Helton Insurance Agency, Inc.

03/13/2026

Tessie Doodles does such an amazing job with these decorations! Thank you for sharing your talent with us and our community!

He is risen!

03/05/2026

🥜🍇 PB&J Food Drive – Join Us! 🍇🥜

Helton Insurance Group is proud to partner with Erie Insurance during the month of March to collect Peanut Butter & Jelly for our local food bank.

These simple staples help provide meals for our local families, and every jar makes a difference.

📍 Drop-off Location:
Helton Insurance Agency, Inc.

📅 When:
Now through March 31

Kentucky agencies have led this drive companywide year after year — let’s keep the streak going! 💪

❤️ Thank you for helping us support our community!

02/18/2026

✈️ **Renting a car for vacation? Here's what your auto insurance actually covers—and what it doesn't.**

You're heading to the beach, you pull up to the rental counter, and they ask: "Do you want to purchase our damage waiver?"

Most people say yes without thinking. But here's what you need to know: **Your personal auto insurance might already have you covered.**

**Here's the good news:**

If your private passenger auto policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage on one of your vehicles, that coverage **extends to your rental vehicle.** Same goes for liability—you're protected.

So yes, you can skip the rental company's insurance in most cases. But here's where it gets tricky...

**Two major limitations you need to understand:**

**1. Loss of Income**
If you're involved in an at-fault accident, the rental company will charge you for their lost income while the vehicle is being repaired or replaced. Your insurance won't cover this. This can add up fast—sometimes $50-$100+ per day.

**2. The "New Vehicle" Trap**
Your policy covers the actual cash value of a like-kind vehicle. But some rental agreements require them to purchase a brand-new model year instead.

*Example:* You total a 2023 Honda Accord. Your policy pays for a 2023 Honda Accord. But the rental agreement requires them to buy a 2025 Honda Accord. **You're responsible for the price difference—which could be $3,000-$5,000+.**

**The smart move?**

Before your next trip, call us. We'll review your specific policy, explain what you're covered for, and help you understand those rental agreement traps. A quick 5-minute conversation could save you thousands.

**Message us or call (270) 273-3252 BEFORE you rent.** We're here to make sure you're protected—and that you understand the fine print.

02/16/2026

🏠 **Do you know the difference between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost (RC) on YOUR homeowners policy?**

Most homeowners don't—and it could cost you thousands when you need it most.

Here's a real-world example: A $20,000 roof replacement claim.

**With ACV (Actual Cash Value):** You get $11,000
- $20,000 replacement cost
- Minus $8,000 depreciation
- Minus $1,000 deductible
= Only $11,000 in your pocket

**With RC (Replacement Cost):** You get $19,000
- $20,000 replacement cost
- Minus $1,000 deductible
= $19,000 in your pocket

That's an $8,000 difference on ONE claim. And here's the thing—most people discover this gap *after* a loss, when it's too late.

At Helton Insurance, we make sure you understand your coverage *before* disaster strikes. We'll review your policy, explain what you're actually covered for, and make sure you have the right protection for your family.

**Don't leave $8,000 on the table.** Message us today for a free homeowners policy review. We're here to advocate for you—not just at purchase, but when claims happen.

02/13/2026

Life Insurance: Protecting What Matters Most

We talk a lot about protecting your home and business, but there's one protection that often gets overlooked: life insurance. And if you've got a mortgage, a family depending on your income, or a business partnership, it's not optional—it's essential.

Here's why life insurance matters:

Paying Off Your Mortgage: Your home is likely your biggest asset. Life insurance can ensure your family keeps the house if something happens to you, rather than facing foreclosure or having to sell.

Covering Other Debts & Liabilities: Beyond the mortgage, you may have car loans, credit cards, or personal loans. Life insurance can cover these so your family doesn't inherit your debt.

Replacing Lost Income: If you're the primary earner, your family needs to maintain their lifestyle. Life insurance replaces that income so your spouse can pay bills, cover education costs, and stay financially stable.

Business Protection: If you own a business or have a business partner, life insurance is critical. A buy-sell agreement funded by life insurance ensures the business can be transferred smoothly and fairly if something happens to you or your partner.

The bottom line? Life insurance isn't morbid—it's love. It's making sure the people you care about are protected and your legacy is secure.

Not sure how much coverage you need? Ask for Todd Devine or Terri Yewell on our life and health team. We can help you figure out a plan that fits your situation.

(270) 273-3252

02/10/2026

Winter Storm Claims: What You Need to Know

That recent snow and ice storm has kept our phones ringing, and we wanted to make sure you understand what your homeowners policy covers when winter weather strikes.

Here's what we're seeing most often:

Frozen Pipes & Water Damage: This is the #1 claim we handle after winter storms. Nationally, more than 20,000 claims were filed for frozen pipes and winter water damage from January 2024 through June 2025, totaling over $628 million in losses. If your pipes freeze and burst, your homeowners policy typically covers the water damage to your home.

Ice Dams: When ice builds up on your roof, it can force water back under your shingles and into your home. This is usually covered, but it's important to document the damage with photos.

Roof Damage from Snow/Ice Load: Heavy snow and ice can damage your roof. Most policies cover this, but you'll want to report it promptly.

Fallen Trees & Branches: If a tree falls on your house or damages your property due to the storm, that's typically covered. However, if you had a dead or diseased tree that you knew about, that might not be covered.

The key is acting fast. Document everything with photos, call your insurance agent right away, and don't delay repairs that could prevent further damage.

Winter storms like this one are a good reminder to review your coverage. If you're not sure whether your policy protects you against winter damage, or if you're wondering about coverage gaps, reach out to Haliee or Chris on our personal lines team. They'll walk you through what's covered, explain any exclusions, and make sure you have the right protection in place for your home and family.

Stay safe out there!

(270) 273-3252

01/23/2026

Praying you stay safe and warm during the upcoming winter storm.

If a claim needs to be filed, please contact your insurance carrier using the information below. If your carrier is not listed, please contact our office and leave your name, phone number, and details regarding the claim.

We’re here to help however we can!

Erie Claims: (800)367-3743
Progressive Claims: (800)274-4499
Safeco Claims: (800)332-3226
Travelers Claims: (800)252-4633
Acuity: (800)242-7666
Grange: (800)445-3030
Liberty Mutual: (844)325-2467
National General: (800)468-3466
Trexis: (877)384-7466

01/22/2026

01/22/2026

Praying for the safety and warmth of everyone.

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BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️16. Have manual can opener available.
❄️17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️32. Assume flights and I-20 travel may be disrupted for days.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.
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DURING THE STORM
❄️51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
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AFTER THE STORM
❄️56. Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️60. Be patient—restoring power after ice can take several days.
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KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS
❄️A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
❄️Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.
❄️Ice is more dangerous than snow for the Deep South.

01/21/2026

Morning due to the road conditions this morning, we are operating on hour delay. Stay safe.

01/20/2026

We’re excited to introduce Chase Mason, the newest member of the Helton Insurance team! 270-316-6513 or [email protected].

I'm 27 years old, and I just moved back to Owensboro after spending roughly 6 years in Murray, KY. Several years of prior experience in Sales has made me realize that I really enjoy helping people and connecting with the members of my community, however briefly that may be. Personally, I love to travel and have taken several road trips both by myself and with a group of friends in the last 7-8 years, with the longest being a 16 hour (brutal) drive to Denver, CO. I also really enjoy things like hiking, kayaking, lake days on a boat, yoga, reading, etc. and am a certified foodie. My bank account willing, I'm always trying to find new restaurants or test new recipes I can make at home. I look forward to connecting with the community.