The USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal brought a lot of attention to growing concerns for children while participating in sports.  This might have been the final catalyst motivating Congress to pass a new law, in late 2017, aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act […] Read More

A couple of years ago on the 4th, I was sitting on the beach of Lake Michigan. My family and I were waiting for fireworks to begin. 5 minutes prior to start time, I heard fireworks going off, and turned around just in time to see a man, on fire, running into the lake. Thankfully, there […] 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

“Your memories from your early childhood seem to have such purchase on your emotions. They are so concrete.” ~ Dana Spiotta There I was, perched on top of columns of file cabinets.  Effortlessly, I’d crawl up the drawer handles to reach the top.  The next hours were spent drawing on scrap paper with sharpies, highlighters […] 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

(Memorial Day Weekend in Indy – a Time of Gratefulness!) What do cookouts, pool openings, and the Indianapolis 500 all have in common?  Two things:  Memorial Day Weekend. I am most grateful for Memorial Day Weekend because I often find myself reflecting on the values I hold most dear – values that guide my heart […] 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

If you own a motorcycle, now that warmer weather is finally here, you are undoubtedly ready to hit the road and enjoy the wonderful freedom that only a motorcycle can bring.  Before taking your first ride there are a few things you should do. Assuming you properly prepared your motorcycle for winter storage (fuel stabilizer and […] 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

Are you planning a Spring Break trip? Before you make all of your final plans, think about these five things: 1.  What is the culture like where I am going? If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., or to a different state, make sure you research cultural norms. In some countries, pointing with your index […] Read More

Cloudy weather got you down? It happens to the best of us. Although I generally enjoy cool, cloudy weather, sometimes we just want some sunshine. Here are some of the ways that I cope with less than desirable weather. Exercise Getting to the gym or doing some cardio right in your own living room can […] 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

Valentines Day is only 2 days away! Do you have plans? Below are some simple Valentines Day date ideas to make your day special. For the Homebody’s Cook a meal together and watch a movie (Candy from the Dollar Store makes the movie extra fun!) Cuddle on the couch and read your favorite books. Have […] 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

We have all done it.  Vowed that we would do ________ so often, or not do ________ as much.  And I am sure most, if not all of us, have also experienced the dwindling motivation and eventual failure to keep these resolutions.  Why do we continue to follow this path year after year? Albert Einstein […] Read More

Christmas is a time when as Christians, we celebrate the Creator of the world, who stooped down to take the form of a man. But what is the significance of this doctrine (the incarnation), and how is it relevant to us today? It Opens Up Scripture The incarnation helps us to see that the Old Testament […] Read More

Receiving gifts is enjoyable, but not nearly as rewarding as giving.  There are so many worthy causes, No one can afford to donate to all of them, but below are some ideas you should consider. 10 Ways to Give Back Visit a homeless shelter and donate blankets, gloves, socks, hats, or coats. We would recommend […] Read More

With good motorcycling days gone, it’s helpful to review the steps for storing your motorcycle during winter. This will allow it to start and run well when spring rolls around.  Attention needs to be paid to both the fuel and ignition systems. Clean Your Fuel Tank. Fuel left in a tank over the winter can gum […] 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

Capitol Insurance has a commitment to securing your future. Part of that commitment means taking the security of our website seriously. Capitol Insurance does NOT store any of your personal information on our website. However, we do redirect to company websites which allow you to submit payments. Redirect Attack One attack which malicious actors frequently […] 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

You’re walking outside, under a cloudless, deep blue sky, and hear the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet. You breathe in the cool crisp air and somehow you can tell that fall is here. For many people, Fall wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins, cider, hayrides and more. However, it is easy for some of […] Read More

As winter is coming closer, now is a good time to review the things we need to do to prepare our homes and cars for the harsh winter conditions.  Here is a quick checklist to help you make sure you are prepared: Cold Weather Home Tips Protect Your Pipes Leave faucets dripping. Drain water from […] 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

For many people, the primary cost of their car is the insurance. This is especially true if you own a luxury car or own your vehicle outright. The thrift-minded among us are always looking for ways to save a few bucks. So if you’re car insurance cost is just too high, here are some tips. […] Read More

If you live in the Midwest, you know what it is like to wake up one morning to snow falling. You also know what it is like when salt melts the snow, and how in the morning all of the melted snow has frozen into a thin sheet of ice covering the road. While you […] Read More

December. Snow falling, cookies in the oven, wrapping gifts, time with loved ones, the smell of pine, and the warm glow of a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is one of the most common things you will find in a house during the Christmas season. Every year people all over the world decorate it with […] Read More

Here in the midwest, we get crazy weather. Sometimes we get rain and snow in the same afternoon! When there are heavy snow falls or buildup, it’s possible for ice dams to form. The dams are ice or snow on the roof or gutters which stop the roof from draining. Why do ice dams form? In most cases, […] 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

Nothing is more warm and cozy than snuggling up in a candle lit room. But that same light which radiates warmth into our hearts can have devastating effects if it spreads. Over the years, I have had the privilege to walk alongside people as they deal with the aftermath of a house fire. Many of these were […] Read More

If you are have been claims free for five years or more, Capitol Insurance may have a way of reducing your premiums. 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