Read our Important Office Update.

Summer 2021 Newsletter

June 30, 2021

Jeff Solem Insurance Agency Newsletter 

Summer 2021 Issue

Office Update  

Summer is finally here and life is slowly getting back to normal. This season will no doubt bring changes and new adventures! At Jeff Solem Insurance Agency, we would like to update you on some important office information. With continued changes of state rules and regulations surrounding COVID-19, we ask that if you need an in-person appointment to please call and schedule ahead of time. This will help make sure someone is physically in the office to be able to assist you. The best way to reach our office is by phone number (503)-659-1811. You can also reach us by email at jeff@jeffsoleminsurance.com

Boat and Personal Watercraft Insurance

Did you know that your homeowners policy does not provide coverage for your boat, even if it is stored at your home? During the summer months, as well as the off months, it is crucial to have your boat or personal watercraft fully insured. Personal watercrafts can include jet skies, wave runners, or just about anything in the water that has a motor. Boat and personal watercraft insurance gives you protection from:

  • Theft
  • Damage
  • Liability in case of an accident or injury
  • Uninsured or Underinsured Boaters

Additionally, keeping your boat insured year round will give you coverage for things like theft, fire, and vandalism while it’s in storage. Thankfully, quality coverage is affordable. Your policy premium also considers the length of your state’s boat season! Want more information? Give our office a call! 

Source: Boat Insurance – Watercraft Coverage: Safeco Insurance. Boat Insurance – Watercraft Coverage | Safeco Insurance. (2020). https://www.safeco.com/products/boat-insurance.

Things to Keep in Mind

Summertime means warmer weather and more outside activities! Along with all the fun, it’s important that we all stay safe and healthy through these warmer months. Here are nine safety tips to consider before heading outside:

  • Beat the Heat: With warm weather, it’s important to understand and notice the signs of heat-related illness. For example: excessive sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, and headaches are just a few of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion. To help prevent heat-related illnesses, take plenty of breaks in the shade and stay hydrated!
  • Barbecue Safety: Make sure your BBQ/Smoker is far away from your home. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is recommended to keep your BBQ at least 10 feet away from your home. Always make sure to keep up to date on repairs and cleaning that needs to be done to prevent possible fires. 
  • Bug Safety: Other than being pesky, mosquitoes and ticks can carry any of a number of dangerous diseases. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when outside. Ticks love hanging out in trees, shrubs, bushes, and tall grasses – anywhere they can hitch a ride on anything or anyone who comes too close. Mosquitos are frequently found around still or slow-moving bodies of water, such as ponds.
  • Playgrounds: Although fun for kids, accidents can and do happen at playgrounds. Make sure to always supervise your children and evaluate whether a playground is safe to play on. Keep a lookout for unprotected elevated areas and improper or damaged surfaces. 
  • Fireworks: With Fourth of July around the corner, it’s important to consider the dangers, as well as the joys, of fireworks. Always keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any fireworks or lingering flames, never light around any structures or other flammable material, and make sure to clean it all up after you’re done. Even “dud” fireworks can be a fire hazard! Every state has local rules. Check out this website to see what your state says: https://fireworks.com/locations/by-state/or
  • Water Safety: Unfortunately, drownings happen too often every year, especially with younger children. It’s important to stay vigilant when going out for a swim with friends or family. Don’t let anyone swim alone, wear life jackets where they are recommended and required, and consider investing some time in a First Aid and CPR course. American Red Cross offers a number of safety classes, some of which can be done entirely online!
  • Bicycling: Bicyclists must take extra precautions when they share the road with automobiles. Make sure to wear neon or fluorescent clothing so you can be easily seen. Wearing an appropriate sized helmet is also crucial in case of a fall or crash. Lastly, make sure to follow the rules of the road. Drivers expect you to stop at stop signs.
  • Boating: Boating can be a lot of fun, but can also involve some risk. Always wear a life jacket that fits properly for your size and weight. Additionally, it’s good to be up to date on your state’s specific boating rules. Lastly, always be prepared for the worst before you depart the dock. Make a checklist or written procedure to refer to in the event of a crisis.
  • Pedestrian Safety: Cell phones are a pervasive problem when it comes to safety on the road. If a pedestrian is looking down at their phone, they may unintentionally walk out into traffic or may miss the vehicle backing up out of a driveway or parking spot and find themselves on a trip to the hospital. Whether you’re walking or driving, always stay alert!

Check out the National Safety Council for more helpful summer safety tips! 

Source: Summer Safety Tips. National Safety Council. (2020). https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer. 

Summer Triple Berry Crisp

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy berries! The next time you’re at your local farmers market buy some berries and try this summer triple berry crisp recipe.  

Ingredients 

Fruit Mixture:

  • 2 cups blueberries 
  • 2 cups blackberries 
  • 2 cups raspberries
  • ½ cup of sugar
  • ½ cup of flour 
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla  
Streusel Mixture:

  • 1 ¼ cup quick cooking oatmeal 
  • 1 ½ cup of flour 
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon 
  • 1 cup of cold butter 

Instructions 

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Gently grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. If using fresh berries, gently wash and pat dry. If you are using frozen, rinse gently.  In a bowl, mix berries with the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. After this is mixed, sprinkle the flour into the berry mixture. Pour the mixture into your greased 9 x 13 baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the quick  cooking oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Next, cut in the cold butter until it resembles a crumble mixture. Spread the streusel mix evenly on top of the berries. Bake in your preheated oven at 350° F for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and enjoy with your favorite ice cream!

Frequently Asked Insurance Questions 

1. Will my home insurance policy cover if my air conditioning system breaks?  

Home insurance typically does not cover if your air conditioner system breaks. Sometimes you can get added endorsements to your policy that may cover these items, but they won’t cover repairs or breakage from normal wear and tear. Safeco offers an insurance plan that covers most home systems and appliances if it breaks down due to normal wear and tear. This type of plan is called home warranty insurance.  

2. Can I file a claim for wear and tear on my roof?

Normal wear and tear is not covered under home insurance policies. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure their roof is up to date on repairs and maintenance. Your home insurance policy will cover damage to your roof if an accident happens, though; for example, if a tree branch falls on your roof and causes damage.

3. Do I have the right insurance for my classic car? 

Although some typical car insurance companies do cover classic cars, speciality classic car insurance will have more specific coverage. For example, American Collectors Insurance covers genuine original equipment manufacturer parts. Additionally, they offer different roadside assistance options that use flatbed trucks instead of winch towing. 

Have a good insurance question that can help others that we can add to our next newsletter? Send us your questions to jsishelby@gmail.com

Vacation Rental Insurance

Do you own a VRBO, AirBnB, Home Away, and other vacation rentals? We have a policy for you!  Vacation rental properties are unique. Since vacation rentals are not primary residences, homeowner’s insurance does not provide the proper coverage. Basic landlord insurance won’t work either because vacation rentals are short-term. Only a vacation rental insurance policy can provide you the proper coverage needed to protect your investment. We have specialized in these policies to make sure our clients are fully covered! Make sure your vacation rental is insured properly before renting it out this summer. Give us a call today to make sure you have the correct coverage. 

Did You Know?

Did you know that we are licensed in six states? If you have any friends or family in: Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, Idaho, or Colorado, have them give us a call for a free quote! We specialize in auto, RV, classic cars, motorcycles, boats/personal watercrafts, home, renters, business, church, life, short-term rentals, vacation homes, and more! Being an independent agent, we work with multiple insurance companies to make sure you are getting the best coverage at the best price. 

 Insurance Funnies

Hear from two of our Local Partners! 

Lonn Kilstrom from Cornerstone First Mortgage

Are you over the age of 62 and need expertise for reverse mortgage? Lonn Kilstrom is your guy! With over 30 years of experience, Lonn knows all the in’s and out’s of reverse mortgages.

You can contact Lonn today at (503) 849-3478 or by email at lkilstrom@cfmtg.com

 Gene Moore from Remax Equity Group

Gene Moore has been in the real estate business for over 20 years; he knows how to find the right home for buyers and he can also help you sell your home!

You can contact Gene today by phone at (503)-880-4363 or by email at gmoore@equitygroup.com

Contact Information

Phone: (503) 659-1811

PO BOX 68449, Milwaukie, OR 97268

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JeffSolemagency

Want to receive our newsletter in the mail? Email us and we will mail you a copy of this issue and all issues to come!

Download a copy here.