Winter Newsletter 2024

Welcome 2024!

Warm greetings on this cool winter day!

We had yet another record year of participation in our Christmas Pet Photo contest! A total of 1,173 entries representing 54 animal shelters across the state of Maine. This is 300 more entries than last year, which resulted in an increase to our donations to the animal caring community.

The climate continues to create uncertainty for all of us including those in the insurance industry. This has impacted the insurance markets to a great degree and I’m sure by now you all have felt the effects through premium increases on your policies, a reduction in certain coverages, or underwriters requiring more safety measures. Read on to learn more about the impacts creating all this insurance upheaval. But on to brighter things...

Did you know these things about winter?...

• No two snowflakes are alike, making each snowfall a magical experience. The largest snowflake ever recorded fell in Montana in 1887. It measured an astounding 15 inches in diameter! Imagine catching that on your tongue. I’m sure Maine’s had its fair share of unrecorded flakes! 
• The Winter Solstice, usually around December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. The Vernal Equinox (commonly called the March Equinox) marks when the sun crosses above the Earth’s equator moving from south to north. It marks the official end to winter and the beginning of spring. 
• While some animals hibernate during winter, others showcase their resilience in the snow. Keep an eye out for tracks of animals like foxes, rabbits, and deer, leaving behind a secret winter wonderland story.
• You can see the Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights) best in our northern winter sky. Active global geomagnetic conditions referred to as ‘Kp’ measure the conditions in which the northern lights may be seen. With a high K-indices one is more likely to experience this phenomenon. Many websites track this index mostly in short duration forecasts to predict when and where the lights will be seen. 
• Figure skating was part of the Summer Olympics until 1920. It then moved to the Winter Olympics, where it continues to dazzle audiences.

Stay warm and keep spreading the winter cheer!

Best regards,

Christopher Anderson, President

2023 Christmas Pet Photo Contest

Congratulations to Andy, the sweet kitten who won our 2023 Annual Facebook Christmas Pet Photo Contest and earned an extra $100 for PAWS Animal Welfare Society, Inc, in Fort Kent. It was a neck-and-neck finish for the most likes at the end of the contest, with Buddy the Golden Retriever for Shepherds Beyond Borders coming in 2nd by 4 likes.

Climate Impacts Insurance

The insurance industry has been significantly impacted by climate change in various ways. Here are some key effects:

1.   Increased Frequency and Severity of Extreme Weather Events:

• Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and storms. 
• This has resulted in higher insurance claims due to property damage, business interruption, and loss of life.

2.   Rising Costs of Insurance Claims:

• The increased frequency and severity of weather-related disasters have led to...

Read more...

Things Happen – Be Prepared With an Annual Insurance Review

Review Annual Insurance Policies in the New Year

It’s January, so the holidays are behind us and we’re getting back into the swing of things. Therefore, it’s the time when many of us start collecting documents for the upcoming income tax filing season. Since we’re already reviewing last year’s financial situation, let’s take the time to also review our annual insurance policies. The best way to do this is to meet or call your agent to go over your coverage. To prepare, here are some questions you’ll want to ask yourself.

What major changes have I had in my life?

Did your marital status change? New baby in the family? Become an empty-nester? Got a new job or started a new business?

These events, and others, all affect your home, auto, life, and health insurance policies. Life insurance is a must-have if you've had a baby. If your child is out on their own, they’ll need their own auto insurance policy. Your homeowners insurance policy might not cover a new business in your home. A newly licensed driver increases your liability risk and you might consider an umbrella policy. Check with your agent to see what changes you need to make.

Did I get any new stuff, or get rid of any old stuff?

Did you get engaged and have a shiny new diamond? Significantly improve your house? Have you bought any new “toys” like an ATV or boat? Did you downsize your possessions or home? Did you buy a brand new car?

Some property is limited in coverage on your homeowners policy, such as jewelry, furs, or firearms valued at more than $1,000. A home addition will increase the replacement cost and you’ll want to make sure your coverage will meet that. A tow-behind camper needs to be added to your auto policy for physical damage coverage. Depending on the size of that new tractor, it might not be covered under your homeowners policy. It’s also possible that you might be carrying coverage you no longer need, and we can help you save money by reviewing your annual insurance policies.

How long has it been since I reviewed my policies?

Many of you have been our customers for a very long time - thank you! If you haven't reviewed your policy in the last couple of years, things may have changed. Your coverage won't change without your knowledge, however, the insurance companies we represent often change their guidelines, rates, and discounts. Reach out to your agent for a full review.

Things happen. We don’t like to think about it, but we do want to be prepared for it. We know that many people find this sort of exercise boring or painful, but it’s what we love to do. So, whether you carry your insurance with us now, or would like to see what we have to offer, give us a call or chat with us online to review your policies. We want to help you review your insurance policies in the new year.



Tips to Prevent and Address Ice Dams

As winter blankets Maine in a layer of snow and ice, homeowners must be vigilant in protecting their properties from the potential threat of ice dams. Ice dams occur when melting snow refreezes at the edge of the roof, forming a barrier that prevents proper drainage. This can lead to water seeping into the home, causing damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation.

To safeguard your home from ice dams, consider the following tips:

1. Proper Insulation: Ensure your attic is well-insulated to maintain a consistent temperature on the roof, preventing uneven melting and freezing.
2. Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and reduce the risk of ice dams. Install vents to allow cold air to circulate.
3. Seal Air Leaks: Seal gaps and cracks in your home's exterior to minimize warm air leakage, which contributes to snow melting on the roof.
4. Snow Removal: Safely remove accumulated snow from your roof using a roof rake. This prevents excessive weight and reduces the likelihood of ice dam formation.
5. Gutter Maintenance: Keep gutters clean and free of debris to ensure proper water drainage. Consider installing heating cables to melt ice in gutters.

By taking proactive measures, homeowners can minimize the risk of ice dams and the potential damage they can cause. Regular maintenance and insulation upgrades contribute to a winter-ready home, providing peace of mind during the coldest months.

Get Away With Peace of Mind - With Travel Insurance

The unexpected often happens when we travel. So, buy peace of mind with travel insurance. Many options are available for coverage like trip cancellation or interruption. In addition, some medical expenses might be covered that are not covered by your health insurance policy. This is especially important with international travel. Also, it’s important to know what events are covered or not, and what limits apply to travel insurance.

The most common risks covered by travel policies are the following:

• Medical treatment
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Travel costs and pre-paid charges if a trip is cancelled or cut short due to a variety of circumstances. Circumstances could include jury service, quarantine, death, bodily injury and more.
• Travel delays due to weather
• Delayed baggage (emergency replacement of necessary items)
• And more

Also, travel policies may include optional coverage for an additional cost.