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Featured image for “How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage? ”
September 9, 2026

How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage? 

In many cases, homeowners insurance may cover damage caused by hail when it is a covered peril under the policy. However, coverage depends on the specific policy, deductible, exclusions, and circumstances surrounding the loss.  Here’s what homeowners should know.  What Can Hail Damage?  Hail can…
Featured image for “7 Things Your Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover ”
September 2, 2026

7 Things Your Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover 

Here are seven things homeowners’ insurance may not cover.  1. Flood Damage  One of the most common misconceptions about homeowners’ insurance is that it covers flooding.  Generally, standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding. This can include water that enters your home because…
Featured image for “You Just Bought a Home—Now What? Insurance Mistakes New Homeowners Make ”
May 19, 2026

You Just Bought a Home—Now What? Insurance Mistakes New Homeowners Make 

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…
Featured image for “Wildfire & Home Fire Prevention: Simple Safety Habits That Can Protect Your Home This Summer ”
May 11, 2026

Wildfire & Home Fire Prevention: Simple Safety Habits That Can Protect Your Home This Summer 

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…
Featured image for “Wildfire Risk Is Expanding: Here’s What Homeowners Should Know Nationwide ”
April 28, 2026

Wildfire Risk Is Expanding: Here’s What Homeowners Should Know Nationwide 

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…
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April 21, 2026

What Early Heat Waves Can Mean for Wildfire Season 

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…
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April 14, 2026

Homeowners Insurance & Hurricane Impacts: Are You Covered? 

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…
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April 8, 2026

If Disaster Strikes, Are You Prepared? Q&A With Cornerstone’s Chris Walton

1. What disasters should homeowners realistically prepare for?  Walton: Homeowners face a variety of natural disasters depending on their location:  Because risks vary by location, disaster preparedness should be location-specific, and homeowners should work closely with their insurance agent to ensure…
Featured image for “Flood Insurance: What Homeowners Need To Know”
March 12, 2026

Flood Insurance: What Homeowners Need To Know

Q&A with CIA’s Agency Manager Chris Walton  Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States, yet many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage.  To help homeowners better understand their risks and…
Featured image for “I Hit an Animal – Is That a Collision Claim? ”
February 26, 2026

I Hit an Animal – Is That a Collision Claim? 

Understanding Your Coverage  Steps to Take After the Accident  Cost Considerations  Hitting an animal is often covered under comprehensive insurance. Being prepared and knowing your policy can reduce stress in an already difficult situation.  Not sure if your policy covers wildlife accidents? Contact Cornerstone Insurance…

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