Spring break is a time for relaxation, adventure, and fun. It’s a period when students and families take a break from the routine of work and school to enjoy some leisure time, often traveling to new places or engaging in outdoor activities. While it’s important to let loose and have fun, maintaining safety should be a top priority to ensure that your spring break is memorable for all the right reasons. Here are some essential tips to keep you safe and secure during your spring break adventures.

1. Research Your Destination

Before you pack your bags, take some time to research your destination. Look into the local culture, laws, and any travel advisories. Understanding the area you’re visiting can help you avoid unsafe neighborhoods or activities. Also, check the weather forecast to prepare appropriate clothing and gear.

2. Stay Together

Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s important to stick together, especially in unfamiliar places. There’s safety in numbers, and having someone with you can help deter potential threats. Establish a buddy system, ensuring no one is left alone or isolated, particularly at night or in crowded places.

3. Protect Your Valuables

Tourists are often targets for theft, so take steps to protect your valuables. Use hotel safes for important documents and expensive items, and carry only what you need for the day. Consider using anti-theft bags or waist packs that are more difficult for pickpockets to access. Be cautious with your phone and other electronics, as these are particularly attractive to thieves.

4. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

While it’s tempting to indulge in the party scene, excessive alcohol consumption can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to accidents and crime. Drink responsibly, know your limits, and always keep an eye on your drink to avoid the risk of it being tampered with.

5. Stay Hydrated and Use Sun Protection

Spending long hours in the sun, especially if you’re not used to it, can lead to dehydration and sunburn. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and use sunscreen with a high SPF. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

6. Keep in Touch

Let someone know your plans, including where you’re staying and any activities or excursions you’re planning. Check in regularly with friends or family back home. In case of an emergency, it’s important that someone knows where to find you.

7. Be Mindful of Local Customs and Laws

Respect the local culture and adhere to the laws of the country or city you’re visiting. Something that might be legal or socially acceptable in your home country could be forbidden elsewhere. Familiarize yourself with local customs to avoid offending anyone or getting into legal trouble.

8. Prioritize Your Health

Don’t ignore your health while on vacation. Pack a first-aid kit, and know where the nearest hospital or clinic is located. If you’re taking medication, ensure you have enough for the duration of your trip, plus some extra in case of delays.

9. Use Reputable Transportation Services

Always opt for reputable transportation services. This includes official taxis, recognized ride-sharing apps, or public transportation. Avoid unofficial taxis or offers of rides from strangers, as these can sometimes lead to unsafe situations.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to remove yourself from situations that feel unsafe or uncomfortable. It’s better to be overly cautious than to find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.

Spring break should be a time of fun, exploration, and making lasting memories. By following these safety tips, you can minimize risks and focus on enjoying your well-deserved break. Stay safe, and have a fantastic spring break!

The post Spring Break Safety appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

It is the holiday season, a great time for charity events and company parties. These events are a great time and place to gather together to increase employee morale and say thanks, they also can lead to increased liability and risk.

Your commercial or business insurance may provide coverage but if you have any question, it is best to call our office for a review of your business insurance program.

The biggest issue involves the use of alcohol. When business owners host a holiday party and serve alcohol as part of the festivities, liquor liability can be covered by their commercial insurance policy. However, it is always best to check with your insurance agent.

Holiday Party Risk Management

• Limit use of alcohol; offer two drink tickets per person.
• Remind employees via email about your company’s code of conduct and substance abuse policy prior to the party.
• Reinforce the company’s harassment policies prior to the party. Emphasize the company has a zero-tolerance policy for any sort of harassment, including both physical and verbal forms.
• Make sure you have food at your party.
• During the party, monitor alcohol consumption.
• Consider having the party at a restaurant. This is a good way to transfer liability.
• Make the party optional.
• Arrange for cab rides or transportation home for guests who may need it.
• Encourager managers to set a good example.
• Consider inviting spouses, which is a good way to reduce romantic hook-ups.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

The post Don’t Let Your Holiday Party Turn Into A Lawsuit appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible.  There could be coverage if you have personal property off premises insurance.  Also for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc.

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.

Things To Do

• Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
• Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
• These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
• You can insure your packages.
• Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
• Install a security camera.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

• Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
• Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
• Contact the seller. Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
• File a claim with the shipping company.
• Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

The post Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Did you get an ugly tie or sweater last year for Christmas? If this Christmas is a repeat of last year, the good news is that you can exchange the gift for something you can use. However, many other ugly things can happen during the holidays that you may not be able to take back. While the holiday season is a great time to celebrate with family and friends, it can also lead to fire, theft, and losses that will dampen your holiday spirit.

Now would be a good time to have us review your personal insurance to make sure you understand your coverage and provide optional coverage for you to consider.

Typical Holiday Mishaps

House fires – Due to the increased use of electrical cords, home fires rose during November and December. Make sure you use only UL-approved appliances and electrical cords. Do not over-use outlets to string inside or outside lights. If you have a natural tree, keep it watered. Invest in a fire extinguisher, and keep it in the kitchen. The median cost of fire damage due to candles and fireplace claims can be around $9,000.

Theft –Criminals love the holiday season because they know you may have expensive items in your home. Keep your doors locked. Do not place gifts next to windows. It is not necessary to post all your holiday purchases on social media. Criminals love to “like” your posts and then steal your gifts.

Use of alcohol – Resist the pressure to drink or serve alcohol at every social event. Designate a driver before the party begins. Offer non-alcoholic beverages at your party.

We are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates. Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, or life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available at the lowest rate possible.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

The post The Holidays Bring Added Risk? appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Your home or renter’s insurance will provide coverage for theft or loss if you have the coverage. Now would be a good time to call us for a free personal insurance review. Whether you are holiday shopping at the mall, online, or a little of both, keeping yourself and your personal information safe is important.  Here are a few holiday shopping safety tips:

Holiday Shopping Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock your shopping bags in your trunk.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Never leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
• Always park in lighted areas. DO NOT park in remote areas.
• Shop with a friend.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.

We work to ensure that your personal insurance provides the protection you deserve and need.  We understand you may need different coverage like a personal umbrella, RV insurance, valuable articles coverage, earthquake, or flood coverage.

Over the years, we have found that homeowners who adhere to the following strategies have a better chance of obtaining the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.

Our trusted insurance professionals are here to help you with every step of the insurance process and can design a personal or commercial insurance policy to fit your needs. One of the insurance professionals will work closely with you to ensure that you receive the individualized attention you deserve.

The post How To Shop Safely This Holiday Season appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Keep your policy current, review and update it on a regular basis with your agent.

Examine your policy every few months to see whether your business requirements have changed. Talk to your agent about the policy at least once or twice a year. This can assist you in safeguarding your interests.

Take Precautions to Safeguard Your Business

It is critical to ensure that your company is a safe and healthy place to work. Keeping things orderly, wiping up spills, and repairing any damage may go a long way – and could even help you save money on your insurance.

Reduce the chances of a customer being injured in order to cut down on claims.

The less likely consumers are to get injured and file a lawsuit, the safer your store is. Maintain a clean environment for consumers by keeping aisles clear, walkways clean, and spills cleaned up.

Do you want to work from home? Your homeowner’s insurance may not protect you

You probably still need commercial business insurance if you’re one of the millions of Americans who run a          home-based business. Exclusions for home-based companies are common in homeowners insurance plans. Make sure to double-check your coverages and exclusions with your insurance broker.

Work with your agent to find the best commercial insurance for your company.

Your agent is an excellent first line of defense against purchasing incorrect insurance. You’ll want to pay close attention to what they recommend so that you can receive the greatest commercial insurance policy for your company’s needs.

Ensure that the most crucial areas are covered.

Clients may rest assured that all of their major insurance needs will be covered when they choose our agency. Contact one of our representatives today to determine the appropriate level and type of insurance coverage for your company. This would include property, cyber liability, EPLI, liability, and excess liability coverage.

Oakwood Insurance operates as an independent insurance agency, selling an extensive spectrum of insurance to businesses, families, and individuals.  Our competitive advantage comes from the objective and professional service that we provide our access to a wide range of carriers and our extensive knowledge of the insurance marketplace.   This information in to be considered general in nature. All claims will be settled based on your actual policy terms and conditions. 

The post How To Get The Most Out of Your Business Insurance appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

• Make Sure That You Are Dealing With A Licensed Insurance Agent – Insurance companies and agents are both required to be licensed by the state, and their information may be found online at the state’s insurance department. Most state insurance departments have resources online to aid you in choosing the correct insurance and ensuring that the person or organization you’re dealing with is an expert in that field.

• Examine Your Automobile Limits – If your policy limits are less than $100,000, you won’t be able to cover your medical expenditures in the event of a major accident. Anyone with any assets or income to protect should get minimum liability coverage of $500,000 to $1 million or more.

• Look for Discounts – Many insurance firms offer a 10% or higher discount to customers who have other insurance contracts with them (such as auto or RV insurance). Consider getting an insurance quote from the same company that provides your homes insurance for other forms of insurance. You might be able to save money by bundling.

• Recognize The Risks And Coverage You Require – Every property is unique and comes with its own set of risks. The type of insurance required will also be determined by whether the property is utilized as a primary residence, a long-term or short-term rental, or a condominium. In general, homeowner’s insurance is intended to protect against dangers beyond the owner’s control, such as rain, wind, fire, vandalism, pipe bursts, falling objects, theft caused by broken glass, and so on.

• Keep a Home Inventory — Keeping an accurate inventory of your personal belongings will help you recover faster in the event of a loss.

• Bundle Your Insurance – Save money by combining your vehicle, house, and umbrella policies with one insurer.

• Choose the Right Deductible – A greater deductible lowers your premium, but you’ll be responsible for more out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. If you have a clean driving record and no accidents, you might choose to take a chance and pay a higher premium. The benefit for taking this risk might be as much as a 40% discount.
• Consider Identity Theft — One of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States is identity theft.
• Read Your Policy – I’m not referring to the 1-2 page Declarations Page that serves solely to demonstrate coverage, but rather the 20-30 page insurance Binder or Policy that provides the specifics of the coverage and exclusions. Nobody enjoys reading insurance policies, so don’t be surprised if you don’t comprehend them.
• Purchase from a financially stable business — Your insurance coverage is only as good as the firm that backs it up. The insurance firm should be rated “A+” or better.
• Be willing to make changes as your lifestyle and requirements evolve.

The post 2022 Insurance Planning appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible.  There could be coverage if you have personal property off-premises insurance.  Also for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc.

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.

Things To Do

• Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
• Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
• These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
• You can insure your packages.
• Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
• Install a security camera.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

• Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
• Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
• Contact the seller. Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
• File a claim with the shipping company.
• Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances. We are happy to help you through your claim and help you determine the best course of action.

In 1989, Oakwood’s founder, Bruce L. Sogn, set out to establish a business that would give him the opportunity to serve the community and to fulfill a need in the marketplace. Today as an independent insurance agency, Oakwood does just that.

After researching the insurance industry, he found that by becoming an independent insurance agent, he could offer a comprehensive range of insurance products and services to his clients. By maintaining focus on competitive products, Oakwood has kept its commitment to service, professionalism, and the highest integrity.

The post Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.

Homeowner’s Insurance

If you over-celebrate and do have a loss or damage, please call our office. It is very likely that the claim would be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.

General 4th of July safety

Be a safe swimmer. Water sports and fireworks are two of the biggest pastimes for the Fourth of July celebrations, and these are both linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. Never swim alone, and make sure that kids’ water play is adequately supervised at all times.

Be a safe boater. Never consume alcohol while driving a boat. Set water safety rules for your family and passengers.

Use alcohol responsibly. Alcohol and fireworks can be a hazardous and dangerous combination.

Use sunscreen. At the start of summer, skin is especially tender, so use a high SPF.

Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.

Remember your pet. They are not used to all the fireworks, so keep them inside.

Grill safely. Before you use your grill, make sure all hoses are secure and leak-free. Never grill inside. Keep grill away for al structures.

Fireworks Safety

• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Only use legal store-bought fireworks.
• Don’t point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others.
• Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid far away from fireworks.
• Read labels and carefully follow directions.
• Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire-resistant.
• Don’t attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
• Teach children to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch fire.
• Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also, keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.

The post July 4th Safety Tips appeared first on Oakwood Insurance Agency.