Without sitting down with a magnifying glass to read over pages and pages of the fine print on home insurance, it may seem like there aren’t a lot of resources to turn to when you want to buy a policy. It can often come down to the carrier you choose, but there are also a few things to consider before you start the process. 

1. It’s What’s Inside that Counts 

Well, that’s not exactly true. Obviously, the outside of the building matters too, but people often don’t realize that their expensive possessions may not be covered under their policy, especially if that policy wasn’t updated after you bought that new computer or TV. 

2.Start Talking About the Details 

Asking questions is absolutely pivotal in finding the right coverage, and the more detailed, the better. Even if you never experience the situation you inquire about, you’re more likely to feel prepared about what could happen. 

3. Weather or Not 

Earthquakes in Illinois is not necessarily on everyone’s mind, but stranger things have been known to happen. Many weather events like earthquakes and flooding aren’t covered under standard policy terms, making homeowners surprised when they call for help. Find out your odds of experimenting a weather-related emergency, so you at least understand the terms. 

4. Getting More Than You Need

People with tight budgets may think they’re getting away with something when they choose the cheapest plan, but few are able to cope when they have the bare minimum of support after a disaster. 

5. Finding a Trustworthy Source 

You need someone you can actually talk to in order to make any of the above happen. Evergreen has Martin Insurance Team, so give us a call if you need some help with choosing the right policy.

Finding the right life insurance policy can have a significant effect on your family, but often people don’t put the time into it before they make the decision. Consider these 5 benefits you can receive if you simply put in a little extra effort. 

1. Short-Term Goals 

Term insurance lets you pick the time period you’ll want coverage, and it comes with a lower cost than most premiums. Those who have children tend to find this to be a better deal, because it allows them to provide through their younger years but not beyond. 

2. Long-Term Goals 

Buying permanent insurance is perfect for those who want that long-term coverage for family at any time, and it allows you to lock in rates you may not be able to access in your later years. 

3. Savings 

When you hear of people borrowing from their life insurance, they’re referring to permanent insurance with a savings component. Most policies will include some type of option with this feature. While it’s not an ideal situation, it’s helped people out of unexpected jams. What’s extra helpful about this features is that you’ll often have an easier time accessing it than you would through other means (mutual funds, 401k, etc.)

4. Ensure Stability 

The benefits your family receives are invaluable when it comes to keeping everyone protected from a financial catastrophe. Their comfort both during the initial impact and beyond needs to be at the core of your decisions. 

5. Building Relationships 

Finding someone you trust to help find a life insurance policy opens you up to a new relationship and allows you to feel secure about what will happen to your family. Martin Insurance Team serving Evergreen Park, IL has the agents to guide you, so give us a call today for a quote. 

If you have to wear a hard hat and a face mask when you open your teenager’s closet, its time to organize. Kids, especially teens, are reluctant to throw anything away, so even old and unused items get tossed in the closet, which usually makes it difficult for them to even find what they need. The following 3 steps will help you get your teenager’s closet clean and organized.

Step #1-Remove Everything

The first step to organizing a teenager’s closet is to remove everything that is currently in the closet. This may be a tedious task, but it will help you sort through the closet contents easier. As you remove the items, put them into categories. For example, clothing in one pile, accessories in another pile and paper/memorabilia in another pile. If you find items in their closet that belongs to other family members,such as your old computer or high school yearbook, immediately take these items to a different room.

Step #2-Sorting

After everything has been removed from the closet, it’s time to start sorting through everything. Have three large containers available to put items in as you sort them. You will need one container for keeping items, one of donating items and one for trash. Starting at one of the piles you previously made, carefully go through each pile, putting items into their perspective container. The items that are being donated should be taken to the garage or other storage area until you are able to drop the items off. Take the trash out as soon as you are done sorting through everything.

Step #3-Organizing the Space

If necessary, install an additional rod below the original one for additional space to hang clothing. Label plastic containers to be used for items, such as hair accessories, belts, scarves and etc. Fill the plastic containers with only the items on the label. Hang clothing on plastic clothes hangers and sort them as you hang the items in the closet. For example, put all of the pants together and all of the shirts together. For even more organization, consider hanging certain types of clothing on a specific color of clothes hanger. For example, all of the shirts can go on blue clothes hangers, while the pants are placed on white clothes hangers. Stack the plastic containers on the closet shelf and arrange shoes on the closet floor.

Now that your teenagers closet is organized and looking spectacular, the only thing left is to encourage them to keep it that way. If you notice them not wearing certain items of clothing for a few weeks, ask if the item still fits, if not, immediately remove it from the closet and toss in the donate container. At least once each week, inspect the closet to make sure there is no trash or items piling up on the floor.

When it’s time to organize the closets, it is also a perfect time to organize your home or renters insurance. Contact Martin Insurance Team to make sure your current policy is up to date.

When you think of spring cleaning, you probably think of cleaning the inside of your home. Not only is it a good idea to spring clean the interior of your home, but spring is also the perfect time to make some repairs and clean up to the exterior of your home. Spring and summer can bring some pretty intense weather in the Midwest, so it is best to get your home and yard ready for the season.

Roof and Gutter Cleaning

During the spring you may still get some freezing temps. This cold/warm cycle can cause damage to your roof from water freezing and thawing. Most water damage to roofs occur in the spring because of this freezing and thawing cycle. You can help prevent this damage, and other damage to your roof, by making sure your gutters are clean. Clean gutters let the water drain and keeps it from accumulating under the shingles and causing damage.

Check to make sure all of your shingles are in good repair. Loose shingles can blow off in a storm and cause damage to the roof and surrounding structures. Check for any cracked or warped shingles. Cracked or warped shingle expose your roof to water and weather damage. Look for any leaks in the attic or ceilings for signs of a leak in your rook.

Yard and Shrubs

Remove any limbs or other debris that may have accumulated in your yard during the winter. Clean around your shrubs and trees to remove any loose limbs or debris which may blow around and cause damage in a heavy storm. Trim any limbs or branches which may rub against your roof or structures to help prevent costly damage.

These are just a few tips to get your home ready for the spring and summer weather. Call or contact the Martin Insurance Team and ask about homeowner insurance to be sure you have the right coverage for the upcoming spring and summer season.

Did you know that a disaster can happen at any moment? Are you prepared? There is always something that you can do to make it easier to deal with the catastrophe, whether it is an injury to the house, fire, or even an evacuation.

Have Lights

If the power goes out, you want to make sure to have lights so that everyone can see. The last thing you want is for injuries to occur simply because no one can see how to get safely from room to room. Use flashlights and battery-operated lanterns – and be sure you have plenty of extra batteries for them.

Avoid Fire

Fires can often be avoided by having carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms on every floor. You should also have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well as on every floor of your home as well. Be sure you know how to use the extinguisher if a fire does start.

Have Food

If you are unable to leave your home for several days, do you have enough food? You should have at least 3 to 5 days’ worth of food for everyone in your house – and it’s a good idea for some of it to be nonperishable and edible without heating.

Be Prepared

There are a few other things you can do to be prepared as well. This includes having:

• A list of emergency contacts numbers
• An emergency radio
• First aid kit
• Extra blankets
• Escape ladder for the second/third floor
• Secure locks on your doors

Call and talk to us at the Martin Insurance Team today where we can help you find an insurance policy that is going to protect you against disasters in Evergreen Park. We look forward to answering your questions and comparing policies for you.

A rental home can be great for many reasons but in one area, you can suffer. Because you do not own the property, you simply cannot make any changes to it that are permanent. This seriously weakens your ability to customize the property and make it your own. However, there are many ways you can spruce up the bathroom in a rental to make it reflect you and make the place seem a bit more like a home. Follow these tips to get started and always ask your landlord before doing anything that may be permanent.

1. For added storage and style, put a free-standing storage unit in your bathroom. This is a way to add storage in a stylish way. Unfortunately, this only works if you have the space needed in the bathroom already.
2. Add an additional mirror to the bathroom. This will really open up the space to make it appear larger. If you do not have a lot of space to begin with, you may also want to consider just putting a mirror on the back of the bathroom door. 
3. Decorate the bathroom. A lot can be done with a few items, especially in a small space such as a bathroom. You can put in a shower curtain that adds style and you can put in a rug or bath mat that covers up the unsightly floor. Use your imagination and be sure to decorate the bathroom in a way that reflects your personal style. 

No matter how you improve the bathroom, as a renter, you need to have rental insurance to make sure all of your belongings are covered. If you do not currently have coverage, call Martin Insurance Team serving Evergreen Park, IL, to explore your insurance options.