12 Clean Air Tips for the Home

May 17th, 2012
Clean Air Month

Photo by Caveman Chuck Coker

May 2012 is Clean Air Month! Supported by the American Lung Association, Clean Air Month is a time to educate people about the many health benefits of clean air. It’s also a time to take positive steps of your own to help improve the air quality in your life. And what’s more personal than the air in your own home?

As one of the leading home insurance agencies in Ohio and Kentucky, the safety and security of your home matters to us. A healthy home is a happy home, and there’s nothing better than that. So today we present 12 clean air tips for your Ohio or Kentucky home in celebration of Clean Air Month.

12 Tips for Clean Air at Home

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. CO is tasteless, odorless and poisonous, so detectors are essential for keeping your family safe.
  • Vacuum regularly to keep dust mites under control. Dust mites make the air in your home dirty.
  • If someone in your home is allergic to a pet, keep the pet outdoors or—at minimum—keep the pet aways from the allergic person’s bedroom.
  • Test your home for radon on a regular basis. Radon is deadly and can only be detected through testing.
  • Make sure your kitchen is well ventilated. The smoke and heat you create when cooking can reduce the air quality in the rest of your home.
  • Use natural cleaning products in your home to avoid exposing your family to contaminants in the air.
  • Replace carpets with wood or tile floors. Carpets can hold many contaminants that are detrimental to your health.
  • Make sure your bathrooms are well ventilated. This tip will help keep humidity levels in your home low. Low humidity keeps air pollutants at bay.
  • Never leave your car running inside your garage. The fumes can seep into your home and cause big problems.
  • Consider purchasing an air purifier if someone in your home is especially sensitive to allergens in the air.
  • Don’t allow smoking in your house.
  • When you paint, use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and make sure the room is well ventilated. Low-VOC paints release the least amount of contaminants in the air.

These are just a few tips for purifying the air in your home. Can you think of more? Leave a comment with your own clean air tip for the home below and have a happy and healthy Clean Air Month!

Posted in Home Insurance Tips, Home Safety | No Comments »

Photo Contest from Progressive Insurance – Win up to $1000

April 30th, 2012
Photo contest for a chance to win $1000

Capture the perfect moment for a chance to win up to $1000! Photo by Clownfish.

Attention all fans of boats, bikes, RVs, ATVs, and personal watercraft!

Progressive Insurance is offering you an easy and fun way to share your favorite outdoor photos online for a chance to win $50-$1000 gift cards through their PostScript photo contest.

All you have to do is upload your favorite picture with a short description, and you’ll be eligible for a chance to win a $50 gift card each week of the contest.

Plus, you can encourage your friends and family to vote for your entry for a shot at winning the grand prize, a $1000 gift card!

How to Enter

No purchase necessary, so your friends can enter for their own chance to win! Visit http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/199765 and use promo code 0114 when entering for an additional chance to win from Burkhart Insurance.

Prize Details

  • Top 10 finalists will each receive a $100 gift card
  • Fourth and fifth place will each receive a $250 gift card
  • Second and third place will each receive a $750 gift card
  • The grand prize winner will be awarded with a $1000 gift card
  • Twenty random winners will be awarded with $50 gift cards (5/week)

The photo contest ends on May 11, 2012, so don’t delay. You could win up to $1000 for capturing a great photo of your friends and family having some outdoor fun!

And don’t forget to insure your boat, Jet Ski, RV, or ATV with help from Burkhart Insurance Agency. We want you and your family to stay safe this season.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Photo Contest | No Comments »

Earth Day Home Improvements

April 20th, 2012

Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22, 2012. What do you have planned?

How about celebrating this important day by making a few simple improvements to your home? It’s easy to go green!

4 Earth Day Tips for a Greener Home

Earth Day Home Improvements

Photo by FlyingSinger

Here are 4 simple tips for making your home more environmentally friendly this Earth Day.

Change a Light Bulb

Replacing burnt out light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) is a fast, easy way to save energy this Earth Day.

Unplug Stuff You’re Not Using

Many household electronics like TVs, printers, cell phone chargers, and printers draw power even when they’re not in use.

Recycle Unused Electronics

Got any old TVs, stereos, cell phones, or computers lying around? Recycle them so the chemicals and heavy metals don’t end up in the ground.

Fix That Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet can waste up to 74 gallons of water per day. Fix it and cut down on the amount of water your household consumes.

Happy Earth Day from Burkhart Agency!

We’d like to wish everyone in Cincinnati and Covington a happy Earth Day 2012. If you have any Earth Day home improvement tips you’d like to share, please make a comment below.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Home Insurance Tips | No Comments »

Tornado Warning Signs and Safety Precautions for Ohio

April 18th, 2012

Photo by Ryan-o

Tornado season has arrived here in Ohio, which means it’s time to think about severe weather safety. Will you and your family be prepared?

Today, we’ll examine some of the warning signs of an approaching tornado and what you should do to keep your family as safe as possible.

According to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, peak tornado season in Ohio is usually around April through July with most tornados occurring between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. However, a tornado can happen at any time, during any month of the year, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for the warning signs of an approaching tornado.

Tornado Warning Signs

Weather forecasting is never perfect. We’re all well aware of that fact. In some cases, a tornado can occur without any warning signs. Nevertheless, there are a few warning signs that you and your family should be aware of, besides an obviously visible tornado.

  • Hail or heavy rain followed by dead calm or an intense wind shift
  • A dark, often greenish, sky
  • A loud continues rumble that doesn’t fade like thunder
  • Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base
  • Bright flashes at ground level caused by snapping power lines
If you or someone in your family notices any of these tornado warning signs, find a radio or turn on the TV for confirmation. Even better, take a radio with you down into the basement to be extra careful.

Tornado Safety Precautions

The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness urges Ohioans to us this mnemonic device when a tornado is approaching—DUCK!

D - Go down to the lowest level of your home

U - Get under something protective

C - Cover your head

K - Keep in shelter until the storm has passed

For even more information, check out the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Website.

Tornados are no joke. Make sure your family and friends are safe this season and check with your insurance agent to be sure your Ohio homeowners insurance policy provides enough coverage.

Posted in Severe Weather Safety | No Comments »

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover?

March 30th, 2012

You have a lot of responsibilities as a landlord, so it’s important you know exactly what your landlord insurance policy covers. In today’s post, we’ll give you a quick rundown of what landlord insurance is and what it typically covers.

For more information, contact Burkhart Insurance Agency of Cincinnati, OH. We’ll be happy to talk with you about your options. As an independent insurance agency, we can help you find the right coverage for your property at price you can afford.

What is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord Insurance is a specialized type of insurance that covers rental policies. While some landlords use their homeowners insurance to cover their rental properties, landlord insurance is the better option because it is specifically designed to address the unique risks a landlord will face when renting out their property.

What Does Your Landlord Insurance Policy Cover?

A landlord insurance policy covers a property owner from many of the potential financial losses attached to rental properties. However, the exact coverages offered by a landlord insurance policy can differ depending on the insurance provider and the option you choose. Some of the most common landlord insurance coverages include:

Property Damage

Similar to a homeowners insurance, a landlord insurance policy covers your property from most damages. For examples, if your rental property is destroyed in a fire, your landlord insurance policy should cover the cost to rebuild the structure.

Make sure you insure your rental property for what it would cost to rebuild. If you don’t, you could end up paying out-of-pocket for the remainder of repairs.

Income Loss

This is where landlord insurance policies differ from homeowners insurance policies most. A landlord insurance policy should reimburse you for any lost income due to a covered event like a fire.

If you rely on the income from your rental properties to keep you going, buying a landlord insurance policy that covers lost income can be an excellent investment.

Your Property Contents

A landlord insurance policy will not cover your tenants’ property—they need their own renters insurance policy for that. But a landlord insurance policy will often cover your belongings that your tenants might use. This can include furniture, landscaping equipment, etc.

When purchasing landlord insurance, take an accurate inventory of all the property you keep on the premises.

Legal Protection

If a tenant is injured on your property, you may or may not be liable, depending on the situation. However, your landlord insurance policy should provide coverage for legal fees in case a tenant decides to take legal action against you.

This type of protection can vary from policy to policy, so check with your insurance agent to be sure you have the right level of protection.

Protect Your Investment with Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance is a must-have for any landlord in Cincinnati, OH. It will help you protect your investment and give you the peace of mind to focus on other things like taking good care of your tenants.

Check out our Landlord Insurance page for more information or contact Burkhart Insurance Agency for a free quote today!

 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Landlord Insurance | No Comments »

8 Quick Tips for Buying Classic Car Insurance in Ohio and Kentucky

March 26th, 2012

Shopping for classic car insurance in Ohio or Kentucky? Here are 8 quick tips for buying classic car insurance that are sure to come in handy as you explore your options.

For more help, fill out our free classic car insurance quote form and one of our local, Ohio or Kentucky insurance agents will contact you with more information.

  • Get your classic car insured in Ohio or Kentucky for the agreed value, not the stated or actual cash value.
  • Make sure the agreed value for your classic car represents the true market value of the car at the time to policy is written.
  • When you renew your classic car insurance policy, the agreed value should be assessed to reflect the current market value.
  • If the market value of your classic car changes during the policy period, the agreed value can be changed with an endorsement.
  • Before shopping for classic car insurance in Ohio or Kentucky, get an appraisal of your classic car and take pictures of the interior and exterior.
  • Check if your classic car insurance policy has any warranties or restrictions for driving your classic car in Ohio or Kentucky.
  • Obtain a clearly stated agreed value for your classic car so you can backup any damages in the case of a claim.
  • If you’re planning on driving your classic car in Ohio or Kentucky more than occasionally, get a no mileage limit policy.

Buying classic car insurance in Ohio or Kentucky doesn’t have to be scary. All you need is a little information and guidance from one of our independent insurance agents.

With our help, you’re sure to find an affordable insurance policy to cover your classic car. Contact us directly or fill our our free quote form for help purchasing classic car insurance in Ohio or Kentucky today!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Classic Car Insurance | No Comments »

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for Ohio and Kentucky Homeowners

March 23rd, 2012

Believe it or not, spring has arrived here in Ohio and Kentucky. That’s what the calendar says anyway. So it’s time to swing open our doors, let some fresh air in, and start thinking about spring home maintenance.

Now’s a perfect time to asses the condition of your home and make any necessary improvements so little problems don’t turn into big problems down the road.

To give you hand, we’ve compiled a Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for your home’s interior and exterior.

Home Exterior Maintenance Checklist

Your home’s exterior is what receives the most punishment during the winter months. Use this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to make sure everything, from your roof to your foundation, is solid and intact.

#1 – Roof

You don’t have to climb on to your roof to perform a basic inspection. Just find a pair of binoculars. If you spot any potential issue, hire a professional to do a more thorough inspection.

Things to look out for:

  • Shingle-shift
  • Cracked or missing shingles
  • Nail-pops

#2 – Chimney

Like the roof, you can spot most issues from the ground with a good pair of binoculars.

Things to look out for:

  • Loose joints
  • Vegetation growth
  • Efflorescence (a white calcium-like deposit on joints)

#3 – Exterior Walls

Look for trouble spots around eaves and downspouts.

Things to look out for:

  • Water stains
  • Openings in your siding
  • Damaged areas

#4 – Foundation

Don’t forget to take a look at your foundation as you’re inspecting your exterior walls.

Things to look out for:

  • Masonry cracks
  • Leaks

#5 – Windows

Make sure your window seals are intact. You don’t want to pay to cool the whole neighborhood on a hot summer day.

Things to look out for:

  • Leakage
  • Damaged caulking or weather stripping

Home Interior Maintenance Checklist

Your home’s interior is where you spent to majority of your free time this winter, so it’s probably in need of a little help right about now. Use this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to assure you target every nook and cranny.

#1 – General Spring Cleaning

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a thorough cleaning. In addition, cleaning will give you the opportunity to take a closer look at the neglected parts of your home.

Things to look out for:

  • Mold and mildew
  • Worn or missing grout around tiles
  • Water damage

#2 – Air Conditioning

Now is the perfect time to make sure your air conditioning system is in good working order, so you can combat those hot months we have in store for us in Ohio and Kentucky this summer.

Things to look out for:

  • Hose connection leaks
  • Dirty filter
  • Blocked drain pan

#3 – Attics

During the winter, when the temperature drop, insects and rodents are sometimes attracted to attics where they can find shelter from harsh conditions. Make sure you look for signs of colonization. Also look for mold. This can be a sign that your attic is not insulated properly.

Things to look out for:

  • Signs of insects and critters
  • Mold

#4 – Basements

Basements are prone to high levels of moisture. A damp basement may need more ventilation and a dehumidifier.

Things to look out for:

  • Signs of excessive moisture
  • Cracks in the poured-concrete walls

Thanks for Checking Out Our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist!

We hope you have found this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist helpful. By making sure your home is in tiptop shape this spring, you can avoid making claims on your home insurance policy in the future.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to one of our agents about your home insurance policy, contact Burkhart Insurance Agency. With offices in Kentucky and Ohio, our independent insurance agency can find you home insurance quotes from many of the nation’s top insurance companies.

We look forward to talking with you. Have a great spring and summer!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Home Insurance Tips | No Comments »

What is term life insurance?

February 29th, 2012

Wondering whether or not term life insurance is a good choice for you? Read on.

Term life insurance is an insurance policy that provides protection for a specified period of time.

If you’re new to the world of life insurance, term life insurance can be a good place to start because it generally costs less than permanent life insurance policies. Term life insurance is also available in varying term periods with fixed premiums from a one-year annual renewable term to a 20-year level term.

Furthermore, some term life insurance policies can be converted to permanent coverage as your needs change.

When should I consider term life insurance?

Whether or not you should consider purchasing a term life insurance policy depends on several factors.

You may want to consider a term life insurance policy if:

  • You have a spouse
  • You have dependent children
  • You have an aging parent or physically challenged relative who depends on you for support
  • Your retirement savings are not enough to insure your spouse’s future against a rising cost of living
  • You have a sizable estate
  • You own a business
Contact Burkhart Insurance Agency to learn more about term life insurance.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Life Insurance | No Comments »

Cincinnati Insurance Agency Makes Buying Insurance Easy

February 17th, 2012

Cincinnati Insurance AgencyLet’s face it: nobody looks forward to buying insurance. There are so many options available that researching insurance coverage options can be an extremely overwhelming experience unless you really know your stuff.

What kind of insurance do I need? How much should I purchase? What the heck is a deductible? All these questions and more swirl around in our heads as we feel our way through the confusing world of insurance.

That’s why a lot of people rely on the experience and expertise of an insurance agency to help them find the insurance solutions they need. An insurance agent knows what you need, what you don’t need, and how much you should be paying for insurance coverage based on your personal situation.

The problem is: not all insurance agencies are the same.

There are basically two types of insurance agents—captive and independent. Captive agents, by definition, work exclusively for one insurance carrier and are required to sell insurance for that company. That means, when working with a captive agent, your coverage options will be severely limited.

Plus, captive agents often have to meet strict quotas set by the insurance provider which means they don’t always have the client’s best interests in mind.

On the other hand, an independent agency, like our Cincinnati insurance agency, represents multiple insurance companies and works on behalf of the client, not the insurance carrier. We have the ability to compare price, product, and service amongst carriers and connect you with the best possible combination of insurance solutions.

But that’s not all. An independent insurance agency will also:

  • Work with you when you have a claim.
  • Act as your insurance consultant, working with you to determine your needs.
  • Offer one-stop shopping for a full range of products, including home, renters, auto, business, life, health, and retirement plans.
  • Periodically review your coverages to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
  • Treat you like a person, not a number.

Buying insurance doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. You just need someone on your side that knows their stuff and wants the best for you.

Our Cincinnati insurance agency—Burkhart Agency—would like to help you find the right combination of price, product, and service for your insurance needs. Contact us today to find out what we can do to make that happen.

Posted in Insurance Tips | No Comments »

Do traffic tickets save lives?

February 3rd, 2012
Traffic Tickets Save Lives

Photo by °Florian

Getting a traffic ticket stinks. It’s expensive and makes your insurance premiums go up. But, guess what? That little piece of paper that we all dread so much could actually save your live!

According to a study published in the Lancet, a British medical journal, a driver’s risk of being involved in a fatal accident fell by 35% in the month after receiving a ticket for a moving violations.

That’s huge!

The study compared 10 million drivers in Ontario, Canada, including nearly 9,000 involved in fatal accidents during an 11-year period.

The biggest reductions in risk, the study found, were for drivers ticketed by automatic speed-enforcement cameras. The smallest reduction in risk was for drivers that were ticketed for running red lights or driving drunk.

It turns out those pesky traffic tickets could be helping you out more than you think.

That being said, you’ll be much better off if you drive safe in the first place. You’ll avoid traffic tickets altogether and save money on your auto insurance premiums. It’s a win-win.

But if you are pulled over and get a traffic ticket, smile and thank the officer who gave it to you. They may have saved your life.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Auto Insurance, Auto Insurance Tips | No Comments »

« Older Entries

Get a Quote

Get a quick comparative quote using our online form.

Get a Quote Online Call 859-292-8080
  • Safeco Insurance
  • Travelers
  • Travelers