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January 04, 2018

Many of us know how to prepare our home for winter weather, but what do we do if our home actually sustains damage from severe winter weather?  Take the following steps provided by Property Casualty Insurers Association of America:

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1. If you encounter downed power lines, stay away.  Call the power company to report any outages.
2. Report all damage to your insurance company or agent as quickly as possible.
3. Make a list of all of the damage and any resulting expenses.  This means keeping receipts for all purchases so you can submit them to your insurance company later.
4. If your property is determined to be uninhabitable, call your insurance company or agent to determine what additional living expenses might be covered by your homeowners or renter’s policy.  Many standard homeowners and renter’s policies provide reimbursement of additional living expenses in this situation, which helps pay for increases to necessary living expenses like temporary housing and meals.
5. Beware of deceitful contractors following a natural disaster.  Obtain references for potential contractors from your agent or local business bureau.  Also ask for certificates of liability and workers compensation before signing contracts.

Resources

http://www.pciaa.net/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nat_cat_tips_winter.pdf?sfvrsn=2

This blog entry is created for informational purposes only.  Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company.  The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.

January 15, 2018

After dealing with cold temperatures, wind, snow, and ice, many of us have experienced enough winter for one season.  But, there's still plenty of time for more winter weather.  Follow these 4 maintenance tips to ensure your vehicle runs safely and smoothly during the remaining winter months:

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1. Check your battery. 
   • According to Consumer Reports, cold temperatures reduce a battery's cranking power.  At 0 degrees F a battery has only half the cranking power that it has at 80 degrees F.
   • Have your battery tested by a professional, and replace it if needed.
2. Check your fluids.
   • Have your oil changed regularly, and be sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended oil.  Consumer Reports notes that many typical formulas recommended for modern engines will provide good oil flow at low temperatures and can often be used year-round.
   • Make sure your coolant level is full and the antifreeze is fresh.  Antifreeze keeps your coolant from freezing in cold temperatures. 
   • Check your washer fluid.  Be sure to fill up with a winter washer fluid that won't freeze.
3. Check your wiper blades.
   • Cold weather is tough on wiper blades; they are often put to the test when clearing snow and ice in freezing temperatures.  Consumer Reports recommends replacing the wiper blades every six months to be safe.
4. Check your tires.
   • Check that your tires are up to the task of driving in winter weather.  You may even opt for snow tires, which are designed for winter driving.
   • Also ensure that your tires are properly inflated.  Drops in temperature can result in decreased tire pressure.

Resources

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/winter-car-care-tips-frigid-weather/

http://www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/17241/seven-ways-to-help-your-car-survive-winter

This blog entry is created for informational purposes only.  Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company.  The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.