Car Insurance Tip #104: When You Shop Auto Insurance Policies, You Save.

When You Shop Policies with an Independent Insurance Agency You Save Money. What's special about independent insurance agents is that are not tied to any specific insurance company, so they have the ability to shop around and compare quotes from multiple carriers and find the best policy possible for you. They'll also help you understand the coverage options available and make sure you're not overpaying for unnecessary coverage. So you'll be covered in case of an unfortunate event but you won't be overpaying for insurance you don't need. So, how do you go about finding an independent insurance agent? One way is to ask friends and family for recommendations, people who get their insurance through independent insurance agencies are usually pretty happy to share the word about it. You can also search online for local agents in your area, any of the insurance companies that you find online that you don't recognize, there's a better chance that those are independent insurance agencies so ignore those like state farm insurance and progressive etc. and dive a little deeper into the websites of a local brand that may not be as familiar. Once you've found an independent insurance agent, it's important to have all of your necessary information ready when you start the quoting process. This includes your personal and vehicle information, as well as any previous insurance history. An independent insurance agent will use this information to get multiple quotes from different carriers and help you compare the options. By working with an independent insurance agent, you can be confident that you're getting the absolute best price on a car insurance policy that meets your needs, and exceeds your expectations. Don't settle for a policy that doesn't give you the coverage you need or overpay for unnecessary coverage, this is where quality insurance agents come in. Rather than take the time to shop around and get multiple quotes, you can leave this up to your independent insurance agent for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the best policy at the best price. To help get you protected, contact Preferred Insurance Agency today and we’ll save you money on your same auto insurance policy or better, and make sure you and your family are protected from the unexpected. We’re providing La Crosse , Onalaska, and Black River Falls with the best auto insurance prices and customer service. We serve the surrounding areas of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as well. Call (608) 881-6566 or visit us at 401 King Street, La Crosse. Or submit our online quote form, and we’ll get back to you shortly.

source https://www.preferredlax.com/article/car-insurance-tip-104-when-you-shop-auto-insurance-policies-you-save

7 Tips to Help Prepare Your Home for Winter

It's that time of year again for those of us in the upper midwest, ice cold temperatures mean ice, and snow and some seasonal maintenance on your part now will help in saving future expensive repairs and inconvenience. These seven tips will help protect your home against damage and make your home more comfortable for the winter season. Implementing these seven tips will save on future expenses and inconvenience!

1.    Clean out the Fireplace and Chimney

Clean the fireplace and chimney before firing up the fireplace in winter. A clean chimney means a safe fireplace.

2.    Inspect Smoke Detectors

You’ll use more heaters and the fireplace in winter, and you never know when an accident or a fire may occur. Checking all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries, and checking that the sensors work correctly will prepare you for emergencies.

3.    Seal Your Home

Sealing your home keeps it warmer by helping to retain heat and help you save on energy bills. Warm air can easily escape through cracks and gaps, making your heating system work overtime, thus increasing utility bill costs. Sealing your home can also help protect against water damage and water leaking in and freezing, which could wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home.

4.    Inspect and Service the Heating System

You will depend on your heating system to keep you and your loved ones warm in the following months. So have it checked and serviced before you start using it.

5.    Check and Replace all Weather Stripping.

Weatherstripping needs replacing every fear years as its efficiency reduces with age. Check and replace worn or cracked stripping around windows and doors. This will help protect against damage and help ensure energy efficiency of your home.

6.    Drain and Turn Off Outside Faucets

The outdoor faucets can freeze in cold winter temperatures. So failure to shut off and drain the lines can lead to burst or cracked pipes and facets and a disaster. Faucets exiting your home should have a shut-off valve where the faucet leaves the basement or where the faucet pipe branches from the primary source. Have a licensed plumber install them if you don’t have shut-off valves. Completely drain off the outside faucet after turning off the water from the inside. Once you drain the water, close the drain plug and turn the outdoor faucet off.

7.    Clean and Check the Furnace

Regular maintenance keeps the furnace running in top form. Start by cleaning or replacing the furnace filter to improve the air quality and efficiency. Follow the cleaning instructions if cleaning permanent filters, and ensure you get the correct-sized replaceable filter if changing it. Have an HVAC professional inspect any furnace over 15-year-old to ensure it’s working correctly before use. They can detect potential problems and offer advice about improving the furnace's efficiency. Vacuuming around the furnace and inside the floor and air intake vents improves air movement. It is always better to have the home professionally cleaned if you have pets or have moved into a newly built house. These seven steps will help prepare your home for fall. Do not hesitate to hire a professional to prevent injury and damage if you aren’t comfortable handling the tasks yourself. These seven tips from Preferred Insurance Agency will help you protect your home from damage and wear and tear. In order to take additional steps to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances you can contact Preferred Insurance Agency of La Crosse or visit our Google Business page to read reviews and get contact information. If you are in the Jackson County or Black River Falls area you can contact Preferred Insurance Agency of Black River Falls, or visit our Black River Falls office Google Business page to read reviews and get contact information.  

source https://www.preferredlax.com/article/7-tips-to-help-prepare-your-home-for-winter