How to Prevent Mold in Your Home in DeRidder, LA

Protecting your Home or Condo from Mold

in Blog, Fun Facts, FYI, Home Repairs, Home Safety/by Administrator

Key Tips to Prevent Mold

Every home in the US is vulnerable to mold damage and now that we’re coming into the cooler winter months, mold can thrive. Mold really needs one thing to grow: moisture.

Protect your home from mold by identifying and eliminating sources of moisture. Moisture can enter your home through many different areas including:

Damaged roof flashing
Damaged or worn out shingles
A downspout that is not properly setup to push water away from your home or foundation
A leaky pipe
Condensation from your laundry, shower or kitchen
A crawl space with no vapor barrier or an improperly installed vapor barrier
Single pane windows that are sweating
Seeping up through the floor

Eliminating these common problems is fairly simple. Identifying where the issues are coming from are sometimes more tricky as water can travel great distances before it makes it mark known. Look for mold on walls, around windows and in the corners of a room. Sometimes mold can grow under your carpet on cement slabs so if your basement smells moldy, that would be a good place to check.

There are many ways to remove moisture from your home. In bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, install exhaust fans to remove excess moisture from laundry, showers and cooking. Without these fans, moisture can seep upwards and into your attic producing another hidden problem. A fan will quickly pull the excess moisture out of the room. Be sure to closely look at the size of the fan you install because a fan that is too small for the room may not even make a difference.

If moisture is entering your home through your crawlspace, a simple visual inspection can be completed. First, look to see if a vapor barrier exists (a black plastic). Make sure it is covering the entire surface, goes up over any pier blocks and extends to the edges of your foundation. If it doesn’t, consider a quick weekend project to remedy the issue.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

How to Prepare a Disaster Kit in DeRidder, LA

How to Put Together an At-Home Emergency Kit

in Blog, Fun Facts, FYI, Home Safety, Hurricanes, Natural Disasters, Weather/by Administrator

Be Prepared with a Custom-Built Supplies Kit.

Fall is a great time to consider disaster preparedness and to take a look at your family’s emergency kit. While disasters can happen anywhere, whether natural or man-made, it is important that your family be prepared.

For many, the thought of having a disaster preparedness kit in their home seems silly and unnecessary. The fact of the matter is that every state in our country is susceptible to a natural disaster such as an earthquake, tornado or hurricane, flood or even a volcanic eruption. Preparing for one of these events can be quick and inexpensive, but also a great time to educate your family about safety during one of these events.

The basic home preparedness kit, according to ready.gov should include:

Water – 1 gallon per person, per day. Minimum 3 day supply.
Food – non-perishable food such as canned tuna, canned fruits & vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, low sodium crackers, soups. Also, dry mixes that do not require refrigeration. Store food in tightly closed containers to extend it’s shelf life and protect from pests. Change food & water supplies every six months to keep fresh supplies.
Battery powered radio for emergency information
Flashlight with extra sets of batteries. (Consider an LED flashlight that requires much less energy to use)
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off an area from contaminants
Moist towelettes for simple hygiene
A manual can opener and pocket knife
Cell phone w/ solar charger of some sort

Additional items could include prescription medicines, diapers, pet food and blankets. Keep this kit in a designated area where your entire family can easily find it.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

How to Protect Your Home in DeRidder, LA while away on vacation

Three Things to Do Before You Leave on Vacation

in Blog, Fun Facts, FYI, Home Safety, Technology, Theft, Travel, Vacation/by Administrator

How to Protect Your Home While Away

Ah, summer. A time where we enjoy the great outdoors and most often take our vacation for the year. Whether you’re traveling close to home on a short camping trip or headed off to Europe with the drones of other tourists, keeping your home safe while you’re away can be as simple as not doing anything differently. Ponder these points to keep your home safe from burglary while on vacation:

Social Media:

It is best to keep the details of your vacation until you get back from your trip. Far too often people divulge the details of their trip prior to leaving. You may as well put a sign on the door that says “nobody home.” Post your pictures and narrative when you get back so burglars don’t know you’re gone.

Neighbors

Most people get along great with their neighbors and help each other out while away on vacation by checking the mail, removing newspapers from the driveway and putting out the trash. Make sure you tell your neighbors when you’re leaving town so they can keep a watchful eye out for any strange activity.

Technology

Americans love their technology. Home security systems have come a long way since and you no longer need a monitored home security device. Consider options like Canary. A home video surveillance system that sends you a text when there is motion detected at your home. You can then pull it up and watch a live video stream allowing you to record the activity as well as call police.

Another simple piece of technology is an outlet timer. These small devices can turn on and off lights throughout your house throughout the night making it appear that someone is home. At about $9.00 each, a very inexpensive security option. You can set them up in different rooms to make it look like you’re moving around the house. To keep it efficient, use LED bulbs in your lamps you intend to leave running throughout the night.

There are many other things you should do while heading off for vacation. Following these simple tips can help you avoid a costly insurance burglary and losing items that simply can’t be replaced. If you have questions about your home or renters insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Insuring Comic Books, Antiques, Fine Art and More in DeRidder, LA

Are Your Collectibles Covered by Insurance?

in Blog, Fun Facts, FYI, Policy, Theft/by Administrator

Insuring Comic Books, Fine Art, Antiques & More

So, you’ve got an Amazing Fantasy #15 comic book – the first appearance of Stan Lee’s Spider Man in a safe from when you were just a kid. What you probably know is that this item can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, but what you probably don’t understand is what happens if that item is lost, stolen or destroyed by a disaster in your home.

Many of us acquire valuable items from inheritance, being collectors or investment purposes throughout our lives. Perhaps you received a valuable old watch, or received an expensive engagement ring. Often time people assume that these collectibles will simply be covered by your standard home insurance policy as a covered item. What is important to understand about insuring these items is that your standard home insurance policy has specific limits for these valuable items. Typically around $1500, but this amount varies between companies. So, if you have a watch worth $10,000 you’ll have a gap of $8500. What you need to talk to your insurance agent about is getting something called a “floater.” A floater is a type of insurance policy that allows you to insure a specific item. One way to remember a floater is that the items it covers tend to be able to float away (be carried away). Thus, increasing the chances of theft or damage.

Some valuable items to consider adding to a floater include:
• Watches
• Rings, necklaces and other jewelry
• Art
• Furs
• Historical Documents
• Comic Books
• Antiques
• Expensive electronics

While they may not have an expansive comic book collection or a one-of-a-kind fur coat from the 30’s, if you have questions about your home or renters insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Tips to Consider Before Renting a Moving Truck in DeRidder, LA

I’m Renting a Moving Truck. Do I Need to Buy Their Insurance?

in Auto Insurance, Blog, Fun Facts, FYI, Saving Money/by Administrator

Tips to Consider Before Renting a Moving Truck

Every time you rent a moving truck, you are faced with the question, “do you want to buy insurance?” The answer to needing insurance or not really depends solely on the size of the vehicle (in addition to what coverage you currently carry, of course) as well as whether or not it is even a vehicle.

The coverage that the rental car company is selling you is collision and comprehensive coverage and, since this vehicle is replacing your existing one temporarily your most standard auto policies will cover the usage of a temporary replacement vehicle usually up to 10,000 GVW. If a vehicle is over this GVW, it would be excluded from coverage. Additionally, if the cab is separated from the bed, this will also create an exclusion from coverage for most auto insurance policies.

Truck rental companies typically offer four types of coverage:

Damage Waiver: covers you in case of damage to the truck. If you do not purchase this coverage, you are responsible for any and all damage to the vehicle, no matter what the cause. If you decide to decline this coverage, you may be responsible to pay the damages to the truck even if they are not your fault. Something to keep in mind is depending on the extent of the repairs, you may be held responsible for loss of use on the vehicle.
Liability Coverage: covers you in case you hit something or someone. Your auto policy may cover this, but please call us in advance before you rent a vehicle to make sure. Each company is different.
Cargo Coverage: Your auto policy will NOT cover any cargo that you are carrying. Period. If you are moving valuables, you may consider this coverage, depending on the values. If you’re moving a mattress or other item that will likely not be damaged, it would probably be wise to save your money, but only you can decide.
Personal Injury Protection: This is a no-fault insurance and can be used anytime you’re involved in a motor vehicle collision, regardless of the motor vehicle you’re traveling in.

With anything, please feel free to call us with questions. This article is meant to be informative, but not a means of advice as every insurance company is a bit different and coverage varies greatly between each carrier. If you have questions about a rental vehicle, please contact our office and speak directly to a licensed agent to ensure that your situation is covered.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

How to Save Car Insurance in DeRidder, LA

Car Insurance Discounts – The Real Savings

in Auto Insurance, Blog, Fun Facts, FYI, Saving Money/by Administrator

How to Really Save Money on Car Insurance

For years we have all been flooded with auto insurance commercials talking about various discounts offered in the insurance industry for auto insurance. There are the standard ones: multi-policy, multi-vehicle, etc., but there may be some other discounts that drivers are not aware of. We have compiled some of the additional insurance discounts offered by various insurance companies. Could you be saving money with these discounts? Be sure to ask your local insurance agent about special discounts that may apply to your specific situation. These discounts vary by state, so it is best left to a local agent to let you know which ones apply.

Possible Auto insurance discounts in Louisiana:

Multi-policy: Bundling multiple polices like auto, home and boat with the same insurance carrier can save you some money.
Good or distant student: If your student keeps their grades above certain level (as designated by the insurer) they may be eligible for a good student discount. The insurance carrier will need proof, typically sending a transcript will suffice. If your student is attending college at a distant (typically more than 500 miles from home, but that varies by carrier) you may be eligible for a discount on the vehicle since it may not be driven as much.
Education level: Like an extension of the good student discount, drivers who hold advanced degrees, like a bachelor’s degree, may qualify for a discount.
Defensive Driver: Taking a carrier approved defensive driving course could earn you a discount on your auto insurance policy. Check with your insurance agent, as this type of discount may be limited to certain age groups.
Multi-vehicle: Like a multi-policy discount, insuring multiple vehicles with the same carrier may earn you a small discount.
Green vehicle: If you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your agent to see if your vehicle qualifies.
Anti-theft: Vehicles with anti-theft systems statically tend to be stolen less often, thus a lower risk. You may be entitled to a small discount if your vehicle meets the criteria.
Anti-lock brakes: The anti-lock brake feature is standard on almost all new vehicles. Check with your insurance agent to see if your carrier provides a discount for anti-lock brakes.
Safe driver (accident free): Many major insurance carriers will award safe driving discounts to drivers who have been accident free for a number of years. The criteria varies between insurance carriers.
Military: Active and veteran military members are often eligible for discounted auto insurance. Ask your insurance agent to see if you qualify.
Early quote/signing: If you are looking to change insurance carriers or upgrade your auto insurance, getting a quote (and signing up) before your current policy has expired may get you a discount. You may need to get a quote within a certain number of days prior to your policy expiration, so check with your agent.
Paid-in-full: You’ll see the discount reflected in the price when you are presented with your options for paying your auto insurance policy. Paying off the policy in full will cost you a little less than paying every month.
Paperless: Don’t want to get a paper statement? Great, you get a discount. Most major insurance carriers offer discounts for customers who choose to do automatic billing and receive emails rather than paper statements.
Loyalty: Sticking with your insurance carrier for three or more years could earn you a discount for every loyalty milestone you hit. Typically these rewards not only include a discount on the cost of your policy, they can sometimes include accident forgiveness!

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Tornado, Hurricane or Wind Insurance in DeRidder, LA

Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Wind Damage – Insurance in DeRidder, LA

in Blog, Claims, Condo Insurance, Fun Facts, FYI, Home Insurance, Hurricanes, Natural Disasters/by Administrator

Does my Insurance Cover this?

Every state in our country can have a tornado, hurricane or suffer from a severe windstorm, so understanding that your home is protected with the right insurance to cover this type of loss is critical. Browse your policy or call your agent before an event is forecast because once a storm is coming, insurance companies will freeze new coverage from being bound in time for the event.

Your standard homeowners policy likely covers it (except in hurricane prone states like Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Hawaii)

While there are exceptions to every rule, the industry typically covers your home from certain perils such as windstorms, fire and theft. One of the common perils covered is wind damage which will include tornadoes, hurricanes and other high-wind events. So, typically you will be covered from these events, less your deductible, should such an event occur in your state.

What if it isn’t on my standard policy?

If Hurricane Insurance isn’t on your standard insurance policy, there are endorsements and other companies who you can get the coverage from. Same with states that have high likelihood of tornadoes. Be sure to check the fine print!

There is an exception to every rule

The best way to ensure you’re covered is to ask your insurance agent or company directly. There are policies that exist that will exclude this coverage, so be sure to check. Also, be sure that your internal contents are covered (personal property) and not just the home itself. If you own a home in the central part of the US (Tornado Alley) double check for coverage as it is common to have this loss be excluded.

There is always a company willing to give you this coverage

The beauty of shopping with an independent insurance agent is that they offer coverage from multiple insurance companies, not just one, so if one company doesn’t offer it, another one they sell will. Endorsing this coverage is potentially another possibility.

One last thing to note

Often large windstorms will trigger flooding events from either pushing in tides or be accompanied by heavy rains. It is important to understand that these events are not covered by a windstorm, tornado or hurricane coverage. You will need a separate flood insurance policy to cover you from water that damages a home even if the first event was the cause of the rising waters.

With anything insurance, the best answers that can be provided to your specific questions come from your local insurance agent. These agents are able to provide you with a certain, yes or no when it comes to coverage. Because they live where you do, they can help you assess the best coverage for your specific situation.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Prevent Rodent and Rodent Damage in DeRidder, LA

Keep Your Home Free of Rodents and Rodent Damage in DeRidder, LA

in Blog, Claims, Condo Insurance, Fun Facts, FYI, Home Insurance, Home Repairs/by Administrator

Protecting your Home from Rodents and Rodent Damage

You’ve spent a lot of time making your house perfect and keeping it clean. Don’t let a rodent destroy the inner workings of your home!

A single rat can destroy insulation, chew through wires, weaken floor joists and even chew through brick! Not to mention they carry disease and leave droppings wherever they go. The droppings will soak into insulation and the odors can emanate into your home.

Pest control and crawl space cleaning is big business. Just check a search online and see all the companies that do it. With hundreds of thousands of homes damaged each year in the U.S., these companies keep busy removing and repairing homes damaged by pests. Don’t fall victim!

Rodent damage is not typically covered by your home insurance policy. For most losses to be considered, it needs to be “sudden and accidental.” A rodent making a home in the crawl space of your home may come overnight, but the damage they cause is caused over a period of months, or even years.

So, how do rodents get into your home? A rat, for instance, has a very soft skeleton and can squeeze through the smallest of gaps. It is important to look at all areas that enter your crawlspace.

Crawlspace areas to check:

Screens that cover vents (ensure there are no gaps or holes)
Gaps around brickwork (if gaps exist, use expanding foam, mortar or weather stripping to fill the space)
Access panels (ensure the access door fits tightly and gaps do not exist)

Other things to keep in mind:

Never store food in your garage or crawl space
Keep trash in tight containers
Keep weeds and other plants away from your home so they can’t hide near your home
Don’t keep pet food in a garage or other outdoor area
Don’t stack items near your home where they could hide (lumber piles, wood piles etc.)

If you suspect a rodent may be in your crawl space, look for hanging insulation and feces left near the walls. Consider calling a professional to come and take a look. Keeping your crawl space clean is important to the inner air in your home, so if your crawl space has been damaged get a quote to repair and replace the insulation.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

How to Protect Yourself from Uninsured Motorists

in Auto Insurance, Blog, Claims, Fun Facts, FYI, Motorcycle Insurance, Road Safety/by Administrator

Beware of the Uninsured Motorists!

Uninsured drivers are a huge problem across the United States. Each year billions are paid out in uninsured motorists claims. Even though uninsured motorists have steadily declined over the past decade, some states still have one in four drivers driving without insurance. You can protect yourself with an insurance coverage called uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage (often times referred to as UM, UMPD or UMBI coverage) is required in some states, so check with your insurance agent it you already have this coverage. In other states, it is purely optional, but certainly a good idea to carry. If you’re injured or are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, this coverage will help protect you, get your vehicle repaired and can even pay your medical bills as well as act as insurance in case of a lawsuit if you’re badly injured.

Uninsured coverage comes in many forms, all meant to protect you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. When reading these coverages, please keep in mind that the policies and laws vary by state.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury

This coverage may pay for damages when a covered person is injured and the person at fault for the accident does not have liability insurance.

Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury

This coverage may pay for damages when a covered person is injured and the person at fault for the accident does not have enough liability insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage

This coverage may pay for damages when a covered vehicle is damaged and the person at fault for the accident does not have liability insurance or does not have enough liability insurance.

UM coverage varies by state and according to law so if you’d like to learn more about UM coverage, simply contact your insurance agent to inquire.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Answers to a Rock Chip Claim in DeRidder, LA

Do Rock Chip Claims Impact My Insurance Rates? Our Insurance Agency Weighs In.

in Auto Insurance, Auto Repairs, Blog, Claims, Fun Facts, FYI/by Administrator

Everything You Need to Know About Rock Chip Claims

We’ve all seen the tents around claiming, “Free rock chip repair!” but clearly there is a hidden cost somewhere. Sure, the insurance companies will pay the people at the tent to inject an epoxy into the chip in hopes that it doesn’t run and turn into a non-repairable crack. After all, the insurance company clearly sees that $40 is better than the $250 to have the windshield replaced.

So the question is: Can a rock chip claim impact my insurance rates? Short answer is yes, it is possible.

Depending on your insurance company you may upset a delicate balance of claims loss. Most insurance companies use rating factors into their algorithms such as age, zip code and certainly previous losses. Some insurance companies claim that people who turn in multiple glass claims have an overall higher loss rate and cost them more money in future claims. Furthermore, it depends on how many claims you have over a certain period of time. For instance, if you file a theft claim, then you have a rock chip claim the next week, this may flag your policy for filing too many insurance claims over a certain period of time generating a rate increase. This happens because when you stop at a rock chip repair tent they will ask you for your policy number and turn in an insurance claim so they can get paid (if you have comprehensive insurance).

Not all insurance companies do this and telling which ones do and which ones don’t can be very difficult. Trust your local insurance agent to place you in the best place for your insurance needs. If you’re a heavy commuter and typically need a new windshield every year, perhaps your agent can determine what company they offer that is a bit more lenient about this than others. Some companies even offer zero deductible glass replacement. Regardless of your situation, always discuss your insurance options with your licensed insurance agent.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Glenn Dean Insurance. They have offices in DeRidder, Oakdale and DeQuincy to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Talk To An Agent: (337) 463-2000

Protecting your Home or Condo from Mold

Key Tips to Prevent Mold

How to Put Together an At-Home Emergency Kit

Be Prepared with a Custom-Built Supplies Kit.

Three Things to Do Before You Leave on Vacation

How to Protect Your Home While Away

Social Media:

Technology

Are Your Collectibles Covered by Insurance?

Insuring Comic Books, Fine Art, Antiques & More

I’m Renting a Moving Truck. Do I Need to Buy Their Insurance?

Tips to Consider Before Renting a Moving Truck

Car Insurance Discounts – The Real Savings

How to Really Save Money on Car Insurance

Possible Auto insurance discounts in Louisiana:

Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Wind Damage – Insurance in DeRidder, LA

Does my Insurance Cover this?

Your standard homeowners policy likely covers it (except in hurricane prone states like Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Hawaii)

What if it isn’t on my standard policy?

There is an exception to every rule

There is always a company willing to give you this coverage

One last thing to note

Keep Your Home Free of Rodents and Rodent Damage in DeRidder, LA

Protecting your Home from Rodents and Rodent Damage

How to Protect Yourself from Uninsured Motorists

Beware of the Uninsured Motorists!

Do Rock Chip Claims Impact My Insurance Rates? Our Insurance Agency Weighs In.

Everything You Need to Know About Rock Chip Claims

What Our Customers Say on GOOGLE

Visit Us in One of Our Three Offices

DeRidder Office

Dequincy Office

Oakdale Office