Are you planning on spending time away from home this summer?  Many people have summer vacation plans that will take them away from home for at least 2 to 3 days.  So what should you do to protect your home while you are away?  We found these tips on Progressive's web site and thought we would repost and share it with our clients as well.  By the way, Progressive is one of the many companies we represent.

• Set a timer to turn exterior and interior lights on and off when you normally would, or use a mobile app to control lights remotely.
• Stop your newspaper deliveries.
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and, if necessary, bring your recycling and  garbage cans to and from the curb on pickup day.
• Hide and/or lock up valuables, like jewelry.
• Inform your security system provider of your travel dates, so they can take extra steps to  monitor your home.
• Don’t share your travel plans on social media sites.
• Turn off the water supply to your washing machine, sinks and toilets, or consider installing a system that will shut off water where it detects a leak.
• Unplug electronics and appliances, or use a mobile app to control appliances remotely.
• If freezing weather is a possibility: Clear gutters and downspouts, remove garden hoses from exterior faucets and open cabinet doors under sinks to keep your pipes warm.

A question that seems to be on everyone's mind these days is whether the economy is in recovery or if we are on the verge of a second recessionary dip.

We provide business insurance services to a large number of businesses in the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada and Arizona.  Comparing the first half of the year in 2010 versus the same period of time in 2011, it seems as if there were more business startups and a higher sense of businesses optimism in 2010. 

Unfortunately 2011 business attitudes do not seem as optimistic.  Many contracting businesses who were able to survive the economic downturn in the last two years are now in fear that if the economy does not turn around soon they may have to close their doors like many of the smaller contractors had to in the early days of the recession.

A number of the calls we have been receiving lately are existing businesses looking to reduce their insurance program until their business picks up as the economy gathers steam.  Since we represent a large group of insurance companies like Travelers, Liberty, Safeco, American Hallmark and other regional companies we shop their accounts around finding the best rate for the specific type of business. 

The expertise of our agents helps our clients lower their insurance costs as well.  After consulting with the client we can typically recommend areas of that can be cut and areas that should not be altered or possibly increased.

Insurance typically is a significant expense for most businesses.  If you are trying to reduce your insurance costs be sure to contact us at Insure Pacific.  (800) 285-6372