Insurance Management Services, Inc.

06/16/2026

One popular option is the inflatable life jacket, which is generally slim, light, and easy to wear. Here's what to know about these great jackets.

What are the pros and cons of inflatable life jackets? Read this guide to find out, how they're different than foam life jackets, and who can wear one.

06/09/2026

What types of trailer hitches are there?
-Trailer hitches generally come in three basic styles: receiver, fifth-wheel and gooseneck. It's said that receiver hitches are the most common, and they're broken up into five classes.

What are the classes of trailer hitches?
Some experts in the field explain the five classes as follows:

1) Class 1 Trailer Hitch:
Designed for light-duty towing and typically used for small trailers, such as bike racks and lightweight cargo carriers. They have the lowest towing capacity among all classes, making them suitable for compact cars and sedans.

2) Class 2 Trailer Hitch:
Offers a step up in terms of towing capacity. They are often used for towing small trailers and boats. Vehicles with a Class 2 tow package can tow a bit more weight than those with a Class 1 hitch. This class is suitable for midsize cars, SUVs and crossovers.

3) Class 3 Trailer Hitch:
One of the most common types and ideal for towing larger loads. They are often used for towing medium-sized trailers, including travel trailers, larger boats and small campers. Class 3 hitches are commonly found on SUVs and trucks and offer a significant increase in towing capacity compared to Class 2 hitches.

4) Class 4 Trailer Hitch:
For heavy-duty towing needs, a Class 4 hitch might be the way to go. These hitches are meant to handle larger trailers, such as heavy-duty campers, horse trailers and larger boats. Trucks and full-sized SUVs are usually equipped with Class 4 hitches due to their substantial towing capabilities.

5) Class 5 Trailer Hitch:
The biggest of the bunch, Class 5 trailer hitches are made for super-duty purposes, and they're commonly found on commercial work trucks. If you need one of these, you should also look into whether you need a commercial auto insurance policy.

06/04/2026

Can I use my boat license in a different state?
Yes! If you've successfully completed an official boating safety course through Boat-Ed or an ilearntoboat course (for example), your boater education card is welcome in every state that requires mandatory boater education.

06/04/2026

This guide can help you understand the different types of boats and help identify which one might be right for you:

Planning to buy a boat? Read this guide to different types of boats to know which boat is best for your budget and planned activities on the water.

05/25/2026

Remembering our heroes on Memorial Day. Grateful for the selfless service of our brave soldiers.

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, we will be closing early Friday, May 22nd at noon and on Monday, May 25th. We'll pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th, ready to help you quote, bind, and service policies.

Send a message to learn more

04/23/2026

Failure to clean the grill, including the grease trap can cause a gas fire:

-As grease drips from hamburger patties and collects in the grease trap, a secondary fuel source is quietly accumulating. It doesn’t take too many barbecues for that grease trap to fill and create a dangerous condition. In addition to grease, spiders and other insects can build nests in the burner tubes. This can obstruct gas flow, resulting in what is called a “flashback fire,” which causes flames to come out around the control panel.

What causes grease fires: When the grill cover is closed and the burners are on, the temperature within the grill can reach very high temperatures (>500°F) in just a minute or two. If residual grease is present, it can ignite and release an incredible amount of energy that can quickly spread to adjacent items or even your home, depending on where the grill is located. This is not the only way residual grease can ignite. Flare-ups from cooking fatty foods or meats that have been marinated in oil (an expected part of the grilling experience) can also ignite residual grease if allowed to accumulate.

What causes flashback fires: Spiders or other small insects may build nests in the burner tubes (the tubes that lead from the valve to the burner), which can obstruct the flow of gas to the burner. While there may be enough gas flowing to the burners to allow them to light, the obstructions can cause some of the gas to back up and flow out of the air shutter located near the control k**b. These escaping gases can ignite and represent a fire or injury hazard.

What you can do: Regularly clean your grill, paying particular attention to areas where grease can accumulate. These areas include around and under the burners as well as the grease cup, which is typically located under the grill. Other areas where grease can accumulate are on the flame tamers – these are the flat pieces of steel that are typically located above the burners to distribute heat evenly throughout the grill.

You can also avoid excessive flare-ups by trimming meat or using a lower heat setting when grilling. To prevent flashbacks, you should regularly inspect the burner tubes and clean with an appropriate bottle brush. Between cleanings, check the flames on your burners. If they are uneven across the burner or yellow in color, this may indicate blockage.

04/19/2026

How do water sensors work?
Water sensors detect the presence of water and, when placed in locations where water should not be present, a leak. When Wi-Fi is enabled, the sensor can send out a notification to the homeowner through a smartphone app. If the homeowner will be out of town, family members, friends or other caretakers can be designated to receive notification of a leak so they can act quickly to help prevent further damage.

Some water-sensor systems can be programmed to shut off the water to the house to help prevent a small leak from becoming a large one. If your home is heated by an older steam-heating system, or if it’s protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system, check with a qualified professional before installing sensor-activated water shutoff devices.

Where should water sensors be placed?
It’s a good idea to place water sensors in areas where water damage inside the home can occur, often without warning. Those areas include: washing machines, hot water heaters (they may fail), dishwashers (they may leak), supply lines to automatic ice makers (they may be damaged) and toilets (they may overflow). Performing regular maintenance and visually checking for rusty, corroded, worn or damaged water supply lines and valves and other potential problems before you have a leak is one of the best ways to help prevent water damage.

You might want to install water sensors in areas near:
Washing machines
Dishwashers
Refrigerators with ice makers and water dispensers
Hot water heaters
Sinks
Toilets
Furnaces and boilers
Fish tanks

Typically, water sensors and their control modules are available at most home improvement stores and online. There are numerous options available. Consider doing some research to determine which options best fit your needs and budget. Note that some devices only work once and then need to be replaced, while others are designed for extended use. Also, if you are not comfortable installing them yourself, contact an experienced professional for help with proper installation and setting up the app to ensure that you receive notifications of potential leaks.

04/17/2026

Do you want to reduce the chances of water damage in your house? Here are some home maintenance tips that risk control specialists recommend:

1. Locate your main water shutoff valve and learn how to turn it on and off
Knowing how to turn off your main water valve is critical in the event of a burst pipe or other water emergency. In many homes, the valve is located on an exterior wall of the home, in the garage or in the basement. If you have a public water supply, the main water valve is typically on the street side of your home. For homeowners who have wells, the main water valve will most likely be located on the same side of the house as your well. Typically, to turn off the main water valve, you simply turn the valve handle clockwise until it stops. Closing the valve should shut off all water supply into your home in the event of a leak or if a repair is needed.

2. Have your plumbing systems professionally inspected
If you’re unfamiliar with your plumbing system or have concerns about it, have a licensed plumber inspect it for any issues (or signs of impending ones). One good tip is to ask the plumber to tag your main water valve – as well as any other important plumbing valves – for example, with a red flag or piece of tape. This can help you locate them more quickly in an emergency.

3. Visually inspect your pipes regularly
You don’t have to be a professional plumber to recognize potential problems with your pipes. It’s a good idea to regularly walk through your home to take a closer look at any exposed pipes, fittings, valves and supply lines you can see.

You’ll want to look for signs of damage. These can include things like:
-Discoloration on metal pipes (blue, green, yellow or white, usually)
-Cracking or crimping of plastic, PEX or polymer parts
-Deposits or rust-like buildup
-Frayed metal on braided supply hoses, as well as discoloration
-If you spot any of these issues, consider having a licensed plumber proactively replace the part. If left unchecked, they could lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the line.

4. Watch for evidence of slow or weeping leaks
Not all leaks are obvious. In fact, slow leaks can be some of the most insidious, as they’re often very difficult to spot before a larger problem occurs. Routinely check your appliances, such as your washing machine, dishwasher or even fixtures, and the area around your appliances for signs of leaks.

Look in cabinets and areas that have pipes connecting to appliances or fixtures (under the kitchen sink, for example) for telltale signs. Is there discoloration or damage on the wood below a pipe or fitting? Is the paint peeling? These environmental signs could point to a slow leak.

5. Tag or label any items you replace or repair
If you do end up having a licensed plumber replace a part or make a repair, be sure to label the item with the date it was replaced or repaired and keep records of the work done. Plumbing fixtures have a set lifespan and knowing when you last replaced or repaired a part can help you plan ahead for a maintenance check of that fixture.

6. Have your water tested
The chemical makeup of your water can lead to corrosion. Mineral content, pH and chlorides are examples of water characteristics that should be measured and controlled to prevent issues with your plumbing system. This is especially important if you own a well. Consider having your water tested and treated, if necessary, by a certified professional to help guard against an often-overlooked threat to your home’s plumbing.

7. Inspect and replace toilet supply lines and valves proactively
Just as you inspect your exposed pipes, you should also check your toilet supply lines and valves regularly. Make sure the supply hoses going to and from your toilets are in good condition and consider replacing them if they have signs of wear and tear or are more than a few years old. Read the installation instructions carefully and do not overtighten connections. Many of these products are installed hand-tight only, which means don’t use a wrench. You should also open your toilet tank and evaluate the flushing valve for signs of degradation, including crazing, cracking or discoloration of plastic components.

More ways to protect your home
Technology has made water loss prevention easier than ever. There are now “smart” water leak detectors and sensors you can install near or around your appliances and connection points that can alert users of leaks in their earliest stages.

These water leak detectors come in both DIY and professionally installed options, so there’s likely something for every budget and capability.

04/14/2026

4 Innovations in Motorcycle Safety Features:

1. Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
In an emergency situation, braking assistance can mean the difference between safely moving past an obstacle and losing control of the motorcycle. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help prevent your brakes from locking and your tires from skidding. Designed with wheel-speed sensors, the ABS automatically engages to deliver more control of steering in an emergency situation. ABS can help riders come to a more controlled stop to help avoid crashes. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, bikes with ABS have 31% fewer fatal crashes than those without it.1

2. Stability and traction control
Powering around a curve on two wheels requires a specific balance of acceleration and braking. Too much of one or the other can throw the bike out of control. New motorcycle stability and traction control systems can analyze the lean data to help eliminate overpowering or over-braking through turns in some vehicles.2

3. Improved lighting
Motorcycles are smaller than most cars, which can make them tougher to see on the road. LED lighting on your motorcycle can play a big role in enhancing rider safety and providing greater visibility to help prevent collisions.3 These adaptive LED headlights are designed to pivot to help expand illumination while cornering, are included on some models and also are available as aftermarket purchases.

4. Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
Motorcycles balance on two tires, so tire pressure is an important part of bike performance. Tire pressure monitoring systems put tire pressure information right in front of the rider. When tire pressure is low, you'll know it quickly without having to stop and check it. With proper tire pressure, you can be back on the road with better handling and traction.4