Omar Zaki: Allstate Insurance

For many of us, dogs ARE an insurance policy. However, once a dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk. In such a case, an insurance company may charge a higher premium or exclude the dog from coverage altogether. The average dog bite claim is $30,000. ... If a claim exceeds the limit on a property policy, the dog owner is personally responsible for all damages above that amount, including legal expenses. To reduce the chances of dog biting, experts suggest following these steps: Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler. Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. Have your dog spayed or neutered. Socialize your dog so that it knows how to act with other people and animals. Do you have questions about coverage for your specific breed? Let's talk about it.

Most of us have that one drawer in our homes, the junk drawer. It serves as a place to store random items. So what's the one thing you should avoid throwing into the junk drawer? ... Loose and exposed, 9-volt batteries. Why? Because loose metal objects in the junk drawer can short out a 9-volt battery and ignite a fire. If you do have them, it’s best to keep batteries inside of their package or keep the posts covered up with tape. It's just a simple precaution you can take to save yourself from unnecessary grief.

In many instances, the cost to rebuild a home is more than its market value. Yet, after the housing market correction of 2008, 25 percent of people polled by the Insurance Information Network thought they should lower their home insurance coverage because market values had gone down. This thinking can result in a homeowner having insufficient coverage if they need to rebuild after enduring a total loss. ... Typically, lenders only require that you have enough insurance to protect the balance of what they have loaned you. Yet, homeowners need to have enough coverage to rebuild their home and to replace their possessions. At least once a year, take the time to go over your property policy with your insurance agent.

Chances are, we can help you create an insurance policy for the stuff you can't control. What's on your mind? Let's talk about it.

If you are one of our customers, you may be receiving a survey from our corporate offices via email anytime throughout the year. We hope that you'll be able to grade us with a "10" which means that you're "completely satisfied" with our agency's service. If you are unable to give us a 10 grade, please contact us.... You'll be given an option to enter the $500 drawing at the completion of the survey. Here are the complete contest details. https://s.ripl.com/vz1grw Thank you for being the best part of our agency!

Did you know that not every date on food packaging is an expiration date? According to the USADA, here are some common food label dates you might come across and what they actually mean: Best if used by date - Best date for flavor and quality... Use-by date - The last date that a product is at its highest quality Sell-by date - How long the store can display the product Closed by date - Indicates time and day the product was packaged Use these dates as a guideline along with good old common sense. But if in doubt, throw it out!