According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Climatic Data Center, there are more than 1,200 tornadoes are reported across the country. Oftentimes homes close to a twister are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Download and read this resource from our insurance carrier partner, Safeco about Tornado coverage and tips for homeowners.

The Basics

Insurance can usually be obtained for most dogs; however, there are some limitations. If you own a breed that has been historically violent, you may have to pay an increased premium (even if your dog has not displayed any violent behavior). The following dog pedigrees are considered dangerous:

• Pit Bull
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Husky
• Mastiff
• Doberman Pinscher
• Siberia
• Wolf-dog Hybrid
• Chow Chow
• Doberman
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute

Owner Responsibilities

To minimize the risk that your dog will display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or humans, you must be a responsible pet owner and do the following:

• Restrain your dog with a strong leash when in public or a fence while in the yard. The fence should be at least 6 to 8 feet tall, depending on your dog’s size.
• Socialize your dog as a puppy with other dogs and people. Take him or her to puppy classes starting at a young age, and praise your dog when he or she behaves well with others.
• Spay or neuter your dog, as fixing a dog alters its territorial instincts and aggression.
• Train the dog not to bite your hands, furniture, etc. If your dog starts to growl or chew on something, clap your hands loudly to distract him or her and then provide a toy for the dog to play with. Praise the dog when he or she chews on toys only.
• Give your dog lots of positive attention.
• Properly identify your dog with tags and a microchip.

Download a PDF from MMG Insurance about preventing dog bites.

We’re Here to Help

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800.662.2020 or contact us!

Many homeowners policies consider a dorm room as an extension of your home, so items your child keeps there may be coverd to some extent. However, if your child has expensive electronic equipment or furniture, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage.

If your child lives off campus, his or her possessions may not be covered by your homeowners policy. In that case, you may want to consider renter’s insurance, which costs as little as $15 per month. Renter’s insurance will cover possessions in your child’s off-campus apartment or house as well as provide liability coverage if anyone is injured in the residence.

Keeping Your Child Healthy While on Campus

Many students can stay on their parents’ health plans if they are full-time students. However, restrictions vary greatly by state, and coverage could be even more complicated if your child is attending an out-of-state school.
If you find your child doesn’t have coverage under your plan, you have a few options. Most colleges have their own health plans, but some policies have high deductibles and low coverage maximums. A few don’t offer any coverage for conditions present before entering the school, so be sure to examine plans carefully. Otherwise, you may want to consider an individual policy for your child.

Changing Auto Coverage

If your child moves more than 100 miles away from your home to attend school and doesn’t keep a vehicle there, your auto insurance premiums could decrease by as much as 30 percent. Call us today at 800.662.2020, and see if you can save money while still maintaining coverage for your child when he or she is at home.

Insurance Questions to Ask

Here are some important questions to ask when your child goes to college:

• Will my child’s belongings be covered if he or she lives in off-campus housing?
• Do I have to change my auto policy if my child brings the car to school?
• If my child is an athlete, will he or she be covered under my family health plan if he or she is injured during a practice or game?

Count on Us

If you are sending a child off the college and haven’t looked at adjusting your coverage, contact us today to learn more. You could save money on your policies and protect your child from expensive incidents while away from home.

Call us at 800.662.2020 or contact us.