Ways To Improve Your Rental Home

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Being a renter can be tough, especially when you want to make updates to the property you are renting. You may want to personalize the home or really just improve upon it. Unfortunately, you cannot do this as a renter if the changes you plan to make will be permanent. There are ways that you can improve the rental home while you are residing there so that both you and your landlord are happy. Follow these tips to get started and make sure no lines are crossed. 

  • Update a kitchen quickly by updating the hardware. This is an inexpensive and fairly easy way to personalize the kitchen and make it better. Just make sure you keep all of the old hardware where you can replace it before you move out. 
  • In a room that you want to make a bit larger, use a mirror in a corner. This will give the appearance of a larger room and is also a cheap way of making the space look even bigger and better.
  • Consult with your landlord about painting options. Some let you paint as long as you make sure the color is back to its original upon move out. If this is the case, consider painting an accent wall in a room or two and add some pops of color. 
  • Place some plants around the home. If you do not have a green thumb, you can use fake ones. Either way, these will add life to any room. 

As you can see, there are many ways you can improve your rental. These are simple and inexpensive as well. If you are renting your home, you should have renters insurance to ensure all your belongings are protected. Contact Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH for more information. 

Six Ways to Prevent Motorcycle Theft

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Motorcycle riders in Cincinnati need to remain wary of thieves. Criminals can steal these vehicles far more easily than cars; sometimes they just pick up a motorcycle and take it away in a truck. These tips can help prevent such crimes:

1. Park your motorcycle in a highly visible area, preferably with a surveillance camera nearby. Don’t place it in the shadow of a taller vehicle. If possible, choose different parking locations from time to time.

2. Connect the bike to a fixed object, such as a large tree. It’s best to accomplish this using a U-lock and chain. Don’t let your lock lay on the pavement; this enables thieves to break easily it.

3. Store your motorcycle in a garage whenever possible. Keep the door shut so criminals can’t see it. You may also use a cover to hide it and make theft a bit more time-consuming.

4. Put a unique, permanent marking on your bike. Take a photo of it with a camera or cellphone. This way, you can report the special marking to Cincinnati police when your bike goes missing.

5. If you have a heavy bike that’s difficult to pick up, consider installing a security alarm and an ignition lock. Thieves will find it much harder to start the engine.

6. Think about outfitting the bike with tracking equipment. Three out of four stolen bikes are never seen again. However, this technology significantly increases the odds police will be able to find your motorcycle before criminals sell it or disassemble it for parts.

Theft can’t always be prevented, so insurance is vital. Please contact the Advantage Insurance Network to review your existing coverage or sign up for affordable motorcycle insurance. You can reach our independent agency in Cincinnati, Ohio.
 

Why You Need to Prepare Your Home for a Disaster Slug

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There are far too many people who believe a natural disaster will never impact the Cincinnati, OH area in such a way that it will disrupt or devastate their lives. As a result, they often don’t create an emergency disaster plan for their home or family. The fact is, you can never predict what will happen and being prepared is the only way to make sure you and your family will come through the situation safely.

Inability to contact help

Regardless of if you are facing a blizzard, flood or strong thunderstorm, being able to call for help in these situations is essential. It is a good idea to purchase communication equipment that will work during bad weather. There are a number of devices available and without them you may not be able to receive the help you need during the time of emergency.

Inability to rebuild your life

Another consequence you may face if you fail to plan for a disaster is the inability to rebuild your home and life. Things such as insurance will provide you the ability to rebuild your life if disaster strikes. Without proper coverage you will not be able to rebuild after a disaster. This is why it is essential to purchase quality insurance coverage.

Your home and your family need to be protected. If you fail to see to this protection you may not know where to begin after disaster strikes. While being prepared takes work, it will be well worth it in the long run.

If you want to ensure you and your home is protected, then be sure to find home insurance through Advantage Insurance Network. This will ensure you are protected and ready to weather the storm, regardless of what may come your way. 

 

Do children need to have life insurance?

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Every parent is familiar with the deluge of mail that arrives after their child is born.  a new baby brings joy, but it also tends to bring a lot of offers for everything from formula to diapers.  Buried in all those advertisements, however, are usually several offers for life insurance. 

Typically, life insurance is recommended to people who have loved ones who are dependent on their income.  In many cases, this means new parents should strongly consider purchasing a life insurance policy. 

Children, however, rarely have anyone who is dependent on their income.  In fact, hardly any of them even have an income.  On the surface, that would seem to indicate that buying life insurance for a baby would be a bad idea.

There are some cases, however, in which purchasing life insurance for a child might make sense.  In many cases, the death of a child might mean a lot of missed time from work and significant funeral expenses.  Because of this, many families with a low amount of savings decide to purchase a small policy that would cover these expenses.

In other cases, children born or diagnosed with a serious condition may need to have life insurance policy purchased for them while they are young so that they can qualify for life insurance after they become an adult.  Because it’s easier to renew a policy than to start a new one, this is a good strategy for families that know about a lifelong medical condition.

If you’re considering purchasing a life insurance policy, call the agents at Fuhriman Insurance Agency.  They have years of experience helping people throughout Boise, ID.

 

Deer are Dangerous to Motorcyclists

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There is an explosion of the number of deer in and around Cincinnati. Deer accidents with vehicles and motorcycles have increased. The deer crossing the roads at night are especially dangerous to motorcycle riders who are thrown from their bikes when hitting a deer.

Recent news reports from WLWT television, say that bow-hunting allowed for deer, has not reduced the amount of the deer sufficiently. Normal deer herds are good when there are about twenty deer per square mile. The deer population has grown in some areas to be over two hundred animals per square mile.

Government officials plan now to use sterilization methods to reduce the deer population. The sterilization is a three-year research project in the areas of Edgewood Grove, Mt. Storm, and Rawson Wood.

Safety Tips for Motorcycles:

  • Avoid riding on motorcycles in forested areas, especially in the early morning or evening when deer are more active.
  • Use extra care when driving during the months from October to January when it is deer mating season.
  • When driving in the mountains or rural areas, especially at night, drive a bit more slowly.
  • Be cautious when going around turns.
  • Use the high beam headlight as much as possible to look far down the road ahead.
  • Honk the horn for a long time when seeing deer in the road and brake without turning to let the deer jump out of the way.
  • Deer like to follow each other. One deer jumping into the road means more will follow.
  • Take the yellow warning signs of deer crossings very seriously. These are areas where many previous accidents occurred.

Summary
Hopefully, the deer sterilization program will reduce the deer population sufficiently to decrease the number of accidents.

Be sure to get good motorcycle insurance coverage from Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati.

Independent Insurance Agents at Forefront of American Freedom

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As is true in most industries, insurance has companies that conduct business with little regard for the needs of the individual people and businesses in Cincinnati, OH. In effect, clients become mere numbers on an actuarial table that help the main headquarters, located somewhere else, pay its board members extravagant annual bonuses. Yes, it is unfair to the average person in Ohio. For this reason, and others, independent insurance agents remain at the forefront of salvaging American freedom.

Independence Means Freedom

Insurance provides policyholders with the resources to withstand life events that could otherwise prove crushing. Disasters that destroy homes, devastating road collisions and liability for workplace injuries are just a few ways that people can find themselves needing financial help to remain solvent and with a roof over their heads. The independent agents at Advantage Insurance Network help provide the level of coverage needed to survive such unexpected calamities.

Independent agents remain free to give a client an objective analysis of their particular situation. There is no product that the home office requires selling. Instead, people know that when they purchase an Advantage Insurance Network policy, it is what they need for family, home or business.

Moreover, independent agents offer real choices. They are not beholden to any particular brands. Clients receive a variety of options and quotes to choose from.

Stay Free by Dealing With Independent Insurance Agents in Ohio

In so many ways, Americans witness their freedoms eroded each day. Buying insurance, which is a virtual necessity, does not have to be one of those times. Just contact the independent agents at Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, for more information on options or use the easy online quote feature today.

 

 

The Rennaissance of Norwood, Ohio

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Those who lived and worked around Norwood, Ohio and the Cincinnati area in general refer to that day in 1986 as “Black Wednesday”. It was the date General Motors announced the closing of its Norwood General Motors Plant. Less than a year later, on August 26, 1987, the plant produced its last car, and a whopping 4,300 people were estimated to have lost their jobs.

It couldn’t have been a darker time for what was then, a very blue collar community. Norwood and its residents appreciated its independence from its large neighbor to the south, but it was facing potential bankruptcy. But the community and its leaders dug in. A deal was worked out for GM to demolish the giant plant and donate the land to the city. In 1990, the Central Parke revitalization began. New roadways were built. Then came the Rockwood Pavilion and Rockwood Commons. The area began attracting younger, more upscale families who gave a boost to the housing prices in the area. In 2006 the Linden Point project got underway and the progress has continued. Norwood and its 45212 zip code has been the subject of national news articles on its rebirth, including a not so pleasant eminent domain case that the community has put behind them.

The Renaissance of Norwood has been amazing, and the community has never looked back. It is an area where businesses and residents want to be.

If you are a business owner in the area, we would appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your commercial insurance. Our independent agents can get quotes from multiple companies to get you the best price possible without sacrificing coverage.

See for yourself with your personal insurance. Visit our website to get a comparative quote on your auto or homeowners insurance. For business insurance quotes, contact us.

We are the Advantage Insurance Network and we are proud to serve the resilient Norwood community. We would be pleased to serve you.

Be Prepared With These 5 Tips When The Power Goes Out

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You always hear about ways to be prepared for when the power goes out, but very few times are these preparation tips actually shared. Below you will find five tips that will help you if you lose power so that you can last for hours or even days.

Have Flashlights

When the power goes out, you aren’t going to be able to turn on lights. This is why it’s a good idea to have flashlights as well as backup batteries. Everyone in your home should be able to have their own flashlight so that they can safely move from room to room.

Have a Means of Heating up Water

Water needs to be heated up for purification, sanitation, and even doing laundry. Since you cannot use your electric stove, you may want to think about an outdoor rocket stove, a solar oven, or even a gas grill.

Stock the Pantry

Stock the pantry with items that don’t need to be heated. You want to choose high protein items that your entire family will enjoy. Jerky, Spam, protein shakes, peanut butter, granola bars, and other items are all good choices.

Freeze Water Bottles

Keep bottles of water frozen in your freezer at all times. If the power goes out, these can help to maintain the temperature for longer so that your food doesn’t spoil.

Purchase the Necessities

Various necessity should be purchased so that you always have them available – such as an emergency radio, a solar charger for your cell phone, and battery-powered fans.

At Advantage Insurance Network we are here to help you stay safe within your home in Cincinnati. Call now and one of our friendly agents can guide you through the process of purchasing the right policy, including getting quotes from some of the best insurance company that issue policies in Ohio.

 

 

How to Get Covered for a Hit & Run

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When you live in Cincinnati, Ohio, traffic can be overwhelming. You want to make sure you have plenty of coverage against accidents, including hit and runs. Whether you hit someone or they hit you, it can leave you high and dry to deal with all of the repercussions alone.

A hit-and-run can cause damage to your vehicle and injuries to you as well as the passengers in your car. Instead of reaching into your pocket to pay for everything, it’s going to be much easier (and cheaper) to file a claim with your insurance company. You just need to make sure that you have plenty of coverage in place.

Hit-and-run coverage is going to come in the form of several forms of optional insurance that can be added to your policy. You choose the limits as well as the deductible.

Collision – this is the type of insurance that may be able to pay for all of your auto repairs, regardless of who was found to be at fault.

PIP – this is the type of insurance that will cover medical bills, lost wages, and even child care. It can provide coverage for you as well as all of your passengers.

Uninsured motorist – this is the type of insurance that is available in bodily injury and property damage. When someone isn’t insured, this coverage can ensure that all of the bills are still paid.

Medical bills – this is an additional form of coverage that can pay medical bills for you and your passengers so that it doesn’t become your personal financial responsibility.

At the Advantage Insurance Network, we are here to help you save money on auto insurance. Call today and learn how one of our independent insurance agents can save you money on hit-and-run coverage and much more.

 

 

What Insurance You Need For Your Home Based Business In Cincinnati, OH

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Having a business in Cincinnati that is in your home requires specific types of insurance. While you likely have a homeowner’s insurance policy, this coverage is likely not going to extend to your business. This means it is important to know about the coverage that is available so that you can build the best possible policy.

Business property coverage: this is the kind of coverage that can protect against computer and merchandise loss, as well as any other property that is business related.

General liability coverage: liability is important because you may have clients visiting you at your home. This kind of coverage can provide protection against lawsuits, particularly claims of negligence, injuries, and more.

Employment practices liability coverage: this kind of coverage is needed when you start to hire employees. It can provide coverage in the event of facing allegations for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and other issues.

Business interruption coverage: your business may be interrupted as a result of cover losses, such as fires or tornadoes. This coverage can provide business income throughout the interim so that you are not facing a complete financial loss.

Running a business out of your home is just like driving a business car around. Even though you have auto insurance, it is not necessarily going to provide full coverage because you are using it for business, not for pleasure. Your home is not being used solely for living – you are operating a business.

Call us at the Advantage Insurance Network today to learn what kind of business is needed for your home-based business, based upon what is unique to you as a homeowner and business owner. We will work to help you get the most affordable premiums and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have sufficient coverage.