One day following a particularly nasty hailstorm, you receive a knock on your front door. It’s roofing contractors, and they can replace your roof at no cost to you – it’s covered by your insurance.

Suspicious? You should be.

Roofing contractors (the not-so-reputable kind) spring into action following a storm, coaxing homeowners into okaying work that may or may not be needed and may or may not be covered by their insurance. So, despite how genuine the contractors may seem, it’s smart to remain wary until you work out a few key details. These scenarios and tips should help you sort out any confusion.

Contractors: Want to Take a Quick Look at Your Roof
You: Should Decline

The problem with this scenario is, if you let dishonest contractors onto your roof, they might do more than just look for damage. They might go so far as to cause damage. Why? They want a reason to replace your roof. There’s money in it for them, remember? So, if they don’t see a valid reason, they may attempt to create one.

When representatives from your insurance company come out to take a look, they will likely know the difference between actual storm damage and artificial damage. And, since you only have coverage for the former, according to the terms of your policy, you may have to pay out-of-pocket to repair the latter. So, leave the initial roof inspection to your insurance company or to someone you know and trust.

Contractors: Insist on Starting Work Right Away
You: Should Research, Not Rush

So, the contractors want to begin work right away and handle the insurance details later. All you need to do is sign. Not so fast. You haven’t been in touch with your insurance company, you don’t know anything about the roofers and you likely haven’t had a chance to read the fine print – all red flags.

This is when you stop and ask for the roofers’ business card and references and tell them you may be in touch. Then contact your insurance company, which can likely recommend a reputable roofing contractor in your area. If you wish, look into the other contractors’ reputation online, such as with the Better Business Bureau or other online review sources.

Contractors: Say Your Insurance Company Will Pay the Entire Cost of a New Roof
You: Need to Hear This From Your Carrier, Not a Contractor

Sure, a contractor may say you’re entitled to a new roof because a storm went through the area or because your neighbor’s getting a new roof. However, a random contractor doesn’t know the specifics of your homeowners insurance policy. That’s why it’s important to start with your insurance company when facing the need for potential roof repairs or a potential roof replacement following a storm. This allows you to understand whether or not you have coverage for the scenario at hand. It also helps you know how much you may need to pay out of your own pocket, such as your deductible. And, isn’t that nice to know upfront?

Contractors: Want You to Assign Your Insurance Benefits to Them
You: Should Be Very Cautious

Say you assign your insurance benefits to roofing contractors, who claim this will make the whole process quicker and easier. The problem here is that you may end up being scammed. The contractor may pocket the insurance money and skip town before finishing your roof repairs.

The bottom line is this: Rushing into roof repairs or a roof replacement may leave you on the line for some or all of the costs. So, be wary of contractors going door-to-door in your neighborhood, and contact your insurance company at once if you suspect you have roof damage following a storm.

If you still find yourself hiring or interacting with a roofer, here are some tips:

5 Tips for Dealing With a Roofing Contractor

1. Ask for the contractor’s license number (if your state licenses roofers) and insurance information. Also write down the person’s license plate number and, if possible, driver’s license number.
    
2. If you allow unfamiliar contractors to inspect your roof, be sure to supervise them. However, it’s best not to let them onto your roof at all.
    
3. Be especially wary of contractors who say replacing your roof won’t cost a thing. They may even claim they’ll pay your deductible for you.
    
4. Never sign a contract with blanks. Get everything in writing: Cost, scope of work, time frame, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations. And, read every contract carefully, paying particular attention to any “assignment of benefits” language.
    
5. Don’t pay in full or sign a certificate of completion until the work is done and you’re satisfied with the outcome.

Finally, one last warning: Contractors may try to pull similar scams with windows, siding or driveways following a storm, so be wary.

We know it can all seem a little daunting. We just want you to be aware of some scenarios you may encounter so you can protect yourself. Because, while not all roofing companies engage in disreputable behavior, some of them certainly do.

So, remember, get in touch with your independent insurance agent or your insurance company first to deal with storm damage. Doing so may just help you avoid unsavory characters and contract conditions.

Insurance likely isn't the first thing you think about regarding your new motorcycle. Freedom, adventure, the open road – that's more like it. Still, slowing down long enough to consider coverage for your ride will give you the peace of mind to enjoy it to the fullest.

So, how much motorcycle insurance do you need? It depends. Motorcycle insurance is as varied as the bikes themselves. You can customize your coverage just as you customized your chosen machine. Sometimes, getting the coverage you want is as simple as asking the right questions.

Here are eight questions you'll want to address before you purchase motorcycle insurance.

1. What does my state require? As they do for auto insurance, most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage for your motorcycle. You'll probably want more than the minimum, but it's worthwhile to know the legal requirements for motorcycle insurance.
    
2. Does liability include guest passenger liability coverage? If you cause an accident, standard liability coverage helps pay for bodily injury expenses, such as hospital bills and medical care, and property damage costs that you may be held responsible to pay. Guest passenger liability extends that coverage to a passenger riding with you on your motorcycle.
    
3. What more do I need? Collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured? Collision and comprehensive cover damage to your motorcycle from an accident or from an event such as fire, theft or vandalism. Uninsured/underinsured covers damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either doesn't have insurance or doesn't have adequate insurance.
    
4. Is replacement cost coverage available? This will vary depending on the insurer or the policy. While most collision and comprehensive coverage pays "book value," some insurers will pay replacement cost for machines less than a year old or for certain specific makes and models.
    
5. Are custom parts and accessories covered? How about safety apparel? Motorcycle owners spend a lot personalizing their machines, and standard coverage may not extend to custom parts. You may want to buy optional coverage. On the other hand, some policies include coverage for damaged or stolen safety apparel, such as helmets, jackets, boots and gloves, at no extra cost.
    
6. Do I want medical payments coverage? This covers the cost, within a specified limit, of medical care you receive as a result of a motorcycle accident, regardless of who is at fault.
    
7. Is roadside assistance available? Typically, this covers towing to the nearest qualified repair shop and other basic emergency services. It may also include trip interruption benefits.
    
8. What discounts might be available? Start by checking with your current home or auto insurance agency. Many carriers offer a discount for bundling policies. Another common way to save is completing an approved safety course from a group such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Other discounts may be available for such things as having a good driving record, being a member of an approved riding club or association, or storing your bike in a locked, secure structure.

Remember, many factors help determine how much you’ll pay for motorcycle insurance. These factors can range from the deductible you choose to your years of experience on a bike. An independent insurance agent can help you explore the options so you’re as happy with your coverage as you are with your bike.

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Here’s something true about lightning: Much, maybe most, of what you think you know about it is probably wrong.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Some of what we assume is true ("It never strikes twice … ") is based on faulty folk wisdom. Some ("Crouch for protection…") is old, discredited advice.

What follows are some of the most persistent myths about lightning, as well as some important lightning safety tips. These tips may come in handy soon – lightning strikes in the United States millions of times each year, mostly in the summer (although it can hit at any time of the year).

1. Lightning never strikes the same place twice. Yes, it does. The best example is the Empire State Building, which once served as a lightning laboratory because it's hit multiple times each year.
    
2. Lightning only strikes the tallest objects. Not always true. Lightning has been known to hit the ground instead of trees, cars instead of telephone poles and parking lots instead of buildings.
    
3. Wearing metal attracts lightning. The presence of metal doesn't affect whether lightning strikes. Mountains and trees don't contain metal. However, metal does conduct electricity, so avoid metal fences, bleachers and the like during storms.
    
4. If you don't see clouds or rain, you're safe. Strikes can occur miles away from a thunderstorm, far outside the rain or even the storm cloud.
    
5. Staying inside will keep you safe. Indoors is safe as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity. Avoid corded phones, appliances, wires, TV cables, plumbing, metal doors and windows.
    
6. Rubber tires on a car insulate you from danger. Cars can be safe havens, but it's not the tires that protect you. It's the metal roof and sides, which divert the electrical charge. Don't lean on the doors during a storm.
    
7. Touching a lightning victim will cause electrocution. A human body does not store electricity. It's perfectly safe to touch lightning victims to give them first aid.
    
8. Take shelter under a tree in a thunderstorm. Under a tree is one of the worst places you can be. If lightning hits it, a "ground charge" could spread out in all directions.
    
9. If trapped outside, lie flat on the ground. Remember the ground charge? Lying flat makes you more vulnerable to one.
    
10. If you're caught outside, crouch down. Once recommended, the "lightning crouch" is no longer believed to be of much use in protecting you against injury. The best thing you can do in a storm is get inside or into a car.

Now that you know what to do during a lightning storm, do you know whether your insurance covers lightning damage? It’s worth checking in with your local insurance agent to find out.

For example, if lightning damages your car, you’re likely only covered if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy. As for your homeowners policy, you need enough dwelling coverage to completely rebuild your home, if needed, following a covered loss. Of course, every policy is different so be sure you know yours well.

Knowing the facts about staying safe in lightning and having the right insurance for your needs. They’re two sides of the same coin: Both help you weather the storm.

Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but Independence Day is when the season truly kicks into high gear. July 4 is a holiday that has something for everyone, whether you like to host (or attend) backyard barbecues, get out on the water or just hang out at home and watch the “bombs” bursting in air once the sun sets.

As you celebrate America this year, however, keep safety in mind — those fireworks aren’t the only holiday staple that can be dangerous.

Along with using plenty of sunblock and staying hydrated, follow these tips to help ensure that you, your loved ones and your friends all have a great Fourth.

Food Safety

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending one, you’ll want to make sure the food you’re serving — and eating — is safe. The following U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines can help:

• Cook food thoroughly. Steaks, chops and roasts (beef, pork or lamb) should have a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit before being removed from the heat source. Ground meats need to be at 160 degrees and poultry at 165.
   
• Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. You can keep cooked meats warm by placing them to the side of the grill rack, in a warm oven or in a chafing dish. Place dishes holding cold foods on ice.
   
• Bringing food to the party? Use an insulated cooler with ice or ice packs to minimize the growth of bacteria.

On the Road

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the July 4 holiday period ranks as the nation’s deadliest in terms of people killed by drunk drivers. So, if you’re heading somewhere to enjoy the fireworks or just driving to a friend’s get-together, plan ahead: Have a designated driver or don’t drink at all.

On the Water

Spending the holiday on a boat? Lucky you. Just make sure all the equipment is operating properly and that you have the right supplies on board. Here are two more recommendations from the Coast Guard:

• If you’re driving the boat, don’t drink or use drugs. That should go without saying, but it’s still a problem — alcohol use is involved in about a third of all recreational boating deaths.
   
• Everyone needs a life jacket. A boat needs a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard. Kids need their own — adult-sized jackets will not work for them.

Fireworks

Thousands of people are hurt each year by fireworks. In the month around the July 4 holiday, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 240 people go to the emergency room daily with a fireworks-related injury. Don’t be one of them. Check out these quick tips, along with our fireworks safety post from last year, for some general guidelines:

• Find a safe place, and be prepared. Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready. And, never point fireworks at a person, animal, home, tree or car.
   
• Make sure adults are present. Kids should never play with fireworks.
   
• Don’t stand too close. The most injured body parts in fireworks accidents are the hands and fingers (36 percent), head, face and ears (22 percent) and eyes (16 percent), the commission says. All are pretty important, don’t you think?

While these tips are great, perhaps the best thing about them is this: You can follow them and still have a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Here’s to America — and to you!

Hello North Carolinians! Are you ready for our first round of  90+ degree temperatures this weekend?!? Two-thirds of households in America have air conditioners, according to the U.S. Department of Energy — and they spend a total of $11 billion each year running them.

Our guess is that most of those households (which may include yours) wouldn’t mind spending a little less to keep their homes cool. Because, as great as it feels to escape the heat of summer, having some extra money in your pocket might feel even better.

Here are five tips to help you beat the heat without having the AC on — and the meter running — all day long:

1. Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. The Department of Energy says that ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool your home. One of the best ways to do this is to open windows to create a cross-wise breeze indoors. It’s best to do this in the mornings or evenings when the air is coolest. After all, flooding your home with hot afternoon air isn’t going to appease anyone.

2. Get those fans going. Ceiling fans can provide enough cooling power for you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without noticing the difference. Smaller ones can help as well, but make sure you turn fans off when you’re not around — they cool people, not rooms. Finally, whole-house fans, which bring in air and exhaust it through the attic, can help cool things down even on the hottest days. They should be installed by a professional, though.

3. Don’t unwittingly turn the ‘heat’ on. Are you making something in your oven? Cooking something on the stove? You’re also adding heat to your house. Even clothes dryers and dishwashers can create unwanted warmth, so use those appliances in the morning or evening. When it’s time to cook, try grilling outside — or eating more cold foods. They can help lower your internal body temperature.

4. Remember the little things — they add up. Keep your curtains closed on the sunny side of your home. Turn off lights whenever you can, because they produce heat. And, if it’s warmer outside than inside, keep your windows closed.

5. Bigger projects can have big benefits, too. Make sure your attic and walls are insulated well, with cracks and openings sealed so warm air doesn’t leak into your home. Check your ducts, too. Air loss through ducts can account for as much as 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption, according to the Department of Energy. And, if you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, installing and setting one can help you save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs, says the Department of Energy.

If you’re already following all of these tips and you’re still too hot, here are a couple more options: Put on a cool, damp shirt or apply a cold pack (a sandwich bag of ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables inside a towel work well) to your forehead and wrists.

For many Americans, Memorial Day weekend is a three-day holiday that marks the unofficial start of summer. There's much more to it than that, of course. Memorial Day is intended to be a solemn occasion to honor American’s lost service men and women.

It dates back to 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, when Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union Army veterans, established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of war dead with flowers. The first national celebration was held on May 30 that year at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies had spread across the nation. In 1971, an act of Congress declared it a national holiday, moving it to the last Monday in May.

Arlington remains a center of Memorial Day observances, with flags placed on each grave and ceremonies attended by the president or vice president. Washington plays host to the popular National Memorial Day Concert, broadcast live on PBS, the Sunday before the holiday and to the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

But, you don't have to be in the nation's capital to take part. Here are four ways you can honor the memory of those who have died in service to our nation, wherever you are.

1. Show the Flag
   On Memorial Day, the flag should be raised briskly to the top of the staff for a moment and then solemnly lowered to half-staff, where it should remain until noon. Then raise it to the top again for the remainder of the day.
    
2. Wear Poppies
   Since 1925, the American Legion Auxiliary has sold red crepe-paper poppies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The tradition of wearing the colorful flowers was inspired by John McCrea's 1915 poem about World War I losses, In Flanders Fields.
    
3. Take a Moment
   A congressional resolution passed in 2000 calls on Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a moment of silence to remember and honor the fallen.
    
4. Visit a Cemetery
   Arlington is just one of many national cemeteries located throughout the nation. Many states also have established veterans cemeteries. Check the Department of Veteran Affairs listings for a cemetery in your area. There likely will be a Memorial Day ceremony scheduled.
   
   

Heading our to the Outer Banks with the top down?  Maybe cruise the Smokies with the wind in your hair? Well my Carolina friends, here's some information you may want to consider before splurging on that convertible!

So your heart’s set on driving off the dealership lot with the top down and the sun on your face, the envy of each onlooker you pass. But, have you checked in with your local insurance agent about the cost of insuring a convertible?

You may think it’s only a myth that convertibles are expensive to insure, but, in many cases, there’s some truth to the notion.

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the cost of insuring a convertible. To help, here are four reasons why you may spend more insuring a convertible than you would a less envy-evoking ride (the best way to know what will or won’t impact your rates, of course, is checking insurance costs with your local agent):

1. Convertibles Cost More to Purchase, More to Insure
   Car insurance rates can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle. In general, the more your car is worth, the more it will cost to insure. Convertible cars cost more to purchase than a similar model with a fixed top and not just because they’re so fun drive. It’s because they have added safety features and additional moving parts that operate the top. Therefore, convertibles can also cost more to insure.
    
2. Higher Horsepower, Higher Insurance Costs
   If your convertible just so happens to be a sports car with a V6 or V8 engine, too, you should expect to possibly pay more for car insurance. Cars with a higher top speed are at greater risk of a high-speed collision.
    
3. Soft Top Convertibles Are Prone to Theft and Vandalism 
   Slicing open your convertible top may be an act of vandalism, a way for thieves to steal items from inside your car or a way to make off with the car itself. Because of these soft-top risks, convertibles may cost more to insure.
    
4. Hardtop Convertibles Have Added Weight
   The weight of your vehicle can factor into your car insurance premiums. A retractable hardtop adds considerable weight, and possibly insurance costs, to your vehicle.

Of course, many other factors influence how much you’ll pay to insure a convertible. These include your age, your driving history and the amount of driving you do. So, don’t skip the check-in with your local insurance agent on your way to purchase a convertible. Be certain you can afford both the monthly car payments and the monthly insurance costs.

It may sound like we’re trying to sway you from the car of your dreams, but we’re not. We just want you to be financially sound and protected when you’re rolling with the top down.

t’s hard to believe your child is already graduating, much less getting ready to head off to college or join the workforce — first grade seems like just yesterday, after all.

You’ve worked hard to put your kids in a position to succeed, and they’ve worked hard to reach their goals. To reward that success, many parents decide to purchase a car (or help buy one, anyway) for their young students as they look toward whatever the future holds. It’s often a practical consideration as well, depending on college plans, work responsibilities and living arrangements.

So, when you’re looking at cars for your grad, here are a few questions to ask to help ensure you make a smart choice. (And, frankly, they’re good things to ask anytime you’re shopping for a vehicle.)

1. How safe is it?

Whether you’re buying a new or used car, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have useful online tools to help you find safety data on various models. IIHS has awarded Top Safety Picks since the 2006 model year, while the NHTSA site has crash-safety tests going back to 1990. Finally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has a free service that will tell you if the car you’re considering has been reported stolen or as a salvage vehicle.

2. How reliable is it?

You don’t want your young student to end up stranded on the side of the road somewhere, or, worse yet, facing costly repair bills. Doing a little research on reliability ratings from sources such as Consumer Reports will give you insight into what other owners of the same model have experienced. There’s no guarantee that your experience will be the same, but you’ll get a good idea of what to expect. If you’re truly concerned, consider vehicles that come with a warranty, whether new or certified pre-owned.

3. How will it be driven?

Is your grad headed to college or a job a few hundred miles away? You might consider a car that gets good gas mileage (at least if you want him/her to come home to visit every once in a while), as well as one that has low maintenance costs. What about weather? If driving conditions are frequently a little hairy, all-wheel-drive might be important.

4. How much will it cost to insure?

Different cars can vary widely when it comes to insurance costs, so, when you’ve narrowed down your choices, be sure to call your independent agent to get a few insurance quotes. You might also consider putting the car on your policy as an additional vehicle, if that’s an option. If your child is still in school, ask about good student discounts. Also educate your grad about how his/her own driving behavior impacts insurance costs — not just for this car, but well into the future. Driving history follows you from car to car, after all.

5. Are there special considerations for used cars?

If you are buying a used car, there are certainly some additional things you need to consider, according toAAA. First of all, you definitely need an inspection by a repair shop you know and trust. (This should cost about one to two hours of labor.) You should ask the owner for past records if they’re available, and, if the car has between 60,000-90,000 miles, find out if the timing belt has been replaced. Finally, use Carfax or a similar service to get as much history on the vehicle as possible. Remember, if the seller is hesitant or won’t allow an inspection, proceed with caution.

A car can make life easier for both your grad and you — as long as it’s the right car. (And we don’t need to tell you this, but, no matter what your child says, a sports car is probably not the right car.) With a little bit of research and common sense, you can be confident when it’s time for your grad to hit the road.

We all have our pet peeves when navigating through a parking lot or parking garage. The driver who throws it in reverse and backs out without looking. Or the pedestrian who charges out of the store, also not looking.

No matter what your parking lot pet peeve happens to be, these dos and don’ts will help you avoid a collision or other catastrophe, all while keeping your cool:

Don’t Speed or Fight Over a Spot
So you’re in a hurry and you want that primo spot close to the store. Guess what? So does everyone else. By slowing down and removing yourself from the fray, you do yourself a multitude of favors. First, when you reduce your speed, you give yourself more time to react to dangerous situations, such as a child darting out from between parked cars. Second, by parking farther away from the store, you may minimize your exposure to dings and scratches from other vehicles. Just don’t park in an area that feels unsafe.

Do Stay Alert
Distractions are always a danger when you’re behind the wheel, even when you’re slowly making your way around a parking lot or through a parking garage. So, stay off your phone and stay alert. Look for other drivers and pedestrians who aren’t paying attention so you can avoid collisions and injuries. In a parking garage, be careful going around corners and of people stepping out of the elevators. In a busy lot, watch for cars backing out unexpectedly and people walking where they shouldn’t.

Do Be Kind
If we all cut each other a little slack, we’ll all be safer and happier while running our many errands. So stop to let pedestrians cross in front of you in the parking lot. Don’t be so hard on the person who’s boxed in by large vehicles and has to back out blindly in the parking garage. And give parents who are loading groceries while wrangling kids a little extra space.

Don’t Forget to Look
Use your eyes, your mirrors and, if you have one, your rear-view camera when backing out of a space. You’re sure to miss something if you rely on just a single source of vision. When pulling into a spot, look for car doors being opened, people pulling through the space and carts left in the wrong spot. Look to see whether you can really fit in the spot, leaving room on both sides for your car doors and the ones next to you to open freely.

Do Stay Calm If You Get Into a Parking Lot Accident
Despite your best efforts, you may still get into a parking lot accident. If so, call law enforcement, if needed. Also take pictures, exchange insurance information with the other driver, write down how it happened and collect contact information from witnesses.

Remember, being in a hurry and being distracted are some of the worst things you can do in a parking lot. Assume there will be dangers so you can watch for them and avoid them.