Welcome to the Safeco Insurance blog

Learn tips, tricks, and get independent agent advice for at home, on the road, and everything in between.

Couple embraces in front of their new home.
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Own a home? Here are two policy options you should know about

If you have a homeowners policy, you probably expect it to cover all the costs of rebuilding your house in case it's damaged or destroyed by a covered hazard. But are you certain you have enough coverage? Read about two common situations you may be unaware of — and the affordable options that can help put your mind at ease.

Man drives vehicle with telematics being captured.
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How Telematics can help you save on Auto Insurance

Telematics uses wireless technology to monitor and troubleshoot a wide variety of vehicle performance information in real time. It makes possible many common and useful applications you may already be using such as onboard GPS, OnStar, and other security features.

Couple embraces in front of their new home.
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Why a basic Homeowners policy isn't always enough

Sometimes, a basic homeowners policy just isn't enough. So as your career advances and your income increases, it's important to keep your insurance protection up to date. This helps you avoid expensive gaps in coverage and prevents you from paying too much out of pocket in case of a claim. To be properly protected, you need a homeowners policy that grows with you.

Three ways to lower your carbon footprint for Earth Day (and beyond)
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Five tips to (finally) get your garage organized

There's perhaps no organizing task more daunting than the garage—it's often the dumping ground for the stuff that has no other place in the house, or the things you don't use but just can't bring yourself to toss.

How do you know you've got a problem? Maybe you've noticed it's getting harder and harder just to park the car. Or it takes you an hour to find that box with the Halloween decorations. Or, worse, you spend an hour out there and can't find the Halloween decorations at all.

girl ready for her first day of school
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Is your home ready for back to school season?

It's back-to-school time - is your house ready?

We're not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven't noticed, it's already time to think about the new school year.
Kids enjoying their vacation
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How to make your family vacation a great one

Summer is here, which means it's time to think about family vacations! (If you haven't been thinking about them all year, that is.)

The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You want to choose a destination that is fun for everyone, including the kids. You want to ensure they're safe on the trip, wherever you go. And you probably want to figure out how to make traveling with them easier, too.
Safeco donates $2000 to Everett Public Schools Foundation
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McClain Insurance Services - Safeco Change Agent Winner

Agency employee: Claudia McClain, McClain Insurance Services, Everett, Washington

Nonprofit: Everett Public Schools Foundation, Everett, Washington (
R.V. Johnson Insurance, Safeco Change Agent
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R.V. Johnson Insurance - Safeco Change Agent Winner

Agency employee: Kelly Johnson, R.V. Johnson Insurance, Stuart, Florida
Nonprofit: House of Hope, Stuart, Florida (www.hohmartin.org
Group of motorcyclists riding safely
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How to ride your motorcycle safely in a group

Group riding is a favorite activity among many motorcycle riders. Whether you're part of a riding club, a social event, a charity ride, or out for a leisurely cruise with friends, group riding can be a rewarding way to spend time doing what you love.

However, group riding has its own risks. This is especially true when you have a group with a wide mix of skill levels and riding experience. This can create unpredictable, stressful, and dangerous situations for not only other riders, but all drivers on the road. So be sure to never try to ride beyond your ability.
What Car Drivers Need to Know about Motorcycles
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What car drivers need to know about motorcycles

Spring is here, which means you'll likely see more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is "see." People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they're not accustomed to looking for them.

It's obvious yet bears repeating: Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than car and truck drivers and passengers. Not only are there many more cars and trucks on the road, but there's no such thing as a "fender bender" for a motorcyclist. Even a low-speed collision can seriously injure a rider, not to mention total the bike, so it's important to always give motorcycles extra space and an extra look.
Boating season is here - are you up to speed on safety?
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Boating season is here - are you up to speed on safety?

With spring in full bloom and summer just on the horizon, prime boating season is upon us. And you might notice more people on the water than ever, because sales of recreational boats have been growing at a steady clip for seven consecutive years now, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Fortunately, the number of boating accidents isn't growing at the same pace-in fact, they are decreasing. In 2017, the most recent year for which statistics are available, accidents were down nearly 4% versus 2016; fatalities dropped by more than 6%, and injuries by over 9%.
Three ways to lower your carbon footprint for Earth Day (and beyond)
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Three ways to lower your carbon footprint for Earth Day (and beyond)

On April 22, the 49th annual Earth Day is expected to include more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries taking part in what the Earth Day Network
7 ways to improve your finances during Financial Literacy Month
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7 ways to improve your finances during Financial Literacy Month

April is tax season, so a lot of people are thinking about their finances these days. But if you're like most people, you're probably thinking in the short term: What's my refund going to be-or how much do I owe? And what is that going to do to my monthly budget?

It's good to be thinking about those things. It's also important to look at the bigger picture. Financial Literacy Month, which is also in April, gives you the perfect chance to do just that. Surveys have showed that an alarming number of Americans lack even basic financial knowledge; in an era when we collectively have trillions of dollars in consumer debt, and many people live paycheck to paycheck, that can be a recipe for disaster. But it doesn't have to be that way! This Financial Literacy Month website, created by nonprofit credit-counseling firm Money Management International, features tools and resources to help you understand your finances better and build a bright financial future. In that spirit, we've come up with seven tips that can help you become more savvy with your money. Some are easy things you can do today. Others might take a little more work. But all are worth the effort!
ECVSS receives check from Safeco Agent Jack Stone Ins.
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Jack Stone Insurance, Safeco's Change Agent winner for Veteran's Services

Agency employee: Jerry Stone, Jack Stone Insurance, Brentwood, California (https://jackstoneinsurance.com/)
14 Fascinating Facts about February
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14 fascinating facts about February

February is the shortest month of the year (even in leap years, when it has 29 days instead of 28), but there's no shortage of interesting facts about it. From weird holidays to astronomical oddities, this month has a bit of everything.

So with a nod to what February is perhaps best known for-Valentine's Day on Feb. 14-here are 14 things we bet you didn't know about the second month of the year.
rings
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Looking at a new piece of jewelry? Make sure to look at your insurance, too

Whether it's a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life.

However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars-or worse, a fire or some other disaster-also find out too late that they didn't have enough insurance to replace their jewelry.
driver with coffee and cell phone
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Avoid deadly distractions behind the wheel

Not texting is a start, but there's more to safe driving

terms and conditions
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Insurance terms, explained

Med Pay? PIP? Dec pages? Insurance terms, explained

two teens in a car
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10 teen driving stats that might surprise you

10 teen driving stats that might surprise you
rings
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Home security technology: Keeping you ahead of the burglars

Back in the early days of home security "systems," around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire "door shakers"-night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were locked. The most advanced product at the time, according to the Electronic Security Association, was an alarm system that used electromagnetic contacts on doors and windows and rang a bell if disturbed.

Things are just a little bit different now, thanks to expanding technology and decreasing costs. Regular homeowners now have access to the types of tools and systems that were previously attainable only by celebrities and the wealthy.
suitcases at the airport
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The do's and don'ts of holiday travel

Nobody really enjoys traveling during the holidays, do they? OK, you might if you're going on vacation, or you're visiting family in Hawaii or something. But for everyone else, it's a slog-whether you're battling airport crowds the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or fighting through highway traffic on Christmas Eve, getting anywhere can be a massive hassle.

And while this might not make us any friends, we have to say it: Part of the blame falls on you. Not because you're a bad person, or a bad driver, or a bad airline passenger, but because everyone (including you-and us, for that matter) makes unintentional mistakes that add to the stress of holiday travel.
scrapping windshield
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Safe driving in winter weather

Millions of Americans will be traveling this holiday season, and if it's anything like previous years, a lot of that travel will be on the road. Last year, AAA estimated that more than 100 million Americans were planning a trip of more than 50 miles during the holidays-and that was just between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1.

Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on local roadways, too. So even if you're not headed out of town, these safety tips can help you make it through the season safely.
house with hat and scarf
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Is your home as efficient as it could be? An energy audit can tell you

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues in homes across the country, and they're not just annoying-they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills.
Gleaners Food Bank receives check
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Gleaners Food Bank, Safeco's Change Agent winner for Fighting Hunger

Sterling Insurance Group in Sterling Heights, Michigan, has been named a Safeco Change Agent-earning a $2,000 donation from Safeco to Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit. Here, Sterling Insurance Group President Joe Haney talks about how Sterling and its sister branch, Lappan Agency in Alpena, Michigan, give back in the community through the "Sterling/Lappan Cares" program.

At Sterling Insurance Group, our exceptional service and concern for others doesn't end at the office-you could say that giving back is in our DNA. Our work in the community started soon after our agency opened more than 20 years ago, when we created a small group of volunteers to help facilitate and streamline our philanthropic efforts.
why you need umbrella insurance
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Why you need umbrella insurance

Life is unpredictable. Of course, you already know this. But have you considered all the risks you currently face? Distracted drivers. People using social media to expose others' dirty laundry. Teen drivers, carpools, pets, parties, and even your occasional housekeeper are all examples of everyday risks.

Our society is also more litigious than ever, and lawsuits are commonplace. So it isn't a question of whether something unexpected will happen, it's really a question of when, and how bad it will be.
snooty giggles check presentation
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Snooty Giggles — Safeco's Change Agent winner for Animal Welfare

DeBerry Insurance Agency in Spring Hill, Tennessee, has been named a Safeco Change Agent-earning a $2,000 donation from Safeco to Snooty Giggles, a dog-rescue organization in nearby Thompson's Station. Chris DeBerry, who owns DeBerry Insurance with her husband, Eric, first got involved with Snooty Giggles to create a campaign in honor of their dog Murphy, who was the family's own "senior snooty." Here, Chris tells her story of giving back.

When we first opened our agency in 2003, we wanted to be involved in the community-and ever since, we've been giving back in ways both small and large. But it all makes an impact, whether it's supporting area sports teams or founding a festival that raised over $100,000 for a local children's home.
leaking ceiling
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5 common (and potentially costly) homeowners mistakes

Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up-whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it's almost certainly going to require time and money to fix.

In many instances, however, those "unexpected" issues shouldn't really be a surprise at all, because they're often caused by a lack of maintenance or other oversights by homeowners. And not just new homeowners, either: It's common for people who have been in a home for years to neglect even some of the most basic tasks that can prevent problems down the road.
emergency preparedness checklist
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What to put in your Emergency Preparedness Kit

If a massive disaster wiped out power to your region right now, with no hope of recovery for at least several days, would you be ready? Would you have a way to connect with your family? Would you have enough nonperishable food for everyone? In short, do you have the right plan and supplies to get through an emergency?

September is National Preparedness Month, designed to encourage Americans to ask those kinds of questions - and take steps to ensure they can answer "yes."
school bus
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Kids are heading back to school — let's keep them safe

The end of summer means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and … the start of football is here!

But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra careful on the roads, in school zones and around buses. Don't forget to watch for bikes, too! Here are some tips for both parents and kids to make sure everyone stays safe.
travel with pets
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Keeping pets happy and safe on vacation

You're not just imagining it-a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days.

According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and 52% stay only at places that welcome pets. (For some people, the "welcome" part doesn't matter: 20% admitted they have snuck their pet into a hotel room.)
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