Whether you plan to do a custom paint job or add a major modification like a supercharger, customizing your car can have insurance ramifications. If you’re enhancing your car, you may be wondering, “Should I call my insurance agent about special auto insurance coverage if I customize my car?” The answer is yes.

Modifications a standard policy will/won’t cover

Most auto insurance companies regard customization/modifications as anything that isn’t offered by the original manufacturer of the car or installed by the dealer as a part of the original sale. Examples of popular modifications drivers make to their vehicles, and which usually require supplemental or separate insurance, include:

• Custom paint job, murals, graphics, or decals
• Electronic equipment like a custom stereo, PC, TV, or video system
• Custom tires, wheels, or spinners
• Custom spoilers, louvers, scoops, or grilles
• Speed enhancements like turbochargers and blowers
• Anti-roll/anti-sway bars
• Added chrome
• Accent/auxiliary lights
• Suspension enhancers/hydraulics
• Fuel pump deletion kits

No matter how you modified your car, it’s important to call your insurance agent. Be specific about the types of modifications you made. While you may be tempted not to tell your insurance agent about your customizations for fear that your premiums could increase, it could cost more if you don’t get the proper coverage. That’s because if there’s an accident, you may not be reimbursed for the enhancements you made to your car. Here’s why:

• A standard auto policy is typically an actual cash value policy: Actual cash value is the fair or reasonable cash price for which property could be sold in the market, in the ordinary course of business, and not at forced sale. It’s the price it will bring in a fair market after reasonable efforts to find a purchaser who will pay the highest price.  When you modify a vehicle, it narrows the market value. The average auto consumer may not value the $6,000 suspension lift kit and rear spoilers and might even associate the enhancement(s) with possible misuse of the auto which limits potential buyers and lowers its market value.
• Depreciation: As modifications get older, very little value is added. Tires depreciate during each use due to wear and tear, and electronic equipment becomes outdated quickly due to short product cycles and new technology enhancements.
• Possible denial of coverage: If you install a kit that turns off the manufacturer’s prevention measures or if you use your vehicle in racing, you could be denied coverage in the event of a loss. Most insurance companies won’t provide coverage if you turn off safety mechanisms in your car or crash while racing — legally or otherwise. This includes damages sustained while test driving your car on a racetrack.

What are my options for retaining the value of my customizations?

Although a standard auto policy will most likely not reimburse the value of all customizations if you need to file a loss claim, call your agent to discuss two possible options that can help retain your customization value:

• Supplemental Coverage: Many insurers offer endorsements that provide supplemental coverage for modifications and aftermarket components on a case-by-case basis.
• Classic/Collectible/Stated V Car Insurance: “Stated cash value” or “agreed value” policies are just as they sound: You and your insurance company both agree on the value of your vehicle and it doesn’t depreciate.

Before you take that car for a spin, just remember: If you modify/customize your car, it’s best to save receipts, take photos, and call your insurance agent to ensure your auto is adequately insured.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.

This blog was written by Wendy Wagner, Personal Lines senior underwriter.

If you live in an older home, chances are some things may not be working as well as they used to. In some cases, problems in your home can lead to unsafe conditions. As a homeowner, it’s important to know the signs that something in your home is unsafe, as it can help protect you and your family.

In this article, we’ll discuss four common signs your home may be unsafe. While this information isn’t meant to alarm you, it’s important for you, as a homeowner, to recognize and understand the signs of danger.

You have pests

Common household pests can pose a variety of safety issues for you and your home. Some pests, such as termites, can cause structural damage to your home. The worse a termite infestation is, the more unsafe the stability of your home becomes. Other pests, such as rats and cockroaches, can carry and transmit harmful diseases.

If you notice these pests in your home, you’ll need to take care of them immediately. Termites may be harder to find and deal with, which is why it’s important to do termite inspections annually. A single rat or cockroach in your home usually isn’t a serious problem, but the longer you leave these pests unattended, the more potential for a real infestation arises.

You get sick a lot

If you notice yourself getting sick frequently, the culprit may be something in your home. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, itchy eyes, runny nose, rashes, and asthma attacks can all come from household issues. Mold growth is common in homes and can contribute to sickness and respiratory problems. Asbestos exposure can also cause these issues, especially in older homes. If these symptoms are common for you in your home, you may want to get it inspected for mold or asbestos.

Your deck is uneven

An uneven deck can be a sign of an unsafe deck. If your deck is unstable, you run the risk of the deck breaking, which can lead to serious injury or death under certain circumstances. Other signs of an unsafe deck include rotted or cracked wood, uneven boards, and unsteady railings. If your deck shows signs of any of these, get it inspected and fixed before the deck fails and causes severe damage.

You notice unusual smells

Persistent unusual smells in your home can be a sign of a gas leak, pest infestation, and more. Gas leaks may smell like rotten eggs. Gas leaks can easily start fires and cause physical symptoms, so if you notice this smell, you need to get it fixed. Other smells, such as rotting or urine-like odors, can be signs of dead animals or infestations. Other common unusual smells are fishy or burning odors, which can be caused by faulty electrical wiring or burns.

There are cracks in your foundation

If the foundation of your home is unstable, you may notice cracks in the interior and exterior of your home. These cracks may be located in your floorboards, sidewalk, bricks, or siding of your home. As your foundation becomes more unstable with time, the worse the problem becomes and the more unsafe your home becomes. If you notice cracks, address the problem immediately.

While most of these issues can cause problems, don’t let them put you into a constant state of fear. An unusual smell every once in a while usually isn’t reason to panic. But being aware of these signs is still just as important. As a homeowner, you should know what your house needs. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be when something goes wrong.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.

Author bio:  Brie Taylor is a freelance writer who is passionate about home improvement and the outdoors. If she isn’t writing, you can find her biking on local trails or working on her latest DIY project.

Keeping your deck looking nice is a tough job. Mother Nature throws a lot of different weather elements at it. As an owner of a cedar deck, I’ve spent plenty of hours trying to keep it looking its best. If summer has been simply too hot or you’ve been putting it off, now may be the time to start thinking about it.

Here are some tips to help you with your project.

Stain vs. paint

No matter what type of deck you have, finishing it with stain or paint will protect it from the weather, and increase its lifespan. So, if you’re wondering what the difference is between the two, here we go!

Stain

• If your deck is brand new, a transparent stain is a good choice. This allows you to enjoy the wood’s natural beauty.
• Stain is usually cheaper per gallon.
• Staining doesn’t require the use of primer and it’s easier to apply.
• Stain does require more regular maintenance.
• Stain works well on newer decks.

Paint

• Paint offers a wider variety of color choices and allows for more creativity.
• Paint lasts longer.
• Paint allows for easier surface cleaning.
• As a deck ages, this becomes a nice option to hide some of the imperfections in the wood.

Sandpaper types

Whether you’re sanding your deck or working on another project, understanding sandpaper grit can help you be more efficient, and provide you with a nice finished product.

• Extra course sandpaper (34 – 36 grit) can be used for difficult jobs where paint and varnish need to be removed.
• Course sandpaper (40 – 50 grit) may also be used for removing finishes, as well as polyurethane.
• Medium sandpaper (60 – 100 grit) can be used for sanding rough wood.
• Fine sandpaper (120 – 220 grit) can be used for work that’s near completion to create the finishing touch.
• Extra fine sandpaper (240, 320, 400 grit) can be used to remove small blemishes or inconsistencies from a finish that has been applied. It won’t remove the finish like a course sandpaper would.

Preparation steps

Before applying your stain or paint it’s important to make sure your deck is properly prepared.

1. Remove debris. Decaying leaves, bird droppings, and berries that have fallen off your trees can make a real mess on your deck. Make sure you give it a good sweep or use a blower.

2. Apply a cleanser. To remove any tough remaining stains thoroughly apply a cleanser. Let it soak for the manufacturer’s recommended time period and then thoroughly scrub it with a stiff bristle brush. When you’re finished, rinse the cleanser from the wood using a garden hose or pressure washer. If you use a pressure washer, be cautious. A high-powered pressure washer can damage the wood. Allow 48 hours for the wood to dry.

3. Apply a stain/paint remover. For the best results, removing the remaining paint or stain is key. However, this process can be very time consuming. To see what options you have, I recommend talking to your local hardware or paint store. Some paints may allow you to go over the old stain/paint without spending a lot of time stripping the wood.

4. Inspect the boards. Before painting or staining it’s important to look for loose nails and screws, as well as imperfections in the wood. If you find loose nails or screws, remove them, and insert new ones. If nail or screw heads are not flush with the boards also consider removing them and inserting new ones. This can help prevent injury.

If you notice large cracks, consider filling them with an epoxy putty. The epoxy can be applied easily with a putty knife. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before sanding or painting. Don’t forget to fill nail holes or rotted wood with putty as well.

5. Sand ridged, rough, or uneven surfaces. Based on your job, refer to the sandpaper types above to effectively carry out this step. Make sure to remove excess dust when you’re finished.

6. Take a little extra time. Using painters’ tape, take some time to properly cover up surfaces that you don’t want painted or stained. This would include your home’s siding, aluminum spindles, and around doors. If you have plants around your deck, consider using a drop cloth or plastic to protect them. However, don’t leave the coverings on for extended periods of time.

7. Caulk the joints. If you have wood joints that don’t come together like they used to, consider using caulk to fill in the space. On my deck, I notice this happening particularly around the posts.

8. Apply paint or stain. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for application. It’s important to monitor temperature and potential precipitation.

As I mentioned, keeping your deck looking good is a tough job. However, the enjoyment and relaxation it can provide is worth it!

Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.

Source

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/painting-vs-staining-a-deck/

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2145-quick-tip-choosing-sandpaper/