Spring is a time for transition - to warmer temperatures, reemerging plants and for homeowners to breathe new life into their homes. Home maintenance is crucial this time of year. Taking the time to address any issues now can help save you from potentially larger and more expensive problems later in the year.

But with so many home projects to consider, where do you start?

Use our checklist before and during this spring season to help keep you organized, reduce potential issues inside and outside your house and keep it safe for you and anyone visiting your home, sweet home.

Want to keep a copy of the checklist handy while you perform these tasks? Download a copy.

Download this checklist

Sources

Statista

HGTV

Family Handyman

Homes.com

Bob Vila

Frontdoor

Fortified

This Old House

By Dan Halsey, president of personal lines at The Hanover. This article originally appeared in Independent Agent in February 2024.

Can you think of an asset more important than your home? To many customers, it’s their most valuable piece of property - their sanctuary, where they spend their time, and where their family comes together. And they want to ensure their home is protected. Home losses come with stress, disruption to daily life, and sometimes, loss of sentimental memorabilia that no insurance policy can replace. 

Independent agents understand the importance of making sure a home is protected. Yet, today’s conditions are causing home insurance to become increasingly inaccessible to homeowners. This market is one many of us have never seen before – causing some carriers to exit states or the personal lines business altogether. As an industry, we must recognize that rate alone cannot solve these problems. 

Let’s reflect quickly on what got us here. We’ve reached a place where the cost to repair or replace continues to increase, but insurance rates haven’t been able to keep pace with these changes. Rates must adjust for these new costs for replacing homes, cars, additional living or rental expenses when a claim is filed. 

Then there’s the weather. Worsening weather patterns are leading to more events across the country, and the higher overall costs to replace items are causing these weather events to be more severe.  And it's not showing signs of slowing down. In 2022, there were 18 separate weather events in the U.S. estimated at more than 1B dollars in loss.

Considering these challenges, it is essential for our industry to adapt and make necessary adjustments to respond to the evolving risk landscape and ensure that we deliver on our promises. While change needs to happen, we do have options to support customers while maintaining a profitable business. 

To keep insurance accessible to individuals and families, the way we think of home insurance must evolve from a maintenance policy to a shared contract that helps customers actively protect their property in partnership with and support from their agent and carriers. And there has never been a time when independent agents can show their true value more than right now.

In order to approach a policy like a two-way contract, customers need a trusted advisor. Agents are uniquely qualified to help their customers understand changing market conditions and related factors, including the value of homes, the increasing costs to repair and replace them following a loss, and coverage adjustments they should consider. At the same time, agents can educate and help customers understand the important role they would play under such a contract.  This includes:

• Taking proactive steps to protect and maintain their property to help reduce their risk of a loss. Such steps include a focus on roof maintenance – the home’s first line of defense against the weather – as well as trimming trees close to the home, clearing gutters to avoid ice dams, and more. Homeowners should also replace older roofs that are more susceptible to failing before a loss occurs. These are simple but important responsibilities of being a homeowner.
   
• Installing risk mitigation devices, such as automatic water shut-off devices, water sensors, electrical monitoring and more. Our research from The Hanover’s 2023 Home Water Damage Prevention Report showed that 60% of consumers are unfamiliar with technology like water sensors. Installation of these devices will become standard requirement as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and independent agents can help drive the adoption of such devices to combat non-weather-related water loss trends, one of the most common homeowner claims.
   
• Understanding coverage adjustments that should be considered. This includes ensuring their assets are insured to value, plus cost-sharing opportunities - like higher deductibles – that will help overall rates but result in higher out-of-pocket payment if there is a loss. Gone are the days when the most common home deductible was $250 or $500, and the average home price was $119,000. Today, 77% of personal lines customers have a deductible of $1,000 or greater according to our internal data. But with Redfin reporting the average price of a home now at $412,000, we once again must continue to shift to higher deductibles to align with higher costs of homes and claims, including utilization of peril-focused deductibles such as wind/hail or hurricane.
   
• Finding responsive, responsible contractors. Many agents have lists of pre-approved contractors who have been fully vetted to help ensure they will do good, high-quality work, helping their customers meet contractors who are qualified and reliable. These referrals to trusted partners help customers feel confident they’re in good hands and reinforce the value of local expertise in the community.

As customers see changes to home insurance in this new normal, it will be important for agents and carriers to partner together to help customers understand how these changes impact them if they have a loss. Independent insurance agents are the linchpin in this process, guiding their customers through these challenging market conditions with care and expertise. This market is an opportunity for independent agents to reinforce what differentiates them from other channels as the trusted advisor customers need to help them protect one of their most valuable assets.

About the author

Daniel Halsey is president of personal lines at The Hanover Insurance Group Inc.

As published in Worcester Business Journal.

As society and companies continue our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) journey, it's important to remind ourselves that DEI is not only the right thing to do, but it is also an important business imperative. Our society continues to become increasingly diverse, and the challenges of a dynamic economic environment require us to develop and embrace new ideas. Companies that succeed in the future will lean into this opportunity in terms of customers and talent.

Numerous recent research projects have demonstrated the strategic importance of employee diversity in three broad areas: performance, innovation, and future talent. A study by McKinsey & Company, a leading management consultant, found that companies with greater gender and ethnic diversity in their leadership generated higher profits and grew at rates above industry averages. These conclusions highlighted the fact that diverse perspectives and experiences at the top of the organization can lead to better decision-making and a deeper understanding of diverse customer segments.

Moreover, a study by Boston Consulting Group, a global firm that partners with leaders in business and society, revealed that companies with above-average leadership team diversity produced a greater proportion of revenue from innovation compared to below-average companies. When different backgrounds and perspectives come together, it fuels creativity, problem-solving, and the generation of new ideas. Embracing diversity in the workplace can unlock innovative solutions and give companies a competitive edge in an ever-evolving business landscape.

The importance of diversity extends to attracting and retaining talent, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Over 70% of job seekers in these generations consider diversity a factor when evaluating a prospective employer. A Deloitte study of millennials found that they would stay longer with firms that appreciate the demands of a diversified workforce. In an era where the war for talent is fierce, creating an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and supported becomes a critical factor in attracting and retaining the best talent.

At The Hanover, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but core tenets of our culture. As the Chief Strategy Officer, I have a unique vantage point to help establish DEI as a strategic imperative and advance our progress. The Hanover has a strong and welcoming culture embodied in our CARE values (collaboration, accountability, respect, empowerment) and this is the starting point for our inclusion efforts. Organizations looking to create inclusive environments need to ensure they have a clearly stated mission with values identified for all employees to live by. Within our walls, we understand that diversity goes beyond mere representation; it involves creating an environment where everyone can thrive, develop, contribute their unique perspectives, and bring their whole selves to work.

 

About the author

Basil Morris is the Chief Strategy Officer at The Hanover Insurance Group, and serves as Executive Sponsor for the company’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Council.

Your roof may be the most important layer of protection against the impact of hail, heavy rain and damaging wind on your home. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, roof-related damage is responsible for 70-90% of total insured residential catastrophic losses.

Avoiding storms altogether may be impossible, but taking these steps can help ensure your home’s roof is in the best condition possible to withstand the weather.

Keep your roof clear

Remove debris that can accumulate on your roof, such as tree limbs, extra dirt, loose objects, moss, algae and anything else that shouldn’t be up there. Be sure to clean out any adjacent gutters and downspouts to keep water off the roof and flowing away from the house.

In addition, safely trim any tree branches hanging over your roof to prevent damage that could be caused by:

• Limbs rubbing or hitting your roof during a windy storm
• Broken limbs
• Debris such as pine needles and leaves

Inspect your roof regularly

Look for any signs of minor roof damage that could turn into major concerns during a sudden weather event, such as:

• Missing/curled shingles
• Sagging areas
• Cracks
• Damage to the flashing
• Rotting wood/insect infestation

If any wear and tear is apparent, make repairs as soon as possible.

Remove winter precipitation

Use long-handled tools, such as a roof rake, to safely remove snow and ice from your roof after every winter weather event. This will take the stress of accumulating snow weight off your roof and prevent additional moisture from getting into roof shingles and small cracks that can cause further problems down the road.

Use calcium chloride ice melt and a roof rake to help avoid ice dams, but if they form, take steps right away to remove them.

Check for interior signs of roof trouble

Look for signs of water damage in both your attic and ceiling, which can indicate an unhealthy roof. Check to ensure your attic is well insulated and has air vents that provide necessary ventilation to discourage ice dams.

Check your ceiling on the top floor for signs of moisture issues, such as water marks. Make any repairs right away to ensure the roof is not sitting on a soggy foundation.

Sources

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Disaster Safety

Build

A small leak may seem like a minor inconvenience, but left unchecked, it could lead to bigger water damage issues. The average length of life disruption from water damage is 3-6 months.

Taking easy, proactive steps, however, can help prevent you from losing lots of time – and money – from significant water damage. Here are some ways to help keep the inside of your home dry.

Maintain interior hoses and pipes

• Check hoses at home every year, including those that lead to your washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher and other appliances.
• Replace any cracked or leaky appliance hoses right away, or after seven years of use, even if no problems have occured.
• Replace rubber hoses with steel braided versions that last longer and are less likely to break.

Understand how to minimize leaks

• Know where your home’s main water shutoff valve is located to minimize water damage if a pipe bursts. It is typically within five feet of where water enters the home.
• Seal and caulk tubs and showers so they are watertight.
• Inspect devices such as washing machines and dishwashers for cracks, bulges or other signs of wear and corrosion.

Install water mitigation technology

• Although non-weather-related water damage is the second most common home insurance claim, only 17% of homeowners own a water sensor, according to a 2023 report from The Hanover. Getting water sensors can help identify an issue before it causes significant damage.
• Once you have the sensors, understand the key spots to place them in your home, such as under the sink, near your washing machine or under a dishwasher. Placing 3-5 sensors in each area is recommended.
• Contact a licensed plumber to help you install an automatic water shutoff device to help minimize water damage. These devices can detect unusual water flow activity, usually caused by a leak, and automatically turn off the water to your house.

Talk to your independent insurance agent to learn more about how to minimize interior water damage. Consider installing water mitigation devices. Hanover policyholders even get a policy discount if they install them.

Learn more about your discount

Sources

Forbes

Insurance Information Institute

This Old House

Roto-Rooter

Collector car ownership has become increasingly popular worldwide with the global classic-car market projected to grow from $30.9 billion in 2020 to $43.4 billion in 2024. Whether they are looking to invest in a classic car or add another one to their collection, it's important for owners of these timeless vehicles to practice the required upkeep to ensure their car remains in mint condition.

Follow these five key tips to learn how to preserve the value of your classic car for years to come.

1. Keep maintenance schedules on track

Regular maintenance checks are important to ensure classic cars stay in working condition. Maintenance checks should include, but are not limited to, checking the engine oil, spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap, rotor, air and gas filters, battery connections, fluid levels and tire pressure. To preserve the life of the engine, consider changing fuel, oil, brake, coolant and transmission fluids, sealing the vents and adding protective compounds.

2. Clean your car regularly

Keeping your classic car clean is essential in preserving its value. To clean the exterior of your vehicle, use a soft rag, automotive soap and finish to remove any road salt, dirt and contaminants. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to keep soap and water out of the lubrication seals. Rinse off the exterior of the vehicle and dry thoroughly to remove any remaining suds and prevent watermarks from appearing.

Wipe down and vacuum the interior to prevent a build-up of dirt and dust. Leather, vinyl and nylon can be cleaned with a dry cloth or cheesecloth with warm water and neutral soap. For fabrics, stay away from water solutions, hazardous chemicals, laundry soaps and bleach – these can discolor and weaken the fabric. Instead, use synthetic detergents, colorless liquids and neutral soaps. After cleaning, use a dehumidifier to dry the inside and ensure no moisture remains.

3. Preserve the paint job

Waxing your collector car is a great way to preserve its paint job and add shine to the exterior. It can also prevent corrosion and oxidation from occurring. Waxing should be done after washing – be on the lookout for any chips in the paint before you begin. If found, a professional detailer can help to repair the damage.

4. Store in safe spaces

Collector cars require additional protection measures to keep them in tip-top shape. Avoid keeping your car outside for extended periods of time, especially in poor weather conditions. Use an outdoor car cover to protect against water and other contaminants, preferably in a soft, breathable material such as cotton. If driven regularly, your car should be kept in your garage when it is not being used.

If you do not drive the car regularly, consider a long-term car storage option. Be sure the storage facility you choose is dry, insulated, ventilated and temperature-controlled to help keep your vehicle in pristine condition. If the building is unheated, place a plastic tarp underneath the car to insulate the undercarriage from humidity.

5. Show it off

Aim to drive your classic car at least once a month for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure the engine is working properly. If not driven regularly, your car’s seals and rubber can dry up which can cause leaks and other problems in the future.

If you store your vehicle for longer than a month, be sure to check for rusted and corroded areas during regular storage upkeep. If found, these areas should be treated with a lubricant right away to prevent further wear.

Are you protected from out-of-pocket costs in the event of a loss or accident? Talk to your independent agent today.

Sources:

Gold Eagle Co

Statista

Veloce Vault

Volo Museum Auto Sales

All products are underwritten by The Hanover Insurance Company or one of its insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates (“The Hanover”). Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to the company underwriting guidelines and the issued policy. This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. For more information visit www.hanover.com.

LC 2023-215

Motorcycle thefts are on the rise – each year, roughly 45,000 motorcycles are reported as stolen in the U.S. and thefts have risen by 26% overall since 2019. As bike owners hit the road, they should take safety precautions to protect their motorcycle and prevent thefts from occurring. By properly parking, locking, and securing their motorcycle, they can help avoid becoming the next victim.

Follow these theft-prevention tips to help keep your motorcycle safe while leaving it unattended.

5 tips for locking your motorcycle

1. Lock your ignition and remove the key. Thefts can occur when the ignition is shut off but not locked.
2. Use a large external lock on your motorcycle’s forks or disc brakes. Locks with brightly colored tags or cords are a useful reminder to unlock your bike before riding.
3. Lock and chain your motorcycle with a high tensile-strength chain and a matching security lock to secure objects that cannot be easily dismantled, such as a light pole. Avoid using weaker objects such as a wooden post or a thin railing.
4. Loop the chain tightly through the rear wheel or frame of your motorcycle and never let it rest on the ground.
5. Lock motorcycles together when not in use if you travel with other riders.

10 additional security measures

1. Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle to alert you when attempted thefts occur.
2. Install a stolen vehicle tracking system to aid in the recovery of your motorcycle if it is stolen.
3. When spending the night at a hotel, motel or inn, park your motorcycle in the view of an outdoor security camera or close to your room.
4. Check your motorcycle periodically while attending an event or large gathering and be aware of suspicious individuals.
5. Never leave your helmet or riding gear with your motorcycle.
6. When at home, park your motorcycle in your garage behind a car or other vehicles and keep the garage door closed. If you do not have a garage, park your motorcycle in a shed or a well-lit area near your home.
7. Cover your motorcycle when it is left unattended. Use a cover with grommets that can be locked in place.
8. Uniquely mark and then photograph your motorcycle. This will be useful to law enforcement if theft occurs.
9. Never store your title (proof of ownership document) in your motorcycle’s storage compartment, tank or saddle bags. The safest place to keep your title is at home.
10. Keep your motorcycle registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride. These items can be stored in a compartment under the seat, in your helmet, jacket or a side bag.

Talk to your independent agent today and check out The Hanover’s motorcycle insurance options to keep you covered while you are on the road.

Sources:

Town of Webster, Massachusetts

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

National Insurance Crime Bureau

San Diego Country District Attorney

Statista

Recreational vehicles (RVs) and campers are great travel options for road trips with friends and family. When operating an RV or camper, it is important to practice safe habits to reduce the risk of fires and driving accidents. In the United States alone, over 4,000 RV fires are reported to emergency services annually, resulting in over $60 million in losses. Additionally, about 75,000 hospitalizations occur every year from RV-related accidents.

Practice these safety tips to properly maintain your RV or camper and keep your loved ones safe, on and off the road.

Preventing a fire

• Install smoke alarms and make sure they are working properly before traveling.
• Do not smoke inside of your RV or camper.
• Stay in the kitchen while you cook and keep flammable items such as paper and plastic products away from the stovetop.
• Check refrigerators, furnaces, ovens and stovetops for propane leaks and keep a leak detector inside the vehicle. Propane should be shut off when it is not being used and any spills should be cleaned up immediately.
• Keep campfires at least 25 feet away from anything flammable.
• Know your safety exits and have all passengers practice a fire escape plan. Ensure that windows can open and close easily. Each passenger should know at least two exits to use in the event of an emergency.
• Never keep camping lanterns and heaters on while you are sleeping.
• Keep a portable fire extinguisher in the vehicle for small fires. Only adults who know how to operate the fire extinguisher should use it.
• Park your RV or camper in safe areas avoiding tall, dry grass that can catch fire easily.

Maintaining your vehicle

• Create a safety checklist to use before you travel including checking the tire pressure and oil, looking under the hood and making sure exterior lights and turn signals are working properly.
• Have the engine checked by a mechanic at least once a year.
• Add tire pressure monitors – tires should be replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture regardless of their appearance.
• Keep up with vehicle maintenance regularly according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Practice safe driving

• Wear your seatbelt while the vehicle is moving. Pull over if you or your passengers need to use the kitchen or restroom.
• RVs and campers should be loaded with passengers based on weight capacity. Keep the weight of towed vehicles, cargo and water tanks in mind and balance the weight accordingly.
• Stow items securely to help ensure they won’t move while the vehicle is in motion.
• Be sure to have plenty of practice operating your RV or camper before traveling, as it is quite different from driving a car or pickup truck. A safe place to practice driving is in an open parking lot or on an empty road.
• Install a backup camera in your RV or camper if it does not have one. While the camera will be helpful for driving in reverse, having someone stand outside the vehicle to check your blind spots is an additional way to stay safe.

Are you protected from out-of-pocket costs in the event of a loss or accident? Talk to your independent agent today and check out The Hanover’s recreational vehicles coverage to see what is right for you.

Sources:

Consumer Reports

Tario & Associates, P.S.

Texas Department of Insurance

U.S. Fire Administration

Warm weather calls for the spring cleanup of lawns and gardens. While yard work may seem simple to complete, it’s important to consider safety risks that can occur, including muscle strains, falls, cuts, burns, insect bites and stings, dehydration, hearing damage and electrocution. Each year, an estimated 143,000 people are hospitalized for injuries related to using lawn and garden tools, many of which are completely preventable when the right precautions are taken.

Follow these safety tips to learn how to prevent yard work-related injuries throughout the spring season.

Before you begin

• Warm up and stretch adequately to prevent pulled muscles and joint pain.
• Wear lightweight protective clothing such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and slip-resistant shoes. Light-colored clothing makes ticks and other insects more visible.
• Apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to any exposed skin. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection to help shield you from the sun’s rays.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing to prevent insect bites and stings.
• Drink water often and keep plenty nearby.
• Have a first-aid kit and emergency medical numbers ready in your home.
• Check for storm warnings and other weather alerts in your area.

While you're working

• Never use electric lawn or garden equipment in wet conditions.
• Remove debris from the lawn such as rocks, metals, glass, sticks and branches before mowing.
• For gas-powered mowers, add gas outdoors when the engine is off and has cooled.
• Avoid slippery or uneven surfaces when carrying yard equipment or debris.
• Use a wheelbarrow when transporting heavy loads – trying to lift them yourself can result in a serious injury.
• Wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when using power tools and lawn and garden chemicals.
• Wear ear plugs while using noisy equipment such as a lawn mower.
• When using a ladder, practice safe placement and avoid areas with obstructions including overhead wires and tree branches.
• Make sure power tools are in the “off” position before plugging them in.
• During weed removal, avoid areas with poison ivy and other toxic plants. If exposure occurs, shower immediately and wash the exposed area with soap.
• Never leave tools unattended or equipment operational.
• Stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen at least every couple of hours.

Practice safe cleanup

• Keep children and pets away from the lawn after a chemical treatment is applied. Store chemicals in a locked and ventilated space that is out of their reach.
• Unplug any tools that are not being used and make sure they are in the “off” position.
• Wrap hoses tightly and tuck them away after use. Let them dry completely before storing.
• Lay ladders on their sides and rakes with the tines facing down.

Sources

City of Lawrence, Kansas Government and City Services

Consumer Reports

Piedmont Healthcare

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

In an increasingly digital world, cybercrime is pervasive with approximately 15 billion spam emails crossing the internet daily. Phishing, a common cybercrime, is an online scam that collects user data through fraudulent emails and can result in identity theft. These emails are disguised as messages from reputable individuals or businesses and are difficult to identify. About 30 percent of phishing emails are opened and about 90 percent of data breaches are a result of phishing.

Follow these tips to learn how to detect, protect yourself from and report suspicious emails.

Signs of a suspicious email

• Impersonal, generic greetings such as “Dear Customer”
• Grammar or spelling mistakes
• Unsolicited attachments or links
• Requests for your sensitive information
• The sender is an individual or business that you do not recognize or have an account with
• The email uses a tone of urgency

How to protect yourself

• Never provide unsolicited personal information such as your date of birth, home address, phone number, social security number, work history, family members’ names, license and passport numbers or car information.
• Never provide unsolicited financial information such as insurance policy numbers, loan numbers, bank account information, credit/debit card numbers or personal identification numbers.
• Protect your passwords – it is unlikely that a credible institution would ask you to verify your account information over email. Contact the institution directly using the phone number provided on their website.
• Use a personal firewall program to prevent phishers from invading your computer and phone.
• Use authentication tools to provide additional security to your accounts, such as a one-time passcode sent to a mobile device, answers to security questions or facial recognition.
• Before clicking on hyperlinks, hover your cursor over the URL to reveal the full address. If you don’t recognize the URL as a trusted source, don’t click it.

Get proactive to stay safe

• Report any suspicious emails to your email provider and network administrators. Suspicious emails can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
• If you revealed any financial information, contact your financial institution immediately.
• Change your passwords regularly and be sure to use a mix of characters.
• Set up fraud alerts on your credit files.
• Monitor your accounts for any changes, unusual charges on your bills or issues with your bank cards.

Are you fully protected against cybercrime? Talk to your independent agent today to review your policy and discuss The Hanover’s cyber coverage offerings to see what is right for you.

Sources:

CyberTalk

Federal Trade Commission

North Carolina Department of Information Technology

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Georgia