Insurance News

From BBQs to Bonfires: Fire Safety Tips

Auto Owners Insurance — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:47:00 GMT

Read time: 3 minutes

Few things say summer quite like gathering around a grill, fire pit or campfire with family and friends. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout, roasting marshmallows with the kids or winding down after a day at the campsite, outdoor fires can be a memorable part of the season.

But before you strike a match, it's worth taking a few minutes to think about safety. Where you place a fire, current weather conditions and even the guests around it can all affect the risk of property damage, injuries and liability concerns.

Before hosting a summer gathering that includes a grill, fire pit or campfire, there are a few things worth considering:

How to choose a safe location for an outdoor fire
Why weather conditions can affect fire risk
What to keep in mind when guests are involved
How to prepare your equipment before use
How insurance may help if something still goes wrong

Choose the right location before you light the fire.

Where you place a grill, fire pit or campfire can have a big impact on whether a small mistake stays small. While a small fire may seem easy to control, sparks, embers and heat can quickly become a problem if they're too close to a home, deck or other combustible materials.

When setting up a grill or fire pit, make sure it is placed on a stable surface and away from items that could catch fire. Consider keeping it away from:

Homes, garages and other structures
Decks and other combustible surfaces
Tall grass and landscaping
Overhanging tree branches
Outdoor furniture and other flammable materials

Keeping a safe distance can help reduce the chance of a small incident turning into a larger loss.

If you have a portable fire pit, keep these considerations in mind each time you move it. It may be tempting to place it wherever is most convenient for the evening, but the same safety precautions still apply regardless of where it's located.

Even a well-placed fire can become more dangerous when conditions change.

A sunny forecast doesn't always mean it's a good day for an outdoor fire. While many people check the weather hoping for no rain before hosting a cookout or gathering, it's also important to consider how conditions like heat and wind can affect fire safety.

Hot, dry conditions can make grass, leaves and other vegetation more susceptible to catching fire, increasing the risk that a small flame or ember could spread. Wind can also create additional challenges by carrying sparks and embers beyond the immediate area of the fire.

Before lighting a fire, consider checking local weather conditions and any advisories or burn restrictions that may be in effect. If conditions are especially dry, windy or unusually hot, it may be best to wait for a safer day.

A little extra caution goes a long way when guests are around.

You're familiar with your grill or fire pit. Your guests may not be. While that isn't necessarily a problem, it can create additional risks if someone gets too close to the fire, doesn't know where safety equipment is located or isn't paying attention to changing conditions.

The risk can increase even further when children, alcohol or unattended fires are involved. Keeping an eye on the fire and making sure guests understand basic safety expectations can help prevent accidents before they happen and make your gathering one to remember for the right reasons.

After all, if someone is injured or property is damaged, liability concerns may arise.

The safest time to spot a problem is before you light the fire.

Before guests arrive, take a few minutes to make sure your setup is ready for the evening.

Inspect your grill or fire pit for damage or wear that could create safety concerns
Clean your grill to help reduce the risk of grease fires
Make sure safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, is easy to access in an emergency
Designate someone to make sure the fire is never left unattended

While these tasks may seem minor, addressing small issues before lighting a fire can help reduce the risk of accidents later.

Taking precautions can help, but accidents can still happen.

You can choose a safe location, check the weather, prepare your equipment and keep an eye on guests. But even responsible hosts can't prevent every accident. A gust of wind may carry an ember farther than expected, a guest may get too close to the fire or a small fire may spread despite your best efforts.

On the chance something does go wrong, homeowners insurance may help depending on the circumstances and the coverages on your policy. For example:

If a guest is injured: Personal liability coverage may help protect you financially.
If a fire damages your home: Dwelling coverage may help pay for repairs or rebuilding.
If a fire damages another structure on your property: Other structures coverage may help to repair or rebuild detached structures like a garage, shed, fence or gazebo.
If personal belongings are damaged: Personal property coverage may help replace them.
If you can't stay in your home after a covered loss: Additional living expense coverage may help with temporary housing and related costs.

Your local independent Auto-Owners agent can help you understand your policy and determine whether additional coverages may be appropriate for your situation.

Whether you're gathering around a fire pit, grilling for friends or enjoying a campfire at the campsite, a little planning can go a long way. That way, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your summer with the people around you.

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Disclaimer: This article is not expert advice. The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Discounts may not be available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply. Premiums will be based on benefits chosen. Please check with your local Independent Auto-Owners Insurance Agent for details.

Copyright Auto-Owners Insurance Company © 2026. All Rights Reserved

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Filed an Insurance Claim? Here’s How to Help Keep Things Moving

Auto Owners Insurance — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:51:00 GMT

Read time: 3 minutes

This probably wasn’t part of your plans today.

One minute everything feels normal, and the next you’re dealing with damage, phone calls and questions about what happens next. The claims process can feel overwhelming, but a few simple steps can help keep things moving and make the experience smoother.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

Reporting your claim
Documenting the damage
What to know before repairs begin
What to expect during repairs
How to keep communication open

First things first, report the claim.

It might feel like something that can wait after an accident, especially if the damage doesn’t seem serious. But reporting your claim as soon as possible helps keep everything moving.

When a claim is reported quickly, the details are still fresh, which can make it easier to review what happened and avoid delays later on. Even if you don’t have every answer right away, getting the process started is an important first step.

When you report your claim, the information you provide can make a big difference.

In many cases, that includes sharing photos and a brief explanation of what happened. Clear, detailed information upfront can make it easier to understand the damage and avoid delays later on.

When taking photos, it helps to capture different angles. Wide shots of the entire vehicle can show the full picture, while close-up photos highlight the specific damage. Including details like the license plate or VIN, along with a brief description of what happened and whether the vehicle is drivable, can also help move the process along.

It’s also a good idea to take photos before making any changes, like cleaning up or attempting repairs, so the damage can be clearly documented.

Actions like this can seem helpful in the moment, but they can actually complicate things later on.

Trying to fix the damage yourself, removing damaged parts or cleaning up the area too much before photos are taken can make it harder to piece together what happened.

It’s best to leave things as they are until the damage has been documented and evaluated. In some cases, additional damage may be found once a repair shop takes a closer look, which can change how the claim is handled.

That’s why it’s important to stay in communication throughout the process, including with your insurance company and repair shop.

When a repair shop starts work on a vehicle, they may find additional damage that wasn’t visible at first. When that happens, an updated estimate, often called a supplement, is created to include the additional repairs needed. This can take extra time to review and approve.

Many people expect the first estimate to cover everything, but it’s usually based only on what can be seen initially. Estimates are also created using industry-standard systems and guidelines. Because of that, it’s normal for estimates to change as repairs move forward.

With several people involved in the process, it’s not always clear who is responsible for updates along the way.

It can be confusing to know whether the repair shop or the insurance company is supposed to provide updates, when in reality they both play a role. Knowing who to contact for what can help avoid unnecessary confusion. If something isn’t clear, it’s okay to ask. Both the repair shop and the insurance company are there to help and can point you in the right direction.

Choosing a repair shop you trust and staying in communication with your insurance company can also help keep things moving. If either the shop or the insurance company needs additional information, responding quickly can help prevent delays.

Staying informed, asking questions and keeping open lines of communication can help make the experience a lot smoother.

No one plans to be in this situation, but having a better understanding of what comes next can make it feel more manageable.

Every claim is different, but staying informed and involved along the way can help you feel more confident from start to finish.

If you have questions about your claim, your local independent agent is a great resource and can help guide you through the process.

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Signs Your Trees Could Cause Problems

Auto Owners Insurance — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:31:00 GMT

Signs Your Trees Could Cause Problems

Read time: 3 minutes

Most homeowners don’t think much about their trees – until one ends up on the roof.

And when that happens, the damage often goes beyond what you can see at first. A fallen tree can puncture a roof, let water into the home and lead to repairs that take time.

The challenge is that some trees may show warning signs ahead of time, while others can fall without much warning.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

Why trees can pose a risk
What signs you should look for
What can happen if these signs go unnoticed
How your insurance may help if something still happens
What you can do to prevent tree damage

Some trees may pose a bigger risk than they appear.

Even healthy-looking trees can become a concern under the right conditions.

One of the most common times for tree-related damage is during seasonal transitions, especially when shifting from winter into spring. Changing weather patterns can bring stronger storms and saturated or shifting ground conditions, which may make trees more likely to fall.

Tree condition can also play a role. Disease, structural damage or root issues may increase the likelihood of failure.

But in many cases, the biggest risk factor is proximity. A tree falling in an open area may not cause much damage. The same tree falling closer to your home or another structure can lead to much more serious issues.

There may be warning signs that a tree could become a problem.

While not all tree damage can be predicted, there are some signs that may indicate a tree is at higher risk of failing.

Be on the lookout for:

Cracks in the trunk or large limbs, which may signal structural weakness
Discoloration or unusual changes in appearance, which could indicate disease
Branches without leaves during spring or summer, which may suggest part of the tree is no longer healthy
A tree that is suddenly leaning or shifting position

These issues don’t always mean a tree will fall, but they may be worth addressing early, especially if the tree is close to your home.

When a tree falls, the damage isn’t always as simple as it seems.

A fallen tree can puncture a roof or damage siding. Once a roof is compromised, water can enter the home, leading to additional damage inside, including ceilings, walls or personal belongings.

Cleanup can also be more involved than many homeowners expect. Removing a large tree and repairing the damage it caused can take time and may require multiple steps.

When this kind of damage happens, many homeowners start to wonder how their insurance may apply.

If a tree damages your home, your homeowners insurance may help cover the cost of repairs, especially if the damage is caused by a storm.

This may include damage to your roof or siding, as well as damage inside the home if the fallen tree creates an opening that allows water in.

There may also be coverage for removing the tree. Some policies include a set dollar limit for tree removal per tree and per claim. Understanding these limits ahead of time can help you plan and avoid surprises if a loss occurs.

Because of these details, it may be helpful to review your policy or talk with your local independent insurance agent so you understand how your coverage may apply before you need it.

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Why You Should Review Your Motorcycle Coverage

Auto Owners Insurance — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:23:00 GMT

Read time: 3 minutes

Finally. After a long winter, it’s time to get your motorcycle out and hit the road. Most riders focus on tuning the engine, checking the tires and planning that first ride. Fewer take a couple minutes to review their insurance coverage – and on a motorcycle, even small coverage gaps can matter more than people expect.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

Common misconceptions about motorcycle insurance
Why early-season riding can increase risk
What may not be automatically covered
What to review before your first ride

Three Common Assumptions That Can Create Coverage Gaps

As riders prepare for the season, a few common misconceptions can create confusion about how motorcycle insurance works.

1. Minimum coverage is enough.

Motorcycles offer far less physical protection than enclosed vehicles, which means riders are more exposed in an accident. As a result, carrying higher liability limits and coverage that helps pay for medical expenses may be more important than many riders realize.

2. Gear and upgrades are automatically covered.

Accessories, custom parts and even certain riding gear may need to be specifically addressed on a policy. If they’re not, they may not be fully protected.

3. Storage coverage means full protection year-round.

Coverage can look different during the off-season. Before riding again, it’s important to understand what protections remain in place and what may need to be adjusted when full-riding coverage resumes.

Why Spring Riding Looks Different from Mid-Summer

Risk can exist any time you ride. But early in the season, certain factors can increase exposure.

After a few months off the bike, it’s normal to need time to reacclimate. Reaction times and comfort level may not be as sharp as they are mid-season. Even something as simple as judging braking distance or navigating a tight turn can feel different on that first ride.

Drivers in cars may also be less accustomed to seeing motorcycles on the road, which can affect awareness.

And in many areas, spring weather brings fluctuating temperatures. Melting snow and ice can leave roads slick longer than expected.

Upgrade Details Riders Might Overlook

That new helmet you bought. The upgraded exhaust you had installed over the winter. Additions like these may not be automatically covered unless they’re addressed on your policy.

Why does that matter? Your policy reflects the equipment and accessories listed on it. Keeping it up to date helps ensure your coverage matches your motorcycle as it exists today.

In other words, if it’s not reflected on the policy, it may not be reflected in the event of a claim payout.

Custom parts and upgraded equipment may need to be specifically addressed to ensure they’re properly covered. Reviewing changes with your local independent agent can help keep your coverage aligned with the bike you’re actually riding today.

What to Review Before Your First Ride

Some riders may choose different coverage options during the months their motorcycle isn’t ridden. Before taking the bike back out, it’s worth reviewing how the policy is structured and whether anything has changed.

Start with:

Liability limits
Medical-related coverages
Physical damage coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage
Custom parts or upgrades

Also consider what may have changed since last season. Updates to where or how the bike is stored and shifts in riding frequency can all affect how coverage applies. Changes in claim history may influence eligibility.

Having coverage in place doesn’t always mean it reflects your current riding habits. A quick review with your local independent agent before the season begins can help ensure your policy aligns with how and where you ride today.

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Optional Coverages Are Worth a Second Look

Auto Owners Insurance — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:39:00 GMT

Read time: 4 minutes

Most insurance policies come with a solid foundation of coverage. So when something is labeled optional, it is easy to assume it is extra, unnecessary or something you can safely skip. But in reality, optional coverages are often designed to fill common gaps in standard policies. They exist to help tailor protection to how you actually live, drive and use your property, and some are worth a closer look than many people realize.

How Do You Know If You Need Optional Coverages?

One helpful place to start is by reviewing what coverage is provided in the base form. Once you understand what is already covered or excluded, you can evaluate your needs and identify optional coverages in areas where additional protection may be needed.

Next, start thinking about the potential financial impact of a loss. Would a specific loss create a
significant burden for you or your family, or could you manage the cost comfortably out of pocket? Some losses may be minor, while others could have a much bigger effect depending on your lifestyle, assets and budget. Working with your independent agent to estimate replacement or repair costs can help you better understand where optional coverages may make sense, and how much coverage to consider.

It’s also worth asking whether you would replace the item at all. If it’s something you wouldn’t replace after a loss, an optional coverage may not be necessary. But if it’s something you value, use often or would want to replace right away, it may be worth a closer look.

Because everyone’s situation is different, optional coverages are rarely one-size-fits-all. Taking time to reflect on what you own, how you use it and what risks you may face can make conversations with your local independent agent more productive and help reduce the chance of coverage gaps.

Optional Coverages Worth Considering

Not every optional coverage will make sense for every situation, but a few tend to be worth a closer look for many people.

Loan/Lease Gap Coverage

When you drive a new car off the lot, it typically starts losing value. That matters because the balance on your loan or lease may no longer match what the vehicle is worth.

If your vehicle is totaled, the amount owed may be more than its current value. Loan or lease gap coverage may help cover that difference, reducing what you might otherwise have to pay out of pocket.

Check out our blog post: How Gap Insurance Can Protect You When Your Car Depreciates.

Guaranteed Home Replacement Cost

Replacement cost is the amount it would take to rebuild your home to its pre-loss condition after a total loss, such as a fire or tornado. An agent calculates this amount using a replacement cost estimator, which considers factors like construction style, square footage, roof shape and any recent updates or upgrades.

Because replacement cost estimates are based on information available at the time they are calculated, it’s important to let your agent know about home improvement projects as they happen. This helps ensure your coverage reflects the current characteristics of your home.

Even with regular updates, coverage needs can change over time. Guaranteed Home Replacement Cost is an optional coverage designed for situations where, for a variety of reasons, a home’s coverage amount may not be adequate at the time of a loss. This coverage can provide a full replacement of your home if the coverage limit is too low.

To learn more about replacement cost value, read our blog post: Your Home Got a Makeover. Now It’s Your Policy’s Turn.

Water Backup of Sewers or Drains

When a sewer or drain backs up, the resulting water damage can affect areas of a home like floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. Cleanup and repairs can add up quickly, especially when finished areas of a home are involved.

Water Backup coverage is an optional coverage available with a range of limits. Choosing an appropriate limit can help address potential damage from this type of event and provide additional peace of mind.

Home Cyber Protection

As more people use technology in their daily lives and store personal information electronically, cyber-related risks have become more common. Home cyber protection is an optional coverage designed to help address certain costs that may arise after a cyber incident.

This coverage may help pay for professional services to assist with recovering compromised data, restoring device functionality and working with legal professionals to help review and respond to a personal data breach. It may also help with certain financial losses related to fraud, including identity theft, and provide resources to help manage situations such as extortion or other impacts affecting those involved.

Special Personal Property

Personal belongings can be lost, damaged, or misplaced in unexpected ways. In addition to standard personal property coverage, policies may offer extra protection in two ways: replacement cost coverage, which helps pay for new items instead of depreciated value, and scheduled coverage for specific valuables like jewelry, fine art, or boats that may need broader protection.

Where to Start if You’re Unsure

After looking at a few optional coverages, you might still wonder which ones matter most for your situation.

A good first step is to review your current policy and note what coverage you already have. From there, you can review your needs with your independent agent to determine what optional coverages would be best suited for you.

If you’re considering changes, an independent agent can help walk through available options and answer questions before you decide whether to add anything. The goal isn’t to add more coverage than you need, but to understand what’s available so your policy reflects what matters most to you.

Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and optional coverages reflect that. Reviewing your policy with an independent agent can help clarify which options may be worth considering, and which ones may not, based on your individual needs.

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Optional Coverages Are Worth a Second Look

Auto Owners Insurance — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:36:00 GMT

Read time: 4 minutes

How Do You Know If You Need Optional Coverages?

Optional Coverages Worth Considering

Not every optional coverage will make sense for every situation, but a few tend to be worth a closer look for many people.

Loan/Lease Gap Coverage

When you drive a new car off the lot, it typically starts losing value. That matters because the balance on your loan or lease may no longer match what the vehicle is worth.

If your vehicle is totaled, the amount owed may be more than its current value. Loan or lease gap coverage may help cover that difference, reducing what you might otherwise have to pay out of pocket.

Check out our blog post: How Gap Insurance Can Protect You When Your Car Depreciates.

Guaranteed Home Replacement Cost

To learn more about replacement cost value, read our blog post: Your Home Got a Makeover. Now It’s Your Policy’s Turn.

Water Backup of Sewers or Drains

Home Cyber Protection

Special Personal Property

Where to Start if You’re Unsure

After looking at a few optional coverages, you might still wonder which ones matter most for your situation.

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Read the full article at www.hummelinsurancenewport.com

What to Know Before You Buy Auto Insurance in 2026

Auto Owners Insurance — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:10:00 GMT

Read time: 4 minutes

Buying auto insurance in 2026? Or deciding whether to renew your current policy?

You’re in good company. More drivers have been reviewing their coverage and comparing quotes in recent years. To help make the process easier, this guide explains what’s driving that trend and what to consider before moving forward.

Why Are More People Shopping for Auto Insurance in 2026?

More people have been shopping for auto insurance since 2023, largely because of rising rates across the industry.

Several factors are contributing to higher costs:

Vehicles are more expensive to repair. Newer cars have more electronics and advanced parts, which can make repairs significantly more costly than they used to be. Even a common accident, like hitting a deer, may result in a higher repair bill because of the technology built into today’s vehicles.
Fewer people are buying new cars. As older cars stay on the road longer, replacement parts can be harder to find. That can also drive up repair costs. As these costs rise, insurance companies are paying more for claims. Higher claim costs may lead to increases in overall premiums, which is one reason more people are reviewing their options and shopping for auto insurance.

Why Not Just Get the Cheapest Insurance Option?

When people shop for insurance, they may notice big differences in price. A lower number can be tempting, but it’s important to understand what you’re actually getting for that price.

When you compare quotes, costs can vary because:

Each company builds its policies differently. Some include more coverages in their base policy, while others include fewer, even if the quotes look similar at first glance.
Low liability limits or missing coverages can increase risk. A cheaper price may mean less protection, which could leave you paying more out of pocket if something happens.

These differences can all affect the price you see when comparing quotes. That’s why it may be helpful to look beyond the price and review what the policy actually includes.

What to look at when comparing companies beyond prices:

What is included in the policy. Review coverages, limits and exclusions to understand what protection you’re getting.
Claims support and reputation. Look at how well a company handles claims and what
customers say about their experiences. Some insurers offer more personalized support or local offices, while others rely on call centers. Reviews may help show what you can expect if you need to file a claim.
Financial strength. A company’s financial rating can indicate its ability to pay claims, which may be helpful to consider when choosing who to insure with.

Coverages Many People Miss or Misunderstand

Some auto insurance coverages are commonly misunderstood, while others are often overlooked altogether. Knowing about these options may help you better understand what your policy does, and doesn’t, include.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
This coverage helps protect you if you’re in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the damage. If you’re injured and the other driver can’t cover the loss, UM/UIM coverage may help fill that gap.

Loan or Lease Gap Coverage
When you buy a new car, its value can drop as soon as you drive it off the lot. If the vehicle is totaled shortly after purchase, you may owe more on your loan or lease than the car is worth.
Gap coverage is designed to help cover the difference between what you owe and the vehicle’s value at the time of the loss.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts Coverage
OEM parts coverage allows repairs using original manufacturer parts rather than aftermarket alternatives. This may be important for owners of newer vehicles who want repairs made with parts designed specifically for their car.

Transportation Network and Delivery Coverage
If you use your vehicle for rideshare or delivery services, your personal auto policy may not cover every situation. Transportation network and delivery coverages are designed to help fill the gap between personal auto insurance and coverage provided by those companies.

How to Choose Liability Limits and Deductibles

Two of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying or renewing auto insurance are your liability limits and your deductible.

Liability Limits
Liability coverage helps pay for injuries or damage you cause to others in an accident. Your liability limits are the maximum amounts your policy will pay. Lower or state-minimum limits may reduce your cost, but they may not be enough if a serious accident occurs. If a claim exceeds your limits, the remaining amount could be your responsibility.

Deductibles
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance helps cover damage to your vehicle. A higher deductible usually lowers your monthly cost, while a lower deductible
usually increases it. When choosing a deductible, it may help to consider what you could comfortably afford to pay if you had a claim.

When to Review Your Policy

There are certain times when it may be a good idea to review your auto insurance to make sure it still fits your needs, including:

When you buy a new vehicle. Adding a car is a good time to review all coverages on your policy, not just those for the new vehicle.
When drivers change. Adding or removing a driver is another reason to review your policy. It’s important to make sure everyone who should be listed as a driver is included.
At renewal time. Reviewing your renewal documents each year can help you spot changes to your policy. You don’t have to start over or shop for quotes, but it may be helpful to look over your declarations page and ask questions if anything looks different.
When you buy other insurance. Purchasing another policy, like homeowners insurance, may be a good time to ask about potential discounts or whether any changes are needed on your auto policy.

As more people shop for auto insurance in 2026, it may help to take a closer look at your coverage and options. Taking time to understand your policy, ask questions and review your choices may help you make a more confident decision.

If you’re unsure where to start, talking with an independent agent can help you review your options and understand what your policy includes. While price matters, paying attention to coverage may help you choose a policy that better fits your needs.

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AI Cyberattacks Are Growing: What Businesses Can Do

Auto Owners Insurance — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:43:00 GMT

AI Cyberattacks Are Growing: What Businesses Can Do

Read time: 2 minutes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work, shop and even communicate. But just as it offers new opportunities for businesses, it also gives cybercriminals new tools to launch attacks. That means scams may look more convincing and harder to spot than ever before.

How AI Makes Scams More Convincing

With the help of AI, cybercriminals can use deepfake technology to clone someone’s voice or mimic their appearance. In the past, scam phone calls often sounded suspicious because of unusual accents or poor audio quality. Now, with AI, a cybercriminal can create a nearly identical voice to a co-worker or even a boss to trick employees into sharing valuable information. Cybercriminals can also use AI to scour the internet for details and then use that information to craft emails and phone calls that sound authentic to you and your business.

Essentially, AI cyberattacks on businesses are smarter, faster and harder to detect than attacks traditionally carried out by humans. Phishing scams in particular have surged, with attacks increasing by more than 1,200% due to generative AI.*

The Risk for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

This isn’t just a problem for big businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses are often prime
targets because they don’t always have the resources to investigate or combat these attacks. In fact, 70% of ransomware attacks last year were aimed at small and mid-sized businesses.*

When a cyberattack occurs, the damage can go beyond stolen money or data. A business’s reputation may also suffer, and trust can be hard to rebuild – especially if client information was stolen or leaked.

Protecting Your Business from AI Attacks

The good news? There are proactive steps businesses of all sizes can take. Awareness is one of the most effective and inexpensive defenses. Staying informed about attacks in your industry, conducting regular training and sharing tips with team members can all help. There are also security tools available that may detect and block certain types of attacks.

Even with strong defenses, mistakes can still happen. That’s where cyber liability coverage comes in. Cyber liability coverage may help businesses recover by offsetting some of the costs associated with an attack, such as data recovery, legal fees or customer notification.

At Auto-Owners, we offer cyber liability insurance packages that include coverages like:

The disclosure of private information
Transmission of a computer virus
Extortion payments and rewards (typically involving ransomware)
Computer and funds-transfer fraud

AI has changed the way cyberattacks are carried out, but businesses don’t have to face these risks alone. Awareness, preparation and the appropriate protection can help you move forward with confidence. Don’t wait until after an attack happens – talk to your independent agent to explore your options and take the first step.

*https://www.sentinelone.com/cy...

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The Complete Guide to Your Insurance Declarations Page

Auto Owners Insurance — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Blogs

The Complete Guide to Your Insurance Declarations Page

Read time: 2.5 min

Let’s go back to the basics and talk about your insurance declarations page. Whether you’re insuring your car, home or business, every policy comes with one. Think of a declarations page like a synopsis or summary of a long, complex novel you just haven’t gotten around to reading yet. A summary allows you to learn about the main characters, the setting, the plot and even how the story ends all without breaking open the book’s spine. While we don’t recommend spoiling the end of a novel, an insurance declarations page functions in a similar way, providing you with the important information and details you need to know in order to understand the intricacies of your policy.

Let’s get started.

Your insurance declarations page or “dec” page specifically states what is being insured whether it’s a vehicle, home or something else. It also states the active coverages on the policy, so you know what you are paying for exactly.

The first page lists basic information about you and your agency.

It states your name, address, policy number and your agency’s name and contact information.

Other information listed on the first page includes:

Premium
Deductible
Limits
Policy term
Coverages

These are the “main characters” of your policy if you will. Getting to know them will only help you better understand your policy.

So, let’s get to know our main characters.

Premium is a yearly fee that you pay in order to make the insurance policy effective. Depending on your payment plan, you can pay this monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. You could also choose to pay it all at once, annually.

Deductible is the portion of a covered claim that you pay. Your insurance company covers the rest, up to your policy’s limits.

Which brings us to policy limit, which is the maximum dollar amount your insurance company will pay towards a covered loss. For example, if there is a loss to your home that results in another individual getting an injury that requires medical attention, your homeowners policy lists the limits for medical payments. Let’s say the limit for medical payments is listed at $5,000. Then, $5,000 is the highest dollar amount your insurance company will pay towards medical payments for this loss.

Policy term is the length of time your policy will be active.

Coverages are additional specific ways your policy may protect you in the event of a loss.

Simply put, an insurance declarations page exists to help you understand what you are insuring and what is covered.

For example, if you make a change to your policy or buy a new piece of property, you can check your declarations page to see if your current coverages/limits are enough or if you need to increase them. This is especially important should a loss occur. If something unfortunate were to happen, the last thing you want to be doing is wondering if you have adequate coverage, which is why your dec page spells it out for you. If you’re still unsure, you can always reach out to your local independent agent to review your policy limits and coverages.

We get it. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of documents.

By enrolling in Auto-Owners online access, you can view your declarations page anywhere, at any time and on any device. It’s easy, convenient and saves you from the hassle of rummaging through your files.

Spoiler alert! Your insurance declarations page isn’t as complicated as it might seem. It’s simply a summary of the important details about your policy so you can feel informed, confident and know exactly what you’re paying for. So, relax, you’ve got this, but if it ever gets overwhelming, just reach out to your local independent agent for assistance.

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Read the full article at www.hummelinsurancenewport.com

Insurance Protection for Your College Student

Cincinnati Insurance — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Insurance Protection for Your College Student

Insurance Basics

August 8, 2025

Plan ahead to make sure your college student has appropriate insurance protection while away at school.

As the summer winds down, millions of college students will be heading back to dorms or apartments across the country. If your child is among them, you probably have made sure your student has the necessary furniture and electronics for a successful year. But have you considered whether these items will be covered if lost or stolen?

Insurance companies cover full-time students under age 25 in various ways. Check with your insurance agent before your child returns to school to see if your personal homeowner policy’s contents coverage applies to your child’s possessions in a dorm room or apartment, and if your homeowner liability coverage extends to your child while living away at school. It's important to consult your agent with questions about your specific policy and situation.

>span class="title-with-blue-gradient">1. As a percentage of the personal property limit on the parents’ homeowner policy.

Many insurance companies consider campus housing a secondary residence for the student and may cover your student’s possessions as a percentage of the personal property limit on your homeowner policy – personal property means items you can remove from your home or premises. For example, if you have $75,000 in personal property coverage, your student may have 10% of that, or up to $7,500, in coverage for belongings taken to school. Liability coverage – which insures legal liability for bodily injury or property damage to others – may not be included.

2. As part of the personal property limit included in the parents’ homeowner policy.

Some insurance companies offer broader coverage through their homeowner policies. These companies allow the parents’ personal property limit to include the student’s belongings and liability without defining a percentage. For example, if you have $75,000 in personal property coverage on your homeowner policy, this includes items you have in your home as well as those that your student takes to school, and liability coverage is automatically included.

3. Under a separate renter’s insurance policy in the student’s name.

Some insurance companies contend that being away at school for nine months of the year is long enough to require a separate renter’s policy to cover belongings and liability. Liability insurance is usually included in a renter’s policy. Keep in mind that a renter’s policy in the student’s name may be the more expensive option. In most situations, each roommate needs a separate insurance policy.

Update your Auto Policy

Planning to send your child to school with a car? Your agent may need to amend the address to reflect your child’s address at school. This is known in the insurance industry as the “garaging location,” whether or not a garage is involved. Keep in mind that distance from home may be one factor in the premium cost for your policy.

And even if your college student will not keep a car at school, it’s important to keep your agent in the loop. When your student is no longer a year-round member of your household, he or she does not have full-time access to the vehicles on the policy and may result in a rating change, possibly saving you money.

Sending a child off to college or university can be an exciting and challenging time for parents. Ease your mind by talking with your independent insurance agent to ensure you and your child have the proper coverage while away at school.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.

Read the full article at www.hummelinsurancenewport.com