cut Your Monthly Expenses, you can easily make your own cleaning products with household staples like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. And they're just as effective (and usually less damaging to your family's health) than the expensive stuff.

It will take a concerted effort on your part, but there are ways to cut back on your monthly expenses.

Give it a try: the savings just might surprise you.

Avoid Home Buyers' Remorse: Think Insurance

What's on your "must-have" list for a new home? As you search for the perfect location, great schools, and plenty of storage space, don't forget another important consideration. Insurance. With so many other items on your "wants-and-needs list," you might overlook this particular need. It may be a costly mistake. Avoid buyer's remorse, keep the following in mind as you choose your dream home:

Location: Is the home near the coast? This typically makes insurance more expensive. You may also need a separate hurricane deductible. For inland locations - is it in a floodplain? This requires separate flood insurance.
Age: Older homes are often quite charming. However, they can cost more to insure. Plaster walls and outdated electrical systems can be expensive to replace. Check to see what has been updated and research how these antique features may affect your insurance rates.
Roof: What is the condition of the roof? What type of roof does it have? If it's been recently replaced with high-quality materials, your insurance will be much simpler and cheaper.
High-risk features: The gorgeously appointed swimming pool may look inviting, but it will require additional liability insurance. If the home has a pool, hot tub, or other special feature, keep this cost in mind as you consider making an offer.
Building codes: Not every home is built to meet current engineering standards. For both safety and insurability concerns, make sure your home-to-be complies with current codes. (Note: Your real estate agent may help here.)
Minimize unpleasant surprises: As you shop the market for your new home, consult with your insurance agent. He or she can help you assess any issues that may exist in the properties you are considering. And it will save you from any insurance surprises after you close the deal.

~Alex Hastings~
Hastings Insurance Solutions LLC
872 Tanglefoot Ln
Bettendorf IA 52722

563-355-0262 Office
641-494-9494 Cell
855-355-0262 Fax

www.HastingsInsuranceSolutions.com

ExpertInsuranceSolutions@gmail.com

The Secret to Finding the Right Auto Insurance Coverage

The wrong auto insurance could end up costing you. With so many options available - and so many "deals" that aren't really good value - it pays to get good advice.

Discover how to get the best coverage by requesting my free guide "The Secret to Finding the Right Auto Insurance Coverage."

Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you.

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Why do some people call sloths the Mona Lisas of the animal world?

Recipe: Broccoli and Shredded Chicken Salad

Serves 6

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1 large head of raw broccoli

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2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

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1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

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6-8 slices cooked bacon, roughly chopped

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1 1/2 cups chopped celery

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1 1/2 cups halved green seedless grapes

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1 bunch spring onions, chopped

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1 cup raisins

Dressing

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3/4 cup mayonnaise

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3/4 cup plain yogurt

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1/2 cup sugar

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2 tablespoons white vinegar

Directions

Break broccoli down into even sized florets and add to a serving bowl with chicken, almonds, bacon, onion, grapes, celery and raisins.

In a smaller bowl whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar and vinegar. Add to serving bowl and toss to coat evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Can be kept refrigerated for up to four hours before serving.

This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.