Regardless of our swimming abilities, many of us beat the heat in our backyard swimming pool as summer temperatures soar.  It seems that taking advantage of a residential swimming pool is more popular than ever before. In fact,  well over 8 million  U. S. households owni a pool, according to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. 

But all swimming pools – from the simplest inflatable wading pool to the most elaborate luxury in-ground variety – can present a danger, especially to children.

It’s that time again when millions of Americans look forward to outdoor barbecues. If you’re among them, then there are some things you should know before you fire up the grill.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warns that about 5,700 grill fires happen each year on residential property, and most are caused by improperly functioning gas grills. These fires cause on average 100 injuries and ten deaths, not to speak of an average $37 million in property damage. Moreover, hospital emergency rooms see thousands of people with burn injuries resulting from barbecuing.

Accidents will happen, but there is much less chance if you practice safe grilling and grill-maintenance.

Are you in the market for a home? If so, you’re not alone. As many as 40% of all home sales actually happen between April and June each year. It’s no wonder that period is known as the “home buying season.”

As one of those prospective homeowners, you must have many questions. Perhaps you wonder about mortgage interest rates and fees and taxes. As you visit prospective new homes, you probably ask about the neighborhood and schools. Likely, you’ll want to know the history and condition of the house you’re looking to buy.

As you ask questions and weigh your options, you’ll also want to find how the home’s size, construction, location and condition since those details will also impact your homeowners insurance costs.

If you’re wondering which home insurance questions are most important, then take a moment to view the following video …

The Latimer Insurance Agency is a full-service insurance agency in Bethesda, Maryland (Montgomery County) offering business/commercial insurance, auto insurance for your vehicle, home insurance for homeowners, renters and condo dwellers, and life insurance to all of Maryland (MD), Virginia (VA) Pennsylvania (PA), Delaware (DE), New York (NY), West Virginia (WV), North Carolina (NC) and Washington DC since 1919. Our experienced insurance agents  at our office Bethesda, Maryland (Montgomery County) welcome your inquiries and are glad to discuss your coverage needs at any time. The scope of your insurance coverage and options depend entirely upon the policy and the insurance company providing it.  This website is not intended to advise, offer or bind coverage.  You should always discuss your insurance issues with professionals such as a licensed and qualified insurance agent before making any decisions or choosing a course of action.

Could this Valentine’s Day be much more romantic than usual for you? It is if the love of your life just proposed marriage and offered up that diamond ring you’ve been dreaming of. We’re happy for you and we wish the best for both of you. We’re sure you’re on cloud nine as you should be. This is a Valentine’s Day you won’t forget. But now that you have the new bling, there are a few pressing responsibilities that need your attention. We know you’re not likely “thinking insurance” just yet, but we are. Why? Because the Insurance Information Institute warns us that the loss of valuable jewelry is one of the most common of all content-related home insurance claims. So we hope you’ll take the following steps to see that your new engagement ring is financially protected in case of theft, damage or theft.

• Check with your insurance agent as soon as possible. You might need to buy additional coverage depending on the cost of your new ring. According to a 2016 survey of brides and grooms done by The Knot, the average cost of an engagement ring is just under $6000. Although most renters insurance and homeowner insurance policies typically offer some coverage for jewelry and other personal items, it is usually not sufficient to cover an item like an engagement ring.
• Get copies of the receipt from the ring’s purchase. Keep one for your own records and provide one for your insurer to document the current retail cost of that diamond ring.
• Arrange for an appraisal. A reputable professional appraisal report is necessary to determine the real value of the piece if yours is a vintage ring, a family heirloom or if it has been custom-designed. As time goes on, the value of items changes, so appraisal reports are only valid for a few years. Then you’ll need a new appraisal to know the real value. If you don’t know a reliable appraiser, your insurance agent should be able to help you find one.

If you have taken the above steps to determine and document the value of that new engagement ring and also to properly insure it, you should be breathing a little easier. Now it’s time to enjoy life with your new fiancé as you both share your news with your friends and family. You’re off on a path of many “firsts” that will change your life as you’ve known it.

Personal Valuables Insurance Tip

Personal Valuables Insurance offers supplemental coverage for loss, theft and damage for many precious items. They include not only jewelry but also expensive artwork, your grandmother’s silverware, fine collectibles, furs, firearms, cameras, and much more. Discuss your valuable belongings with your insurance agent who can then help you decide whether you need increased insurance protection for valuable items.

The Latimer Insurance Agency is a full-service insurance agency in Bethesda, Maryland (Montgomery County) offering business/commercial insurance, auto insurance for your vehicle, home insurance for homeowners, renters and condo dwellers, and life insurance to all of Maryland (MD), Virginia (VA) Pennsylvania (PA), Delaware (DE), New York (NY), West Virginia (WV), North Carolina (NC) and Washington DC since 1919. Our experienced insurance agents  at our office Bethesda, Maryland (Montgomery County) welcome your inquiries and are glad to discuss your coverage needs at any time. The scope of your insurance coverage and options depend entirely upon the policy and the insurance company providing it.  This website is not intended to advise, offer or bind coverage.  You should always discuss your insurance issues with professionals such as a licensed and qualified insurance agent before making any decisions or choosing a course of action.

For many, the New Year marks a fresh start when we can improve on previous behaviors. Typically, many of us set goals in terms of hitting the gym or quitting smoking, but perhaps this year it’s worth focusing on your relationship with technology as well.

Becoming cyber-safe is important - not only for business but for each individual who uses a cell phone, computer or any other device in today's world.  Hackers are becoming more sophisticated, and each of us must do what we can to stay one step ahead.

Click READ MORE below for five New Year’s resolutions to help you avoid falling victim to cyber-attacks in 2017: