House Sitting 101: How to Remain Safe

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House sitting for a friend is a great way to escape your house and make a little extra money for your trouble. Although it sounds like a sweet deal, there are many things you should be concerned with while you house sit, primarily your safety.

At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, your safety is top-priority. The next time you house sit, keep the following tips in mind.

Know where your friends keep their emergency kits. Anything can happen to you while you are house sitting so it’s important that you are prepared for the worst. You should locate an emergency kit, and have it readily available, just in case you may need it during your stay.

Locate each fire extinguisher in advance. Fires are a major threat to you and to your friend’s home. In order to prevent severe damage from a fire, you have to know where each fire extinguisher is located. You also need to know exactly how to use it.

Arm all security mechanisms. From intrusion alarms to cameras, you should ensure that everything is armed while you are house sitting. If you experience an intrusion, these devices will help you remain safe and alert the appropriate authorities.

Secure backup communication devices. Radios are great to have when you are house sitting. If a weather-related disaster occurs while you are house sitting, radios will help you remain informed.

At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we want you to be prepared for the challenges of house sitting. We also want to ensure that you are safe while driving to and from your friend’s home by providing you with car insurance. You can visit our website to determine the best auto coverage for your vehicles.

 

How to Make the Most of Your Rented Kitchen

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The kitchen really is the one place in your apartment you don’t have many decorating options. Your Laurel, MD landlord might let you paint the walls, but with everything built into place, it may seem like you’re stuck with the current appearance. Not so fast, actually. There are plenty of subtle changes you can bring into the kitchen, no matter the size or configurations of the room. Just make sure to cover any appliances or other larger ticket items with renter’s insurance through Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial. For a small monthly fee, you can protect everything inside of your apartment. After all, you never know what might happen in an apartment when other people are living in such close proximity.

Temporary Backsplash

A backsplash really adds a burst of color to the kitchen and livens the room up. However, outside of a few high-end apartments, your apartment might not have a backsplash. There is a way around this. You can pick up vinyl decals designed specifically for this. It is fun, adds interest and is inexpensive (plus pulls off without leaving a mark). Fabric placed against the wall using either liquid starch or clear vinyl also works beautifully and is temporary.

Cutting Board

Do you lack countertop space? Pick up a cutting board large enough to cover the stove top when not in use. It is easy to move out of the way, yet provides several square feet of additional countertop space. It is also easy to wash and you can use it as a serving platter when friends are over.

Plants

Some small plants in your kitchen livens up the room, gives a fresh feeling and helps improve the air flow. Consider plants you might cook with, such as parsley or basil.

Call your friendly agents at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial for a renters insurance quote or review.

3 Reasons to Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

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Navigating your maze of insurance options can be an undertaking. With so much at stake, choosing the wrong option can have severe consequences. Fortunately, in your quest to find the best insurance coverage for your family, you have a partner by your side the entire time—independent insurance agents.

At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial our independent insurance agents are proven experts. They help you on your journey in becoming insured by providing you with the following three benefits.

They Explain Difficult Concepts

Insurance jargon can be confusing. From deductibles to indemnities, our independent insurance agents help you understand what each term. They also help you understand how your choices affect your finances. Armed with insider information about insurance, you can choose the best insurance for your family.

They Are Consultants during the Sale

Our insurance agents act as your consultants, providing you with information so that you can make an informed decision about your coverage. We want you to be satisfied with your insurance policy and will equip you with the tools you need to make an educated decision.

They Are Your Partners after the Sale Too

All too often customers are on their own when they purchase insurance from companies, but at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial we are your partners the entire time you are our customers. Whether you are interested in updating your insurance in the future, or you simply want to add more insurance, we are here for you.

Our independent insurance agents are not salespeople, but consultants. They help you understand and choose the best insurance for your family, regardless of your situation. When you are ready to get insurance, call one of our agents or get a free quote online.

The Facts About Buying a Car as a Present

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We’ve all seen the commercials where a brand new car is parked in the driveway with a big red bow around it, all wrapped up as someone’s holiday surprise.  These sorts of purchases definitely can be done, but there are a few things that you need to know if you plan on buying a car as a present this year.

Pick the Right Car

If you are buying a car for someone as a gift, it would be great to give them a vehicle that they actually want.  Is there a particular color in a vehicle that they love?  Is space for hauling recreational gear or family needed? Take the time to find out precisely what their likes and needs are before you go shopping.

Financing

If you need to finance the vehicle, a surprise may be more difficult provided you both are going to be listed on the paperwork.  Many dealers are willing to help with this if you explain what you are trying to do.  Some auto dealers allow you to execute your surprise and then complete the necessary paperwork soon after.  You will also want to consider any tax implications of giving a gift of this size, as it may subject you to the Federal Gift Tax.

Insurance

Finally, consider that while you are giving the gift of a vehicle, that car is going to require insurance.  Are you also giving the gift of insurance or will your loved one be responsible for auto insurance premiums?  Either way, Maryland is a mandatory vehicle insurance state, so the best course of action is to contact your auto insurance agent serving Laurel, MD to discuss coverages when you decide to purchase a vehicle as a gift.

For more information about personal auto insurance, contact Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial today.

3 Insurance Risks Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

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If you own a small business, one of the key components to success is by making sure you are prepared for the unexpected. Here are three insurance risks that every small business owner needs to know.

Risk #1: Liability Claims

Liability claims encompass more than just slip-and-fall cases or instances where a customer is injured while visiting your business location. These types of incidents can include situations where your employees accidentally damage someone else’s property, someone becomes ill from a product you created, or something entirely different. The key to understanding liability risk for your business begins with knowing that anything that injures a person or thing physically, emotionally, or financially could be constituted as a claim. With such a wide variety of different scenarios, it is important to make sure your business has adequate coverage for the industry you are in.

Risk #2: Damage to Property

Another insurance risk to be aware of is damage to property. We all know that storms, fire, theft, and vandalism can happen at any time. But if your small business were to have to replace all the tools and equipment necessary for everyday operations, would it be able to afford to do so? Preparing for the unexpected in this case means making sure your insurance policy covers as many critical items as possible.

Risk #3: Employee Injuries

From the moment you hire your first employee, you encounter the chance of an on-the-job injury. In our state, worker’s compensation insurance is required for all employers. But making sure you have this important coverage is only one small portion of managing this risk. Constantly remind staff about workplace safety procedures and have a strict guidance policy in place.

Find out more information about how a commercial insurance policy can help your business. Please contact our team at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial today for further details.

Emergency Preparedness: Power Outages

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When you live in Laurel, Maryland, you never know when the power can go out. It is important to focus on emergency preparedness so that you can deal with the power being out in the most appropriate of ways.

One of the first things you have to focus on is survival. How are you going to stay warm throughout the winter weather when you don’t have power? You can use Bubble Wrap or blankets to insulate all of the windows. You should also have backup blankets to keep everyone in the house warm as well.

How are you going to see in the dark? It’s a good idea to have several sources of light, ranging from flashlights to lanterns. Everything that is battery-powered should have extra batteries.

It is also a good idea to invest in an emergency radio that is battery-powered. You may also want to look for one that has a solar charger. This will allow you to stay in touch with people as required.

Sustenance is another thing you are going to have to focus on with a power outage in Laurel. As your refrigerator and freezer are without power for longer periods of time, the food is going to become unsafe. You will have to discard it all eventually – and this means you will need other food to eat. Jerky can last a significant amount of time, and there are also various other things you can keep in the house, such as granola bars, peanut butter, and canned foods. Many of these things won’t need to be cooked at all.

Call and talk to us at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial today to learn about emergency preparedness. Having a homeowner’s insurance policy can be one of the best ways to prepare for what may occur in your Maryland home.

 

 

Steps to Take if You Witness a Car Accident

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Car accidents are loud, scary, and sometimes chaotic. Will you know what to do if a car accident happens in front of you? At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we want you to feel prepared to take the proper steps if you witness an auto accident in Washington DC.

Move Out of Harm’s Way

You cannot help others if you become injured. The first thing you should do after witnessing a car accident is move your vehicle out of the way. Pull over approximately 35 yards away from the scene.

Call the Police

You should notify the police immediately when you witness an accident. Call 911 and be prepared to give the location of the accident. Calmly give details regarding the type and color of vehicles in the crash, as well as the number of people involved in the accident.

Provide Reassurance

If you are able to safely reach the accident victims, provide reassurance that help is on the way. It is best not to attempt any medical care as this can cause greater injury. The 911 call-taker will ask you to provide information on the condition of the victims if you can safely do so.

Stay Focused

Try to remain composed. Concentrate on the details of the accident and surrounding conditions. You will need to provide the police with details of what you witnessed when officers arrive on scene.

State the Facts

When the police are ready to take your statement, remember to only provide factual statements of what you saw. Do not make assumptions or give opinions. If you are unsure of exact details you should say so.

Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial is here for all of your auto insurance needs. For more information on what to do if you witness a car accident, or for a competitive quote on car insurance, contact us today.

Laurel, MD: Common Life Insurance Myths

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If you’re considering investing in life insurance, it is imperative that you consider your many options. It’s also pertinent to speak with a qualified life insurance agent serving the Laurel, MD area. By speaking with this type of agent, you can rest assured that all of your life insurance needs will be met.

From assessing your individual needs to determining whether or not you actually need life insurance, an agent can explain the ins-and-outs of the various life insurance policies that are best suited for you. In addition to explaining the policies that are available to you, an agent can go over the common life insurance myths that people often fall for. It’s important that you don’t fall for these myths or you could end up losing out on benefits that are available to you and your beneficiaries. 

Life insurance myth #1: If you’re not married, you don’t need life insurance

Just because you aren’t married, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need life insurance. Life insurance funds are meant to be used as a beneficiary benefit to those you help support. For instance, if you have any children and they have yet to go through college, you may want to invest in life insurance to cover the associated expenses in the event that you were to pass away before they have completed their post-secondary education. 

Life insurance myth #2: Life insurance is always expensive

There are many life insurance policies that can be invested in at extremely affordable premiums. Some of the best policies and most inexpensive ones are term life insurance plans; however, depending on your exact needs, a permanent life insurance plan might be better suited. To learn more about your life insurance options, please contact an agent serving your area from Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial.

 

5 Tips For Halloween Safety

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There are many Halloween safety tips that you can follow in Maryland. You want to make sure that trick-or-treaters are safe and that your home is safe as well. These tips should help you tremendously.

#1: Clear a Path

Clear a path for all of the trick-or-treaters. This includes removing broken branches from the yard, ensuring that extension cords are out of the way, and more. Otherwise, trick-or-treaters could easily trip on your property.

#2: Light it Up

Make sure that your property is well lit. Turn on the porch light and use other lights in order to make sure kids can see the front door easily.

#3: Watch Flammables

Halloween is a time where you may have luminaries, candles, and various other things. Watch to make sure that the flames are under control. Also make sure that flammables are nowhere near the open flames so that you don’t experience a fire or anything else.

#4: Fill Holes

Kids will often run between properties, so fill holes that you may have in your yard. You don’t want a kid catching their feet in a hole and twisting their ankle.

#5: Watch Kids

Watch the kids and make sure that they are following rules. They should be walking everywhere instead of running. Ensure kids are holding up longer costumes so that they are not tripping.

As always, a good homeowner’s insurance policy can go a long way. It will allow you to have further peace of mind and ensure that you can file a claim instead of paying out-of-pocket for any damages.

Call us at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial today to learn about homeowners insurance. We can talk to you about coverage options, compare quotes on your behalf, and more. It will ensure that your home in Laurel, Maryland is protected during Halloween and through the rest of the year.

 

 

 

Understanding Your Health Insurance Discounts as a Student

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There are many discounts to be taken advantage of as a student. From local sports venue discounts to saving on your auto insurance, there are many ways to make your dollars stretch further. Here’s a look at health insurance for students and the discounts they may qualify for. 

School Plan Discounts

Many larger colleges and universities offer health coverage to their students. For some, the premiums are covered. For others, the associated premiums tend to be quite affordable because all students get a group rate. Plans purchased through schools usually offer an extensive line of benefits, including preventative coverage, hospitalization coverage, expanded medication options, and more. 

Individual Plans

Any one can purchase an individual health insurance plan. For college students, it’s important to communicate with the service provider that they are in fact students. Many providers will offer a discount for being a student, and an even steeper one for keeping good grades. 

Family Plan

Your last option as a college student buying health insurance is to stay on your family’s plan. Most policies allow students to stay covered until they are at 26-years-old and in school. Some policies will cover the student no matter how long they are in school. The same as with an individual plan, you should relay your enrollment status and your GPA with your family’s insurance provider to ensure you get the best discounts possible. 

Going to college and maintaining health insurance doesn’t have to be hassle. Visit the Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial website today to learn more about your health insurance options and any discounts you may qualify for.