Wichert Blog

How to Protect Your Home During a Power Outage

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:44:00 GMT

Power outages can happen with little or no warning and may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or longer. While most outages are temporary inconveniences, they can also create risks for appliances, electronics, food, plumbing, and other parts of your home.

A little preparation can help you reduce potential damage and make it easier to manage an outage safely.

Protect Electronics and Appliances

Power surges can sometimes occur when electricity is restored. Unplugging sensitive electronics such as televisions, computers, gaming systems, and other devices can help protect them from potential damage.

For equipment that needs to stay connected, consider using quality surge protectors or a whole-home surge protection system. Once power returns, wait a few minutes before turning major appliances back on to avoid placing additional demand on the electrical system all at once.

Keep Refrigerators and Freezers Closed

A refrigerator or freezer can maintain a safe temperature for a limited period if the doors remain closed. Opening them frequently allows cold air to escape and can cause food to warm more quickly.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage. If outages are common in your area, a refrigerator thermometer can also make it easier to determine whether food has remained at a safe temperature.

Use Generators Safely

A portable or standby generator can help keep essential equipment operating during an extended outage, but generators must be used properly.

Portable generators should always be operated outdoors and away from windows, doors, and vents because they produce carbon monoxide. Never operate one inside a garage, basement, or enclosed area. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement, fueling, and electrical connections.

Consider Plumbing and Temperature Risks

During cold weather, a long outage can allow indoor temperatures to fall enough to create a risk of frozen pipes. Keep doors closed to retain heat, open cabinet doors around plumbing when appropriate, and monitor indoor temperatures if possible.

Homes with sump pumps, well pumps, or other electrically powered systems may also need backup power during longer outages. Understanding which systems depend on electricity can help you decide where backup power is most important.

Prepare for Extended Outages

Keep flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and other basic supplies in an easy-to-find location. Charging phones and battery packs ahead of severe weather can also help you stay connected if power is lost.

It is also useful to know how to manually operate garage doors, security systems, and other equipment that normally relies on electricity.

Review Your Home Protection

Preparation can help reduce the impact of a power outage, but unexpected damage can still occur. Equipment failures, spoiled food, electrical damage, and weather-related losses may all raise questions about what your homeowners insurance covers.

Contact us today to review your homeowners insurance coverage and make sure your policy reflects your current home and protection needs.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

Auto Insurance Quotes: Are You Really Comparing Apples to Apples?

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

After several years of rising auto insurance costs, drivers may finally be seeing signs of relief.

At the national level, the Consumer Price Index for motor vehicle insurance declined 2.0% in June 2026 after falling 1.7% in May. The index was also 4.1% lower than it was in June 2025. That does not guarantee that every driver will receive a lower renewal offer as prices still vary considerably by state, carrier, vehicle, and household. But, it does make this a timely opportunity to review your policy and explore the market. (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Getting multiple quotes is a good place to start. The challenge is determining whether those quotes are actually comparable.

A proposal that is hundreds of dollars less may look like a better deal. But what if it also has lower liability limits, higher deductibles, no rental-car coverage, and a discount that may not continue at renewal?

That is not necessarily a better price for the same protection. It may be a different policy altogether.

Start with your current declarations page

Your auto insurance declarations page summarizes the major parts of your current policy, including the insured drivers and vehicles, liability limits, deductibles, optional coverages, and premium.

Use it as the starting point for any comparison. Ask for each new quote to be prepared using the same drivers, vehicles, limits, and deductibles. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends providing the same information to each insurance company or agent when requesting quotes.

A useful approach is to request two versions:

A quote that matches your current policy as closely as possible.
A second option incorporating any changes your agent recommends.

The first shows whether another company may offer a more competitive price for similar protection. The second helps you determine whether your current policy still fits your needs.

Simply copying an old policy is not always the right answer. Your vehicles, household drivers, assets, and financial responsibilities may have changed since the policy was first purchased.

Do not rely on the phrase “full coverage”

“Full coverage” is commonly used, but it is not a standardized insurance package. An auto policy is assembled from individual coverages, limits, deductibles, and endorsements. Two companies can both describe their proposals as “full coverage” while providing significantly different protection. The NAIC specifically advises consumers that there is no single policy officially defined as full coverage.

Instead, compare each of the following items.

1. Bodily injury and property damage liability

Liability coverage helps protect you when you are legally responsible for injuring another person or damaging someone else’s property.

Bodily injury limits are often displayed as two numbers, such as 100/300. In that example, the policy may provide up to $100,000 for one injured person and up to $300,000 for all bodily injuries resulting from one covered accident.

Property damage liability has its own limit. It helps pay for damage you cause to another vehicle, building, fence, or other property.

When reviewing proposals, ask:

Are the bodily injury limits identical?
Is the property damage limit the same?
Is one proposal using split limits while another uses a combined single limit?
Do the limits satisfy the requirements of any personal umbrella policy you have?

A quote can become substantially less expensive when liability limits are reduced. The premium may look attractive, but your potential out-of-pocket exposure may be much greater.

2. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage can help when an at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the other driver has insurance but not enough to cover the resulting loss.

The availability, structure, and legal requirements for these coverages vary by state. Look carefully at whether the quote includes bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage, or both, and whether the limits match your current policy.

Do not assume this coverage automatically matches your liability limits. Ask your agent to explain who is protected, which losses are covered, and how the coverage works in your state.

3. Medical payments or personal injury protection

Depending on the state and policy, you may see medical payments coverage, often called MedPay, or personal injury protection, commonly called PIP.

These coverages can help with certain accident-related medical expenses for you and your passengers. PIP may also address other expenses, depending on the state and policy.

When comparing quotes, review the coverage limit, any deductible, the people protected, and how the coverage coordinates with health insurance. A proposal that leaves this coverage out is not equivalent to one that includes it.

Liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection are among the major coverages commonly included in personal auto insurance pricing. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

4. Collision and comprehensive deductibles

Collision coverage generally helps pay for covered damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision. Comprehensive coverage generally applies to covered losses such as theft, vandalism, fi re, hail, falling objects, broken glass, or contact with an animal.

Both normally have deductibles; this is the amount you agree to pay before insurance applies to a covered loss.

Check the collision and comprehensive deductibles separately. One quote may use a $500 deductible while another uses $1,000 or more. A higher deductible can reduce the premium, but it also increases what you would have to pay after a claim.

Also ask whether glass claims have a separate deductible or special option. The answer can make a meaningful difference when a windshield needs to be repaired or replaced.

5. How would a total loss be settled?

Most drivers focus on deductibles but may overlook what happens when a vehicle cannot be repaired economically.

Ask how the insurer determines the vehicle’s value after a total loss. Depending on the vehicle, carrier, and policy, additional options may include:

New-car replacement
Loan or lease gap coverage
Replacement-cost coverage
Coverage for custom equipment or modifications

Do not assume that owing money on a vehicle means the insurance settlement will automatically pay off the loan. Ask your agent whether gap protection is needed and whether it is already provided elsewhere.

6. Rental reimbursement, towing, and other options

Optional conveniences are easy to overlook until a claim occurs.

Rental reimbursement should be compared by both its daily limit and its maximum benefit. A policy offering $30 a day with a $900 maximum is different from one providing $50 a day up to $1,500. A quote without rental coverage may leave you paying the entire cost of temporary transportation.

Other items to review include:

Towing and emergency roadside assistance
Original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, parts options
Special glass coverage
Accident forgiveness
Diminishing or disappearing deductibles
Coverage for electronic or custom equipment
Rideshare or delivery-driver coverage
New-car replacement

Names such as “accident forgiveness” can sound similar across companies, but the eligibility requirements and benefits may be different. Ask how each feature works rather than comparing the name alone.

7. Make sure every driver and vehicle is represented accurately

A quote is only as reliable as the information used to prepare it.

Confirm that every proposal reflects the same:

Named insureds and household drivers
Vehicle identification numbers
Garaging address
Annual mileage
Commuting distance
Personal, business, rideshare, or delivery use
Accidents, claims, and traffic violations
Vehicle ownership and lienholder information

Leaving out a youthful driver, using an incorrect mileage estimate, or listing a vehicle as recreational when it is driven daily can produce a lower initial number. It can also lead to a revised premium or a serious coverage problem later.

Ask whether the price is still an estimate or whether the carrier has completed its normal driving-record, claims-history, and underwriting reviews.

8. Compare the total policy cost—not just the monthly payment

A small monthly payment does not necessarily mean a lower total cost.

One quote may be written for six months and another for 12 months. Payment plans may have different down payments or installment fees. A pay-in-full quote should not be compared directly with a monthly-payment quote without accounting for those differences.

The most useful comparison is the total cost for the same period, payment arrangement, and coverage.

9. Understand the discounts

Carriers may offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, insuring multiple vehicles, paying in full, enrolling in automatic payments, maintaining a good driving record, or having a student with qualifying grades.

Usage-based or telematics programs may offer additional savings based on driving data.

Ask whether every discount is guaranteed, conditional, or temporary. Find out whether a discount requires continued participation, completion of a program, or verification of eligibility. A proposal containing a new-customer or participation-based discount may change at renewal if the requirements are no longer met.

10. Look beyond the price

Insurance becomes most valuable when something goes wrong. The lowest premium may not provide the best overall experience if the company’s claims process, communication or coverage does not fi t your expectations.

Ask your agent about:

How to report a claim
Availability of telephone and digital claims service
Repair-shop options
Rental-car arrangements
Billing and policy-service support
The insurer’s financial strength
The role your agency will play during a claim

These factors may not appear in the premium column, but they can become very important after an accident.

A quick apples-to-apples checklist

Before accepting a quote, confirm that:

Liability and uninsured motorist limits match.
Medical payments or PIP coverage is comparable.
Collision and comprehensive deductibles are the same.
Rental, roadside, and glass options have been included or intentionally removed. 6
All drivers, vehicles, and vehicle uses are accurate.
The policy terms and payment plans match.
Discounts have been explained.
The quote has gone through the necessary underwriting review.
Any umbrella policy requirements are satisfied.
You understand every material difference from your current policy.

How an independent agency can help

Different insurance companies evaluate households differently. A carrier that is highly competitive for one driver may not be the right fit for another household with different vehicles, drivers, claims, or coverage needs.

That is where an independent agency can provide an important advantage.

Wichert Insurance is an independent Trusted Choice agency and works with a wide range of insurance companies. Rather than being limited to a single carrier, Wichert can explore multiple options based on the customer’s circumstances and help explain differences in coverage, deductibles, discounts and pricing.

At Wichert, the objective is not simply to produce the lowest number on a page. It is to help customers understand what they are purchasing and find an appropriate combination of protection, service, and price.

Before changing companies, provide your Wichert agent with your current declarations page and ask for a side-by-side review. Your agent can identify what stayed the same, what changed, and which differences are responsible for the price.

Saving money on auto insurance is valuable. Saving money while preserving the protection you expect is even better.

Compare apples to apples—and ask questions before you switch.

Coverage availability, terminology, requirements, and policy provisions vary by state and insurance company. This article provides general information only. The terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the issued policy determine coverage.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

Common Insurance Mistakes Young Families Make

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:26:00 GMT

Father and son walking down the street by Anete Lusina

Starting and growing a family comes with many exciting milestones, but it also brings new responsibilities and financial risks. Between busy schedules, growing expenses, and changing priorities, insurance coverage is often overlooked. Unfortunately, small gaps in coverage can create major problems when the unexpected happens.

Keeping the Same Coverage for Too Long

Many young families continue using the same insurance policies they had before getting married, buying a home, or having children. As life changes, insurance needs often change as well. Coverage that worked a few years ago may no longer provide enough protection today.

Underinsuring Personal Property

Families tend to accumulate furniture, electronics, appliances, toys, and other belongings quickly. Many people underestimate the total value of their personal property until they experience a major loss. Creating a home inventory can make it easier to understand how much coverage may be needed.

Choosing Coverage Based Only on Price

It is natural to want affordable insurance, especially with the expenses that come with raising children. However, choosing the lowest-priced policy without understanding the coverage can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs later. Deductibles, liability limits, exclusions, and coverage options all matter.

Not Updating Beneficiaries

Life insurance and other financial accounts often require beneficiary updates after major life events such as marriage or the birth of a child. Forgetting to review this information can create complications later and may not reflect your current wishes.

Many young families delay purchasing life insurance because they assume it is too expensive or unnecessary. In reality, life insurance can help provide financial stability for a spouse or children if something unexpected happens. Policies are often more affordable when purchased at a younger age.

Ignoring Liability Protection

As families grow, liability risks can increase as well. Owning a home, hosting guests, having pets, or adding teenage drivers can all increase exposure to liability claims. Reviewing liability limits and discussing umbrella insurance may be worthwhile for some families.

Forgetting to Review Coverage Regularly

Insurance should not be treated as a one-time purchase. Families often experience changes in vehicles, income, home value, and lifestyle over time. Regular policy reviews can help identify gaps and ensure coverage continues to match current needs.

Insurance may not always be top of mind during busy stages of life, but having the right coverage in place can help provide peace of mind and financial protection for your family. Taking a little time to review your policies now can help prevent larger problems later.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

How Smart Home Technology Can Help Detect Problems Early

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:26:00 GMT

Modern home entryway with green front door by Curtis Adams

Smart home technology is often associated with security cameras and smart locks, but many of today's most useful devices are designed to help homeowners identify potential problems before they become major repairs.

From water leaks to temperature fluctuations, smart home tools can provide early warnings that allow homeowners to respond more quickly. While no technology can prevent every issue, these devices can offer greater visibility into what is happening around your property, whether you are at home or away.

Smart Water Leak Detectors

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face. Even a small leak can cause significant damage if it goes unnoticed for an extended period.

Smart water leak detectors are designed to monitor areas where leaks commonly occur, including around water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, and sump pumps. If moisture is detected, many systems can send an alert directly to your smartphone, allowing you to investigate the issue before it worsens.

Automatic Water Shutoff Systems

Some smart home systems take water protection a step further by automatically shutting off a home's water supply when a significant leak is detected.

These systems can help reduce damage from burst pipes, appliance failures, and other plumbing issues. For homeowners who travel frequently or own seasonal properties, automatic shutoff technology can provide an added layer of protection.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Traditional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors play an important role in home safety, but smart versions can provide additional awareness when you are not at home.

Many smart detectors can send notifications directly to your mobile device if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. This allows homeowners to stay informed and take action even when they are away from the property.

Smart Thermostats and Freeze Monitoring

Temperature-related issues can create unexpected property damage, especially during colder months. Frozen pipes can burst and lead to extensive water damage if problems are not identified quickly.

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to monitor indoor temperatures remotely and receive alerts if temperatures fall outside a designated range. This can be particularly helpful for vacation homes, rental properties, or homes left vacant for extended periods.

In addition to temperature monitoring, some smart home devices can track humidity levels, air quality, and other environmental conditions.

Technology and Insurance Working Together

Many smart home devices can work together through a single app or platform, making it easier to monitor multiple aspects of your property from one place. Homeowners can choose the devices that fit their needs and gradually build a system that provides greater visibility and convenience.

While smart home technology is not a substitute for insurance, it can help homeowners stay informed and respond quickly when problems arise. Contact us today to review your homeowner insurance coverage and discuss ways to help protect your property.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

Thinking About Renting Out a Home You Planned to Sell? Start With Your Insurance

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Not every landlord sets out to become one.

Sometimes, a home does not sell as quickly as expected. Sometimes, the offers are not where you hoped they would be. Sometimes, keeping the property and renting it out feels like the most practical option, at least for now.

That can be a smart financial decision. But before you hand over the keys to a tenant, there is one important question to answer:

Does your insurance still match the way the home is being used?

A home you live in and a home you rent to someone else are not treated the same from an insurance standpoint. Even if the property has not changed, the risk has. That shift can create coverage concerns if your policy is not updated.

When the Home’s Use Changes, Coverage May Need to Change Too

A standard homeowners policy is only available for a home you occupy or occasionally offer out as a short-term rental. Not all homeowners policies allow even a short-term rental. Once the property occupancy changes, your policy needs to change to fit the circumstances.

That is because you are no longer the person living in the home day to day. You may not see small maintenance issues right away. You may not know when something has broken, leaked, or become unsafe. You also now have tenants, guests, delivery drivers, and others coming onto the property in a different way.

These details matter.

If a claim happens and the home is being used as a rental, your insurance company will want to know that the policy accurately reflects that use. If it does not, you could run into problems at the exact time you need coverage most.

Before renting out the home, talk with your insurance advisor and explain the situation clearly. Let them know whether the home will be rented full-time, temporarily, seasonally, or as a short-term rental.

Questions to Ask Before a Tenant Moves In

If you are considering renting out a home, here are a few questions worth asking before the lease is signed.

Is my current homeowners policy still appropriate?

Do not assume your current policy will automatically cover a rental situation. In many cases, a rental property needs a different type of policy than an owner-occupied home.

Your advisor can help determine whether your current coverage should be changed, rewritten, or replaced with a policy designed for rental property.

What happens if the home is vacant for a period of time?

There may be a gap between moving out, listing the home, finding a tenant, and having someone move in. During that time, the home may be considered vacant or unoccupied.

Vacancy can affect coverage. Some policies limit certain types of protection after a property has been vacant for a specific period of time.

This is especially important if the home is sitting empty while you decide whether to sell or rent. Let your insurance advisor know as soon as the occupancy status changes.

Am I protected if someone gets hurt on the property?

As the property owner, you may be responsible for certain injuries that happen on the premises. A loose handrail, icy walkway, uneven step, or other hazard could lead to a liability claim.

Rental property owners should review their liability limits and make sure they are comfortable with the level of protection they have in place. Depending on your situation, it may also make sense to discuss an umbrella policy for an added layer of liability protection.

What if damage makes the home temporarily unlivable?

If a covered loss damages the property, repairs may take time. During that period, you may not be able to collect rent.

Loss of rental income coverage may help protect the income you were expecting from the property if it becomes uninhabitable because of a covered claim. For many new landlords, this is an easy coverage area to overlook.

Should I require renters insurance?

Your policy generally protects the building, not the tenant’s personal belongings.

That means if a tenant’s furniture, electronics, clothing, or other personal property is damaged, your insurance may not cover those items. Renters insurance can help protect the tenant’s belongings and may also provide liability coverage for the tenant.

Many landlords make renters insurance a lease requirement so expectations are clear from the start.

Long-Term Rental or Short-Term Rental? It Matters.

How you plan to rent the home can also affect your insurance needs.

A traditional long-term tenant is different from using the home as a short-term rental through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Short-term rentals often involve more frequent turnover, more guests, and less predictability.

Some policies exclude or limit coverage for short-term rental activity. Others may require specific endorsements or a separate policy.

Before listing the property, make sure your insurance advisor knows exactly how the home will be rented. The details matter.

Before You Hand Over the Keys

Renting out a home comes with more responsibility than simply collecting rent. A little preparation can help reduce risk and avoid confusion later.

Before a tenant moves in, contact your insurance advisor, explain the change in use, and review whether your current policy still fits. Ask about rental property coverage, liability limits, umbrella coverage, loss of rental income protection, and how vacancy could affect your policy.

It is also a good idea to require tenants to carry renters insurance, document the condition of the home before move-in, and stay on top of maintenance and safety repairs.

Talk Through the Change Before There Is a Claim

Renting out a home can be a practical solution, especially when selling is not the right move. But it is not something to do without reviewing your insurance first.

The most important thing is to be proactive. Once the home’s use changes, your coverage may need to change with it.

If you are thinking about renting out a home you planned to sell, Wichert Insurance can help you review your options, identify potential gaps, and make sure your coverage fits the next chapter for your property.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

Summer Safety Starts with Smart Insurance Coverage

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:52:00 GMT

As summer arrives, so does the season of adventure. From boating and road trips to backyard pools and vacation rentals, June is the perfect time to think about summer safety and whether your insurance coverage is ready for it.

Whether you're enjoying summer activities in Ohio or traveling across the U.S., having the right protection in place can make all the difference. At Wichert Insurance, we think of June as “Summer Safety Month”, a time to prepare not just for fun, but for the unexpected.

Water Activities & Boating

Boating and water sports are summer staples, but they also come with risks. Before heading out on the water:

● Make sure your boat insurance is up to date

● Confirm liability coverage in case of accidents

● Understand who is covered if others operate your boat

Even strong swimmers should take precautions. Life jackets, supervision, and awareness are essential for a safe day on the water.

Motorcycles, ATVs & Recreational Vehicles

Warmer weather means more motorcycles, ATVs, and campers on the road and trails. These vehicles often require separate insurance policies beyond standard auto coverage.

Before your next ride or trip:

● Review your auto insurance coverage

● Make sure motorcycles and ATVs have proper liability and medical coverage

● Check that your RV or camper includes both vehicle and personal property protection 1

Coverage can vary widely, so it’s worth reviewing before your first summer outing.

Pool & Backyard Safety

If you have a pool, trampoline, or plan to host guests this summer, it’s important to think beyond sunscreen and snacks.

● Secure gates and fencing to prevent accidents

● Review safety rules and liability concerns for trampolines and other backyard equipment

● Review your homeowner’s liability protection

● Consider an umbrella policy for additional coverage

Accidents can happen quickly, and having the right liability protection helps safeguard both your family and your financial future.

Renting Equipment on Vacation

One of the most overlooked risks happens when people rent recreational equipment while traveling, such as motorcycles, jet skis, boats, or golf carts.

Many assume their personal insurance extends to rentals, but that’s not always the case.

For example, if rented equipment is involved in an accident, the renter could be responsible for significant repair or liability costs if proper coverage is not in place.

Always ask what’s covered and strongly consider purchasing rental insurance if there is any uncertainty.

A Quick Summer Coverage Checklist

Before you head out this season:

Review all recreational vehicle policies
Ask about rental coverage before traveling
Confirm liability limits, especially for pools and gatherings
Talk to your agent about any new purchases or activities
Explore all personal insurance options

Common Summer Insurance Questions

Does my insurance cover rental equipment?

Not always. Coverage for rented motorcycles, boats, jet skis, or golf carts varies by policy. In many cases, your personal insurance may not fully apply, so it is important to check ahead or consider purchasing rental coverage.

Do I need insurance for ATVs or jet skis?

Yes. These are typically not covered under standard auto or homeowner policies. Separate recreational vehicle insurance is often required to cover liability, damage, and medical costs.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover pool accidents?

Homeowner’s insurance usually includes liability protection, but limits may not be high enough for serious incidents. Many homeowners choose to increase liability limits or add an umbrella policy.

Am I covered if I travel out of state?

Most policies extend coverage across state lines, but limits and rules can vary, especially for rented equipment or specialty vehicles. It is best to review your coverage before traveling.

Let’s Make Summer Safe & Stress-Free

Summer should be about making memories, not worrying about “what ifs.” A quick coverage review now can save you from major headaches later.

With offices in Ohio, Florida, and Wisconsin, and clients across the country, Wichert Insurance helps families stay protected wherever summer takes them.

If you are unsure about your coverage or planning a trip involving rentals, now is the perfect time to connect with our team. We are here to help you enjoy summer with confidence.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

Why You Shouldn’t Allow A Customer Vehicle Access Once It’s on the Hook or Bed

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:39:00 GMT

You’ve heard it plenty of times:

“Can I just grab my wallet?” “My phone’s in there.” “It’ll take two seconds.”

You want to help. Good customer service matters. But once a vehicle is on your hook or fully loaded on your bed, allowing a customer to access it creates real risk for you, your drivers and your business. A simple, consistent no access once loaded policy is one of the easiest ways to avoid headaches and claims.

Here’s why it matters.

1. Safety Risk Comes First

Once a vehicle is hooked or loaded, it’s part of an active recovery operation—not a parked car. There are winch lines under tension, hydraulics in use, traffic nearby, and often unstable vehicles.

If a customer climbs onto your truck or into the vehicle and gets hurt—even if they insisted—you can still end up responsible. Slip-and-fall injuries, traffic incidents, or equipment-related accidents can quickly turn into claims against your company.

A wallet or phone isn’t worth an injury lawsuit.

2. Liability for Damage Gets Murky

When someone gets into a vehicle that’s already secured:

Weight shifts
Parking brakes get bumped
Gears get moved
Straps or tie-downs can be disturbed

If anything shifts or gets damaged afterward, it becomes unclear who caused it. You’re now dealing with a dispute you didn’t need.

The cleanest protection: once it’s loaded, no one goes in.

3. Missing Property Claims Increase

Allowing access opens the door to “something’s missing” claims later. Even if nothing actually went missing, you’ve created a situation where responsibility is harder to prove.

When the vehicle stays secured and untouched, your custody of the vehicle is clear and defensible.

4. Insurance and Risk Management

Most towing insurers expect operators to limit unnecessary exposure once a vehicle is in tow. If someone gets hurt or something goes wrong after you allowed access, your carrier may question why the risk was taken in the first place.

Claims that could’ve been avoided are the ones insurers remember.

5. It Helps Your Drivers

Your drivers need a simple, consistent rule they can rely on. If access is allowed sometimes and not others, customers will push back:

“Another driver let me, or it’ll just take a second.”

A clear company policy gives drivers something to stand on and removes the argument.

Best Practice: Check Before You Load

The easiest way to handle this is to build it into your routine:

Ask customers before loading if they need anything
Give them a quick moment to grab essentials
Once the vehicle is hooked or on the bed and secured—no access

If they need something later, it can be retrieved safely at the yard.

A simple driver script works well:

“I understand you need your items. For safety and liability reasons, once the vehicle is loaded we can’t allow access. We’ll be happy to get that for you safely at the yard.”

Most customers understand when it’s explained professionally.

The Bottom Line

Letting someone into a vehicle once it’s on your truck might feel like helpful service, but it exposes your company to:

Injury claims
Damage disputes
Theft allegations
Insurance issues

A firm, consistent no-access-once-loaded policy protects your drivers, your equipment, and your business. It’s not about being difficult—it’s about running a safe, professional operation.

Set the policy. Train it. Stick to it.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

How Moving Impacts Your Personal Insurance

Wed, 06 May 2026 19:59:00 GMT

Moving boxes on a yellow couch by Ivan S

Moving to a new home comes with a long list of tasks, and insurance updates are often overlooked in the process. However, a change in location, property type, vehicles, and daily routines can all affect your coverage needs.

Taking time to review your insurance before and after a move can help ensure your policies reflect your current situation and continue to provide appropriate protection.

Homeowners, Renters, and Condo Insurance

Your housing situation plays a major role in your insurance needs. If you are purchasing a home, you will need a homeowners insurance policy that reflects the value, location, and features of the property. Factors like square footage, construction type, and local risks can all influence coverage.

If you are moving into a rental, a renters insurance policy can help cover your personal belongings and provide liability protection. The property owner’s insurance typically does not extend to your personal items.

For condo owners, a condo insurance policy helps cover personal property, interior elements of the unit, and liability. It is also important to understand what the condo association’s master policy covers versus what you are responsible for insuring.

Coverage Limits and Property Value

A move is a good opportunity to review your coverage limits. A new home or unit may have a different replacement cost than your previous one, and you may have acquired additional belongings over time.

Updating your personal property coverage to reflect what you currently own can help avoid gaps. This is also a good time to document high-value items and consider whether additional coverage is appropriate.

Auto Insurance Updates

Your auto insurance should be updated when you move. Your new address can affect your premium based on factors like traffic patterns, population density, and local claim trends.

In addition, your driving habits may change. A different commute or usage pattern could impact how your vehicle is rated on your policy. Keeping your garaging address and usage details current helps ensure accuracy.

Liability Considerations

Liability exposure can change when you move, especially if your new residence includes features like a pool, shared spaces, or a larger property. These factors can influence how much liability coverage you may want to carry. It may also be worth reviewing whether an umbrella insurance policy makes sense based on your updated situation.

Timing Your Coverage

Coordinating the timing of your insurance updates with your move is important. A homeowners or condo policy should be active before closing, while your previous policy may need to remain in place until you fully move out.

For renters, coverage should begin when you take possession of the new space. Making sure there are no gaps between policies helps maintain continuous protection.

Keeping Your Policies Up to Date

Moving is a good time to review your insurance and make sure it reflects your current needs. Address changes, updated property details, and shifts in daily routines can all influence your coverage.

If you are planning a move or have recently relocated, it is a good time to revisit your personal insurance. Contact us today to review your coverage and make sure everything is up to date.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

Tornadoes, Floods & the One Thing You’ll Wish You Had After a Loss

Fri, 01 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Severe weather season is here, and with it comes the increased risk of tornadoes, heavy storms, and flooding. While many homeowners assume they are fully protected, the reality is that insurance coverage, and what happens after a loss, is often not as straightforward as people think.

When a storm hits, the question is not just “Am I covered?” It is also “Can I prove what I lost?”

Here is what you need to know before severe weather strikes, along with one simple step that can make a major difference if it does.

What Does Home Insurance Actually Cover in Severe Weather?

Most standard homeowners' insurance policies do provide coverage for certain types of storm-related damage, but not everything.

Typically Covered:

● Wind damage, including many tornado-related losses

● Hail damage to roofs, siding, and windows

● Structural damage caused by falling trees or debris

Often Not Covered:

● Flood damage, which requires a separate flood insurance policy

● Sewer or sump pump backup, which typically requires an endorsement

● High-value items beyond policy limits, such as jewelry or collectibles

It is important to understand that not all storm damage is treated the same. Two homes on the same street could experience similar damage but have very different coverage outcomes depending on their policies.

Common Coverage Gaps Homeowners Overlook

Over time, we tend to see a few patterns when it comes to gaps in coverage:

● No flood insurance in areas that do not seem high risk

● Confusion between market value and replacement cost

● Missing endorsements for things like water backup

● Limited coverage for high-value belongings

These gaps often do not become apparent until after a claim is fi led, when it is too late to make changes.

What Happens After the Storm?

If your home is damaged, the claims process will begin with a few key questions:

● What was damaged?

● What was it worth?

● Can you provide documentation?

While many homeowners focus on whether something is covered, a major challenge often comes down to proving what was lost. This is where things can become difficult, especially after a significant event like a tornado or fire.

The One Thing You’ll Wish You Had: A Home Inventory

After a loss, trying to remember everything you owned can feel overwhelming.

This is why a home inventory is one of the most valuable and most overlooked tools homeowners have.

A home inventory helps:

● Speed up the claims process

● Ensure you receive accurate compensation

● Reduce stress during an already difficult time

Without it, you may find yourself trying to recall years of belongings from memory.

How to Create a Simple Home Inventory

The good news is that it does not have to be complicated.

Start with a Video Walkthrough

Use your phone to walk through your home, room by room. Open closets, drawers, and cabinets, and describe what you see.

Take Photos of Key Items

Capture images of:

● Electronics

● Furniture

● Appliances

● High-value items

Store these in a secure, cloud-based location.

Keep a Basic List

For larger or more valuable items, note:

● Approximate purchase date

● Estimated value

● Receipts if available

Keep It Updated

Revisit your inventory once a year or after major purchases.

Even a simple inventory is far better than none at all.

A Quick Severe Weather Prep Checklist

Before the next storm arrives, take a few minutes to:

● Review your homeowners policy and deductibles

● Ask about flood insurance if you do not already have it

● Consider endorsements for water backup or high-value items

● Create or update your home inventory

● Store important documents digitally

Be Prepared Before You Need It

Severe weather is unpredictable, but your preparation does not have to be. Taking the time now to review your coverage and document your belongings can make a meaningful difference when it matters most.

If you are unsure whether your current policy fully protects you, or if you would like help identifying potential gaps, the team at Wichert Insurance is here to help.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com

Factors That Impact Your Car’s Resale Value

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Car dealership consultation by Vitaly Gariev

A vehicle is one of the larger purchases most people make, and its value changes over time. While some depreciation is expected, certain factors can influence how much your car is worth when it comes time to sell or trade it in.

Understanding what affects resale value can help you make informed decisions throughout ownership and maintain as much value as possible.

Mileage and Usage

Mileage is one of the most significant factors in determining a car’s resale value. In general, vehicles with lower mileage tend to sell for more because they are perceived to have less wear and tear.

How the vehicle is used also matters. Consistent highway driving may be viewed more favorably than frequent short trips or stop-and-go city driving, which can place more strain on certain components over time.

Vehicle Condition

The overall condition of your vehicle plays a major role in how it is valued. This includes both cosmetic and mechanical condition.

Exterior factors like paint quality, dents, and scratches can affect buyer perception. Interior condition, including upholstery, odors, and general cleanliness, also contributes to value.

Routine maintenance is equally important. A well-maintained vehicle with documented service history is typically more appealing to potential buyers.

Maintenance and Service Records

Keeping detailed records of oil changes, inspections, and repairs can support your vehicle’s resale value. These records show that the car has been cared for and can give buyers more confidence in its reliability.

Missing or inconsistent service records may lead to questions about how well the vehicle has been maintained.

Vehicle History

A vehicle’s history can influence its resale value in several ways. Prior accidents, title issues, or major repairs may lower the value compared to a similar vehicle with a clean history.

Even when repairs are completed properly, buyers often consider the overall history when evaluating a vehicle.

Make, Model, and Market Demand

Some vehicles hold their value better than others due to brand reputation, reliability, and demand in the used car market.

Popular models with strong reliability records often retain value longer, while less common or less in-demand vehicles may depreciate more quickly.

Fuel efficiency, safety features, and technology can also influence how desirable a vehicle is over time.

Modifications and Customization

Aftermarket modifications can affect resale value in different ways. While some upgrades may appeal to certain buyers, others may limit your pool of potential buyers.

In many cases, keeping a vehicle close to its original condition helps maintain broader appeal when it is time to sell.

Keeping Long-Term Value in Mind

While resale value is not the only factor to consider when owning a vehicle, it can influence long-term costs. Simple steps like regular maintenance, careful driving, and keeping records organized can help preserve value over time.

Your auto insurance coverage can also play a role in protecting your investment, especially in situations involving damage or loss. Contact us today to review your coverage and make sure your vehicle is properly protected.

Read the full article at www.wichert.com