Tag: insurance

Travel Tips for Your Electronics

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Our electronic devices are all but impossible to separate from our lives and that can pose a tricky problem when we travel to new locations. 

Electronic devices are as much a part of our travel experience in our present day as passports, suitcases or swimming suits. But they can sometimes cause confusion and lead to issues which are time consuming, should a device be lost. Here are few airport tips on how you can safely travel with your electronics.

  1. Set a limit as to how many electronics go in each bag. The fewer there are, the fewer the chances are of losing one of the devices.
  2. Use a label maker to add your contact information should an honest person find them.
  3. Many smart devices have a feature which allows the phone to completely restart should it be stolen, make sure to turn this feature on before you leave.
  4. Another key feature which needs to be turned on is GPS location service. If lost, you can access its location through another device.
  5. Don’t forget to pack your charger. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a foreign country with no means of communication.
  6. Always password protect your devices in order to deter criminals from stealing your private information.
  7. Never put your electronics in checked bags. Baggage handlers do not always follow “FRAGILE” tags on bags and can break if one throws your bag onto the plane.
  8. Write down the manufacturer, model, cost, and serial number of all your devices in order to ease the insurance filing process.
  9. Use the hotel safe. If you are going to be water rafting or hiking, you don’t need to bring every single device because it may break if there’s an accident.

Contact the Business Protection Team at Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your commercial insurance coverage needs.

Tips to Get You Organized for Tax Season

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Tax season may be everyone’s least favorite season, but it’s one that most of us have to deal with and these tips will help you get on top of things. 

Every tax filer’s situation is unique, but all taxpayers have a similar experience. This is because the IRS demands that you give them certain information from nearly everyone. You may think the happiest thing about taxes is Taxman by the Beatles–and that may be true–but filing taxes does not have to be an ordeal that makes you want to pull out your hair. If you are prepared and organized, filing your taxes can be tolerable. Here are a few tips to get you organized for tax season.

  1. Don’t Forget Social Security Numbers
    If you file your own taxes, you can skip right down to #2. If you drop off all of your paperwork to an accountant’s office, make sure that your social security number is in there, as well as your spouse’s if you file jointly.
  2. Use Taxes to Reduce Taxes
    Homeowners get a way to reduce what they will pay to the IRS by claiming real estate taxes as a tax deduction. If you use an escrow account to pay for your annual real estate taxes, your Form 1098 will tell you the amount. There are also local state and income taxes that you may deduct as well.
  3. Income Tax
    In order to be ready for tax season, you will need your Form W-2–sent out in January–which is normally provided by every employer you had the previous year.If you’re an independent contractor, the company for which you worked should send you Form 1099-MISC.

Brace yourselves: tax season is coming. For all of your general insurance needs in California, be sure to contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We are more than happy to help you get the coverage you deserve!

Is it Time to Update Your Home Insurance?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Your home is one of the most important investments you can make, so it is important that you update your home insurance should these changes arise.

When it comes to maintaining good care of your home, you have enough to worry about. What with mortgage payments, upgrades, repairs, cleaning the gutters and the basement and everything in between–they are probably all on top of your to-do list. All the while your home insurance policy may not have seen the light of day since you have purchased your home. This is actually dangerous because you need to know about any discounts or glaring in your coverage. Here are a few instances in which you should review and update your home insurance policy.

  1. Remodeling – Your home is insured for what is in your home at the time of purchase. If you have remodeled your kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc., your home’s market value may have risen. If there’s an accident that damages your home, it will likely not cover any post-remodel expenses. Update your policy to match your home.
  2. Expensive Items – You have limited coverage, and while you may think that it is a lot of money, one expensive item may put your claim above that limit. If you purchase a big-ticket item, like art or jewelry, make sure it reflects on your policy.
  3. Lifestyle Changes – Have you retired? Have you quit smoking? These, and more, are lifestyle changes that may land you some big discounts when it comes to your premium

For all of your home insurance coverage needs to keep your home safe from fires and other covered dangers, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We will work with you to ensure you have the right coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Free Apps That Will Save You Money

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Working on your budget? Download these free apps to make saving easier.

Here’s a list of apps that will make saving money a snap.

  1. Hopper: This app helps you get low airfares by predicting when the prices will be high and low. It first predicts when the cheapest time to fly will be and then shows you the cheapest time to buy the ticket. It also alerts you when ticket prices drop.
  2. Raise: Bid your unused gift cards with this app. Card goes to the highest bidder.
  3. OneReceipt: This app helps keep track of your receipts all in one place so you don’t have to worry. It’s great for tax write-off time.
  4. Goodbudget: Create a budget and stick to it with this app. Save up for a trip or a new couch. This app will help you stay on track!
  5. BestParking: This app is a revolution. It will tell you the location and price of the best parking around.
  6. GasBuddy: Use this app to find the best gas prices in your area.
  7. WiFi Finder: Guess what this app does! It also helps you find locations where you can use wifi for free.
  8. Hotel Tonight: Find cheap deals on hotels for tonight with this app. Many of these rooms are very upscale and beautiful.
  9. Roomer: Find someone to take over your hotel reservation if you have to suddenly leave.
  10. Campus Special: Find deals on food and stores near your school when you’re a college student strapped for cash.
  11. RepairPal: Protect against getting overcharged for your car repair with this app that helps you estimate costs for your car damage.
  12. Apples2Oranges: Use this simple and effective app to price compare at the grocery store.
  13. Goldstar: This app helps you find half-price tickets to great shows all over the world.

If you want to save even more money, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We can help you get the best California insurance coverage at the best price!

Surprising Ways You Might Be Insured

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Did you know you could have insurance in these surprising areas?

Everyone knows the basics. We need health and car insurance. If you own a home, you need homeowners insurance too. You’ve put a lot of thought into buying coverage for your business. There are some pretty hefty consequences for not being properly insured.

But these policies are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many things you can get insured for your home and business, though they may surprise you. You may even already be insured and not know it!

Hurricane Insurance, Insurance

As you may know, hurricane insurance is already a supplemental policy. It’s not covered on regular homeowners insurance. Now, you can get Hurricane PM insurance, which covers costs that your hurricane insurance may not be big enough to cover. So it’s insurance for your insurance.

Ransom

If you are a high profile person, or just travel a lot, you may consider ransom insurance being added to your professional liability insurance. It can cover ransom money asked for by your kidnappers.

Rotten Veggies

If you own a business with perishable goods like flowers, food, tobacco, etc., you may want to get Spoilage Coverage. You can add it to your Commercial Property Insurance to replace spoiled goods if your fridge goes out due to a power outage or malfunction. Be careful, because you may have to prove that you didn’t neglect to take care of or replace the fridge.

Your homeowners insurance likely already offers about $500 of coverage for food spoiled in your fridge during an extended power outage!

Losing a Big Player

You own a business, and one of your employees is worth more than just what their job description entails. They are a key player and losing them could mean a severe loss of knowledge, expertise, and great support. You can have your business covered if that person should become ill or pass away to cover losses your business might incur because of their absence.

To learn more about the different ways your insurance policies are protecting you, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency in California.

3 Apps to Help Your Kids Become Financially Savvy

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Your kids won’t even know how much they are learning with these fun apps!

It is never to early to teach your children about the importance of being financially savvy. Sitting your kids down and explaining your retirement plan to them may be enough to put them to sleep, though. Luckily, there are plenty of fun, kid-friendly apps that can give your kids more financial know-how. Consider downloading these apps to get them on their way to financial stability.

For learning to balance a bank account

Bankaroo. This free app is designed for kids ages 5 to 13 and helps your kids keep track of their allowance and other money through a virtual bank. Your kids can enter their virtual allowance amount, set savings goals, and debit any money that they spend. Parents can also make one-time virtual gifts, match their kid’s savings, or schedule allowance payments.

For teaching the value of a dollar

Renegade Buggies. Kids ages 13 and up can race shopping carts down the street of this game, picking up dollars, coins, and products. Once they make it through the course, they have to figure out which of the items they picked up will give them the best bang for their buck. If they miss a money saving opportunity or take too long, a message will help steer them in the right direction.

To encourage entrepreneurship

Motion Math: Cupcake. Kids ages 9 to 11 are able to set up their own virtual cupcake shop that is open to the “public.” Those customers place orders phrased as word problems to help kids work on their math skills. Teaching money skills using something that kids find exciting, like cupcakes, helps to keep them engaged.

When it comes to keeping your finances stable, having the right insurance policies can help you reach your goals. Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your California insurance coverage needs.

Twist On A Classic: Salmon Burger Recipe

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Salmon Burgers For Summer

During the summer, everyone seems to be lighting up their grill. While the barrage of burgers and hot dogs is great for a time, after a couple of months of eating these heavy foods you might be ready for an alternative, healthy option. Fortunately, you can get it! For a fresh twist on the classic burger, whip up this recipe for a delicious salmon burger to enjoy this summer.

To make them, you will need:

  • 1 cup of finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup of thinly sliced fresh basil
  • 1 1-pound skinned salmon fillet, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
  • 1 egg white
  • Cooking spray
  • 8 slices of focaccia
  • Your favorite burger toppings (e.g. sliced tomato, lettuce, sliced onion)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion, basil, salmon, salt, and pepper, mixing with your hands until well blended. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and egg white. Add it into the salmon mixture and mix well.

Separate the salmon mixture into four patties about a ½ inch thick. Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high. Add the patties and cook until done (about 3 minutes each side). Meanwhile, toast your focaccia.

Serve the patties sandwiched between the focaccia with your favorite toppings and enjoy! Personally, we love a squeeze of lemon and a few capers to really zest up this burger.

We hope you love this tasty recipe! For all of your California insurance needs, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency today!

 

Worry-Free Summers With The Right Insurance

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Eliminating Liability Risks This Summer

Summer is finally here, which means many individuals and families are getting ready to take out their summer toys. As fun as trampolines, boats, and swimming pools may be, there are associated risks that you will want to have covered under the proper insurance policies. Before heading out to enjoy summer to the fullest, be sure to confirm adequate coverage.

Summer Insurance For Summer Toys

  • Trampolines – While you may think that your backyard will be perfect once you add a trampoline to the mix, you must consider the liability risks associated with this attractive nuisance. In fact, your homeowners insurance may not even provide you with coverage for your trampoline, so be sure to confirm your coverage before purchasing a trampoline.
  • Swimming Pools – Before installing a swimming pool in your backyard, be sure to discuss this addition with your homeowners insurance agent. Since many insurers exclude coverage for pools, this is extremely important. There are so many liability risks associated with pool ownership that must be accounted for.
  • Boats – If you will finally be taking your boat out of storage and voyaging various waters, make sure to update your boat insurance coverage before heading out. Also, be sure to let your insurer know which waters you plan to venture in because you may need additional coverage for different navigational waters.

Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your California insurance needs. Whether you are looking to insure your trampoline, swimming pool, or any other summer toy, we will be your one stop shop for everything insurance related! Allow us to provide you with summer insurance in California that allows you to enjoy your fun in the sun without a worry in the world.

Make The Most Of Your Spring Cleaning

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

The Guide To Freshening Your Home This Spring

As we say goodbye to winter (albeit a fortunately mild one for us Californians), we get to throw open the windows of our homes and quite literally shake off the dust of the winter. So you can get the most of your spring-cleaning and home maintenance, use this brief guide.

  • Stainless Steel: Clean and protect your stainless steel with a wax-based aerosol spray. Continue to mist your stainless steel with this product once a week throughout the year to keep it gleaming.
  • Closet Organization: Use the new season to rearrange your closet, pulling out your summer clothes and packing up your winter sweaters. Get rid of any clothing you have not worn in the last year, and donate the clothes to a local charity.
  • Painted Walls: Before you get out your paint bucket and drop cloth, try to address the stains on your painted walls with a clean cloth moistened with water and a little dishwashing liquid. Try to stay away from stronger stain removers, which have solvents and can damage your paint.
  • Carpet: Do not forget to change the filter on your vacuum before you start cleaning your carpet, as a dirty filter will just blow grime back into the air. Spot treat stains in your carpet as you move vacuuming from room to room.
  • Tile: You can create your own neutral pH solution at home to properly clean and care for your tile. Just mix ½ cup of baking soda into two gallons of water. This mixture is ideal for getting tile clean without damaging it.

Do not leave your home exposed and unprotected after all of the hard work you put into cleaning it. For all of your homeowner’s insurance needs in California, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is here to ensure your home is covered this spring and beyond.

The Indepedent Insurance Agent

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Are you ever frustrated when you walk into a big box store and try to figure out what type of appliance, TV or other electronic device that you want to purchase and there is no one around to help you.  Makes me consider how much your time is worth?  For example when you get the wrong thing and have to take it back, what it costs in retracing your steps to exchange the wrong thing for what you now hope will be the right thing.

Going to an agent for your insurance and advice will save your time and money.  Only the high priced advertising companies make out on the advertising done by online insurance companies.  The customer, YOU, are their last consideration.  Why take it anymore?  Call an independent agent that “cares” about you!