Entries by Kathryn Morstad

OEP 2026 – How to Find the Best Health Insurance for Your Needs

Key Takeaways: Take full advantage of the Open Enrollment Period for 2026 and prevent coverage gaps through straightforward preparation and timing. Evaluate costs, benefits, and network requirements and/or limitations to find the absolute best health insurance for your needs. Understand how the Republican-supported “Big Beautiful Bill” might change your household’s marketplace coverage and subsidies. Open […]

Why Full Coverage Doesn’t Mean Everything is Covered?

Key Takeaways: “Full coverage” is not universal. It often refers to a bundle of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, but it does not always mean that every situation or expense is covered. Items like wear and tear, personal belongings, loan/lease gaps, and roadside coverage are not always included under standard full coverage policies. Additional add-ons […]

As a Professional Painter, Do I Need Insurance? A Painters’ Insurance Guide

 Key Takeaways: As a business owner, painters’ liability insurance and other related insurance options help safeguard your business from costly claims and legal disputes. How much does painters’ insurance cost? It depends on several factors—this guide is designed to help balance affordability with appropriate protection. Comprehensive coverage enhances professional standing and improves your company’s […]

Summer Road Trip Insurance Checklist: Are You Covered?

Key Takeaways: Summer is a great time for a road trip—be sure you understand the nuances of your auto insurance so that you’re protected from driving-related costs and consider travel insurance for the unexpected. It’s important to guard against insurance gaps that can leave you exposed—out-of-state (or country) liability, medical costs, and rental reimbursement, to […]

What You Should Know About Lawn Care Insurance for Your Business

Key Takeaways: Lawn care insurance is crucial to protect small residential lawn care businesses and large commercial lawn/landscape businesses alike. Comprehensive insurance coverage protects your business and property, customers’ property, and employees in the event of an accident or problem. Your customized coverage should include policies like general liability insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, workers’ compensation […]

House Cleaning Insurance – What You Should Know as a Business Owner

Key Takeaways: House Cleaning Insurance is essential to protect you and your business from injury and property damage claims that can financially devastate your business—a single claim could cost you between $10K and $35K on average. Learn how to protect yourself. More than three quarters of customers say they will only hire a cleaning service […]

Electric Vehicle Insurance: Why EVs Cost More to Insure

Key Takeaways: While the market for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles continues to grow, EV Insurance is more expensive than insurance of conventional gas-powered vehicles. From expensive battery power to higher repair and replacement costs, EVs and Hybrid vehicles cost more to insure even when driven in a safer manner than gas-powered vehicles. The good news—we […]

What Does Handyman Insurance Cover?

Key Takeaways: Handyman Insurance is available to cover independent contractors performing handyman (or woman) tasks, including general liability, business auto insurance, work comp insurance, and much more. This type of coverage is beneficial when working on your own or through a ‘gig work’ system and protects you and your personal assets in the event of […]

14 Practical Strategies for Seniors to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance

Key Takeaways: With cost of living increases and a fixed or partially-fixed income, affordable homeowners insurance for senior citizens is extremely important. Even where you live can impact your home insurance costs. We offer 14 practical strategies and discounts ideas that will keep insurance costs under control in this volatile marketplace. Annual insurance reviews can […]

How the ‘80% Rule’ Impacts Your Home Insurance: A Complete Guide to Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Key Takeaways: It’s important to understand the difference between ‘replacement value’ and ‘market value’ which can significantly impact your insurance coverage. Ensure your homeowner’s insurance coverage meets the 80% rule which provides adequate coverage and is required by most insurance carriers and mortgage lenders. Be informed about the possible penalties and consequences if your insurance […]

How Much Does a Texting While Driving Ticket Increase Auto Insurance Premiums

Key Takeaways: Drivers with a texting or distracted driving violation are penalized by insurance companies with an average increase of 27% in annual premiums. Teens are especially susceptible to texting and driving which can have long-term consequences if there is an accident or someone is injured. Texting while driving is illegal in most states and […]

Garage Liability vs. Garagekeeper Liability: What Every Auto Shop Owner Must Know

Key Takeaways: In addition to standard business insurance coverage, auto-related businesses may need Garage Liability and Garagekeeper Liability to be fully protected, especially when customers leave their vehicles in the business’s care. Garage Liability and Garagekeeper Liability Insurance cover two different aspects of business insurance coverage, with one protecting the business and the other protecting […]

Bicycle Accident Insurance Coverage – What Cyclists Need to Know

Key Takeaways: Cyclists involved in accidents with motor vehicles may be covered by the driver’s car insurance policy, including UM/UIM coverage. While home insurance provides some protection, it may not cover all risks associated with bicycle accidents. Cyclists should evaluate their policies and consider additional coverage options to close the gaps in protection. Specialized bicycle […]

Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Key Takeaways: Homeowners insurance policies typically cover water damage that occurs suddenly and accidentally, such as from burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, or storm-related roof damage. Gradual leaks and damage resulting from poor maintenance are generally excluded from coverage. It is crucial to thoroughly understand the specifics of your home insurance policy to know what types […]

Car Insurance After the Death of the Policyholder: A Comprehensive Guide

Key Takeaways: Upon the death of a spouse or family member, it is important for the survivors, especially the executor of any afterlife plans or proposals, to understand the options for car insurance so that surviving family members are covered. It is important to understand current premiums, payments, discounts, and refunds for any policy before […]

Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents?

Key Takeaways: Whether your vehicle insurance covers scratches and dents depends on the type of coverage you have. Comprehensive insurance typically covers damage caused by events like vandalism or natural disasters, while collision insurance covers damage resulting from accidents. When filing a claim for scratches and dents, it’s important to consider your deductible. If the […]

Do Permit Drivers Need Insurance?

Key Takeaways: All states require young people to acquire a learner’s permit when learning to drive. Depending on your state’s requirements, a permit can be obtained anywhere from 14 years of age to 16 years. Insuring a learner’s permit driver is relatively inexpensive and pays big dividends in demonstrating expectations and parenting by example. We […]