Just a few years ago, taking a trip involved contacting travel agencies, booking hotel rooms and making plans far in advance. Today, however, smartphones and the internet have helped create new sharing services that allow homeowners to connect with travelers and rent out their homes, spare bedrooms or other accommodations for a fee. Airbnb, the most popular of these sharing services, offers a…

You’ve hired a reputable builder, collected paint swatches and selected the siding and now you’re finally ready to start that long-awaited remodeling project. Whether your addition budget is large or small, you are adding to both the value of your home and your exposure to risk. To ensure that your project goes smoothly and that you have the coverage you need, here’s what you need to…

Using a snow blower or snow plow can be the perfect way to give your back a break from shoveling snow. However, it is important to take the proper safety precautions to avoid unnecessary injury while clearing snow this winter. There are some important precautions to take before you begin: Read the operator’s manual that came with your equipment before the start of each winter. Look for items…

Fall is right around the corner, and, as the weather changes, it’s important to prepare your home and identify potential problems before they arise. Consider performing the following annual fall maintenance tasks to ensure your home is safe and ready for the months ahead: Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician. Clean and replace the furnace filter if…

Each year more than 3,275 people die and 15,575 are injured in home fires in the United States. To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basics about house fires. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Heat and smoke from fire can…

Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone. However, home buying is no simple task, and many first-time purchasers fall into common, sometimes costly, traps. So, before you start searching for your dream home, keep in mind the following do’s and don’ts: Do: Get pre-approved. When shopping for a home, it’s important to know what kind of credit you have and your overall budget. In…

Now that many small businesses have adapted to work from home or remote work situations, the cyber liability conversation must be revisited. Many business owners have a cyber liability component of their information security risk management plan. While companies that issue company computers and laptops probably have internal defense, those computers must stay updated. If companies are allowing…

As a homeowner, one of your top priorities is keeping your property and family safe from intruders. With the advent of smart homes and new technology, home security is easier and more affordable than ever. The following are some new technologies that can protect you and your loved ones from criminals: Doorbell cameras—Doorbell cameras are a great way to see who is at the door before you open it…

It’s commonly believed that hands-free accessories are a safe way to use cellphones while driving. However, more than 30 studies show that they are actually no safer than handheld devices. Though hands-free devices are marketed as a way to keep a driver’s hands on the wheel, they present other dangers. For example, many of these devices require a driver to take his or her eyes off of the…

A leading insurance professional organization recently recognized Jim Chalmers, CIC, of Chalmers Insurance Group, Bridgton Maine for dedication and ongoing leadership in the insurance industry. The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) honored Mr. Chalmers for ten years of successfully maintaining the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, denoting significant commitment to…