Most people assume their homeowners insurance has them covered for liability. If someone slips on the driveway, breaks a bone, and sues? That’s typically included under standard liability coverage. But what if you’re...

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Picture this: a storm rolls through, damages part of your siding or roofing, and your homeowners insurance steps in to help cover the repairs. Great, right? But there’s a catch-what if the original materials aren’t made...

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From tax prep and tutoring to candle making and piano lessons, more and more people are running small businesses right out of their homes. But here's a question you might not have considered: what happens if something...

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Should you have an umbrella policy? Yes. Now, more than ever, having an umbrella policy is critically important. But what is an umbrella policy? A personal umbrella policy is an additional liability policy that provides...

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If you own a condo or live in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), you probably know that the association carries its own insurance policy. But did you know that if the HOA suffers a major loss, you could be...

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Your home is a reflection of your style, comfort, and hard work. But what happens when a covered loss damages part of your space-leaving you with mismatched flooring, cabinets, or countertops? Most standard homeowners...

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Most homeowners don’t think about the underground pipes and wires running from their house to the street-until something goes wrong. Water, sewer, gas, electrical, and internet lines are all critical to your home, but ...

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Your home is filled with essential systems and appliances-HVAC, water heaters, refrigerators, security systems, and more. But what happens when they suddenly fail due to mechanical or electrical breakdown? Most people...

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Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem. Inland floods caused by heavy rain, snowmelt, or overflowing streams are on the rise, even in low-to-moderate risk areas. Unfortunately, standard homeowners, renters, and condo...

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Most people focus on protecting their belongings when they buy home, renters, or condo insurance. But what about protecting your finances if you’re sued? Liability coverage is one of the most important parts of your...

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When was the last time you thought about the value of everything you own? If a fire, theft, or water damage destroyed your personal belongings, would your renters or condo insurance cover the full cost to replace them?...

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In today’s connected world, cyber threats aren’t just a business problem-they’re a household problem. From smart home devices and online banking to email and social media, your personal data is more vulnerable than ever....

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If a fire, storm, or burglary damages your belongings, would your insurance cover the full cost to replace them? Many policyholders are surprised to learn that without Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage, their...

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In today’s digital world, identity theft is a growing concern. Criminals can steal personal information to access bank accounts, open fraudulent credit cards, or even take out loans in your name. Unfortunately,...

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Many American families have an accumulation of stuff in their homes: gasoline cans, spare oil, half-containers of antifreeze, fertilizer, yard pesticides and other materials all compressed together into one poorly...

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Egg prices have skyrocketed, and with them, an increased interest in backyard chickens. But before you acquire a flock, consider your liability risks and insurance coverage. Liability - Keeping chickens can create...

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No one wants to come home to an overflowing toilet, a backed-up sewer line or a leaking ceiling. Water damage can cause homeowners as much money and anxiety as a fire, an earthquake or a hurricane. The Insurance...

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According to Cornell Law School, negligence is “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.” This applies to professional services and...

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Sticker shock and revolving risk are the new normal. Extreme weather, cyberattacks, supply chain interruptions, worker shortages, wars and inflation keep hammering the insurance market. It’s like the classic “I Love...

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Rising property insurance premiums in wind- and hail-prone areas have increased interest in wind deductible buyback (WDBB) insurance. Available as a stand-alone policy that complements primary property insurance, WDBB...

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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Nationwide, that amounts to nearly 1 trillion gallons of water wasted every year. The EPA’s...

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When homebuying, you’ll create a budget based on price, taxes and insurance. You’ll balance your budget against other expectations like home size, location and condition. You might find a home that’s part of a...

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When winter dumps inches or even feet of snow in your neighborhood, a snowblower can be a handy tool. While a snowblower can quickly clear your driveway and sidewalks, it can be dangerous if used improperly. Snowblowers...

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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...

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How Well Do You Know Your Home Insurance? Take This Quiz to Find Out! If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone would test me on how much insurance lingo I know,” your time has come! Get out your thinking caps, find a...

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Any large-scale loss of property is devastating. But if you've made an inventory of your personal belongings, it could make the process of recovery and filing an insurance claim much easier. You need an inventory to...

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When winter dumps inches or even feet of snow in your neighborhood, a snowblower can be a handy tool. While a snowblower can quickly clear your driveway and sidewalks, it can be dangerous if used improperly. Snowblowers...

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Entering adulthood brings new responsibilities, and managing insurance is one of the most important. Yet, insurance can often feel overwhelming or even unnecessary-until something goes wrong. At Rathbun Insurance, we...

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Home insurance prices fluctuate based on your home’s location, value, age and construction materials. The national average for home insurance is around $2,614 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage, according to...

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Home insurance premiums have been increasing, and obtaining coverage can be challenging in what's known as a "hard market." When extreme weather and catastrophic events put demands on the insurance industry, this...

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Thinking about doing some yardwork or decorating for the holidays? Before you bust out the tree trimmer or start hanging lights, remember to survey your property for overhead power lines. The risk is in not thinking...

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Congratulations on your new home! Buying a new home can be exhilarating, especially for first-time homebuyers. For many, it’s an emotional experience. After months of browsing listings and touring homes, you finally...

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It’s getting cold outside, the sun is hanging lower above the horizon and evening is coming earlier. This is a wonderful time of year to curl up in front of the fireplace with a few logs burning brightly. But if you...

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When purchasing a home, one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is: "Why is my insurance coverage lower than the purchase price?" This usually happens when the price of the home is significantly...

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A multicar pileup is traced back to your vehicle. An ill-timed social media comment sparks a viral defamation backlash. Your teenager has a party that ends in a bonfire, fireworks and bodily injury to several guests....

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It's time to renew your homeowners insurance policy! Thank you for being a valued customer. Please take a little time to review any changes to your situation over the past year. This checklist can help you note any new...

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We're always on your side - Our job is to look out for you and what's most important to you. We take time to explain the policy details so you know what to expect from your insurance and us. We help homeowners at every...

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Equine insurance is not only for the pros. Your horse is an expensive investment, and you should consider protecting it with medical, surgical, mortality and liability insurance. If you have a small farm or ranch, even...

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At Rathbun Insurance, we are constantly looking for ways to better serve our community and make our services more accessible to everyone. We are thrilled to announce that we are now on WeChat, one of the most popular...

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It’s a mixed bag of emotions when the day arrives to send your child off to college. It often signifies the next steps into adulthood with greater autonomy, less oversight and a lot of planning. As you hug them farewell,...

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Home insurance premiums have been increasing, and obtaining coverage can be challenging in what's known as a "hard market." When extreme weather and catastrophic events put demands on the insurance industry, this...

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Vacant land has become an increasingly appealing investment, particularly in the age of skyrocketing home and rent costs. If you’re looking to join the growing ranks of landowners, you should consider insuring your...

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According to Cycling Industry News, over 2 million bicycles are stolen every year. That’s a huge issue if your bike is your primary mode of transportation, and especially if you have invested a large amount of money in...

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In the aftermath of a flood, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the scale of the damage to your property and belongings. As the waters subside, the devastation wrought by floodwater becomes apparent. Returning home can be...

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As a pet owner, it’s hard to imagine your animal attacking someone. Yet even well-trained and well-mannered animals have bad days or find themselves in situations where they feel threatened. Your dog could knock someone...

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National Insurance Awareness Day is June 28. It’s a good reminder to schedule an insurance coverage review to identify liability gaps before you have a claim. Why are coverage reviews so important? - Adopting a same-as-...

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Owning a home is likely the largest investment you will make. The benefits are many, including stabilizing your housing costs with a fixed mortgage, gaining equity and taking advantage of tax benefits. How can you best...

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Most people don’t have much spare time, especially to renew their auto, home, condo or renters insurance. That’s what makes automatic policy renewals so convenient. Setting up automatic renewals of your auto, home or...

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Regular maintenance and repairs are a big part of homeownership. Some tasks make great DIY projects, while others are less straightforward. Even with the best maintenance routines, you might have to make an insurance...

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Fireworks can add a splash of color and excitement to any celebration, but they also come with risks like burns and injuries, fire outbreaks and harm to pets. Here are some facts about fireworks from the National Fire...

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Whether you’re renting for the first time or you just need a refresher, use this checklist to spot potential red flags before signing a lease. Once you’re in your new place (or even if you decide not to move), dust off...

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A vehicle break-in can happen when you least expect it, even in your own neighborhood. Approaching your car and seeing shattered glass from a broken window is unsettling and scary. You’re left dealing with vehicle...

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You may have home insurance, and auto insurance, but is your motorhome properly covered? Let's make sure you have the right protections in place before you set off on that epic road trip. Liability insurance? It’s the...

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No matter where you go, people need to go. You may need to rent portable toilets and sanitation stations for things like: Weddings and parties Commercial events Residential events Workplace events Fundraisers Disaster...

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Insuring a mobile home is different than insuring a traditional one. To get a quote, you’ll be asked a number of questions about your mobile home. The age of the home is one such question and an important consideration....

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Fraudsters superpowered with artificial intelligence (AI) are quickly becoming a reason to be skeptical of nearly everything, including wrong numbers and telemarketers. In a new phone scam, fraudsters steal a sample...

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A home purchase comes with excitement and stress, until the long-awaited closing. With the keys to your new home in hand, you pass the threshold into your future filled with friends, family and memorable moments. You've...

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Renters Insurance Refresher - Inventory your belongings:Take pictures or videos of your belongings (like furniture, clothes, recreational toys, electronics and jewelry). Copy receipts, and serial and model numbers....

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Individuals face multiple financial and reputational threats from cybersecurity failures and cybercrime. While you may get some financial help from the company that leaked your data, much of the losses you face from...

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Standard homeowners policies cover damage or destruction of your home and its contents. They also offer personal liability coverage to protect you financially if someone is injured or their possessions are damaged or...

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Unlike flooding caused by a storm, sewage backup is caused by the obstruction or malfunction of pipes in your home. A standard homeowners policy normally doesn’t have sewage backup insurance unless you’ve asked to add...

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Water damage can be devastating, costly and destructive to your home. The causes of water damage range from weather-related flooding to overflowing toilets. The statistics related to water damage are daunting. According...

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The idea of having “a roof over your head” is comforting precisely because roofs are so important. And you may feel reassured that your homeowners insurance policy will cover you in the event your roof is damaged due to...

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Flood insurance is a type of home or business insurance that covers flooding, which is not covered by standard home or commercial insurance. It can be written to cover buildings and contents and it's designed for owners...

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The forecast calls for a chance of thunderstorms. That may not require you to cancel your outdoor plans, but take the threat of lightning seriously. Your odds of being struck by lightning are better than you think. In...

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A fire extinguisher is a very effective tool for putting out a fire that is just getting started. Knowing how to properly use an extinguisher reduces the risk of a larger fire developing and destroying your workplace or...

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Many people rent homes at some point in their lives, from college students in their first off-campus apartments to retired couples who are downsizing. If you’re a new renter, you might not be clear on what renters...

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The real estate industry is a rising target for wire transfer fraud. In 2022, there were nearly 2,300 real estate scams, according to the wire fraud recovery and prevention software company CertifID. That represents a...

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Why is my friends home insurance so much less expensive than mine? We live in similar neighborhoods and our homes are about the same size! We get this question all the time and thought it would be beneficial to review a...

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Don't let sewer backups catch you off guard! Rathbun Insurance is here to shed light on the importance of sewer backup coverage. Did you know that sewer backups can lead to catastrophic and expensive damage to your...

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When purchasing or renewing a homeowners policy, it's important to select the right coverage limit. This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a particular claim. There are many factors to consider...

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Welcome to our Renters Insurance Refresher! Whether you're a seasoned renter or a first-time tenant, it's essential to ensure that your belongings are adequately protected. One key aspect of safeguarding your...

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Snowmobiling can be an exhilarating but risky winter sport. Today’s high-powered machines can weigh as much as 600 pounds, reach speeds as high as 200 miles per hour and cost well over $10,000. Property damage and...

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An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof. It prevents melting snow from draining off, forcing the melted water to seep underneath shingles. The water can leak into your home, damaging...

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It’s that time of year again: cold snap season. Plumbing systems can freeze when temperatures take a sudden nosedive past the freezing mark, or 32 F. And when water freezes and expands within a pipe, the pipe can burst....

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In the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry, we currently find ourselves amidst what experts term a "hard market." This phase challenges insurance companies to reevaluate their strategies in the face of mounting...

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Looking to change your auto insurance, cover your home for damage or get liability insurance? An independent insurance agent can help you with all of these needs. What makes independent agents different from “captive”...

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Candles are responsible for an estimated 7,400 residential fires yearly, an average of 20 home fires daily. Fires caused by candles resulted in 90 deaths and $291 million in direct property damage nationwide, according...

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Imagine a pipe bursts and water spreads throughout your home, damaging everything in its path. Your insurance would pay for repairs and loss of use while renovations are underway. There is one caveat, though: The cause...

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If your home is damaged by a fire, a flood or another disaster, you may be relieved to know it wasn't completely destroyed. But it's important to understand how your insurance coverage works. You may still be required...

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Quick response (QR) codes allow you to navigate to a website or other digital information without typing in a web address. From cashless vendors to product information to airline boarding passes, QR codes made it easier...

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In the labyrinth of home insurance, the value of understanding and securing appropriate coverage limits cannot be overstated. A gap between the actual cost to rebuild and the insured amount can lead to devastating...

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Many factors affect your home insurance rates. Some have to do with the age, location and structure of your home. Others have to do with local crime rates, school districts and weather hazards. But there’s one factor...

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Recreational drones, sometimes called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are growing in popularity. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that more than 506,635 drones have been registered for recreational use....

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world, cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy a staggering $8 trillion in 2023, as reported by Cybersecurity Ventures. At Rathbun Insurance, we understand the...

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At Rathbun Insurance, we believe in providing comprehensive coverage that safeguards your home and valuables. When it comes to securing the right insurance policy, you may wonder why a home inspection might be required...

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In the realm of financial planning, insurance serves as a safety net that shields individuals, families, and business from unexpected and potentially devastating losses. Whether it’s health, life, auto, liability, or...

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Insurance is an essential aspect of financial planning and risk management. It provides a safety net that helps individuals and businesses safeguard themselves against unforeseen events and unexpected expenses. However,...

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Homeowners associations (HOAs) often include many amenities but also many restrictions. Make sure you know what you're getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

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We live in an app-enabled world. You can order groceries, hire a dog walker and book a vacation without leaving your home or speaking to a real person. It makes sense to think insurance is something you can do online,...

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Trick-or-treaters aren’t the only spooky thing you may see on Halloween. You also need to watch out for hazards that could lead to a scary homeowners insurance claim. Here are 13 precautions to make your home safe...

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry, we find ourselves in the midst of what experts refer to as a "hard market." This term is indicative of a phase where insurance companies face increasing...

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At Rathbun Insurance, we understand that traversing the world of insurance can be complex and overwhelming. In this blog, we'll shed light on the crucial difference between underwriting decisions and coverage decisions....

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Do you have a vacation cabin or another property that you use during the summer but leave empty during the winter? If so, you need to winterize your getaway so you don’t find a mess when spring arrives. Winterizing may...

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September is National Preparedness Month, and it's the perfect time to ensure you're ready for unexpected disasters. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is emphasizing the importance of...

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Strong winds and lighting have wreaked havoc on Mid-Michigan this evening, leaving behind damage and power outages. If you're one of the unfortunate individuals who have experienced storm-related damage in mid-Michigan,...

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A home renovation can add value to your property and make it more livable. But before you hire a contractor, make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place. You may need to increase your homeowners insurance...

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Is it time to renovate your kitchen, repair your roof, or add a new bedroom? Depending on the type and size of your project, you may need the services of a general contractor (who manages the entire project), an...

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In a groundbreaking decision, the Michigan Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that promises to reshape the terrain of premises liability cases. The ruling, arising from the consolidated cases of Kandil-Elsayed v....

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As your trusted independent agency in Lansing, MI, we are committed to ensuring your safety and protecting your property. With a severe thunderstorm watch in effect, there is a possibility of a hail storm heading our...

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When it comes to homeowners insurance, most people are aware of the standard coverages like property damage and liability protection. However, there is one aspect that often goes unnoticed but holds significant value: ...

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As an insurance producer, it's important to educate clients about the different perils that can affect their homes and the coverage options available to protect them. Understanding the differences between H03 and H05...

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When purchasing insurance, you may have noticed that insurance agents ask a lot of questions. This can often seem like an intrusive and time-consuming process, but it is actually a necessary part of the insurance...

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As you navigate the world of insurance, you may encounter different types of agents. Two common types are independent agents and exclusive or captive agents. While both types of agents can provide you with insurance...

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As a young adult, you may not be thinking about purchasing insurance, let alone an umbrella insurance policy. However, it's important to understand that accidents and unexpected events can happen at any time and it's...

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Moving out of your parents' house is a significant milestone and we understand how exciting it can be to finally have your own space and independence. With this newfound freedom comes new responsibilities, one of which...

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When we considered adding Milo and Ash as our family pets, the thought of them potentially biting or injuring someone did not cross our minds. We couldn’t wait to snuggle them and watch them flourish as new members of...

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In December 2022, there was a devastating fire at Knob Hill Apartments in Okemos where two buildings were a total loss. Many of our neighbors and friends who rented there lost all of their belongings and were left...

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Your college student child has moved into an apartment or your adult child has moved out “on their own” and you are all celebrating this next chapter of independence. A question we will often get is, does my kid need to...

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As trusted insurance advisors, we are commonly faced with the question “What do I need to protect myself from?” When referring to automobile insurance, the reality is who you insure yourself against is equally important...

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It's that time of the year when many people are thinking about working on home renovation projects. What a surprise after going to the hardware store when homeowners are finding lumber costs increasing significantly. We...

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Did you know that after experiencing a homeowners loss, rebuilding your home to meet current codes may cost more than the replacement cost on your policy? What happens when your city decides to pass a new ordinance,...

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When it comes to homeowners’ policies, there are three different coverage forms available: basic, broad and special. But what are the differences? And how do these differences play out in real-world claims scenarios? It...

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Even in the midst of a global pandemic, more than 13 million Americans will travel this holiday season to spend the holiday with friends and family. To ensure a worry-free holiday, here are some convenient travel and...

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For sixty four years, we have been proud to partner with the best insurance carriers that offer broad coverage and competitive pricing. We are very excited to announce that we have added Pioneer State Mutual to our...

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With access to just about all the information you need online to make purchasing decisions, do you really need an insurance agent anymore? The thought of interacting in person with a local agent seems like an obsolete...

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We have had several questions the last few weeks on how to reduce premiums during the mandatory stay-at-home order for both businesses and individuals. Most all carriers are making accommodations if you call their...

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You can purchase personal articles coverage on your homeowners polices for cell phones. The price is typically less than purchasing the insurance directly through the provider, but the coverage is not as broad. There...

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Yes. But what is an umbrella policy? A personal umbrella policy is an additional liability policy that provides coverage beyond the limits of your primary personal insurance policies. Typically, the umbrella is...

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One of the most common questions we get when insuring a piece of property is how we determine the insurable value. Oftentimes we present a home insurance proposal to an insured and they inquire as to why the dwelling...

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With the extreme cold temperatures around Mid-Michigan the past few weeks, the risk of frozen pipes is more present than ever. As water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on pipes. When there’s too much pressure on...

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