Mortgage origination often entails considerable legwork and processes, however most of this work has been either automated through technology or makes use of digital solutions.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with obtaining homeowners insurance. The conventional method of managing insurance for mortgages is sluggish, inundated with manual tasks, and brings about considerable challenges, especially when related to closing on time.

Problems with Traditional Insurance Processes

Everything is dependent on the borrower. They must obtain multiple quotes on their own, enduring the stress associated with shopping for prices. It's not only time consuming, but a major point of stress to the borrower.

They must have all of the details associated with their new home and be able to quickly and accurately provide it to not one carrier but several in order to obtain comparable quotes.

Understanding insurance jargon, limits, and premiums comes as another point of stress to the borrower. They are left doing the comparison on their own.

After they’ve provided the required information, the borrower then must wait for quotes to trickle in before they can make a selection.

The Big Impact of Simplified Insurance Processes

Now, imagine what it could mean for your business if these challenges disappeared. Seamless integration eliminates setbacks or obstacles. Increased ease in acquiring homeowners insurance ensures a smooth flow throughout the experience. This underscores the potency of streamlined insurance processes. Here's what it can do:

Saves time: With smarter ways to handle insurance, everything gets done much quicker. Instead of the borrower having to wait for multiple quotes to roll in from multiple carriers and then decipher the insurance details on their own, they are presented with an apples-to-apples comparison. The borrower can then make a quick selection. That means less waiting and a faster mortgage process overall, ensuring loans closing on-time.

Less Mistakes: Automated systems make fewer mistakes, so there are fewer errors in the paperwork. That means less stress for everyone involved.

Happier Customers: When things move smoothly and deadlines are met, customers are happier. Instead of waiting for the carrier to send the documentation to the borrower and then the borrower having to upload proof of coverage, you are updated in real-time once they lock-in homeowners insurance.

Saves Money: By using smarter systems, companies can save money by cutting down on extra staff and avoiding costly errors.

It's about using the latest in cutting-edge technology to make everything easier. Here's what companies, such as Covered, offering streamlined insurance solutions do in mortgage origination:

Apples-to-apples comparison: We are a digital insurance marketplace featuring 40+ A+ rated carriers. Your customer can quickly and easily provide their information and return quotes from several carriers at one time in one place.

We take the burden out of your borrowers hands: We make it simple to shop, bind, collect and check insurance documents, saving a ton of time and hassle.

Everything Works Together: Our systems are designed to fit perfectly with the rest of the mortgage process, avoiding mix-ups and confusion.

Savings of time: By utilizing an online insurance marketplace, the closing gap can be minimized by up to 3 ½ days, ensuring closings take place as scheduled.

Streamlined insurance processes take the pain out of the closing procedures for mortgage companies. They're a game-changer, making everything faster, less stressful, and more satisfying for everyone involved. Choosing this modern approach isn't just a good idea; it's a smart move to stay ahead in the competitive mortgage world.

If you want to know more about how our streamlined insurance solutions can supercharge your mortgage business, 

Mortgage

InsurTech

Revolutionizing Mortgage Origination: The Impact of Streamlined Insurance Solutions

The Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) latest 

, covering the period from October 1 to October 31, 2023, provides a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of forbearance in the mortgage market.

 is a process established for borrowers that can help tremendously if they are struggling to pay their mortgage. Servicers and lenders can arrange for their borrowers to temporarily pause payments or make smaller payments toward their mortgage. The borrowers who take advantage of this process will still owe the entire amount of the original mortgage and will have to pay the difference at a later time.

Key findings from the Loan Monitoring Survey indicate a decrease in the total number of loans in forbearance and a shift in the reasons behind homeowners seeking forbearance. These trends make it quite evident that the mortgage landscape is evolving. This blog post delves into the survey's key insights, shedding light on the trends and challenges facing homeowners, lenders, and the broader housing market.

One of the noteworthy findings from the survey is there has been a decrease in the total number of loans in forbearance, dropping from 0.31% in the previous month to 0.29% as of October 31, 2023. This decrease is a signal of a potential economic stabilization with homeowners being able to afford their mortgages at higher rates going into the holiday season.

An intriguing shift highlighted in the survey is the change in the primary reasons for seeking forbearance. For the first time since MBA began tracking in October 2022, temporary hardships such as job loss, death, and divorce now represent a larger share (45.4%) than COVID-19-related hardships (43.3%). This shift is expected to continue as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac phase out COVID-19 as a reason for delinquency starting in November 2023.

Examining forbearance across different loan types, the survey indicates that the share of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans in forbearance remained unchanged at 0.18%, while Ginnie Mae loans decreased by 5 basis points to 0.52%. Additionally, the forbearance share for portfolio loans and private-label securities (PLS) decreased by 3 basis points to 0.32%.

Breaking down forbearance by stage, 45.1% of total loans are in the initial forbearance plan stage, 47.0% are in a forbearance extension, and the remaining 7.9% are forbearance re-entries, including re-entries with extensions.

The survey sheds light on the outcomes of forbearance exits, with 29.4% resulting in a loan deferral/partial claim and 17.7% representing borrowers who continued to make their monthly payments during their forbearance period. Notably, 18.3% exited forbearance without a loss mitigation plan in place, while 16.1% resulted in a loan modification or trial loan modification. These numbers provide insights into the varied paths homeowners take post-forbearance.

The survey also highlights regional variations in loan performance, with states like Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and California showing the highest share of loans that were current. Conversely, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, West Virginia, and New York are identified as the five states with the lowest share of current loans.

As the housing market continues to adapt to changing circumstances, Covered Insurance is here to help your borrowers navigate these shifts. We understand that the easiest way for your customers to avoid needing mortgage forbearance and reducing their mortgage payments is by finding cheaper homeowners insurance. Reach out to a member of Covered’s Partnership Team to discuss ways that you can help prevent your borrowers from needing mortgage forbearance and deliver financial well-being. 

For those interested in a more in-depth analysis, the full report can be accessed on the MBA's website at 

Financial Health

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Mortgage Forbearance

Financial Wellness - What it is and How to Attain It

Financial wellness (or well-being) is a popular topic these days. The economic and financial uncertainty of recent years has placed more focus on the necessity to gain control over our financial security and offers us peace of mind when we achieve our financial goals. 

Financial wellness is a state of being wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life.

What are the four key elements of financial well-being? 

Having a good relationship with money and a positive mindset 

Having clear plans to achieve your goals 

Regaining control of your day-to-day finances 

Having the ability to withstand financial shock

6 Tips to Keep Your Financial Health In Check

: 50 percent of your income for needs (mortgage/rent, food, clothing, and so on), 30 percent of your income for wants (travel, entertainment, dining out), and 20 percent of your income for savings and paying down debt.

 - Your credit score is the metric used to determine your creditworthiness. It can range between 300 to 850 and is based on your credit history. It monitors how much credit and debt you carry, and whether you pay your bills on time. 

Maintaining a 670 or higher matters and impacts even the insurance rate

 you're going to pay on auto, home, or renters insurance.

. It’s the amount of monthly debt payments you owe (student loans, car loans, credit card debt) divided by your gross monthly income. If your debt becomes more than your income, it will make it harder to borrow money or even offer a mortgage.

- An emergency fund is a necessity. Experts recommend having 

 for emergencies. However, be certain to strike a balance between saving for emergencies and investing for money growth; while still having access to it in case you need it.

- Only 37% of retirees in the United States say they have no retirement savings. It’s why you must figure retirement savings into your financial wellness plan. 

, and reassess your retirement plan periodically.

 - Consider what types of insurance you may need to offer peace of mind, and 

 on how you not only prepare for the future with life insurance or long-term care insurance but also review what you are paying now and find eligible discounts to apply and ensure money spent on insurance may make more sense going back into your savings or for paying off debt. 

Get Started Adding an Insurance Assessment to Your Financial Wellness Plan

Contact your Covered Insurance Advisor to receive unbiased insurance counseling and a complimentary policy review today! Call 

Savings Strategies

Financial Wellness - What It Is And How to Attain It

Purchasing a new home is exciting. You’ve finally found a home to call your own, and goodness, did you learn a lot about the home-buying process. Now you get the possibility of learning what's involved with a home inspection.

There is no need to be alarmed, as a home inspection is a very standard practice where insurance carriers do a check to make sure your home carries a safer risk against the possibility of filing a claim or carrying unnecessary liability.

The process of having a home inspection done for insurance purposes may vary depending on the specific insurance company and the type of insurance you are seeking. However, there are general guidelines for what you can expect.

 If a home inspection is required, the insurance company will typically arrange for an inspector to visit your property. They will schedule a mutually convenient time for the inspection.

 Before the inspection, make sure your home is in good condition. Clean up any clutter and ensure that all areas of the property are accessible, including the basement, attic, and crawl spaces. It's also helpful to gather any relevant documentation, such as proof of recent upgrades or renovations. 

If you have a pet like a doggie in the backyard, it is prudent to put up signage along your exterior facing fence.

During the inspection, a qualified inspector will assess various aspects of your home, such as the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), roof, and overall safety features. They will also evaluate the condition of the property and identify any potential hazards or risks.

 After completing the inspection, the inspector will provide the insurance carrier with a detailed report outlining their findings. The report may include information about any issues or deficiencies discovered during the inspection.

 Once the insurance company receives the inspection report, they will review the findings to determine your eligibility for coverage. They may consider the overall condition of your home and any necessary repairs or upgrades. Based on their assessment, they will decide whether to offer you insurance and at what premium.

 If the inspection report reveals any significant issues or concerns, the insurance company may require you to address them before providing coverage. In such cases, you may need to repair or replace certain systems or components of your home to meet their requirements.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures can vary between insurance companies. Some insurers may not require a home inspection for certain types of coverage or may rely on alternative methods, such as virtual inspections or self-assessment questionnaires.

The Covered Team is available to answer your questions about what to expect should your insurance carrier require a home inspection prior to locking in your policy. You can 

 so you can be completely in the know when it comes to understanding the specific process and requirements of a home inspection.

Homeowners Insurance

Home

What To Expect During A Home Inspection

For the everyday consumer, insurance is an integral part of what protects us against the unexpected. Most of us know what types of insurance they need such as home insurance, auto insurance, and much more. All of these insurance types cover different things in our lives that mean a lot to us both personally and financially. Though the reasons WHY consumers need insurance remain consistent, the ways that you acquire insurance can range substantially. Historically, many consumers gained insurance through shopping from multiple carriers and talking with an agent. New ways of obtaining insurance have come to the forefront as consumers are becoming more comfortable with transactions online. These new ways of obtaining insurance are embedded insurance and digital insurance.


What are Integrated Insurance and Digital Insurance?

Integrated insurance and digital insurance are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. Understanding the differences between these two types of insurance is important when considering which option is best for you.

Integrated insurance refers to insurance that is included as a part of another product or service. For example, when you buy a new smartphone, it may come with a warranty that covers repairs or replacements in the event of a malfunction. In this case, the warranty is a type of an insurance integration. This type of insurance is designed to provide convenient, seamless coverage for the customer. Because it is integrated into the product or service, there is no need for the customer to go through the hassle of purchasing a separate insurance policy.

Digital insurance, on the other hand, refers to insurance that is sold and managed entirely online. This type of insurance often involves the use of technology, such as mobile apps and websites, to purchase, manage, and file claims. Digital insurance can be used to provide coverage for a wide range of products and services, including traditional insurance policies like car insurance, home insurance, and health insurance.

Why should I integrate insurance into my current offerings?

Convenience: With integrated insurance, there is no need to go through the hassle of purchasing a separate insurance policy. The coverage is already built into the product or service, making it convenient and easy to use.


Seamless experience: Because integrated insurance is placed into the product or service, the customer's experience is seamless. There are no separate policies to manage, and no need to worry about different insurance providers.

Increased value: Integrated insurance often adds value to the product or service by providing additional coverage and protection. This can be especially beneficial for expensive items like smartphones, laptops, and other electronics.


More targeted coverage: Integrated insurance is designed to provide coverage specifically for the product or service it is included with. This means that the coverage is more targeted and tailored to the customer's needs.


Overall, integrated insurance is a great option for customers who want convenient, seamless coverage that is integrated into the products or services they use. While digital insurance is also a valuable option, integrated insurance provides a level of simplicity and convenience that is hard to beat.

Interested in how you can embed multiple insurance options into your offerings? Chat with a member of our Partnerships Team today! 

We would love for you to stay connected! Follow our socials to keep up with all the Covered happenings here → 

A Guide to the Differences between Integrated Insurance and Digital Insurance

Customer engagement will continue to be a top priority for businesses across industries. With competition heating up in the marketplace, businesses must be proactive in their customer engagement strategies to stand out and retain loyal customers. One strategy that should be at the top of your list is insurance.

Insurance is often overlooked as an important part of a customer engagement strategy, but it can provide immense value to both customers and businesses. Here are some reasons why insurance should be a focus within your customer engagement strategy in 2023.

Insurance provides peace of mind to customers, knowing that they are protected in case of unexpected events. Whether it's home insurance, car insurance, or insurance for recreational purchases (think motorcycles, boats, etc.), customers want to know that they are covered in case of an accident or emergency. By offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy, you can provide that peace of mind, build trust with your customers and help them on their journey to finding financial wellness.

In a crowded marketplace, it's important to differentiate your business from competitors. Offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy can set you apart from the competition. Customers are more likely to choose a business that offers insurance because it shows that the business cares about their well-being and is willing to go the extra mile to protect them.

Offering insurance can also be a revenue stream for your business. By partnering with an insurance provider, you can offer insurance policies to your customers and earn a commission on the premiums paid. This can be a win-win for both your business and your customers, as they get the insurance coverage they need and you earn additional revenue.

By offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy, you can increase customer loyalty. Customers who feel protected and valued are more likely to remain loyal to your business. Additionally, if you offer insurance policies that cover multiple areas of a customer's life, they are more likely to bundle their policies with your business, which further increases their loyalty.

Insurance can also help reduce risk for your business. By offering insurance policies, you can transfer some of the risk associated with unexpected events to the insurance provider. This can protect your business from financial losses and help you manage risk more effectively.


In summary, insurance should be in your top 3 customer engagement strategies in 2023. It provides peace of mind to customers, sets you apart from competitors, can be a revenue stream for your business, increases customer loyalty, and reduces risk. By offering insurance as part of your customer engagement strategy, you can provide valuable benefits to your customers and build a stronger, more resilient business.


Implementing an insurance marketplace within your current workflow is easy and doesn’t cost you a thing! Reach out today to Covered’s Partnerships Team to learn more. 

5 Reasons Insurance Should Be Included in your Customer Engagement Strategy

6 Easy Things To Do To Extend Your Car’s Life

Spring is on and we're all gearing up to get back out out there for warm weather roadtripping.  Well, before you strike out on the highways and byways, be sure to do a little maintenance on your car to ensure a safe, relaxing drive.

Think about it. There is a lot involved for ensuring long drives are stressless and worry-free. The last thing you want is to deal with finding a mechanic in an unfamiliar town and having to pay for repairs you probably didn’t budget for! Even more importantly, regular car maintenance is the key to helping your car last a long time.

Today’s cars are pretty well-built. They routinely last well beyond 100,000 miles — a milestone that used to be a big deal. Now, you can prolong the zip of your vehicle by taking advantage of the change in season to do a little regular maintenance. The best part is once you’ve done these tasks often enough, they’ll become a habit. And that habit will save not only your car, but also your hard-earned money. 

So without further ado, here are 6 things you can do to help your car live a longer, happier life.

#1 De-Winterizing: Spring Cleaning for Your Car

The change of season is a good time to think about three key de-winterizing tasks: 

changing your wipers, thoroughly washing your car, and changing up your coolant

 may seem vain or silly. But it really does help prolong the life of the body and exposed parts of your vehicle. Make sure to wash the tire wells and undercarriage, which can carry salt and other winter road compounds that eat away at your car’s parts.

 tend to get dry and brittle in the winter months. Now’s a good time to replace them, especially if they aren’t clearing the window like they used to.

coolant often needs changing from winter to summer

. In the winter, you’re avoiding letting things freeze over. In the summer, the radiator has to work overtime to keep the engine cool. Now is the perfect time to check, and possibly replace, your coolant.

Your car requires several different fluids to keep going, including radiator fluid, transmission fluid, and of course motor oil. This is as good a time as any to make sure all of these are in good shape. They may need topping off or complete replacement.

Oil changes may be needed more regularly than four times a year, of course, as the rule of thumb is getting the oil changed every 3,000 miles. After 5,000 miles, you definitely need an oil change.

Remember, that dipstick in the engine is pretty useful! Pull it out, wipe it off, put it back in for a couple of seconds, and then remove it. See how much oil is in your engine, and how clear it is. If the oil is very dark, you’re overdue for a change. If the oil is low, add more pronto. If you’re not sure which type of oil (e.g., 5W30, 10W30, High Mileage) to use, 

#3 Battery and Tire Checks: Your Car’s Heart and Feet

While car batteries use different chemicals than your smartphone, they also have a certain lifespan. Your car’s battery will need replacing several times throughout its life.

Though your battery should last a while, when it’s dead, it’s just dead. It’s a good idea to buy a simple testing device to check your battery, or have a shop test it frequently to see how it’s doing.

Then there are your tires, which are absolutely critical to getting the most efficiency out of your car. 

Unbalanced tires can reduce gas mileage, affect steering, and be bad for your suspension

. Fighting your steering as a result of uneven tires can even impact your vehicle’s body as you work to correct the car’s direction.

The good news is that you can check the wear on your tires with little grooves on the tires themselves that are called, appropriately, tire wear indicators. Do an online search for your tire brand to help you spot them easily. Then, make a habit of checking the indicators every month to make sure the tires you’re driving on are still safe. If a tire is worn to 2/32 of an inch, you need to replace it as soon as possible. 

Quick Tip: Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln's head facing you. If his head disappears into the tread groove, your tire is in good shape. Anything beyond that and Lincoln's head is in full view indicates you're no longer within the 2/32 threshold on wear and it's time for a tire replacement. 

You may not think about your alignment regularly, but you can tell if it’s out of whack. If your car is pulling to one side or the other, it increases driver fatigue and wears down your tires faster. 

The time between winter and summer is also prime pothole season, which can knock things out of alignment

. That’s why it’s important to make this a regular part of your vehicle checks. Properly aligned tires will also save you money on gas. So have a pro take a look at your alignment when you take your car in for a fluid check.

#5 Brakes: The Foundation of Safe Driving

If you wind up unable to stop your car, all the preventive maintenance in the world won’t fix a wreck. If brakes are feeling “mushy” or take several stomps to slow down, get your car to a shop sooner than later. Worn brakes aren’t a difficult fix, but the consequences of them being unavailable when you need them… should be obvious!

You may not think of your car’s manual as bedtime reading material. Still, it’s a good idea to at least browse through it to see which parts are recommended for routine maintenance. Checking and maintaining stuff like belts and spark plugs, getting tire rotations, and checking fluids are all part of owning a car. In fact, it’s good to budget money for routine maintenance every year so you don’t put it off. A simple fluid change could save you thousands of dollars in later repairs.

One big factor that can affect your vehicle’s mileage and even power

 is the air filter. Since there’s so much added particulate matter in the warmer months (thanks, pollen!), be sure to check your air filter by fall at the very latest.

Your Handy-Dandy Car Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of items to keep an eye on regularly:

Spring Maintenance for Your Auto Insurance?

Another way to take great care of your car? Making sure it’s insured properly! Talk to one of Covered's Insurance experts at 

. We can do a complete check on your auto insurance coverage to make sure your car, truck, or other vehicle is protected at the optimal level for warm weather cruising!

Car Guide

Auto

3 Unexpected Ways to Save on Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is a necessity. There is no getting around it. Repairs and damage on a home can get costly, regardless if you own the home or you carry a mortgage. Leaky pipes, storms, falling trees, the list goes on for potential hazards to a home inside and out.

However, just because homeowner’s insurance is required, it doesn’t mean you should be overpaying on it either. The savings are there. You just need to take a bit more time finding them with your 

, but you will be happy you did in the long term.


 will help you save on your homeowners insurance, but did you know about some of the lesser known ways?

Here are 3 often overlooked ways to save on your homeowners insurance.


1) Living in a gated community and/or being part of a homeowners association

Do you live in a gated community or did you recently move into one? Are you part of a homeowners association (HOA)? 

You may be missing out on additional discounts on your homeowners insurance

. Gated communities make it difficult for thieves to access homes thereby providing added security and deterring theft. HOAs provide similar perceptions of security and due to the stricter property maintenance standards, homes are typically well-maintained. These two scenarios are attractive to carriers as it means your home carries a lessened risk than other homes against instances of theft for example. Check to see if either of these applies and check to see if the discount is included on your policy. If you don’t see it, then this is a great time to reach out to your 

 and check the eligibility for applying it to your policy.


Did you make upgrades recently to your home such as installing a security system, upgrading plumbing or electrical outlets and wiring, adding high-tech gas and water sensors, or even upgrading to an impact-resistant roof? 

All of these upgrades can help you qualify for saving on your premium

. Additionally, if you are considering renovations, speak with the team before beginning renovations for advice on maximizing insurance savings.

This one comes as no surprise, as customers carrying a no-claims history or having fewer claims mean insurance carriers are not spending more out than the premium amounts coming into them. Insurance carriers like this a lot and reward those who make few, if any, claims on their insurance. If you are one of the homeowners falling into this category you may be able to reduce your premiums. In fact, a newly added discount reaching up to 20% was introduced for customers 

. It’s not offered by all insurance carriers, so speak with the Covered team to find out if your carrier is offering it in your area.

Interested to Find out if these discounts are included in your policy?

. We are always available to help navigate what your policy includes, or needs to include!

Keeping Safe And Protected Against Tornadoes

Spring is arriving and warmer temperatures are just around the corner. It’s time to start packing away winter wardrobes and shovels, and pull out the shorts, bathing suits, and sandals. Warmer temperatures mean the season for grilling is upon us, but with the changing of the seasons, it also means tornado season is about to begin as well.


Fortunately, your homeowners insurance coverage typically does cover tornado damage and won’t require special coverage like floods or earthquakes for example.

In fact, tornadoes are typically classified as windstorms, so when you have a homeowners insurance policy that is well-built, you can rest assured you’re covered. Policies can also do more than regroup and restore. You can also get help with temporary housing expenses while your home is being rebuilt or repaired. Check with us to find out what you’re protected against on your homeowners insurance policy.

Personal property coverage on the other hand goes beyond covering walls, roofs, and your home. It ensures all of your assets are protected should a tornado wreck havoc on your personal belongings as well. You can get reimbursed or items such as televisions, clothing, and furniture could be replaced. An added benefit of this type of coverage with your homeowners policy is you also get protection from theft, vandalism or other related-weather events like wildfire and lightning.

 and keep track of your valuables should you need to verify the cost and value of your belongings in the event you need to file a claim with your insurance carrier

Know if you are RCV or ACV. RCV is replacement cost value and covers the cost to replace your damaged property and get new items of the same kind, type, and quality, while ACV is actual cash value based on what your property is worth today in the event of a loss. Not sure about which one you have or which one to choose? 

Tornado preparedness is all about having the plan on where to go and what to do before the tornado hits. Check out the tips on being prepared for a tornado:

 - Designate a basement, a shelter room, or the lowest level of your home and choose a spot that is contained in a small area and without windows.

 - Have an emergency kit ready should the power go out and it might be hours before you get it back. Your kit should include being ready for injuries, meal prep, and contain a flashlight, portable radio, and first aid kit

- Ensure your whole family knows your outlined procedures to follow and recognize the sirens so they know when to act.

 - Having a contractor examine your roof and foundation to ensure structures are securely anchored for withstanding damage from a tornado is a safety measure you can take. Retrofitting garage doors, installing high-impact windows, and having entry doors fit with a minimum of three hinges and deadbolt locks all can help improve wind resistance and protect against tornado damage.


When the weather warms and thunderstorms come rolling in, the chances of a tornado forming increase, and although some areas are more prone to tornadoes than others, everyone can still be at risk to be in the path of these destructive storms.

When the potential for tornado exists, a watch is issued

Be ready to act quickly and move to your designated shelter

Check supplies, equipment, and your first aid kit to ensure everything is stocked and ready in the event of an emergency


When a tornado is spotted or the weather radar indicates one is present in the area, a warning is issued.


Sometimes tornadoes are evident being seen off in the distance or approaching, while other times they can be more sneaky with the funnel right above head and no noticeable funnel cloud is seen. To be ready in either scenario, there are tell-tale signs a tornado is near to keep in mind; particularly if you are outdoors and need to seek cover immediately.


Sky and clouds turn a green or blue-green color. Heavy clouds carrying more water droplets are thought to turn a greenish hue and can indicate a tornado is forming

Clouds of debris or dirt are seem more distinctly flying around due to high winds rotating around a funnel cloud

Hail without rain is another key indicator of an impending tornado due to the presence of an intense hail storm that is unaccompanied by rain

There will be an eerie calm before the storm, where wind and storm calm, birds and other animals are no longer seen or heard

The distinctive sound of a freight train where people have reported an intense ground-level roar that sounds similar to a train as winds rotate inside and around the funnel cloud

If it’s evening or night, flashes of blue-green light can be indicative of power lines arcing after being severed by high winds or material flying in the debris field

If you have questions about what is covered under your homeowners or renters insurance policy, reach out to the Covered team and we can help! Simply call 

. We are always available to assist with all of your insurance needs.

Emergencies

Safety

Insurance

Spring is here and it’s time to start prepping for warmer days. 

Spring cleaning means swapping out sweaters and cold weather gear for lighter frocks. Cleaning out clutter and getting outdoors to spruce up the yard or the exterior of your home. It also means it’s the perfect time to do some spring cleaning on your insurance coverage and policies.

You don’t need to be just a homeowner to take advantage of the refresh either. 

Spring cleaning your insurance is a good idea across any personal line of insurance policy.

Evaluating and updating your insurance policy regularly can help you save money, ensure you have adequate coverage, improve service, and give you peace of mind in case of emergencies or unexpected incidents.


Check out these few things to consider in evaluating your insurance this Spring:

1. Verify you can still afford your deductibles

Did your situation change last year presenting an issue to pay the deductible should you need to file a claim? High deductibles on home and auto policies can save you money on your premiums, but what happens if you can’t afford the deductible should trouble happen? 

Get into the habit of annually evaluating

 your ability to pay deductibles across all your policies.

2. Check if you are covered enough or if you are covered too much

Insurance coverage is never the same for everyone

, as each person has unique circumstances and situations requiring personalization on what is protected. Even more importantly, the insurance coverage you purchased in the early days, may not be applicable as the years go by. 

 such as owning more high-value items, changes in lifestyle like getting married or divorced, starting a family, 

, driving more expensive cars, or paying off items you once financed all impact your policy coverage requirements. You may have reduced assets such as selling personal items or downsizing; all of which will necessitate a change in required coverage.


If I’m Refinancing, Can I Switch My Homeowners Insurance?

Ready to get started?