Summer Home Improvement

By Stephanie McLain

At any point in time this past winter, did you notice some issues with your home? Maybe you noticed how drafty that window is, or you realized your gate is a little wobbly. Now that the weather has finally taken a turn for the better, you have the opportunity to get things fixed up.

Claims in the winter can be costly, partially because there is potential for more damage, and because prices are higher for service calls that involve higher risk. Ice, snow, freezing temperatures, these are all factors that play into the danger of a claim. Not to mention, winter claims take longer as they are difficult to resolve when the weather won’t cooperate. You can’t assess a roof that’s covered in ice. By making routine updates to your home during the warmer months, you can help prevent costly issues during winter.

Here are few items to consider upgrading or reinforcing:

  • Correct cracked concrete
  • Initiate inspections
  • Invest in new windows
  • Drain your water heater
  • Re-stain the deck and/or fence

Not only do these options make your house look nice, but they help lessen claim risks.

Don’t spend another winter thinking up things you should have fixed when you had the chance. Instead, spend it cozy in your home protected from the elements, with the security in knowing you’ve already got everything covered.

About Stephanie

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

Stephanie Headshot

Ligouri Insurance and MAX Insurance® Provide Grants to two American Legion Posts

(DES MOINES, IA) – Two grants from Ligouri Insurance and their partner, MutualAid eXchange (“MAX”) Insurance will help two American Legion posts around town:  American Legion Riders Post 232 and American Legion Auxiliary Post 659.

Gennaro Ligouri heads Ligouri Insurance.  He and Amanda Fusaro, agent at Ligouri Insurance, immediately thought of the American Legion posts after learning about the MAX Agent Community Grant Program.  “Both Legion posts give back to the veterans in Polk County,” Ligouri said.  “Food, housing, and clothing are basic needs that the Legion posts provide to our veterans.  I am on the executive board of Post 659 and Amanda is a member and rider in Post 232.  Our agency is pleased to partner with MAX Insurance® and its community grant program to make these gifts possible.”

Ligouri Insurance is an independent insurance agency representing MAX Insurance® in Des Moines and surrounding areas.  MAX Insurance®, based in Overland Park, KS, is a unique fair, faithful and socially responsible insurance enterprise.  Founded on religious principles, the company’s mission is to restore wholeness to communities and individuals in need.  It lives out its mission through a variety of quality, fairly-priced insurance products, outstanding personalized customer service and its unique Mutual Aid Ministries program.

“MAX is more than an insurance company.  We truly care beyond the contract,” said David Wine, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “That’s why we are excited to partner with Ligouri Insurance and help support the American Legion posts in their community.”

For more information:

Ligouri Insurance
Gennaro Ligouri
4320 ½ SW 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
email  glbulldog@aol.com
phone (515) 285-0370
website www.ligouri-insurance.com

MAX Insurance® and Mutual Aid Ministries, visit www.MAXInsurance.com.

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Spring Home Inventory

By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster

Have you begun the much-anticipated spring-cleaning?  As you weed through the nooks and crannies and dig out outdated items that could probably stand to be donated by now, you may just feel a weight you didn’t know was there start to lift off of your shoulders. The sun is starting to come through the windows and you need to make some space. You don’t necessarily have to rid your household of everything that doesn’t bring you joy, but maybe consider tossing the items that no longer function. If you’re anything like my darling husband, you may have a collection of obsolete items that you’re positive you’ll fix one day, most of which don’t even have parts being manufactured anymore. We’re not even talking neat vintage items, we’re talking cheap digital cameras that my son spilled soda on 4 years ago. Regardless, if you are able to part with items, do so, and do it before you change your mind. If you’ve bought new furniture, donate the old furniture so someone else can enjoy endless movies nights with your pre-worn in already loved couch. Trust me, they’ll love it. Once you’ve purged your house and renewed for the spring, you’ll feel like a brand new you.

Do you know what you should do after a renewal; after you’ve just regrouped your entire house and switched up the contents a little? Can you guess?

That’s right!

You should update your home inventory! Seriously, it’s like you readers are starting to read my mind. An up-to-date home inventory is vital in the event a major claim occurs. After the holidays, your household has probably acquired a few new things and you’ve probably just gotten rid of a few items. Updating in the spring is usually the easiest because it involves mostly removing items and maybe adding only one or two. Either way, you should definitely review your inventory and update as necessary, just in case. If you don’t already have an account, you can check out HomeZada.com and start an online digital home inventory so that this process is even easier. All of your items are manageable right from a phone or tablet.

Stephanie McLain

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

Stephanie Headshot

Theft: What to do if your home is burglarized

By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster

As we go through life we collect an array of things. Many items hold sentimental value, some hold monetary value, some are just necessary for daily living, but they’re ours. Like birds that have carefully constructed the perfect nest, we have made our home our own and it is comforting to come back to it each day or night. You feel safe in your home. A bad day at work is alleviated by the comforts of your couch or favorite chair. What happens, when that comfort is invaded? According to the website https://www.alarms.org, there are roughly 2.5 million burglaries a year, 66% of those being home break ins. Even the safest neighborhoods can be affected by theft.

Imagine with me:

You’ve been out to the movies. It’s been a great night complete with dinner, good company, and a hilarious movie. You’re quoting your favorite parts of the movie still laughing until your abs hurt as your pull up at home and see your door open. You freeze.

This moment alone is gut wrenching but what happens when you go inside?

You want to approach the house but you’re not sure if someone is still inside. Your friend grabs your arm and suggests calling the police first. A couple minutes go buy and a police cruiser pulls up and officers search the property to see if anyone is still inside. Your house has been completely ransacked. There is evidence of forced entry and the police begin an investigation as you stare in awe at the disaster that was once your place.

While having your home broken into is traumatic, it doesn’t have to be life altering. No amount of comfort will erase what has been done, but rebuilding and replacing is a step to healing. With insurance you’ve got the coverage to help in this process. Anytime a theft occurs follow these steps:

  1. Notify the police immediately and obtain your report number.
  2. Secure your property if damage created a hazard. For example, fix that door if it was kicked in or secure that window if it was broken.
  3. Create an inventory of any missing items to document your loss.
  4. Take photos of any damage.
  5. Contact MAX so the claim process can begin.

Your adjuster will assist you throughout the entire process. There will be a time where you can feel safe and comfortable in your home again and even be more prepared for situations in the future. Hopefully, you’ll never experience a theft, but, if you do, it’s better to be prepared.

Stephanie McLain

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

Stephanie Headshot

The Vaughan Agency and MAX Insurance® donate to Habitat for Humanity’s Middleport House Build

Building Day(POMEROY, OH) – Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio is building a new home in Meigs County for one of their partner families this spring and thanks to a grant from The Vaughan Agency and their partner MutualAid eXchange (“MAX”), over half of the roof’s cost will be paid for.

Donald Vaughan heads the agency.  After learning about the MAX Agent Community Grant Program, he and his team chose the Middleport House Build to be a recipient.  “By supporting this program and building a new home, we would be providing a better place for a family with children whom will one day be the future of this community,” Vaughan said.  “Our agency is also looking forward to volunteering our time on this home build.”

The Vaughan Agency is an independent insurance agency representing MAX Insurance® in Pomeroy and surrounding areas.  MAX Insurance®, based in Overland Park, KS, is a unique fair, faithful and socially responsible insurance enterprise.  Founded on religious principles, the company’s mission is to restore wholeness to communities and individuals in need.  It lives out its mission through a variety of quality, fairly-priced insurance products, outstanding personalized customer service and its unique Mutual Aid Ministries program.

“MAX is more than an insurance company.  We truly care beyond the contract,” said David Wine, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “That’s why we are excited to partner with The Vaughan Agency and help support Habitat for Humanity in their community.”

For more information:

The Vaughan Agency
Donald Vaughan
505 Mulberry Heights
Pomeroy, OH 45769
Email donald@thevaughanagency.com
Phone (740) 992-7980
Website www.thevaughanagency.com

MAX Insurance® and Mutual Aid Ministries, visit www.MAXInsurance.com.

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