During the winter months, trees can cause you to have to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. However, there is something you can do to minimize the likelihood that this will happen. Preparing your trees for winter can help decrease tree-related problems this winter. Here are two ways you can do this.

Remove Dead Trees

If your tree is dead, remove it in the fall, before the winter months come. A dead tree has a bad root system and can easily topple over when the wind blows. This can cause significant damage. Removing the tree is the best way to prevent this. If you are unsure if a tree is dead, a landscaper or arborist can help make that determination.

Trim Away Overgrown Branches

The second way you can prevent hazardous tree accidents is to trim away overgrown branches. Overgrown branches can fall off when the wind blows or if large amounts of snow or ice accumulate on the branches, weighing them down. Trimming them away in the fall months helps prevent this problem.

Failing to prepare your yard for winter can lead to dead or overgrown tree branches falling on your home or your car. In turn, this may cause you to have to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. If this has got you thinking about homeowners insurance, you may be wondering if you have enough coverage or you may be looking to change your policy. Contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving the Newark, NJ area, for all of your homeowner’s insurance needs. Let us review your policy, determine what coverages you need and even provide you with quotes for a new policy today.

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It’s easy to purchase home insurance and forget it. After getting the coverage, it’s done, right? Wrong. The insurance industry is a dynamic industry. Changes can take place at any given moment. As a result of that, you should seriously consider analyzing your home insurance policy at least once a year.

Industry Changes Can Trigger Policy Changes

The insurance industry is one of the largest industries in the United States. As such, they can effect laws governing insurance regulations within Newark, NJ. Since laws affecting your policy can become effective during your policy, the sooner you are aware of the change, the better off you will be. For instance, if you don’t get an annual review, it’s possible for you to remain uninformed about changes concerning what is covered in your policy. Or worst, after experiencing a loss, you find out it’s not covered by your policy.

Reviews Can Uncover Savings or Additional Features

One of the main reasons you should consider getting an annual review of your home insurance policy is to save money. The insurance industry is highly competitive. Increased competition drives prices down. By getting an annual review, you may find that you are eligible to receive a discount. Additionally, you may find that your insurance company is rewarding your loyalty by giving you extra features for the same rate.

Cover Your Home Thoroughly

As a homeowner, you make improvements on your home throughout the year. You may add more room onto your garage or an additional bedroom. Without informing your insurance company, they wouldn’t know you improved your home. Your annual review is a great time to ensure that all the upgrades you made to your home are covered by your home insurance.

At E.S.T.I.R. Inc. we encourage our customers to schedule an annual review. Our licensed insurance agents are more than happy to review your policy to ensure you have the home insurance you need in the event of a loss. Give us a call today to schedule your annual review.

Recycling is something we all know we should do, but it’s clear that not every American practices good habits. To avoid this fate, it helps to be aware of common household items you can recycle around the house. Start rethinking the following items today to have less negative impact on the environment. 

Paper In Every Form 

Cereal boxes and junk mail all count, so before you absentmindedly stick another piece of packaging into the trash remind yourself that it doesn’t go there. Paper plates and paper cups also need to be in the recycling bins after you throw a party. People may toss these things plus other common paper products like books or shredded documents because it’s easier to do than find a recycling facility, but you need to make the effort to get these items to the right place. 

Electronics: DVDs, Batteries and Computers 

None of these things belong in the trash. Beyond being a wasteful act, they actually contain ingredients that may contaminate the water or the ground. Few areas don’t have a recycling center for these items, although it’s generally not in the same location as the people who take soda bottles and cardboard. 

Miscellaneous Items

Get creative here! Paper towel rolls may keep the different wires for your TV from getting all tangled. Reuse take-out plastic containers instead of buying new ones. Make a watering container out of an old milk jug, and use your ratty clothes as rags if you can’t find a place to recycle them. Take your nicer clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. 

E.S.T.I.R. Inc. provides homeowners insurance to the people of Newark, NJ and we want you to call us if you’re rethinking your current policy. We can get you a quote today!

It’s critical to have homeowner’s insurance wherever you live, but especially in Newark, New Jersey, the biggest city in the Garden State. There are a number of different reasons for this and some of the most important ones are listed below so you can be sure you set up the right home insurance policy in Brick City.

PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM UNEXPECTED DISASTERS

One of the most important things homeowner’s insurance does is protect your home against unexpected disasters, like a fire that breaks out and burns part of the house down, or a broken pipe that leads to flooding and mold within the house itself, or a blizzard that causes a roof to collapse. These types of disasters can really cost you if you don’t have homeowner’s insurance and lead to economic problems that most people would have trouble fully recovering from.

PROTECTING THOSE WHO ARE IN YOUR HOME

Homeowner’s insurance policies also cover people in the home as well, namely those who are living in your home if they happen to hurt themselves. These liability aspects to homeowner policies will keep homeowners from being sued when people hurt themselves in the home and also pay for their medical expenses in case an accident happens while they are visiting or even living there.

IT GIVES PIECE OF MIND

Owning a home is a lot to worry about in general for most people and anyone who is a homeowner also knows the money and worry they put into their house on a regular basis. So just having the piece of mind that your home will be protected from just about anything by a good homeowner insurance policy is worth it. Make sure you have the right one through a company like E.S.T.I.R. Inc. who serves the greater Newark, New Jersey area.

While most people know they need home insurance, they may not know about just how many variations are available within the policies. The contracts and terms can be adjusted to fit your property, and they can be updated when you need to drop or add coverage. Consider these facts, so you know whether or not you need to change your home insurance. 

Mold, Belongings and Floods 

Many people might call on their home insurance policy if they experience common problems like water damage from flood or a mold infestation in the structure of their home, but they may be surprised to find out that they’ll have to shoulder the costs of this on their own. Also, your belongings very well may not be protected either. Replacing your things after a theft or natural disaster can be astronomical, and the emotional burden of having lost your possessions makes it far harder to do. Repairs can also run you into the thousands, which can be impossible for the average homeowner. 

Customizing Your Home Insurance Policy 

If you buy an expensive piece of jewelry or art piece, then you likely don’t think to update their insurance policy. However, even if your possessions are covered, there’s generally a cap at how much the insurance company will pay for. The beauty of insurance is that you have the ability to change your policy if you need to. Look for a company who you can count on when you have questions. 

E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serves the people of Manassas, and can help you find a policy that works for you. We’re happy to give you the facts of insurance and then let you make the final call. Contact us if you need a quote!. 

So the neighbors asked you to watch their house while they are off vacationing in the Bahamas. Outside of being especially jealous of their travel plans, you begin to wonder what exactly you should do inside their home. After all, they have that nice cable package with the premium channels you decided not to spring for. Sure, indulge in some TV watching, but house sitting is so much more than just watching the television. As E.S.T.I.R. Inc. points out, there are plenty of chores you need to stay on top of. 

Freezing Pipes

In Newark, NJ freezing pipes during the winter can be a problem. When you leave the house, make sure the heat is down around the 50 degree mark. This helps prevent the pipes from freezing, which is one of the most important jobs you have while house sitting. 

Flush the Toilet

Depending on how old the house is, you might need to work the gaskets in the toilet from time to time. Older homes can have leaks, flooding or backups. Flushing the toilet every day or so keeps everything flowing properly. 

Bring in the Mail

House sitting is all about making the house look as if it is lived in. A dead giveaway is when the mail starts to collect. So, bring in the mail and the newspaper daily. A buildup of this is a sign to others the home owners are out. Even if you don’t go inside on a give day at least pick up the paper. 

Lights On and Off

Turn on different lights. Again, house sitting isn’t just keeping the house functioning but making sure other people believe someone is living inside. Changing the lights on and off throughout the time you watch the house gives off this impression. 

This Halloween, kids throughout Newark, NJ will be coming up to homeowners and saying “trick-or-treat.” The holiday tradition of going house-to-house dressed up is a treat for homeowners, as they get to see the many varied costumes, as well as for kids who get candy. If you’re a homeowner, make sure Halloween is a treat for you, and you don’t get tricked into a home insurance claim.

Halloween Accidents Lead to Home Insurance Claims

Anytime there’s an accident at your home, you might have to file a claim against your home insurance policy. The risk of an accident occurring increases on Halloween as kids will be coming up to your front door in the dark, and candles may be used in decorations. To reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring on October 31, you can:

• keep your front yard clear to reduce falls
• avoid decorating with many candles to reduce the likelihood of a fire
• secure any expensive outdoor decorations you have to reduce the possibility of theft

Check Your Home Insurance Coverage

Additionally, you ought to review your home insurance coverage before kids come trick-or-treating. Specifically, look at your home insurance policy’s:

• liability coverage, which may cover injuries from falls
• fire protection, which might cover house fires
• personal property coverage, which might cover theft

If you’re uncomfortable reviewing these coverages on your own, contact us at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. We have knowledgeable insurance agents who can explain and review these different coverages with you. To reach them, simply send us a message online or call our office. We look forward to hearing from you, and hope you have a safe and fun Halloween.