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…

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…

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…

Many homeowners assume they should file an insurance claim any time something goes wrong. But in reality, filing the wrong claim can raise your rates, limit your options, and cost you far more over time.  Chris O’Brien explains how to decide when filing…

When it comes to insurance, location matters more than you might think. Whether you’re purchasing homeowners’ or auto insurance, insurers use a variety of geographic risk factors to determine your premium.   What Makes an Area High Risk?  Insurance companies rely…

How Disasters Influence Premiums  What You Can Do  Stay Prepared  Natural disasters are unpredictable, but your insurance coverage doesn’t have to be. Let Cornerstone Insurance Agency help you assess your risk and ensure you’re ready for whatever comes your way. …

Not every home insurance claim is created equal. Knowing when to file — and when to pay out-of-pocket — can save you money and help you maintain your coverage. Here’s how to spot the difference between a “good” claim and…

  What Are Mudslides?  Mudslides are a type of landslide where masses of earth and debris rapidly slide down a slope. They often occur due to the destabilization of soil on a hillside, triggered by events like heavy rainfall, earthquakes,…