Like everyone else, I hate paying for car insurance.   You know how it is – you fork over a substantial sum year after year and most of the time have nothing to show for it.  My wife and I were paying almost $1700 a year to insure our two cars – one five years old […] Read More

Cost of Repairs Replacing a roof is one of the most expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. While the cost of replacing an old roof can vary greatly depending on the size of your home and the type of roofing material used, the average cost comes out to around $8,000. The same can be […] Read More

Life insurance is critical once you enter into certain stages of life. If you have a house, student loans, children, are married, or are in a myriad of other situations, life insurance is something that protects your most precious asset, your life. It’s very obvious, but many people neglect to draw the simple conclusion that […] Read More

Let’s just say it up front, insurance is not something you like, let alone want to spend time or money on.  A common perspective is that it is a “necessary evil.”   Stewardship  A well-known passage of scripture is Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell […] Read More

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges and changes. One such change is with your worker’s compensation insurance. Worker’s compensation insurance rates are based upon employee’s job classifications and the payroll figures for that classification. Now that many of you may be paying furloughed employees, reassigning job duties, and having employees work from home, your worker’s compensation […] Read More

If you are like most people, you probably fall into one of two categories. Either you are completely unaware that the maintenance of the service lines that run to your house is your responsibility or you are aware and as a result have purchased a home service line warranty. Did you know that service line […] Read More

According to one survey we have seen, a business loses $7 off its bottom line for every dollar they collect from an insurance company.  For that reason alone, it is important that businesses do all they can to reduce or prevent insurance claims. The most common claim we see on business insurance policies (other than […] Read More

Have you ever seen the movie ‘Twins’ with Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger? Just imagining those two as twins brings about a good laugh. But, it would be great in real life. If Danny needed something from the top shelf, his twin Arnold would be right there to help. If Arnold needed something from a […] Read More

Churches in the United States are not exempt from the effects of a litigious society. In fact, churches face a unique exposure to litigation as religious organizations have started to become somewhat of a target for those who may disagree with its message. Add to that the children’s programs, community outreach events, reliance on volunteer […] Read More

And they lived happily ever after, until her diamond fell out of the ring, never to be seen again! This can be a scary situation. You spend thousands of dollars on a beautiful ring with a crystal clear diamond that you know she will adore, only to lose it like Leonardo DiCaprio kept losing Oscars. […] Read More

Hitting a parked car. Either you have experienced this or know someone who has. Whether you were the one that hit the parked car or your car was hit, it’s never fun! It also raises some questions about coverage. If you hit someone’s car, what is your responsibility? If your car is hit and there […] Read More

If your home is burglarized, what is the first thing the thief would look for? Unquestionably, it’s jewelry. People with extensive jewelry collections are at a higher risk for theft. Therefore, homeowners’ policies have a limit on how much coverage is provided under the basic policy. But people who want or need more coverage can […] Read More

Insurance companies that insure businesses and nonprofits spend a good deal of money and time with loss control – the practice of trying to prevent future losses. Loss Control – The practice of trying to prevent future losses. The process usually begins with a representative visiting an insured and inspecting their property and procedures. Often […] Read More

None of us want to be involved in a claim. We all hope to be lucky enough to avoid a car accident, house fire, an employee lawsuit, a slip and fall at our office, etc. However, the reality is that many of us will find ourselves in these types of situations, and it’s important that […] Read More

We have all seen the commercials. Just sign your name and drive away in a new car. Sometimes it’s on a lease, and sometimes it is financing with nothing down. Either way, although it’s a great way to obtain the car, it could present a big problem for the buyer. As we know, new cars […] Read More

So you’ve finally done it! You started your own company. You’ve dissected your markets and know what demographics to target, researched how your product or service should perform, obtained necessary capital, networked with important providers and potential partners and clients, researched your IT needs and purchased the needed equipment. You’re ready, but it seems like […] Read More

Did you know that many businesses that have a major fire never re-open? This is in spite of the fact that they had insurance on their building and contents? The reason being that they do not carry Business Interruption Insurance. The fact is that insuring the income stream of a successful business is just as […] Read More

“Oh no! You did it exactly like I told you to!” I noticed this sign on my uncle’s office door one day, and all I could do was smile. Partly because it was a joke, of course, but also because humans are prone to make mistakes! At times, it can be comical to watch someone […] Read More

Have you ever served on a board before? Perhaps you are on the board of a Fortune 500 company, or volunteering on the board of your church? Regardless of the circumstances, if you are a director or officer of any organization, you need Directors and Officers liability protection. Make sure that the organization carries D&O […] Read More

Periodically, I like to call competing insurance companies and have them quote my personal insurance. This way, I can know if it really is possible to save 15% on my car insurance (I never do) and to see the quality of service and advice I receive. Last week I called into one of these companies […] Read More

When planning a large event, you want to think about everything going right rather than what may go wrong. Worst-case scenarios are difficult to discuss, but every good event planner prepares as best they can. Having your event covered in case of cancellation, property damage, or other unexpected incidents is essential. Event liability insurance adds […] Read More

If you’re a business owner or just human, liability exposure is an issue. From having someone over for a barbeque to starting a dynamite manufacturing company, everything we do has some risk. How can we prevent that risk from ‘coming in like a wrecking ball’ and causing panic at the disco?’ Here are my top […] Read More

In 2016 there were 20,857 complaints about age discrimination in the workplace filed with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). This number is expected to increase with the aging workforce in the United States. The #Metoo movement has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of sexual harassment claims in the workplace. Transgender discriminations […] Read More

Any parent who has placed their life in the hands of their young, 16-year old’s driving ability knows that this is a truly terrifying experience. Eventually, they become responsible, experienced drivers who understand and follow the rules of the road. But for a few years, youthful operators pose the greatest risk to roadway safety. In […] Read More

According to the American Automobile Association, drivers in their 70’s have more collisions per mile than any age group. (except those under 25) In their late 70’s they have about the same rate of injury-involved accidents as drivers their early 20’s. The reasons are obvious. As we age, our reflexes slow, making it more difficult […] Read More

Want to buy something you can’t see, can’t touch and don’t know if you will ever use? Not a great incentive to buy, is it? However, that is what many people feel they are buying when they purchase an auto insurance policy. At Capitol Insurance, we know that it’s fun to get a new car […] Read More

Even if you don’t update your relationship status on social media, you should make sure you update it with your insurance agent. This can have a large impact on your premium – especially your auto premium. Auto insurance companies give several discounts. Depending on the number of people you have on your policy and your […] Read More

Few things are as disrupting to a budget as unscheduled repairs to your home. Yet having a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or other professional contractor to keep things in tip-top shape can be expensive too. The solution is to conduct regular inspections of your house and learn how to do the routine things yourself. This not […] Read More

My wife and I are about to begin searching for our first home. With this new season approaching, I’ve started to think about what things I need to understand to be the most prepared for this large decision, especially in this very competitive housing market. One of the things to understand is what about the […] Read More

If you know when you’re going to die, don’t read this blog. The tricky thing about life insurance is that you don’t know if you’ll use it, or if you do, when. Similar to property and casualty insurance such as home insurance, not knowing if you’ll need it is what makes it hard to buy. […] Read More

There is nothing you can do to prevent a hail storm from hitting your house, but if one does, here are some things you need to know as it relates to insurance protection: • Not all hail storms jeopardize the integrity of your roof. During most hail storms, roofs aren’t damaged because of the size […] Read More

The kids are grown up, have left the house, and now you and your spouse are empty nesters. How can you make the most of this new stage in life? What lifestyle changes might be impacted by this new transition that might need to be reflected by your insurance protection? Secure an Umbrella policy If […] Read More

How do most people perceive a claims adjuster? When you have a claim on an insurance policy, the adjuster is the person that tries to settle your claim as cheaply as possible and is more concerned about the insurance company’s bottom line than about you getting a fair settlement. At least, that is the public […] Read More

Virtually all churches on occasion send members or employees on mission trips or speaking engagements outside the United States. Many of these trips are taken with the mistaken assumption the church’s insurance policies will cover them. In other situations, coverage may be purchased for injuries the person traveling might sustain without realizing there are many […] Read More

While you shouldn’t choose a car based upon your insurance premiums, it doesn’t hurt to prepare for what it might cost. Make the choice based upon your needs. It is a bit similar to when someone asks, “Will my homeowner’s insurance premium go down if I put in an alarm system? Of course it will, […] Read More

Joanna Belbey, Contributor for Advisor Network, provides an excellent, potent “Best Practices” on avoiding cyber-attacks. If businesses and individuals would focus on these practices, they’d be much more safe and secure! Here are some brief observations on her 5 main “Best Practices:” Governance Boards, business owners, and other key employees must “buy in” to the […] Read More

We’ve all started a new season of life and realized, “I know absolutely nothing about insurance.” For those of you who may be in a period of life with a lot of changes, such as moving out of your parent’s house, buying your first car, etc., here are the top five coverages you should understand. […] Read More

We’ve all read the predictions about self-driving vehicles becoming more and more common. Instead of driving ourselves, we will be relying on vehicles controlled by computers.  Many newer cars are equipped with collision warning systems and automatic braking. As a result, data is showing a reduction in accidents. This may result in lower insurance costs […] Read More

You just bought a new insurance policy from an independent agent. Congratulations! Now what do you do? There are five things you should make sure you accomplish after you buy a new insurance policy:        1. Know who to call. When you buy a new insurance policy, the people you will call in the event […] Read More

When is a car old enough to drop full coverage on it? There are two major divisions of coverage on the auto policy.       1. Liability. This coverage is intended to cover the other person if you cause an accident or cause damage or injury. Liability is always necessary. It is, of course, […] Read More

Sexual harassment isn’t new, but recent publicity has caused more public awareness. As a result, more people have come forward to report incidents which have occurred in their workplace.  Consequentially, employers are reviewing their employment practices to ensure an environment that is safe for their employees. Every employer needs a handbook. It should set the standard […] Read More

Over 60% of houses in the United States are under-insured by about 20%*! That is a startling statistic when you think about it. This means that people in this category would have to pay $60,000 out of pocket to replace their $300,000 home in the event of a total loss. Now, if that uninsured statistic is true, […] Read More

For many years, car insurance rates have been determined by familiar factors such as the driver’s age, sex, driving record, type of vehicle, how the vehicle is used, and credit ratings. Modern technology is making possible the use of other factors which could revolutionize car insurance. This is called Usage Based Insurance (UBI). Some companies are now testing UBI. […] Read More

If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably had the thought, “I know I need insurance, but where do I begin?” If so, you’re not alone. Small business insurance can be difficult to understand, and even more difficult to know what coverages you need and which you don’t. Here are my top 5 things you should […] Read More

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) allow drivers to use their personal cars to transport passengers who contact them through an app. (like Lyft and Uber) These apps are gaining in popularity, both for drivers and passengers. We know of no reason someone should hesitate in booking a ride with one. However, if you are a driver, […] Read More

In some ways, insurance hasn’t changed much over the years. If your building burns down, insurance has always been there to replace it. If you crash your car, your friendly neighborhood insurance agent was there with a settlement check. For churches, however, there has been growing exposures that from time to time are often overlooked. […] Read More

Most of your personal property is not specifically listed on your homeowners or renter’s policy. However, there are instances when certain high value items should be listed. (the insurance companies call it scheduling) Reasons to insure your high value items: Theft limitation. Did you know that policies have a limit for loss by theft on […] Read More

So you went out and bought yourself a new recreational vehicle. Congratulations! But now what do you do with it? Is there such a thing as insurance for boats, motorcycles and RV’s? Of course! If there is insurance for alien abductions, there is insurance for recreational vehicles. There are four major things you should understand […] Read More

Maybe you have noticed that your homeowner’s premiums have increased quite a bit in recent years and wondered why?  We don’t like it any more than you do, but it is due to factors outside our (or your) control. Consider these facts: There has been unprecedented hail activity in the past several years in our […] Read More

If your home or business suffers water damage, would it be covered under your insurance policy?  A homeowner’s insurance policy, and commercial (business) property policy are very similar in what they do and don’t cover relating to floods and other water damage losses. There are 4 common types of water damage claims that can occur, […] Read More

The most important part of your insurance policy is the agent who puts it together. I say this because insurance can be very technical, and often confusing. Having a knowledgeable professional walk you through your policy can make all the difference at claim time. There is a minefield of insurance lingo and phrases that can […] Read More

This spring many new college graduates will take their place in the work force.  They will face the first of many lifetime financial decisions.  Since many graduates have been covered under their parent’s policies, they will now need to buy these coverage’s themselves.  Here are a couple of tips: Car Insurance When to come off […] Read More

Everyone should consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy. Umbrella insurance won’t protect you from getting wet, but can certainly protect you from the storms of life! For most people, an umbrella is purchased to provide higher liability limits above their current auto or homeowners/renters policy.  An umbrella is purchased in increments of $1,000,000, and generally […] Read More

Before I entered the industry I had a lot of insurance misconceptions. I had thought that insurance was something that most people have but is completely useless. However, I later learned that when used right, it can turn any bad situation into a good situation. Here are 5 items that I wish someone had told […] Read More

As a newly engaged man, the last thing I want is for disaster to strike our special day. Unfortunately, there are many dangers that our wedding is exposed to. Thankfully, wedding insurance can be a great way to protect the investments you have made in your wedding day. Not all wedding protection policies are the […] Read More

One thing most people generally do not put down as a New Year’s resolution is to review their insurance.  Whether you consider an insurance review a resolution or not, you should consider it annually! Below are 3 reasons why you should do so. Savings There are many factors that can increase your premiums, whether they […] Read More

I have often been asked why I don’t carry one company or represent another. This leads to the question: What makes a company worth representing? Would you do business with a company that intentionally cut corners? What if they had a reputation of saying no? Surely, you wouldn’t! And we wouldn’t do business with a […] Read More

Many of the conveniences of a modern home depend upon something underground, like a water or sewer pipe, or telephone and power lines.  When an underground utility is damaged or wears out, repairs can be very expensive.  What’s more, you couldn’t buy insurance to cover the cost of repair. That is, until now. The Good […] Read More

You’ve heard the saying, “Ignorance is bliss.” In the insurance world, nothing could be farther from the truth. I will forever remember the first time I dealt with insurance. I had just got my license and was ready to be out on the road. The thrill of independence and responsibility was pulsing through the steering […] Read More

We all know that our personal property is covered under our homeowners policy. However, did you know that coverage is limited for some property?  Now that we have given and received Christmas gifts, now is a good time to see if anything we own, especially any new Christmas gifts, are subject to these limits on […] Read More

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. Oprah Winfrey If you are like me, this quote might resonate with you. When New Year’s comes, all I can think about is the missed opportunities from the past year. Accomplishing most things in life is not easy. Below is a […] Read More

Have you heard that independent agents are the best way to buy insurance? Is this really the best choice for you or is it just another scheme for someone to make money? After some research, I think you’ll agree independent agents are the way to go, and here’s why: Being independent means they are loyal […] Read More

The most overlooked aspect of insurance is scheduling property on a homeowners or renters policy. Many people don’t know why they need to schedule contents. Or, even worse, they don’t know what to schedule. Hopefully, this article will help serve as a guide. There are generally 3 major reasons to schedule your property: Eliminate Sub-limits […] Read More

Emotionally, you may be in agreement with the title, “Your Insurance Company Is out to Get You!” However, I’m here to tell you that this is one of the biggest misconceptions about the insurance industry. William Penn once said:  “Justice is the insurance which we have on our lives and property. Obedience is the premium […] Read More

As you most likely know, your insurance deductible is what you have to pay in the event of a claim. Most companies offer many different deductibles–$250, $500, $1,000, etc. So, how do you know you have the right deductible? My rule of thumb with deductibles: never turn in a claim unless it is double your […] Read More

Insurance can be very technical and confusing. Try to understand what is an is not covered on your policy and you’ll end up with a headache. What most people don’t know, is that an independent agent can walk you through the details of your policy. Too many people assume that their policy covers certain things, only […] Read More

Can you really save premium without cutting coverages? I hear this a lot, and the simple truth is, YES! I consistently work with clients who are fed up with trying to penny pinch while still staying safe. Trying to save money while maintaining quality coverage can be tricky. You have to pick the right combination […] Read More

Insurance can be a complicated concept. But just like the diamond industry has simplified purchases to three C’s, so too can insurance be simplified. The next time you’re looking for insurance, remember the Three C’s. Read More

The 2015 Supreme Court ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage throughout the US. This decision has many celebrating. However, for some nonprofits and churches it means an increased exposure for LGBT discrimination lawsuits. Read More

I’m sure no one has to tell you how high medical costs are today.  Premiums for health insurance policies continue to rise much faster than the inflation rate.  You can hardly read the news without hearing about a health insurance company leaving a state. This hit home to me when I recently had back surgery.  My […] Read More

On the surface, it doesn’t make sense. The way a person manages their finances doesn’t seem connected to how they drive. And it certainly doesn’t feel related to home insurance claims. But, statistics is a weird and wonderful field. Numerous studies have shown conclusively people with high credit scores file fewer claims. This means that insurance companies […] Read More

The economic turmoil of recent times has been concerning. Many people are wondering, “what effect will this have on my insurance?” This year we’ve seen the government spend $85 billion on rescuing AIG. In addition, a cluster of hurricanes has wreaked damage on the seaboard. Does this mean premiums are going to rise? According to […] Read More