Celebrate Independence Day with Safety in Mind!

With Fourth of July approaching, many of us are looking forward to celebrating the holiday. Often times, these celebrations mean family gatherings, cookouts, being out on the Lake, and watching fireworks. While these are all activities that we love to engage in year after year, those of us in the insurance industry know that carelessness during these celebrations can lead to major loss. This week, Insure the Lake would like to share with you some tips on handling fireworks, preventing fire damage, and promoting safe celebration practices.

Practice Firework Safety

Every year, nearly 20,000 fires are blamed on fireworks. Hospitals see about 10,500 fireworks-related injuries a year. About one in four fireworks-related fires are on Independence Day, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. The best way to avoid these types of problems is to focus on safety by using proper pyrotechnic practices. Keep fireworks away from children; they can lose fingers, toes and eyes to fireworks accidents, and many are burned by even playing with sparklers - which burns at up to 2,000 degrees. Never point fireworks at others and use fireworks outdoors on a flat, hard surface in an open area away from people and buildings. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire. 

Get Your Grill On

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without grilled hot dogs, brats and burgers. However, according to the US Fire Administration, about 5700 grill fires take place on residential properties each year. Before breaking out the grill, clean your grill before you fire it up to remove any grease or fat buildup to avoid a fire hazard. Make sure you're prepared with a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby in case a fire starts. Keep your grill away from your home and deck railings, and avoid placing it under low hanging branches or vegetation. Keep children and pets away from the grilling area and never leave your grill unattended.

Plan Before Boating

Boating accidents are a typical claim for Independence Day. Before taking the family out on the Lake to watch the fireworks by water, make sure you inspect your boat to ensure proper functionality. Check your navigation lights, battery, and engine. Be sure you've got plenty of life vests on board for all of your passengers, and that they're not water logged or rotted. Besides inspecting your boat, you should also designate a sober driver if you and your guests intend to drink. One of the most common boating incident factors is drunk driving. And look out for other boaters on the Lake, as they may not be paying attention to their surroundings. 

Check Your Coverage

The most important thing to consider when preparing for your Fourth of July celebration is your insurance coverage. The last thing you want is for an incident to occur on your property and to find out afterword that you didn't have proper coverage to protect you financially or legally. It's best to contact your insurance agent at the Lake of the Ozarks before your celebration to go over your coverage and make sure you're protected in the event of any potential incidents. Insure the Lake knows that understanding your insurance policy may be the last thing on your mind. That's why we're here to help guide you through selecting the right coverage for your needs, or making changes to your current policy when needed. Give us a call today to discuss your home, auto, boating, and business insurance needs at the Lake of the Ozarks, and have a safe and fun Independence Day!

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com

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Keep Your Motorcycle on the Road this Summer

There’s nothing better than hitting the open road on your motorcycle! But you can't enjoy that much needed wind therapy if your motorcycle isn't cared for properly. Make sure your motorcycle runs smoothly all summer long and is in the best condition possible to keep your bike out of the garage and on the road with these helpful motorcycle maintenance tips from the best insurance company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Keep your tires properly inflated. 

When you set off on the open road without checking your tire pressure, you’re taking a big risk. The wrong air pressure in tires can negatively affect everything from handling to fuel mileage. If your tires are underinflated, you could experience sluggish and unstable handling or slow steering. In more extreme cases, the tire may come off of the rim. Too much pressure can cause your tires to overheat, reducing traction, and could potentially cause a blowout. Make sure you frequently check the air pressure in your tires to keep your motorcycle in tiptop condition.

Replace your brake fluid.

There’s no denying that brake fluid is an extremely important part of a motorcycle’s brake system make-up. The fluid is what transfers the force we apply on the lever into pressure, so making sure that we have the correct fluid and that it is well maintained is something that every rider should be conscious of. Brake fluid can become less effective overtime because it absorbs moisture as you go. Replace the fluid every one to two years to ensure your brakes are performing the best they can. Also, change out your brake pads if you find that they are thinning.

Check your oil. 

One of the most important steps you can take to prolong the life of your motorcycle is to check and change the oil regularly. Maintaining the oil is extremely important to ensure your motorcycle runs properly. Without it, your motorcycle's engine would burn up and stop working. If you are about to go out for a ride, check your oil beforehand. If it’s not as high as it should be, make sure you top it off. This will ensure that nothing disastrous will happen while you’re out on the road.

Make sure you grease your bearings. 

Though the majority of motorcycles have covered bearings nowadays, there are the occasional places on your bike that leave your bearings without protection. If you happen to find these on your motorcycle, make sure you consistently grease them for optimal performance.

Create a pre-ride checklist. 

Before you set out on the open road, check the level of your motor and transmission oil, your tires’ air pressure, and for any fuel leaks. Also make sure all of your bolts are tight and your electrical switches and controls are in working order. This will guarantee you will find any problem your motorcycle might have before it’s too late.

Make sure your ride is insured. 
Before hitting the road, speak to an insurance agent to make sure you have proper insurance coverage for your motorcycle. This can help cover any unforeseen expenses in the event of an incident, and can cover cost of replacing or repairing your motorcycle if damage occurs. To make sure you have proper motorcycle coverage at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Insure the Lake to discuss your coverage options. We'll do a free, no-obligation analysis of your current motorist insurance coverage to determine what coverage you have, if it's adequate to cover your potential medical bills and protect your assets, and see if we can save you a little money compared to what you are currently paying.

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com

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Working with an Insurance Agent VS Buying Insurance Online

If you’re looking for an insurance policy that’s tailored to your specific needs, you’ll need to take the time to find the best option for you. While it may seem more convenient to just get online and pick out a pre-crafted policy, you may not be getting the coverage that you need or may be paying for coverage that doesn't pertain to you. A local insurance agency can work with you directly to choose or put together a policy that is designed specifically for you. Insure the Lake, the best insurance agency at the Lake of the Ozarks, wants to share with you the benefits of working with an insurance agency VS buying insurance online.

Broader Policy Options

An independent insurance agent is able to sit down with you and discuss policy options, whereas online providers are typically limited to a particular brand of insurance. Insure the Lake is an independent insurance agency that has direct contracts with over 50 insurance companies and access to hundreds more through brokerage services. This allows us to shop the insurance marketplace in order to give you the most comprehensive coverage at a competitive price. We can also bundle policies together to save you more money - most online policy options tailor specifically to a single policy type and don't offer bundling options.

Professional Advice

Insure the Lake has made a career out of understanding the ins and outs of insurance, assessing our clients' insurance needs, and matching them with policies to best fit their needs at a price our clients can afford. We can explain the complexities of insurance policies in simple terms so that you can make good decisions when picking your coverage. Seeking the advice of a licensed insurance professional is the best way to properly protect your home, vehicle, or business. You don't get this advice when buying online. 

Personal Advocacy

When you work with an independent insurance agent, your agent becomes your personal adviser. Insure the Lake takes the time to listen to you and understand your individual needs. We understand that it's not just about finding a policy within the price range you need, but also about making certain that you are appropriately covered so you don't end up facing major financial burdens if you suffer a loss. If you have questions or concerns pertaining to billing or a claim, or just need to change your coverage, Insure the Lake can be your advocate and work with the insurance provider on your behalf so you don't have to. When you buy insurance online, you've got to take care of making these calls on your own. 

Local to the Area

When buying a policy online, you may run into the problem of not having coverage specific to the Lake of the Ozarks area. Insure the Lake is local to the Lake of the Ozarks. We share the same interests in the community that we live and work in as our clients. We understand the benefits and the unique seasonal challenges of living at the Lake. And since we are local, we're just around the corner ready to help. We are available for face-to-face interaction and support, meaning we're able to sit down with you to discuss your policy and offer immediate assistance in the event that you need to file a claim. 

While online insurance agencies may be seemingly easier to use, the advantages of using a local insurance agency greatly outweigh the convenience of the internet. If you’re looking for a friendly, local insurance agency that you can trust and build a relationship with, contact Insure the Lake. As the best insurance company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we will work with you to find the best policy at the best price.

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com

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Family-Friendly June Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

This summer is packed with activities around the Lake of the Ozarks! Don't spend your time sitting at home. Get out and have some fun with the family! Insure the Lake wants to provide you with a list of family-friendly events taking place around the Lake this month.

Hot Summer Nights - "It's a 66 Day - Route 66 Returns"

June 9 from 6-11M @ Bagnell Dam Strip
Hot Summer Nights is an award winning event, having won the Missouri Tourism Innovators Award, and has also won the title of the “Best Event at the Lake” for 2015 and 2016! Hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators come to the Strip for Hot summer Nights cruises and we invite and welcome all car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts regardless of make or model to come and participate and park to show off their ride, or cruise the Strip for all to see!
http://cruisehotsummernights.com/ 

Lake of the Ozarks Bike Night

June 15 starting at 5:30PM @ Bagnell Dam Strip
Multiple establishments on the Bagnell Dam Strip host biker related activities on the third Thursday of each month, April - September. Come out and enjoy live music and check out the cool bikes. There are also chances to win prizes and giveaways from Karma Custom Motorcycles, The LeatherMan, Lake of the Ozarks Harley Davidson, We’re Talking T-Shirts, and more!
http://www.funlake.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-bike-night

Osage Howler Moonlight Paddle Race

June 10-11 from 3P-8A @ Bagnell Dam Access
Paddle by moonlight from the Bagnell Dam Access to Pikes Camp Access in a 61 mile kayak race along the Osage River or join the fun race of 14 miles from St. Thomas access to Pikes Camp Access. Get more information and registration here:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edxhuubb30b13d41&llr=sf7yycuab

Welcome to Summer, A Free Community Event

June 17 from 5-10P @ Osage Beach City Park
A fun family event featuring live music, kids activities, and spectacular fireworks. Free concert featuring The Cherry Pistols and Fireworks Show by Pyrotecnico! (Band taking stage 7:30-8P and Fireworks at 9:15P) Tethered balloon rides from 5-8P (weather permitting). Additional kids activities available throughout the evening. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets - Concessions open at 5P.
http://www.osagebeach-mo.gov/index.aspx?NID=950 

4th of July Fireworks Fun Fest

June 30 from 5-9P @ Old Kinderhook
Kick off your Fourth of July Weekend with Old Kinderhook at our Free family Firework Fun Fest! We have lots of free activities for kids and adults. Live Music, Bounce Houses, games, face painting and much more. Fireworks will begin at dark! There will be an All American Cookout dinner available.
http://www.funlake.com/4th-annual-fireworks-fun-fest-at-old-kinderhook

There you have it! Now you've got some family-friendly events to go check out. Insure the Lake wants to remind you before heading out to any of these events, make sure your vehicle or boat is covered with boat or auto insurance from the best insurance agency at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com

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ATTENTION RENTERS - Protect your Personal Property!

Disaster can strike anywhere, unexpectedly and regardless of whether you own your home or rent, you still need to protect your personal property. Many renters do not realize that their landlord's insurance policy at the Lake of the Ozarks will not cover the belongings of their renters. The landlord's commercial rental dwelling insurance likely only covers the building structure and owner's liability, not the property and liability of the renter. Thankfully, you as a renter can protect your personal belongings by investing in a low-cost renter's insurance policy - let's take a look why you should:

Why Renters Insurance?

If you live in an apartment or a rented house, renters insurance at the Lake of the Ozarks provides important coverage for you and all your possessions. Your landlord's insurance will only cover the costs of repairing the building if there is a fire or other disaster. You need your own coverage in order to financially protect yourself and your belongings. In many cases of theft or damage, a standard renters insurance policy protects your personal property. It may even pay for temporary living expenses if your rental is damaged (including loss of use). Renters insurance can also shield you from personal liability. Anyone who leases a house or apartment should consider purchasing renters insurance coverage.

Coverage for Personal Possessions

You'll want to make sure you have enough insurance to replace all of your personal possessions in the event of a burglary, fire or other covered disaster. Creating a home inventory is the easiest way to determine the value of all your personal possessions, including furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, kitchen utensils and even linens. A home inventory is a detailed list of all your personal possessions, along with their estimated value. Keeping your home inventory up-to-date will make filing an insurance claim faster and easier. If you have expensive jewelry, furs, sports or musical equipment, or collectibles, you should consider adding a floater to your policy. Most standard renters insurance policies offer only a limited amount for these valuable items, so you'll need additional insurance.

Liability Protection

In addition to protecting your personal possessions, renters insurance also provides liability protection that covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage done by you, your family members or even your pets. This will cover not only the court costs, but also the court awards up to the limit of your policy. You also have no-fault medical coverage with a standard renters insurance policy. This coverage is only for injuries sustained by others while on your property and is not a substitute for your own healthcare coverage. If you need a large amount of liability protection, you can purchase additional coverage with a personal umbrella liability policy.

So if you're renting a property, and concerned about the security of your personal possessions, renters insurance from Insure the Lake is your solution. Our renters insurance at the Lake of the Ozarks cover the "contents" of an apartment, duplex, house or any other dwelling you call home. We'll help you inventory your belongings and set up a policy for the appropriate amount. If disaster does strike, you want to know that you are properly insured! REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY to get started!

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com

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