Drew Zagorski

Does your car have an emergency kit?

Are you prepared for a roadside emergency?

All it takes is bad weather, an accident or a flat tire to leave you stranded. You could be commuting to work, taking a road trip or visiting friends and family.

Be ready for the worst-case scenario with a vehicle emergency kit. Whether you can get back on the road or need to wait for help, these five items will help you stay safe (and as comfortable as possible) in the meantime.

Road Flares
Flares alert other drivers that a disabled vehicle is ahead. This can protect you from getting hit if there’s a narrow shoulder, it’s dark outside or you’re in a low-visibility spot. Choose from traditional flares that ignite like a match or battery-powered LED flares.
Jumper Cables
Use another vehicle or a portable jump starter to jump-start a dead battery with these. Read your vehicle’s manual to know where your battery is located, if any specific instructions should be followed, and whether or not jump starting is recommended.
Car Chargers
If you need to call for help or use the flashlight on your phone, you don’t want to discover your cell phone is dead. It’s also a good idea to keep a portable charger or power bank on hand if you can’t use a plug-in charger because your car battery is dead.
Blankets and Warm Clothing
Being stranded in the cold isn’t fun — and it could be dangerous. If you can’t run your car’s heater, have blankets and a spare sweatshirt, hat and gloves on hand to keep you warm until help arrives.
Snacks and Water
You could get hungry if you have to wait a while for the road to clear or for help to arrive. Keep protein bars and other shelf-stable snacks, as well as bottled water, in your vehicle.

Staying safe and being prepared are important while you’re on the road. If you have questions about your car insurance coverage, reach out to get answers.

What’s a home insurance binder?

When you think of binders, you may think of school or work. But home insurance?

Yes, a home insurance binder is a real (though temporary) thing. You can think of it as a temporary driver’s license that gets you on the road while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Insurance binders provide proof of your coverage until your complete policy is done.

Learn more about what a home insurance binder is, why you need one, what’s included and how long it lasts:

What is a home insurance binder?

A home insurance binder is a temporary document that serves as proof of your policy until the underwriting process is complete. They provide details on your coverage. When you receive your complete policy, you no longer need the binder.

Why would you need one?

When you apply for a mortgage, you have to show your lender that you’ve purchased homeowners insurance. A home insurance binder provides proof of coverage until you receive your full policy.

What’s included in a homeowners insurance binder?

This is what you’ll typically find in a home insurance binder:

How long the policy lasts
Information about your insurance company
Deductible, coverage amounts and limits
Type of policy
Hazards you’re protected against (such as weather-related damage, theft and vandalism)

Does a home insurance binder expire?

Insurance binders are generally valid for about a month. Once you receive your final policy with its declaration page, you no longer need the binder.

Have questions about your home insurance? Reach out so we can chat.

Safety Ideas for the Holiday Season

Are you planning to travel or host a gathering this holiday season? While there’s plenty to look forward to this time of the year, unfortunately there’s also a spike in fires, car crashes and other accidents.

As you plan holiday travel or make a to-do list for hosting friends and family at your house, brush up on these safety tips as well:

Home Safety Tips

Don’t leave the stove or fryer unattended. Avoid cooking fires by keeping an eye on in-progress dishes.
If you’re leaving town, tell a trusted neighbor. They can keep an eye on your house and collect your mail.
Use holiday lights with care. Check whether lights are for indoor or outdoor use. Make sure you replace older strands of lights and don’t string lights on a metal tree.
Keep an eye on candles. Place candles on sturdy surfaces, and don’t leave them alone. Alternatively, consider fake candles.
Check your smoke detectors. Replace the batteries as needed.
Seal windows and doors. Keep water from getting in through cracks in your windows, walls or doors.
Schedule a fireplace inspection. If you have a fireplace, it’s a good idea to have a chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace.

Vehicle Safety Tips

Don’t drive while impaired. Have a designated driver in your group, or take a taxi or rideshare home. Remember that driving drowsy is also unsafe.
Avoid distractions. Put your phone away when behind the wheel. Keep children and pets restrained.
Be prepared for inclement weather. Check the forecast before leaving, and make sure you have a windshield scraper if snow, sleet or ice is coming.
Keep emergency supplies on hand. If you get stranded in bad weather or have to wait for roadside assistance, you might need blankets, bottled water, snacks or a flashlight.
Get your car serviced. Have your mechanic check out the tires, brakes and other important components at your next oil change — before traveling for the holidays.

Have questions about your home or auto insurance? Reach out anytime. We’re happy to help.

Introducing Meridian Insurance Group LLC

I am excited to introduce my new business – Meridian Insurance Group, LLC. Thank you to Johnny at JMI Insurance for giving me the opportunity to start my own business as a branch of JMI. This has been a fantastic opportunity for me to partner with a well-respected Insurance Agency that has been in business for over 25 years. I am excited about the opportunity to have my own name and identity for my business while having a top-notch agency behind me.

Look for more blog posts relating to tips, advice and other information that will help you better understand:

How to best protect what matters most to you
How to take care of your home, business and vehicles
Advice on handling claims, and other insurance related questions
And, once in a while, fun information about what’s happening in the community.

I hope you’ll check back frequently, and if we’re not already working together, maybe you’ll give me the opportunity to help you protect all that matters with you through all the stages of your life.