Following several years of unprecedented catastrophic weather that led to an unanticipated rise in insurance claims, many companies are responding by limiting or declining coverage for homes with older, unmaintained, or wood roofs. In fact, some insurance companies are modifying eligibility guidelines for age of roof on new homeowners and landlord protection (dwelling fire) policies in [...]
Forest Agency is excited to again be participating in an appraisal event coming to Chicago's Western Suburbs Saturday. On February 9, from 10AM – 3PM the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest will be hosting What's It Worth? at the 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Avenue in Oak Park. The third annual event, which is [...]
Was energy efficiency among your resolutions this year? There are easy, effective things that you can do to save energy at home and in your vehicle–many of which will also save you money! Here are a few of those energy saving tips provided by Consumerreports.org: Clean the coils behind or underneath your refrigerator with a [...]
Prognosticating about products and services of the future can be purely speculative. But following the last decade of increasingly intense storms, worldwide drought conditions and global blaze of wildfires, the "future" of safe houses may already be here! Demand by consumers and forward-thinking builders is focusing more effort on advanced loss-prevention techniques when it comes [...]
Para ver este post en español, haga clic aqui. Whether you are operating an in-home daycare or a stand alone childcare center or preschool, it is important to follow recommended safety precautions. This safety checklist is a good place to start as you walk through your childcare facility. Review areas that could be a slip and fall [...]
The devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy drive home the point that personal catastrophe planning is an essential part of any personal risk management program. Catastrophes, whether natural or manmade, can strike individuals and families at any time without warning. You should develop a comprehensive disaster plan that addresses the following 10 items. Identify hazards in [...]
This time of year is full of excitement as a kickoff to all the winter holiday festivities to follow. Whether it's a Thanksgiving dinner or a Holiday cocktail party, 'tis the season to celebrate, so let's get the party started! If you are hosting a private celebration this year, be sure to include the Protector Plan© for [...]
Spending the holidays with a house full of guests can be heartwarming, but the distraction of the additional adults, children and activity can lead to carelessness. With the incidence of kitchen fires peaking on Thanksgiving Day, it's important to take precautions to keep your house safe. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind: Always [...]
Sometimes establishing values for insurance purposes can seem overwhelming, particularly if you have a high value, historic or specialty home. This useful interactive tour, which walks you through a typical high value home and identifites some points that can affect your home's insured value. This tour is a good starting point, but your agent at Forest [...]
The number of deer-related auto collisions has increased by as much as 7.7 percent in the last year, according to a report by State Farm Insurance. This is a marked increase, after a three-year period where such collisions had dropped by 2 percent. A collision with a deeris usually covered under the collision portion of [...]