A recently released insurance survey suggests that over 30 million U.S. households own insurance policies that are seriously out-of-date. As a result, the following questions should be asked.  If the answer to one or more of these questions is "yes", then you should contact us as soon as possible so that your insurance policies can be appropriately updated.

• Has your house undergone major renovations or improvements?  If so, your home may be underinsured.
• Have you purchased new valuables or collectibles?  If so, you may be seriously underinsured for these items.  Specialty policies or endorsements can properly cover them.
• Have you added a burglar alarm with central station reporting for your home?  If so, you could qualify for a homeowners premium discount.

Mid-State enhanced its Homeowners program to provide more availablecredits.

Prevent water damage.  Water damage losses are one of the most common insurance claims.  You can safeguard your home from water damage losses in numerous ways, including the following:

• Check your home’s water system if your water bill is abnormally high for no apparent reason.

• Your home’s drainage system should be checked to verify that proper water drainage occurs.  For example, gutter downspouts should extend the proper distance from the foundation.

• Your yard should be properly graded to slope away from the home to allow surface water to adequately drain.

• If your home has a basement, a sump pump system should be installed to keep unwanted water out..

• Check your washing machine hoses periodically since hose failures cause millions of dollars of water losses each year.  Many adjusters recommend upgrading to heavy-duty wire mesh hoses or stainless steel hoses during this replacement.

• Most water heaters last between 10 to 15 years.  Water heaters should be checked yearly for signs of leakage.  The best location for your water heater is in the garage rather than inside the home.

• If you are away from your house for longer than a few days, if possible, turn off the water to your house, or turn off accessible control valves.

• Insulate water pipes that come into contact with cold air to guard them from cracking.

• If you have an A/C system, have it serviced by a qualified technician yearly before you use it.

• Check periodically under sinks for signs of pipe leakage.

• It is a good idea to know where the main water shut off valve for your house is located, and to check it periodically to make sure it works.