Property values are rising across the United States. That’s good news for homeowners, right? Yes… and no! Yes, because your home has likely appreciated in value. No, because — if you’re like the majority of homeowners — you probably haven’t revisited the coverage levels in your homeowners insurance policy since you bought it. And that may mean you could be underinsured.

, three of every five homes in America are underinsured by an average of 20%. 

, as many as two out of three homes in America are underinsured by an average of 22%, and some homes are underinsured by 60% or more. Whichever way you slice it, more than half of American homeowners are underinsured. Are you one of them?

If your home is impacted by a natural disaster, being underinsured could mean major financial loss and out-of-pocket expenses. It could mean you’re unable to rebuild. It could mean your insurance carrier has the right to make reduced payouts on any claims you make. In a worst-case scenario, it could even cause you to lose your home.

Unfortunately, many homeowners only discover they’re underinsured when they file a claim. Here at Covered, we want to help you avoid the high costs, heartache, and inconvenience of learning you’re underinsured when it’s too late to do anything about it. That’s why we want to help you make sure you’re covered now.

Because here’s the bottom line: Underinsurance is something you can fix. And it’s absolutely worth fixing. After all, if you’re like most of us, your home is one of your biggest investments and assets. If your home is at risk, so is your financial future.

Below, find out what it means to be underinsured, how you might become underinsured, and steps you can take to check and fix your coverage. Let’s get you covered already!

What Does It Mean To Be “Underinsured”?

If you’re underinsured, your homeowners policy coverage is insufficient to cover the cost to rebuild your home if it’s damaged or destroyed by a covered cause of loss.

Let’s say your home is insured for $300,000 with a $5,000 deductible. If your home is destroyed by fire, you’ll make a claim with your insurance carrier so that you can rebuild. If the actual cost to rebuild your house is $400,000, you’ll — at the very minimum — be out of pocket for the difference as well as the deductible: $105,000.

The more likely scenario, however, is that you’ll be out of pocket for far more. Why? Well, the most the insurance company will ever pay is the dwelling limit listed on your policy.

Most policies also require that you insure your home to at least 80% of the actual amount required to rebuild. If the damaged home is insured for 80% or more of the full replacement cost, then replacement cost valuation will be used subject to the lesser of the policy limit or the repair or replacement cost. If the insured home fails the 80% coinsurance requirement, then the loss is settled on 

What Could Cause Me to Become Underinsured?

Most homeowners don’t intentionally underinsure their homes. So how does it happen? We’ve covered the most common reasons below.

Rising Property Values & Rising Construction Costs

Many homeowners assume their homeowners insurance coverage is automatically adjusted for changes in home value. Indeed, most policies are adjusted for inflation and rising values — but only to a degree. Unless you’ve opted in for specific types of coverage, it’s likely that the cost to rebuild has risen more quickly than your policy is accounting for.

When it comes to rebuilding, what matters are your construction costs. Rising construction costs are a natural part of inflation. In addition, the localized costs of building materials, permits, and design/build labor tend to rise alongside increasing property values. Construction costs also tend to rise along with the spikes in demand that follow natural disasters. Finally, building code changes may impact your cost to rebuild. Depending on when your home was built, you may be required to rebuild certain components (e.g., electrical, structural, sewer, etc.) so that they meet current building code standards.

That said, once all mortgages, home equity loans, and HELOCs are paid off, some homeowners may choose to update their coverages to reduce their premiums. For example, a mortgage-free homeowner may choose to go with a higher-deductible policy. Though it means they need to be prepared to cover all out-of-pocket costs required to meet that higher deductible on any claims, they’re covered if a catastrophic event occurs.

Underestimating the Risks of Natural Hazards or Disasters

It’s natural to want to downplay the natural hazard risks surrounding our homes. Still, no matter where we’ve built or bought, our homes are susceptible to the forces of nature. Even in states that have never seen an earthquake, the earth is always moving. Heavy rain, sewer backups, or even an overflowing toilet can cause severe water damage to any home, no fancy hurricane needed. You get the idea.

That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on which natural hazards your specific homeowners policy does and doesn’t cover. Typically, standard homeowners insurance policies:

 cover damage from fire, smoke, hail, windstorms (e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes), lightning strikes, explosions, falling objects, and the weight of ice, snow, or sleet.

 cover damage from floods, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, sinkholes, or coastal storm surges.

 cover damage caused by mold, infestations, or sewer backups.

 cover damage caused by lack of maintenance. For example, heavy rains that seeped through a leaky roof you failed to fix? Not covered.

 cover the cost of replacing valuables such as fine jewelry, antiques, collectibles, or art.

Failing to be realistic about the natural hazards that may impact your property can be disastrous. Just ask the owners of the 

 that were affected by 2017’s Hurricane Harvey. CoreLogic estimated that 

75 percent of Harvey’s flood damage to residential properties was uninsured

Errors in Your Policy’s Property Description

Your home’s valuation is part of the data used to calculate appropriate coverage. If the information your insurance carrier has is wrong, your valuation could be incorrect — which in turn means your coverage could be incorrect. Incorrect valuation may be caused by:

Insufficiently detailed information about your home’s finishes (i.e., what type of flooring, counters, woodwork, roof, exterior wall construction and style, and special features your home has)

Incorrect data on number of bathrooms, bedrooms, and other rooms

Failure to update your agent about home renovations (e.g,. remodeling, additions) completed since the policy was purchased

As we’ll cover in more detail below, no single replacement cost estimate is infallible. In addition, some homeowners make mistaken assumptions about how home valuation should be calculated. For example:

Neither market value nor purchase price equal construction cost.

 The price you paid may be more or less that it will cost you to rebuild. That said, in highly inflated markets, basing your insured value on your purchase price could mean you’ve OVERinsured.

Covering the value of your mortgage may be inadequate.

 Again, what matters is the cost to rebuild.

ACV calculations are almost never the way to go.

 Standard policies tend to use ACV to cover personal property. Sure, if you use ACV to calculate replacement costs, your policy costs less. But it means insurers only need to reimburse you for the depreciated value of your items. In other words, if you need to replace a 10-year-old toilet lost in a fire, you’re only going to be paid the depreciated cost of that 10-year-old toilet… which clearly isn’t going to be much.

Many homeowners can’t help chasing the cheap policy. And while at Covered we’re all about helping you find affordable insurance, there are some places you really can’t afford to skimp. In particular, homeowners insurance is not a good place to gamble. Is bare-minimum coverage the right choice for one of the most important investments you’ve ever made?

In addition, those minimum coverages aren’t so great. For example, minimum homeowners insurance liability protection is usually $100,000. In actuality, experts recommend having from three to ten times that coverage.

What Steps Should I Take to Make Sure I’m Properly Covered?

So how can you make sure you’re NOT underinsured? And that you’re paying for the right coverage in the right places? Check out part two of our “Are You Underinsured?” blog series, “Fixing the Problem.” We provide step-by-step instructions to help you determine your cost to rebuild, create a home inventory, and methodically review and update your policy coverages.

At Covered, we’re committed to making insurance easier while empowering you with the information you need to make choices that are right for you. If you’d like to get moving on comparing different coverages and premiums, 

Homeowners Insurance

Are You Underinsured? (Part 1)

Mortgage origination often entails considerable legwork and processes, however most of this work has been either automated through technology or makes use of digital solutions.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with obtaining homeowners insurance. The conventional method of managing insurance for mortgages is sluggish, inundated with manual tasks, and brings about considerable challenges, especially when related to closing on time.

Problems with Traditional Insurance Processes

Everything is dependent on the borrower. They must obtain multiple quotes on their own, enduring the stress associated with shopping for prices. It's not only time consuming, but a major point of stress to the borrower.

They must have all of the details associated with their new home and be able to quickly and accurately provide it to not one carrier but several in order to obtain comparable quotes.

Understanding insurance jargon, limits, and premiums comes as another point of stress to the borrower. They are left doing the comparison on their own.

After they’ve provided the required information, the borrower then must wait for quotes to trickle in before they can make a selection.

The Big Impact of Simplified Insurance Processes

Now, imagine what it could mean for your business if these challenges disappeared. Seamless integration eliminates setbacks or obstacles. Increased ease in acquiring homeowners insurance ensures a smooth flow throughout the experience. This underscores the potency of streamlined insurance processes. Here's what it can do:

Saves time: With smarter ways to handle insurance, everything gets done much quicker. Instead of the borrower having to wait for multiple quotes to roll in from multiple carriers and then decipher the insurance details on their own, they are presented with an apples-to-apples comparison. The borrower can then make a quick selection. That means less waiting and a faster mortgage process overall, ensuring loans closing on-time.

Less Mistakes: Automated systems make fewer mistakes, so there are fewer errors in the paperwork. That means less stress for everyone involved.

Happier Customers: When things move smoothly and deadlines are met, customers are happier. Instead of waiting for the carrier to send the documentation to the borrower and then the borrower having to upload proof of coverage, you are updated in real-time once they lock-in homeowners insurance.

Saves Money: By using smarter systems, companies can save money by cutting down on extra staff and avoiding costly errors.

It's about using the latest in cutting-edge technology to make everything easier. Here's what companies, such as Covered, offering streamlined insurance solutions do in mortgage origination:

Apples-to-apples comparison: We are a digital insurance marketplace featuring 40+ A+ rated carriers. Your customer can quickly and easily provide their information and return quotes from several carriers at one time in one place.

We take the burden out of your borrowers hands: We make it simple to shop, bind, collect and check insurance documents, saving a ton of time and hassle.

Everything Works Together: Our systems are designed to fit perfectly with the rest of the mortgage process, avoiding mix-ups and confusion.

Savings of time: By utilizing an online insurance marketplace, the closing gap can be minimized by up to 3 ½ days, ensuring closings take place as scheduled.

Streamlined insurance processes take the pain out of the closing procedures for mortgage companies. They're a game-changer, making everything faster, less stressful, and more satisfying for everyone involved. Choosing this modern approach isn't just a good idea; it's a smart move to stay ahead in the competitive mortgage world.

If you want to know more about how our streamlined insurance solutions can supercharge your mortgage business, 

Mortgage

InsurTech

Revolutionizing Mortgage Origination: The Impact of Streamlined Insurance Solutions

The Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) latest 

, covering the period from October 1 to October 31, 2023, provides a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of forbearance in the mortgage market.

 is a process established for borrowers that can help tremendously if they are struggling to pay their mortgage. Servicers and lenders can arrange for their borrowers to temporarily pause payments or make smaller payments toward their mortgage. The borrowers who take advantage of this process will still owe the entire amount of the original mortgage and will have to pay the difference at a later time.

Key findings from the Loan Monitoring Survey indicate a decrease in the total number of loans in forbearance and a shift in the reasons behind homeowners seeking forbearance. These trends make it quite evident that the mortgage landscape is evolving. This blog post delves into the survey's key insights, shedding light on the trends and challenges facing homeowners, lenders, and the broader housing market.

One of the noteworthy findings from the survey is there has been a decrease in the total number of loans in forbearance, dropping from 0.31% in the previous month to 0.29% as of October 31, 2023. This decrease is a signal of a potential economic stabilization with homeowners being able to afford their mortgages at higher rates going into the holiday season.

An intriguing shift highlighted in the survey is the change in the primary reasons for seeking forbearance. For the first time since MBA began tracking in October 2022, temporary hardships such as job loss, death, and divorce now represent a larger share (45.4%) than COVID-19-related hardships (43.3%). This shift is expected to continue as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac phase out COVID-19 as a reason for delinquency starting in November 2023.

Examining forbearance across different loan types, the survey indicates that the share of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans in forbearance remained unchanged at 0.18%, while Ginnie Mae loans decreased by 5 basis points to 0.52%. Additionally, the forbearance share for portfolio loans and private-label securities (PLS) decreased by 3 basis points to 0.32%.

Breaking down forbearance by stage, 45.1% of total loans are in the initial forbearance plan stage, 47.0% are in a forbearance extension, and the remaining 7.9% are forbearance re-entries, including re-entries with extensions.

The survey sheds light on the outcomes of forbearance exits, with 29.4% resulting in a loan deferral/partial claim and 17.7% representing borrowers who continued to make their monthly payments during their forbearance period. Notably, 18.3% exited forbearance without a loss mitigation plan in place, while 16.1% resulted in a loan modification or trial loan modification. These numbers provide insights into the varied paths homeowners take post-forbearance.

The survey also highlights regional variations in loan performance, with states like Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and California showing the highest share of loans that were current. Conversely, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, West Virginia, and New York are identified as the five states with the lowest share of current loans.

As the housing market continues to adapt to changing circumstances, Covered Insurance is here to help your borrowers navigate these shifts. We understand that the easiest way for your customers to avoid needing mortgage forbearance and reducing their mortgage payments is by finding cheaper homeowners insurance. Reach out to a member of Covered’s Partnership Team to discuss ways that you can help prevent your borrowers from needing mortgage forbearance and deliver financial well-being. 

For those interested in a more in-depth analysis, the full report can be accessed on the MBA's website at 

Financial Health

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Mortgage Forbearance

Financial Wellness - What it is and How to Attain It

Financial wellness (or well-being) is a popular topic these days. The economic and financial uncertainty of recent years has placed more focus on the necessity to gain control over our financial security and offers us peace of mind when we achieve our financial goals. 

Financial wellness is a state of being wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life.

What are the four key elements of financial well-being? 

Having a good relationship with money and a positive mindset 

Having clear plans to achieve your goals 

Regaining control of your day-to-day finances 

Having the ability to withstand financial shock

6 Tips to Keep Your Financial Health In Check

: 50 percent of your income for needs (mortgage/rent, food, clothing, and so on), 30 percent of your income for wants (travel, entertainment, dining out), and 20 percent of your income for savings and paying down debt.

 - Your credit score is the metric used to determine your creditworthiness. It can range between 300 to 850 and is based on your credit history. It monitors how much credit and debt you carry, and whether you pay your bills on time. 

Maintaining a 670 or higher matters and impacts even the insurance rate

 you're going to pay on auto, home, or renters insurance.

. It’s the amount of monthly debt payments you owe (student loans, car loans, credit card debt) divided by your gross monthly income. If your debt becomes more than your income, it will make it harder to borrow money or even offer a mortgage.

- An emergency fund is a necessity. Experts recommend having 

 for emergencies. However, be certain to strike a balance between saving for emergencies and investing for money growth; while still having access to it in case you need it.

- Only 37% of retirees in the United States say they have no retirement savings. It’s why you must figure retirement savings into your financial wellness plan. 

, and reassess your retirement plan periodically.

 - Consider what types of insurance you may need to offer peace of mind, and 

 on how you not only prepare for the future with life insurance or long-term care insurance but also review what you are paying now and find eligible discounts to apply and ensure money spent on insurance may make more sense going back into your savings or for paying off debt. 

Get Started Adding an Insurance Assessment to Your Financial Wellness Plan

Contact your Covered Insurance Advisor to receive unbiased insurance counseling and a complimentary policy review today! Call 

Savings Strategies

Financial Wellness - What It Is And How to Attain It

Purchasing a new home is exciting. You’ve finally found a home to call your own, and goodness, did you learn a lot about the home-buying process. Now you get the possibility of learning what's involved with a home inspection.

There is no need to be alarmed, as a home inspection is a very standard practice where insurance carriers do a check to make sure your home carries a safer risk against the possibility of filing a claim or carrying unnecessary liability.

The process of having a home inspection done for insurance purposes may vary depending on the specific insurance company and the type of insurance you are seeking. However, there are general guidelines for what you can expect.

 If a home inspection is required, the insurance company will typically arrange for an inspector to visit your property. They will schedule a mutually convenient time for the inspection.

 Before the inspection, make sure your home is in good condition. Clean up any clutter and ensure that all areas of the property are accessible, including the basement, attic, and crawl spaces. It's also helpful to gather any relevant documentation, such as proof of recent upgrades or renovations. 

If you have a pet like a doggie in the backyard, it is prudent to put up signage along your exterior facing fence.

During the inspection, a qualified inspector will assess various aspects of your home, such as the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), roof, and overall safety features. They will also evaluate the condition of the property and identify any potential hazards or risks.

 After completing the inspection, the inspector will provide the insurance carrier with a detailed report outlining their findings. The report may include information about any issues or deficiencies discovered during the inspection.

 Once the insurance company receives the inspection report, they will review the findings to determine your eligibility for coverage. They may consider the overall condition of your home and any necessary repairs or upgrades. Based on their assessment, they will decide whether to offer you insurance and at what premium.

 If the inspection report reveals any significant issues or concerns, the insurance company may require you to address them before providing coverage. In such cases, you may need to repair or replace certain systems or components of your home to meet their requirements.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures can vary between insurance companies. Some insurers may not require a home inspection for certain types of coverage or may rely on alternative methods, such as virtual inspections or self-assessment questionnaires.

The Covered Team is available to answer your questions about what to expect should your insurance carrier require a home inspection prior to locking in your policy. You can 

 so you can be completely in the know when it comes to understanding the specific process and requirements of a home inspection.

Home

What To Expect During A Home Inspection

For the everyday consumer, insurance is an integral part of what protects us against the unexpected. Most of us know what types of insurance they need such as home insurance, auto insurance, and much more. All of these insurance types cover different things in our lives that mean a lot to us both personally and financially. Though the reasons WHY consumers need insurance remain consistent, the ways that you acquire insurance can range substantially. Historically, many consumers gained insurance through shopping from multiple carriers and talking with an agent. New ways of obtaining insurance have come to the forefront as consumers are becoming more comfortable with transactions online. These new ways of obtaining insurance are embedded insurance and digital insurance.


What are Integrated Insurance and Digital Insurance?

Integrated insurance and digital insurance are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. Understanding the differences between these two types of insurance is important when considering which option is best for you.

Integrated insurance refers to insurance that is included as a part of another product or service. For example, when you buy a new smartphone, it may come with a warranty that covers repairs or replacements in the event of a malfunction. In this case, the warranty is a type of an insurance integration. This type of insurance is designed to provide convenient, seamless coverage for the customer. Because it is integrated into the product or service, there is no need for the customer to go through the hassle of purchasing a separate insurance policy.

Digital insurance, on the other hand, refers to insurance that is sold and managed entirely online. This type of insurance often involves the use of technology, such as mobile apps and websites, to purchase, manage, and file claims. Digital insurance can be used to provide coverage for a wide range of products and services, including traditional insurance policies like car insurance, home insurance, and health insurance.

Why should I integrate insurance into my current offerings?

Convenience: With integrated insurance, there is no need to go through the hassle of purchasing a separate insurance policy. The coverage is already built into the product or service, making it convenient and easy to use.


Seamless experience: Because integrated insurance is placed into the product or service, the customer's experience is seamless. There are no separate policies to manage, and no need to worry about different insurance providers.

Increased value: Integrated insurance often adds value to the product or service by providing additional coverage and protection. This can be especially beneficial for expensive items like smartphones, laptops, and other electronics.


More targeted coverage: Integrated insurance is designed to provide coverage specifically for the product or service it is included with. This means that the coverage is more targeted and tailored to the customer's needs.


Overall, integrated insurance is a great option for customers who want convenient, seamless coverage that is integrated into the products or services they use. While digital insurance is also a valuable option, integrated insurance provides a level of simplicity and convenience that is hard to beat.

Interested in how you can embed multiple insurance options into your offerings? Chat with a member of our Partnerships Team today! 

We would love for you to stay connected! Follow our socials to keep up with all the Covered happenings here → 

A Guide to the Differences between Integrated Insurance and Digital Insurance

Customer engagement will continue to be a top priority for businesses across industries. With competition heating up in the marketplace, businesses must be proactive in their customer engagement strategies to stand out and retain loyal customers. One strategy that should be at the top of your list is insurance.

Insurance is often overlooked as an important part of a customer engagement strategy, but it can provide immense value to both customers and businesses. Here are some reasons why insurance should be a focus within your customer engagement strategy in 2023.

Insurance provides peace of mind to customers, knowing that they are protected in case of unexpected events. Whether it's home insurance, car insurance, or insurance for recreational purchases (think motorcycles, boats, etc.), customers want to know that they are covered in case of an accident or emergency. By offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy, you can provide that peace of mind, build trust with your customers and help them on their journey to finding financial wellness.

In a crowded marketplace, it's important to differentiate your business from competitors. Offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy can set you apart from the competition. Customers are more likely to choose a business that offers insurance because it shows that the business cares about their well-being and is willing to go the extra mile to protect them.

Offering insurance can also be a revenue stream for your business. By partnering with an insurance provider, you can offer insurance policies to your customers and earn a commission on the premiums paid. This can be a win-win for both your business and your customers, as they get the insurance coverage they need and you earn additional revenue.

By offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy, you can increase customer loyalty. Customers who feel protected and valued are more likely to remain loyal to your business. Additionally, if you offer insurance policies that cover multiple areas of a customer's life, they are more likely to bundle their policies with your business, which further increases their loyalty.

Insurance can also help reduce risk for your business. By offering insurance policies, you can transfer some of the risk associated with unexpected events to the insurance provider. This can protect your business from financial losses and help you manage risk more effectively.


In summary, insurance should be in your top 3 customer engagement strategies in 2023. It provides peace of mind to customers, sets you apart from competitors, can be a revenue stream for your business, increases customer loyalty, and reduces risk. By offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy, you can provide valuable benefits to your customers and build a stronger, more resilient business.


Implementing an insurance marketplace within your current workflow is easy and doesn’t cost you a thing! Reach out today to Covered’s Partnerships Team to learn more. 

5 Reasons Insurance Should Be Included in your Customer Engagement Strategy

6 Easy Things To Do To Extend Your Car’s Life

Spring is on and we're all gearing up to get back out out there for warm weather roadtripping.  Well, before you strike out on the highways and byways, be sure to do a little maintenance on your car to ensure a safe, relaxing drive.

Think about it. There is a lot involved for ensuring long drives are stressless and worry-free. The last thing you want is to deal with finding a mechanic in an unfamiliar town and having to pay for repairs you probably didn’t budget for! Even more importantly, regular car maintenance is the key to helping your car last a long time.

Today’s cars are pretty well-built. They routinely last well beyond 100,000 miles — a milestone that used to be a big deal. Now, you can prolong the zip of your vehicle by taking advantage of the change in season to do a little regular maintenance. The best part is once you’ve done these tasks often enough, they’ll become a habit. And that habit will save not only your car, but also your hard-earned money. 

So without further ado, here are 6 things you can do to help your car live a longer, happier life.

#1 De-Winterizing: Spring Cleaning for Your Car

The change of season is a good time to think about three key de-winterizing tasks: 

changing your wipers, thoroughly washing your car, and changing up your coolant

 may seem vain or silly. But it really does help prolong the life of the body and exposed parts of your vehicle. Make sure to wash the tire wells and undercarriage, which can carry salt and other winter road compounds that eat away at your car’s parts.

 tend to get dry and brittle in the winter months. Now’s a good time to replace them, especially if they aren’t clearing the window like they used to.

coolant often needs changing from winter to summer

. In the winter, you’re avoiding letting things freeze over. In the summer, the radiator has to work overtime to keep the engine cool. Now is the perfect time to check, and possibly replace, your coolant.

Your car requires several different fluids to keep going, including radiator fluid, transmission fluid, and of course motor oil. This is as good a time as any to make sure all of these are in good shape. They may need topping off or complete replacement.

Oil changes may be needed more regularly than four times a year, of course, as the rule of thumb is getting the oil changed every 3,000 miles. After 5,000 miles, you definitely need an oil change.

Remember, that dipstick in the engine is pretty useful! Pull it out, wipe it off, put it back in for a couple of seconds, and then remove it. See how much oil is in your engine, and how clear it is. If the oil is very dark, you’re overdue for a change. If the oil is low, add more pronto. If you’re not sure which type of oil (e.g., 5W30, 10W30, High Mileage) to use, 

#3 Battery and Tire Checks: Your Car’s Heart and Feet

While car batteries use different chemicals than your smartphone, they also have a certain lifespan. Your car’s battery will need replacing several times throughout its life.

Though your battery should last a while, when it’s dead, it’s just dead. It’s a good idea to buy a simple testing device to check your battery, or have a shop test it frequently to see how it’s doing.

Then there are your tires, which are absolutely critical to getting the most efficiency out of your car. 

Unbalanced tires can reduce gas mileage, affect steering, and be bad for your suspension

. Fighting your steering as a result of uneven tires can even impact your vehicle’s body as you work to correct the car’s direction.

The good news is that you can check the wear on your tires with little grooves on the tires themselves that are called, appropriately, tire wear indicators. Do an online search for your tire brand to help you spot them easily. Then, make a habit of checking the indicators every month to make sure the tires you’re driving on are still safe. If a tire is worn to 2/32 of an inch, you need to replace it as soon as possible. 

Quick Tip: Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln's head facing you. If his head disappears into the tread groove, your tire is in good shape. Anything beyond that and Lincoln's head is in full view indicates you're no longer within the 2/32 threshold on wear and it's time for a tire replacement. 

You may not think about your alignment regularly, but you can tell if it’s out of whack. If your car is pulling to one side or the other, it increases driver fatigue and wears down your tires faster. 

The time between winter and summer is also prime pothole season, which can knock things out of alignment

. That’s why it’s important to make this a regular part of your vehicle checks. Properly aligned tires will also save you money on gas. So have a pro take a look at your alignment when you take your car in for a fluid check.

#5 Brakes: The Foundation of Safe Driving

If you wind up unable to stop your car, all the preventive maintenance in the world won’t fix a wreck. If brakes are feeling “mushy” or take several stomps to slow down, get your car to a shop sooner than later. Worn brakes aren’t a difficult fix, but the consequences of them being unavailable when you need them… should be obvious!

You may not think of your car’s manual as bedtime reading material. Still, it’s a good idea to at least browse through it to see which parts are recommended for routine maintenance. Checking and maintaining stuff like belts and spark plugs, getting tire rotations, and checking fluids are all part of owning a car. In fact, it’s good to budget money for routine maintenance every year so you don’t put it off. A simple fluid change could save you thousands of dollars in later repairs.

One big factor that can affect your vehicle’s mileage and even power

 is the air filter. Since there’s so much added particulate matter in the warmer months (thanks, pollen!), be sure to check your air filter by fall at the very latest.

Your Handy-Dandy Car Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of items to keep an eye on regularly:

Spring Maintenance for Your Auto Insurance?

Another way to take great care of your car? Making sure it’s insured properly! Talk to one of Covered's Insurance experts at 

. We can do a complete check on your auto insurance coverage to make sure your car, truck, or other vehicle is protected at the optimal level for warm weather cruising!

Car Guide

Auto

3 Unexpected Ways to Save on Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is a necessity. There is no getting around it. Repairs and damage on a home can get costly, regardless if you own the home or you carry a mortgage. Leaky pipes, storms, falling trees, the list goes on for potential hazards to a home inside and out.

However, just because homeowner’s insurance is required, it doesn’t mean you should be overpaying on it either. The savings are there. You just need to take a bit more time finding them with your 

, but you will be happy you did in the long term.


 will help you save on your homeowners insurance, but did you know about some of the lesser known ways?

Here are 3 often overlooked ways to save on your homeowners insurance.


1) Living in a gated community and/or being part of a homeowners association

Do you live in a gated community or did you recently move into one? Are you part of a homeowners association (HOA)? 

You may be missing out on additional discounts on your homeowners insurance

. Gated communities make it difficult for thieves to access homes thereby providing added security and deterring theft. HOAs provide similar perceptions of security and due to the stricter property maintenance standards, homes are typically well-maintained. These two scenarios are attractive to carriers as it means your home carries a lessened risk than other homes against instances of theft for example. Check to see if either of these applies and check to see if the discount is included on your policy. If you don’t see it, then this is a great time to reach out to your 

 and check the eligibility for applying it to your policy.


Did you make upgrades recently to your home such as installing a security system, upgrading plumbing or electrical outlets and wiring, adding high-tech gas and water sensors, or even upgrading to an impact-resistant roof? 

All of these upgrades can help you qualify for saving on your premium

. Additionally, if you are considering renovations, speak with the team before beginning renovations for advice on maximizing insurance savings.

This one comes as no surprise, as customers carrying a no-claims history or having fewer claims mean insurance carriers are not spending more out than the premium amounts coming into them. Insurance carriers like this a lot and reward those who make few, if any, claims on their insurance. If you are one of the homeowners falling into this category you may be able to reduce your premiums. In fact, a newly added discount reaching up to 20% was introduced for customers 