Learning Center

What Happens Financially If You Cause a Car Accident?  Auto insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand what each coverage actually does. One of the most important parts of your policy is liability coverage, the protection designed to cover damages or…

Why have insurance rates increased so much over the past few years?  Chris W: Insurance rates have risen largely due to increased claim costs. The cost of labor and materials has gone up significantly, and in the auto industry, access to parts has…

What does it actually mean to be underinsured?  Chris W: Being underinsured means you don’t have enough insurance coverage in your policy to fully protect against financial loss. When a claim happens, your insurance payout may fall short of the actual cost to repair,…

Between paperwork, moving, and setting up your space, insurance is often treated like a checkbox. And that’s where costly mistakes happen.  1. Mistaking Market Value for Replacement Cost  A common misconception is assuming your home should be insured for what you paid…

But the truth is, many fires, both wildfires and home fires, start with something small, preventable, and completely human.  A campfire that wasn’t fully extinguished. A cigarette tossed out too quickly. A grill left unattended on a windy day.  Fire risk isn’t just a natural disaster…

1. Does Your Insurance Cover You Out of State?  Good news: Most auto insurance policies follow you across state lines.  But:  2. Rental Car Confusion  This is where people get tripped up.  Your personal auto policy may cover rental cars, but only…

What Early Heat Waves Can Mean for Wildfire Season  Warmer temperatures and other weather patterns are creating conditions homeowners nationwide should be aware of heading into wildfire season. We can’t predict exactly how it will unfold, but early trends like these…

While the western U.S. continues to experience the most visible wildfire activity, below-average moisture levels in parts of the Midwest and South are also contributing to dry vegetation conditions. Even areas that are not traditionally considered wildfire-prone are seeing periods where…

An unusually early and intense heat wave has accelerated snowmelt in many mountainous regions, including parts of the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains. While this may seem like a seasonal shift, it has a very real impact on wildfire risk…

1. Does standard homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?  Walton: Standard homeowners insurance policies do cover wind-related damage from hurricanes, such as damage to the roof, siding, or windows. However, flooding caused by storm surges or rising waters is not covered and…