There are 4.5 million U.S. homes at high or extreme risk for wildfire. More than two million are in California, the state with the highest number of at-risk properties. The others are in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho and Washington.

The recent devastating fires in California have been a harsh reminder of how vulnerable our homes can be. That’s why I started this series on fire insurance—what it actually covers and how it protects you. Understanding your policy is crucial, but did you know that where you live plays a major role in how well your home is covered?

Home insurance policies cover several catastrophic risks, including fires and lightning. Most even cover wildfires. Yet you might wonder what to expect from your insurance company if your house is severely damaged, and whether your coverage is sufficient.

Here are six New Year’s resolutions that can protect your business and help it thrive, regardless of what the new year brings.

A vacation offers a cherished opportunity to get away from it all and just unwind. You don't want to undo all that relaxation by coming home to discover a break-in, broken pipe or worse! Here are some simple yet important steps you can take to protect your home.

Agency Management Software has been a real life saver for agencies. It allows us to store more information for our clients needs, access information instantaneously and keep track of everything in between. When you call into your agency, they most likely have a management software that is helping them.

Each policy is of course different based on the home itself, the needs of the homeowner, and what coverages the carrier is providing. Each coverage on the policy is based on your unique home. Which is why you cannot compare your coverage to you neighbors. We all live a little differently and each house is slightly different.

A flood is defined in simple terms as an “excess of water on what is normally dry land,” (NFIP). There is of course a more complicated definition that you can check out at FEMA. FEMA’s NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) has a wealth of information on this subject.

When anyone hears the word “claim” it instantly puts anxiety into the air. Society has put horror around the claims process and the what if’s.

Many of us can relate to the gut wrenching dread that happens when you feel a drop of water on your head in the living room or your storage room. Check out the full article to learn about what VP Custom Insurance recommends you check before the next big storm.