Why does choosing the right insurance agent matter?

Insurance policies can contain different limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements. Two policies that appear similar may provide very different protection.

A knowledgeable agent can explain these differences and help you avoid buying coverage based only on price. The goal should be to find appropriate protection at a competitive cost.

What should I look for in an insurance agent?

Look for an agent who:

• Is properly licensed
• Has experience with your insurance needs
• Asks detailed questions
• Explains coverage clearly
• Responds promptly
• Represents reputable insurance companies
• Reviews your coverage regularly
• Helps you understand claims procedures
• Focuses on long-term relationships

You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your financial concerns.

What is the difference between an independent and captive agent?

An independent insurance agent may represent several insurance companies and compare options from multiple carriers.

A captive agent generally represents one insurance company or group of affiliated companies. Both types can provide valuable service, but they differ in the number of insurance markets they can access.

Ask the agent which insurers they represent and how they select the policies they recommend.

Should I choose an agent based on price?

Price is important, but the lowest premium does not always provide the best value. A less expensive policy may contain lower limits, higher deductibles, restrictive exclusions, or missing endorsements.

Ask the agent to explain why one proposal costs less than another. Make sure you understand what you may be giving up before choosing the lowest-priced option.

How can I determine whether an agent is experienced?

Ask how long the agent has been licensed and whether they regularly work with clients who have needs similar to yours.

For business insurance, find out whether the agent understands your industry, contracts, employees, property, vehicles, and professional exposures. For personal insurance, the agent should ask about your home, vehicles, drivers, valuables, recreational activities, and liability risks.

Should an insurance agent review my risks before providing a quote?

Yes. An agent needs accurate information to recommend appropriate coverage. A thorough review may include questions about:

• Property values
• Drivers and vehicles
• Employees and payroll
• Business operations
• Valuable personal property
• Prior claims
• Contracts and leases
• Rental properties
• Cyber risks
• Future plans

Be cautious when an agent recommends a policy without first learning about your situation.

What questions should I ask an insurance agent?

Helpful questions include:

• What risks do you believe I should address?
• What does this policy cover?
• What important exclusions should I understand?
• Are the limits high enough?
• How do the deductibles work?
• Are there coverage gaps between my policies?
• What discounts are available?
• How will you help if I have a claim?
• How often will we review my coverage?
• Why do you recommend this insurance company?

A good agent should answer these questions clearly and without unnecessary jargon.

How important is customer service?

Good service becomes especially important when you need to change a policy, add coverage, obtain a certificate, or report a claim.

Ask who will handle your account and how quickly the agency normally responds. Find out whether you can communicate by phone, email, text, or through an online portal.

Will my agent help me with a claim?

The insurance company investigates and decides claims, but a good agent can still provide valuable assistance. The agent may help you report the loss, explain the claims process, locate policy information, and communicate with the adjuster.

An agent cannot guarantee that a claim will be covered, but you should know what support the agency provides.

Should I read online reviews?

Online reviews can provide useful information about responsiveness, communication, and claims assistance. However, they should be only one part of your decision.

Look for patterns across multiple reviews rather than relying on one unusually positive or negative comment. Referrals from trusted friends, family members, or business associates may also be helpful.

What are warning signs when choosing an agent?

Potential warning signs include:

• Recommending coverage without asking questions
• Focusing only on the lowest price
• Avoiding questions about exclusions
• Providing unclear or incomplete proposals
• Pressuring you to decide immediately
• Failing to return calls or emails
• Asking you to leave information off an application
• Making guarantees about future claims

Insurance applications should always be complete and accurate.

How often should my agent review my insurance?

Your agent should review coverage at least annually and whenever you experience a major change.

Personal changes may include buying a home, adding a driver, remodeling, acquiring valuables, or purchasing a rental property. Business changes may include hiring employees, adding services, purchasing equipment, opening a location, or signing new contracts.

Find an Agent Who Looks Beyond the Price

The right insurance agent should help you understand your risks and make confident coverage decisions.

Contact us today to schedule an insurance review.

Coverage descriptions are general. Actual coverage is determined by each policy’s terms, conditions, limits, endorsements, and exclusions.

The post Choosing an Insurance Agent: Questions and Answers appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Water damage is one of the most common and expensive problems homeowners face. A burst pipe, leaking appliance, overflowing bathtub, or backed-up sewer can damage floors, walls, furniture, and personal belongings.

Does homeowners insurance cover the damage? The answer usually depends on where the water came from and whether the event was sudden and accidental.

When Homeowners Insurance May Cover Water Damage

A standard homeowners insurance policy generally covers sudden and accidental water damage caused by a covered event. Examples may include:

• A pipe that unexpectedly bursts
• A washing-machine supply hose that suddenly breaks
• An appliance that unexpectedly overflows
• Accidental water discharge from a plumbing system
• Water used to extinguish a house fire
• Rain entering through a roof damaged by a covered storm
• Frozen pipes when reasonable precautions were taken

Depending on the policy, coverage may help pay for damage to the house, damaged personal belongings, water removal, and temporary living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable.

Your deductible and policy limits will apply.

Are Plumbing Repairs Covered?

Homeowners insurance may cover the resulting water damage without paying to repair the item that caused it.

For example, if a pipe suddenly bursts behind a wall, the policy may help cover the cost of opening the wall and repairing the resulting damage. However, it may not pay to replace the worn or deteriorated pipe itself.

Insurance is designed primarily for unexpected losses—not routine maintenance or normal wear and tear.

Does Insurance Cover a Slow Leak?

Damage caused by a long-term or gradually developing leak is commonly excluded. Examples include:

• A pipe that has been dripping for months
• Long-term seepage around a bathtub or shower
• Damage caused by worn-out caulking
• An aging roof that has not been maintained
• Ongoing leakage under a sink
• Rot, corrosion, or deterioration

Coverage may depend on whether the leak was hidden, how long it existed, and the specific policy language. Report suspected damage promptly and take reasonable steps to prevent it from getting worse.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding?

Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover external flooding. This includes water entering the home because of:

• Heavy rainfall
• Overflowing rivers or streams
• Storm surge
• Rising surface water
• Rapid snowmelt
• Mudflow associated with flooding

Flood insurance is typically purchased separately. Homeowners outside officially designated high-risk flood zones may still experience floods, so it is worth discussing the exposure with an insurance professional.

Is Sewer Backup Covered?

A standard homeowners policy may exclude or provide very limited coverage for water or sewage backing up through drains, toilets, or sump pumps.

Sewer and drain backup coverage can often be added by endorsement. It may help pay for cleanup and property damage following an eligible backup, subject to its own limit and deductible.

This endorsement should not be confused with flood insurance. The two cover different types of water losses.

What About Sump-Pump Failure?

Damage caused by a sump pump that stops working may not be covered by an unendorsed homeowners policy. An optional water-backup endorsement may provide some protection, depending on its terms.

Check the coverage limit carefully. A lower limit may not be sufficient for a finished basement containing flooring, walls, furniture, electronics, or other valuable property.

Is Mold Caused by Water Damage Covered?

Mold coverage depends on what caused it and how quickly the problem was addressed. If mold develops directly from a sudden covered water loss, the policy may provide limited coverage for remediation.

Mold caused by ongoing moisture, poor maintenance, high humidity, or a long-term leak is generally excluded. Some policies also contain specific mold limits or exclusions.

How to Help Prevent Water Damage

Homeowners can reduce the risk of water-related claims by:

• Replacing aging washing-machine and dishwasher hoses
• Checking underneath sinks and around appliances
• Insulating pipes in vulnerable areas
• Maintaining heat during freezing weather
• Cleaning gutters and directing water away from the foundation
• Testing the sump pump regularly
• Installing water-leak detectors
• Considering an automatic water-shutoff system
• Knowing the location of the main water shutoff
• Repairing small leaks promptly

Some insurance companies offer discounts for qualifying leak-detection or automatic shutoff devices.

What Should You Do After Water Damage?

If water damages your home:

1. Stop the source of the water if it is safe to do so.
2. Turn off the main water supply when necessary.
3. Protect people and pets from electrical hazards.
4. Take photographs and videos of the damage.
5. Move undamaged property away from the affected area.
6. Contact your insurance agent or company promptly.
7. Begin reasonable emergency drying and cleanup.
8. Keep damaged items until the insurer authorizes disposal.
9. Save receipts for emergency repairs and temporary expenses.

Do not delay action while waiting for an adjuster. Most policies require homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage.

Review Your Water-Damage Protection

Water damage coverage varies by insurance company and policy. The best time to discover a coverage gap is before a pipe bursts, drain backs up, or sump pump fails.

Contact our agency for a homeowners insurance review. We can help you understand what your policy covers and discuss options such as water-backup coverage, flood insurance, and higher limits for protecting your home.

The post Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage? appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

One often-misunderstood type of insurance is called “building ordinance and law coverage.”  This kind of insurance provides additional coverage for enforcing building codes updated since your building was first constructed.  Damaged structures may need upgraded electrical, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), roofing materials, fences, and plumbing to meet city codes.

Here are some examples of how ordinance and law coverage has helped a business:

• This coverage provided $20,000 to upgrade windows to meet new environmental standards.
• New codes required the business to install a sprinkler system at the cost of $125,000.
• This coverage provided $11,000 for the installation of handicapped entrances and bathrooms.

Building ordinance and law coverage can have a specific limit based on your needs.  We recommend contacting us to review your coverage and make recommendations to meet your needs.

The post Something Your Business Insurance Might Be Missing appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

A little preventive maintenance now may help you avoid frozen pipes, water damage, heating problems, fires, and other costly surprises later. Use this fall home maintenance checklist to help protect your home, family, and insurance coverage.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, twigs, and debris can block gutters and prevent water from draining properly. When water backs up, it may damage your roof, siding, foundation, or interior walls.

Before winter arrives:

• Remove debris from gutters.
• Check for loose or damaged sections.
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Inspect gutter connections for leaks.
• Consider gutter guards if falling leaves are a recurring problem.

In colder climates, clogged gutters may also contribute to ice dams. These form when melting snow refreezes near the edge of a roof, potentially forcing water beneath the shingles.

2. Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is one of your home’s most important defenses against wind, rain, snow, and falling debris. Small problems can quickly become serious once winter weather begins.

Look for:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Damaged flashing around vents and chimneys
• Sagging areas
• Moss or heavy debris
• Signs of water inside the attic
• Loose branches hanging over the roof

Consider hiring a qualified roofing professional if you cannot inspect the roof safely. Never climb onto a wet, icy, or steep roof.

Remember that homeowners insurance generally covers sudden and accidental damage from covered events. It typically does not pay for deterioration caused by age, poor maintenance, or normal wear and tear.

3. Schedule a Heating-System Checkup

Do not wait for the first freezing night to discover that your furnace is not working properly. A professional inspection can help identify worn components, airflow problems, and safety concerns.

You should also:

• Replace or clean the furnace filter.
• Test the thermostat.
• Clear items away from heating equipment.
• Vacuum dust from vents and registers.
• Make sure exterior vents are unobstructed.
• Have chimneys and fireplaces inspected and cleaned when needed.

Regular maintenance may improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and lower the risk of a heating-related fire.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Homes are often closed more tightly during fall and winter, while fireplaces, furnaces, and portable heaters receive more use. That makes working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms especially important.

Test every alarm and replace batteries when necessary. Replace alarms that have reached the end of their recommended service life.

Your family should also have a fire escape plan that identifies:

• Two possible exits from each room
• A meeting place outside
• A plan for children, older adults, and pets
• The location of fire extinguishers
• Who will call emergency services

A working alarm may provide the extra moments your family needs to escape safely.

5. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

Frozen pipes can burst and release a large amount of water into your home. Pipes located in basements, crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, and unheated areas may be particularly vulnerable.

Before temperatures fall:

• Insulate exposed water pipes.
• Seal openings that allow cold air to reach plumbing.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
• Shut off exterior water lines when appropriate.
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located.
• Keep indoor temperatures at a safe level, even while traveling.

If extremely cold weather is expected, opening cabinet doors beneath sinks can help warm air circulate around the plumbing. A small drip from a vulnerable faucet may also help relieve pressure, but consult a plumbing professional for advice appropriate to your home and climate.

6. Seal Windows and Doors

Gaps around windows and doors allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. They can also allow moisture and pests into the home.

Walk around the interior and exterior of your house and look for:

• Cracked caulking
• Damaged weatherstripping
• Gaps around doors
• Loose window frames
• Cracks around utility openings
• Areas where daylight is visible

Caulking, weatherstripping, and door sweeps are relatively inexpensive improvements that may make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

7. Prepare Your Fireplace and Chimney

A fireplace can make a fall evening feel warm and inviting, but creosote buildup, blocked chimneys, and damaged components can create serious hazards.

Before using your fireplace:

• Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning.
• Check the damper.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
• Keep furniture and decorations a safe distance away.
• Place ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

Never leave a fire unattended, and do not dispose of ashes until they are completely cool.

8. Trim Trees and Remove Yard Hazards

Branches weakened by age, disease, or storms may fall under the weight of wind, rain, snow, or ice. They can damage roofs, vehicles, fences, utility lines, and neighboring property.

Inspect trees around your home and remove:

• Dead or damaged branches
• Limbs touching the roof
• Branches hanging over driveways
• Vegetation blocking walkways
• Leaves that create slipping hazards
• Dead plants located near exterior walls

Large or high branches should be handled by a qualified tree-care professional. Avoid working near power lines.

9. Improve Outdoor Lighting and Walkway Safety

Days become shorter during fall, which means family members and visitors may arrive after dark. Good lighting can help prevent falls and discourage unwanted activity around your home.

Check:

• Porch and entry lights
• Motion-activated security lights
• Steps and handrails
• Driveways and walkways
• Loose pavers or uneven concrete
• Accumulated wet leaves
• House numbers visible from the street

Keeping entrances clear and well-lit is a simple way to improve both safety and security.

10. Store Outdoor Equipment Safely

Patio furniture, grills, gardening tools, and recreational equipment should be cleaned and secured before winter.

Fall is a good time to:

• Store or cover patio furniture.
• Clean and safely store gardening tools.
• Secure trampolines and outdoor play equipment.
• Drain fuel or follow manufacturer storage instructions for lawn equipment.
• Move flammable materials away from heating sources.
• Never store propane cylinders inside the home or an attached garage.

If you use a generator, review its operating instructions before an emergency. Generators should always be operated outdoors and safely away from windows, doors, and vents.

11. Create a Home Inventory

A home inventory is a detailed record of your personal belongings. It can be extremely helpful if you experience a fire, theft, or major property loss.

Walk through each room and record:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Appliances
• Clothing
• Tools
• Jewelry
• Collectibles
• Sporting equipment
• Other valuable belongings

Take photographs or video and save receipts for larger purchases. Keep copies of the inventory somewhere other than your home, such as secure cloud storage.

12. Review Your Homeowners Insurance

Home values, repair costs, and personal belongings can change over time. Your insurance should change with them.

Ask your insurance agent to review:

• Dwelling replacement-cost limits
• Personal-property coverage
• Loss-of-use coverage
• Water and sewer backup protection
• Service-line coverage
• Equipment breakdown
• Flood and earthquake exclusions
• Jewelry and other valuable-item limits
• Personal liability and umbrella insurance
• Discounts for alarms, updated systems, or bundled policies

Do not assume every type of water or weather damage is automatically covered. Flooding, sewer backups, maintenance problems, and gradual deterioration may be excluded or require additional coverage.

Prepare Now and Enjoy the Season

Fall home maintenance is about more than checking items off a list. It is about protecting the place where your family lives and reducing the likelihood of costly disruptions during the colder months.

A few hours spent cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, servicing the furnace, and protecting pipes could prevent a much larger problem later.

This fall, take time to prepare your home and contact your local independent insurance agent for a coverage review. Together, you can identify potential gaps and make sure your protection is ready for the season ahead.

The post Fall Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

For families and business owners, these trends make it increasingly important to review coverage, understand exclusions, and take practical steps to reduce risk. Here are three of the most important insurance topics in 2026.

1. Property Insurance Is Becoming More Focused on Risk Prevention

Wildfires, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters continue to affect property insurance availability and pricing. Insurers are using more detailed information, including satellite imagery, catastrophe models, building characteristics, and geographic data, to evaluate individual properties.

Natural catastrophes are now regularly producing more than $100 billion in worldwide insured losses annually, keeping climate and catastrophe exposure near the top of insurers’ concerns. Markel’s 2026 insurance trend analysis identifies elevated catastrophe losses and climate risk as major factors affecting underwriting.

However, the insurance market is not moving in only one direction. According to Marsh’s Global Insurance Market Index, global commercial property rates declined during the second quarter of 2026 as capacity and insurer competition improved. The best results, however, continued to go to properties with strong risk management.

What property owners should do

Homeowners and business owners should look beyond the premium and ask:

• Is the building insured for its current replacement cost?
• Are flood, earthquake, sewer backup, and equipment breakdown excluded?
• Does the policy include ordinance or law coverage?
• Are roofs, electrical systems, plumbing, and heating systems properly maintained?
• Are wildfire, wind, water, and security protections documented?
• Would the available loss-of-use or business-interruption coverage last long enough?

Preventive improvements may not eliminate premium increases, but they can make a property more attractive to insurers and reduce the likelihood or severity of a loss.

The takeaway

Insurance is increasingly becoming a partnership in risk prevention. Property owners who maintain their buildings, document improvements, and address hazards early may have more coverage options than those who wait until renewal to react.

2. Cyber Insurance Is Becoming Essential for Small Businesses

Cybercrime is no longer only a large-company concern. Small and midsize businesses are frequently targeted because criminals expect them to have fewer security controls.

The threats are also changing. While ransomware remains serious, many losses now begin with an email. An employee may receive a realistic message that appears to come from an executive, customer, vendor, or financial institution. Artificial intelligence can make these scams more convincing by helping criminals create polished emails, cloned voices, and realistic fake communications.

Coalition’s analysis of claims from more than 100,000 policyholders found that business email compromise and funds-transfer fraud accounted for 58% of reported cyber claims. It also found that 71% of funds-transfer fraud claims resulted directly from social engineering. Initial ransomware demands increased 47%, averaging more than $1 million. Coalition 2026 Cyber Claims Report

What cyber insurance may cover

Depending on the policy, cyber insurance may help with:

• Data restoration and system recovery
• Cyber extortion and ransomware response
• Business interruption
• Customer notification
• Forensic investigations
• Legal and regulatory expenses
• Public relations and reputation management
• Funds-transfer fraud and social engineering
• Claims brought by customers or other affected parties

Not every cyber policy automatically includes every one of these protections. Social-engineering and funds-transfer coverage may have separate limits, conditions, or verification requirements.

Security and insurance must work together

Businesses should consider implementing:

• Multifactor authentication
• Regular data backups stored separately from the network
• Employee phishing and fraud training
• Software updates and security patches
• Payment-verification procedures
• Restricted administrative privileges
• A written incident-response plan

One particularly effective practice is to require employees to verify any unusual request to change bank information or transfer funds by calling a known telephone number—not the contact information included in the request.

The takeaway

Cyber insurance can provide financial protection and access to specialized response services, but it should be paired with strong security practices. The goal is not simply to recover from an attack. It is to prevent the attack from succeeding.

3. Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Underwriting and Claims

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of nearly every stage of the insurance process. Insurers are using it to analyze applications, inspect properties, identify fraud, estimate damage, evaluate renewals, assist customers, and process claims.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports that insurers are using or exploring AI and machine-learning models across auto, home, life, and health insurance. In its industry surveys, 88% of responding auto insurers and 70% of responding homeowners insurers said they use, plan to use, or plan to explore these technologies.

AI may help insurers:

• Process applications faster
• Review photographs of property or vehicle damage
• Identify missing information
• Detect patterns associated with fraud
• Provide faster customer service
• Recognize risks before they result in a claim
• Create more individualized underwriting decisions

But greater automation also creates important questions about accuracy, privacy, transparency, and fairness. An incorrect property record, outdated inspection image, or inaccurate consumer report could influence an underwriting decision.

State regulators are therefore emphasizing written AI-governance programs, consumer protection, fairness, and human oversight. The NAIC says insurers remain responsible for complying with insurance laws even when automated systems support their decisions.

What consumers should do

If an insurance decision appears to be based on inaccurate information:

1. Ask the insurer or agent for a clear explanation.
2. Request the opportunity to correct outdated or incorrect records.
3. Provide photographs, receipts, inspections, or other supporting documents.
4. Ask whether a human underwriter can review the decision.
5. Keep copies of all communications.

Technology may make insurance faster, but professional advice remains valuable. An experienced insurance agent can help identify incorrect assumptions, explain coverage differences, and advocate for a more complete review.

What These Trends Have in Common

Climate risk, cybercrime, and artificial intelligence may appear to be separate issues, but they share one important lesson: insurance can no longer be treated as a product that is purchased once and forgotten.

Today’s policyholders need to be more proactive. That means maintaining property, improving cybersecurity, correcting inaccurate information, understanding exclusions, and reviewing coverage regularly.

Is It Time for an Insurance Review?

A good insurance review should address more than price. It should determine whether your policies reflect your current property values, business operations, technology risks, liability exposures, and financial needs.

Consider scheduling a review if you have recently:

• Renovated or purchased property
• Added vehicles, equipment, or employees
• Increased your use of technology
• Started accepting online payments
• Changed vendors or business operations
• Experienced a significant increase in revenue
• Received a large renewal increase
• Gone several years without reviewing your coverage

The insurance marketplace is changing, but preparation still makes a difference. Talk with an experienced independent insurance agent to identify potential gaps, compare available options, and build an insurance program designed for the risks you face today not the risks you faced several years ago.

The post Three of the Hottest Insurance Topics in 2026 appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Not So Common Business Insurance Products For Your Organization

Pollution Liability- Protects against the liability that comes with polluting the environment, including restoration and cleanup, liability for injuries and deaths caused by pollution.

Cyber Liability- Cyber liability is the risk posed by conducting business over the Internet, over other networks or using electronic storage technology. It covers third-party losses from hackers, theft, and the loss of sensitive client or individual personal information.

Directors & Officers Liability– Covers costs, damages, and defense protection to directors and officers of a company resulting from law suits and judgments arising out of poor management decisions, employee dismissals, shareholder grievances, and other such acts committed in good faith.

Employment Liability: Provides protection for an employer against claims made by employees, former employees, or potential employees. It can cover      discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.), wrongful termination of employment, sexual harassment, and other employment-related allegations.

Professional Liability– Insurance that is designed to cover third-party claims, damages, and claims arising out of providing professional advice.  Many firms create legal obligations arising out of a professional’s errors, negligent acts, or omissions during the course of providing services to clients.

We are ready to help you better understand your risks. Please call our office today.

The post Does Low-Cost Business Insurance Really Solve Problems? appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

The Risks of Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks can take many forms, including hacking, phishing, and ransomware. These attacks can result in the theft of sensitive data, such as customer information and financial data, as well as disrupt business operations. The consequences of a cyber attack can be severe, including:

Financial loss: Cyber attacks can result in significant financial losses, including the cost of repairing damaged systems and equipment, as well as the cost of notifying and providing services to affected customers.

Reputation damage: A cyber attack can damage a small business’s reputation, making it harder to attract and retain customers.

Legal liability: Small businesses may be legally liable for damages resulting from a cyber attack, including fines and penalties.

The Benefits of Cyber Insurance

• Cyber insurance can help small businesses mitigate the risks associated with cyber attacks. This type of insurance provides coverage for:
• Data breach notification and response
• Cyber extortion and ransomware
• Network security and privacy liability
• Data recovery and restoration
• Business interruption and loss of income

Why Small Businesses Need Cyber Insurance

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks due to their limited resources and expertise. Cyber insurance can help small businesses:

• Transfer risk: Cyber insurance allows small businesses to transfer the risk of cyber attacks to the insurer.
• Reduce financial loss: Cyber insurance can help reduce the financial loss associated with a cyber attack.
• Improve cybersecurity: Cyber insurance can provide small businesses with access to cybersecurity experts and resources.

Cyber attacks are a growing risk for small businesses, and the consequences can be severe. Cyber insurance can help small businesses mitigate this risk, providing coverage for data breach notification and response, cyber extortion and ransomware, network security and privacy liability, data recovery and restoration, and business interruption and loss of income. By investing in cyber insurance, small businesses can protect themselves from the financial and reputational damage associated with cyber attacks, and ensure their continued success and growth.

The post How To Protect Your Business From Cyber Risk appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Home Insurance Is A Package Policy

Homeowner’s insurance is purchased in a package policy. A package policy means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or a member of your household cause to other people. Homeowners insurance also covers damage caused by household pets.

A homeowner’s insurance policy covers many kinds of accidents and disasters; however, there are some exceptions, such as floods, earthquakes, and poor maintenance (Also known as wear and tear). If you want coverage for floods or earthquakes, you will have to purchase separate policies. Also, maintenance-related problems are the homeowner’s responsibility to address. In fact, keeping up with your home’s maintenance will help reduce the likelihood of a loss in the future. A good example of this is replacing a roof that is showing signs of wear.

Overall it is very important to have homeowner’s insurance coverage that suits your specific needs. You never know when a loss will occur, and you will need the money to cover it.

Remember that standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding, so you will have to purchase that separately through your homeowner’s insurance agent. Discuss all of the possible exposures with your agent, broker, or insurance company.

Replacement Cost

Replacement cost coverage is available for the structure of your home. This allows you to repair the home to the state it was in before the damage occurred. Actual cash value coverage is replacement cost less depreciation. The older your possessions are, the less you will recover from the homeowner’s insurance company.

Renters Insurance

Not only is insurance coverage available for homeowners, but it is also available for renters of apartments or houses. If you rent a house and you have a renters’ insurance policy, you will be covered in the event of a loss. Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive and covers your property, liability, and loss of use of your home due to a covered loss.

 Coverage Types

The standard homeowner’s insurance policy includes four different types of coverage.

• The coverage for the structure of your home is offered by the homeowner’s insurance company. This means that they will repair or rebuild your home in the event of a covered loss.
• The coverage for your personal belongings that you have in your home is also covered by the homeowner’s insurance company. This means that in the event of a claim covered by your insurance policy, your personal belongings can be replaced. Note: It is a good idea to carry replacement cost coverage for your contents. This way, your items are not depreciated if there is a loss. With replacement cost coverage, your property can be replaced with items of like kind and quality.
• Liability protection covers you in case of a lawsuit against bodily injury or property damage that you or your family members cause to another party.
• Additional living expenses if you are temporarily unable to live in your home because of an insured disaster.

All information provided here is for informational purposes only. Each policy is unique, and your claims will be adjusted based on your individual policy terms and conditions.

The post Some Really Good Advice Regarding Your Homeowners Insurance appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Vacation Pre-Planning

• A little work in advance can help reduce the likelihood of bad things happening on your vacation. Here are some things to consider before you leave home:
• Make sure all your insurance is paid and up to date. Having your auto insurance lapse due to nonpayment would not be a good thing while you are driving to Disney World.
• Do not take all your credit cards with you. Take only the ones you will need.
• Create an itinerary of where you are planning to be and on what date. Give this to a neighbor or relative.
• Make copies of passports if traveling out of the country. Give a copy to a relative or friend.
• Never wear anything that projects affluence (i.e. gold chains, expensive watches, rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia). It is best to leave your expensive jewelry at home.
• Never put your home address on your luggage tags. Write your phone number instead.
• Wait until you get home to post your vacation pictures on social media. Facebook is a gold mine for burglars.
• Always lock your car, and never leave anything of value inside.
• Do not use wireless networks in cafes or coffee shops.
• Be aware of animals. In some foreign countries people will place a monkey on you and you have to pay to get it off!
• You will need special auto insurance if you plan to drive into Mexico.
• Separate your money so your spouse has a portion and you keep a portion.
• Do you really want your first motorcycle ride to be in Mexico? Do not rent equipment or vehicles with which you are not familiar.

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In 2025, the Coast Guard counted 4,463 accidents that involved 701 deaths, 2,903 injuries and approximately $49 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Where the cause of death was known, 80% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 83% were not wearing a life jacket.  These are all good reasons to have watercraft insurance.

We know all boaters are busy preparing their boats for spring and summer use. Remember, having the proper boat insurance will help ensure your activities are covered. Here are a few thoughts to help you as you prepare your boat for spring and summer use.

• Have us review your boat insurance to make sure you are covered properly.
• Make sure your boat trailer is insured.
• Inspect your boat before heading out. Check for hull damage and loose fittings.  If the boat has a plug, make sure it fits.
• Check the battery. If it has been a few years since the battery was replaced, it may be time.
• Check all lights and the horn. You may have wiring that needs to be repaired for proper night use. Electrical fittings can be protected with a water-repellant, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor.
• Test all life jackets to make sure they are in good working order.
• Take care of the engine. Flush your engine after every outing, and check everything from your fuel tanks to the clamps on your fuel line for rust, damage or corrosion.  Also, check your oil for correct levels, proper filtration, and cleanliness.
• Check the tires on your trailer.
• Make sure the bilge pump is properly working. Check all fittings and test the pump before use.
• Do some research about boating laws and regulations. You might even consider taking a boating safety course. And never drink and drive a boat.

Remember, we provide insurance solutions for all your boating, RV, motorcycle and ATV needs.

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