Ways To Improve Your Rental

As a renter, there are not many things that you can do to improve a property. This is simply because you do not own it and cannot make any permanent changes without approval from your landlord. There are a few ways you can make improvements to the property without making permanent changes. These improvements can make the home reflect your personality more while you live there. Follow these tips to make your rental more appealing!

  • Add a mirror to a room that may feel small. Adding a large mirror in a corner of a room can really open up the space. This will need to be a mirror that you can stand up on the floor so you do not make any actual changes to the rental. 
  • Use a colorful rug to hide ugly flooring. Sometimes in rentals, you do not get brand new carpet or flooring before moving in. If you do not like the look of the flooring, cover it up with a rug of your choice.
  • Add some plants to bring life to the property. It is amazing what a few plants can do to the look and feel of a room. If you want some more life in a room, add some plants, even if they are fake.
  • Consider painting a wall or two. You will want to check with your lease but if you can paint the walls, as long as you repaint them the generic color upon move-out, do it! You may want to consider just painting an accent wall for a few rooms.

If you are renting a property, you should be insured. If you do not currently have rental insurance, contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency serving Boise, ID, to get a quote for a policy that fits your needs.

Bicycle Safety Tips For Motorists

Bicyclists face serious risks on the Gem State’s roads. They can easily suffer life-threatening injuries when traffic accidents occur. Boise motorists help to prevent such disasters when they follow these tips:

1. Always slow down if bicycles are present. A rider may unexpectedly enter your lane to avoid another vehicle’s door, a patch of sand or broken glass in the shoulder. Exercise patience; don’t insist on passing a bike when there isn’t enough room.

2. Don’t honk your horn to say hello to a familiar bicyclist, warn riders of your presence or urge them to move over. This can startle or distract cyclists just long enough to trigger harmful mistakes.

3. Keep in mind that Idaho stop sign laws allow riders to slow down and yield rather than completely halting their bikes. Bicyclists must stop for red lights but aren’t required to wait until they change color.

4. Remain alert when you travel through residential neighborhoods. Young children on bikes might not use enough caution when they enter the street. Kids don’t always understand the consequences of risky behavior.

5. Never travel with an unrestrained dog in a truck bed or a car with open windows. Some canines will jump from vehicles to attack cyclists. If you’re near a road, always use a leash when leading a dog from your car to a building.

6. Leave at least three feet between your vehicle’s mirror and a bike’s handle bar when passing. Increase the distance if you’re driving quickly or passing a child on a bicycle.

It’s also crucial to carry sufficient auto insurance. Fuhriman Insurance Agency has served Boise motorists for over five decades. Call us today to get a no-obligation quote or do so on our website, too.
 

Safe Riding in Boise: Motorcycle Deer Season Tips

Boise, Idaho has a large amount of wildlife in it’s untamed surrounding Rocky Mountain environs, so motorcycle riders must learn to always be on-guard when they are out on the road. Animals can unexpectedly dart out into the road which could cause an accident at any time, resulting in damage and minor injury at the very least, if not much worse. While this is a problem year-round, deer season is an especially dangerous time, as deer tend to be more prevalent than any other time of year. Hitting one on a motorcycle is dangerous, so there are a few things that motorcyclists should concentrate on when riding in Boise, Idaho during deer season.

First, don’t go way over the speed limit, even if you know the roads. This is because you may have to suddenly slam on the brakes if a deer runs out in front of your bike and excessive speed may not allow you to stop in time. Second, always wear a helmet. While this is state law anyway, many riders don’t wear helmets, endangering themselves in general but even more so when they have to stop when avoiding hitting a deer. Third, make sure you have a good insurance policy during deer season that will cover both you and your bike in the event you hit a deer. The Fuhriman Insurance Agency will cover you and your motorcycle on this front, as they serve the greater Boise, Idaho area. And last, make sure you know the warning signs when there are more deer that may cross the road. As deer travel in groups, watch out for others following close behind who might dart out in front of you. Just because you avoided one, doesn’t mean there aren’t more crossing nearby.

Why Motorcycles Are Stolen

Having a motorcycle is more than a means of transportation. It is a way of life. So, if your motorcycle is stolen, it is a punch in the stomach. That is why you need to understand why motorcycles are stolen and what you can do to prevent this from happening. If your bike is stolen in Boise, less than a third of motorcycles are recovered. This is because most are moved out of state or sent to chop shops. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we are also motorcycle owners and want to make sure you never have to deal with this kind of a situation. Of course, our motorcycle insurance can protect you, but it is always best to skip out on this issue all together. 

Easily Hidden

When parking your motorcycle, you might first think to hide simply it away. The problem with this is if someone sees the motorcycle and wants to steal it, nobody is going to see them taking it. It can be easy money when stolen. That is why you need to park the bike close to a point of entrance and by security cameras. 

Not Locked Down

Most motorcycles are not locked down. It might not seem to be the coolest thing to do, but if a bike isn’t locked down through the wheel, a skilled thief knows how to bypass the steering lock and, more or less, roll the bike out and take it. That is why you need to lock the wheel down whenever you park the bike. It makes it less of a target and harder to steal. 

Easy Money

The main reason motorcycles are taken is because it is easy money. A bike can be chopped and sold for thousands of dollars. So, protect your bike to avoid this kind of issue. 

Is It Wise to Use an Independent Insurance Agent?

If a person is shopping for insurance, it’s imperative to take into consideration the many avenues that can be traveled down. For one, the person can go through an agent that specializes in only one brand of insurance, and while this can be advantageous for various reasons, an independent agent almost always proves to be of more value. Mostly because this type of agent has the ability to shop through different brands of insurance, meaning your insurance needs can be met not only quickly but in a more affordable manner, as well. Here’s a look at two reasons it’s smart to use an independent insurance agent. 

Better assistance when making a claim

Have you ever went to make a claim with your insurance agency only to realize that the process is completely time-consuming? Probably so. With an independent agent, though, you can make a claim with the agent you have been working with, and it’s because of this that he will likely already know the specifics of your policy. By knowing the specifics, this allows him to make the claim right the first time around; this will speed up the time that it takes for you to receive compensation that is owed to you. 

Always on the search for better policies

Independent agents also help you stay ahead of the game by recommending policies that can better meet your needs. Since the agent is tied down to a specific company, this allows him to continually shop for policies that are more affordable and of better quality. 

To learn more about the benefits of going through an independent agent, contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency today. 

Don’t Be Caught In The Dark

As soon as the power goes out in Boise, you are going to find yourself in the dark. This can be problematic not only because you can’t see, but also because you don’t have power to do all of the things that you have grown accustomed to being able to do. There are some tips that can help you navigate and survive until the power company gets your lights back on.

Have Multiple Light Sources

You want to make sure you have the means of having light in various sources. This can include lanterns, candles, as well as flashlights. Anything battery operated also means having plenty of back-up batteries so you don’t run out.

Think About Sustenance

Billions of dollars’ worth of food is lost every year around the US because of power going out. You want to be sure you have food to feed your family. Bottles of frozen water can be kept in the freezer so you can maintain a cooler temperature for longer.

You also want at least one week’s worth of food that doesn’t need to be heated or refrigerated. Popular items include jerky, granola bars, tuna packs, MREs, and peanut butter.

Focus on Survival

Depending on the season your power goes out in Idaho, you may want to have battery-powered fans to stay cool or heavy blankets to stay warm. You may also want to invest in a generator so that you don’t have to worry about food spoiling in your freezer or having lights in order for you and your family to see from one room to another.

Call and talk to an independent insurance agent at Fuhriman Insurance Agency today. We look forward to being able to help you find a good policy in Idaho to provide you with peace of mind whether the power is on or off.

 

Types Of Coverage For Your Business On Home Insurance

When you have a home-based business in Boise, it is important to learn about the different types of coverage. This can ensure that your home and your business are protected, particularly when they share the same roof. Every business is a little different and therefore you need to know about all of your options.

General Liability

General liability is common among home-based businesses. It provides protection in the event someone sues you over something having to do with your business, such as an injury on your property, a claim of negligence, or something else.

Business Property

You may have a lot of business property at your home, ranging from computers to merchandise. This property is likely not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy and therefore you need to have separate protection against its loss.

Data Compromise

More hackers are targeting small businesses than ever before. If your data becomes compromised, this is the kind of coverage that can help you to recover from a data breach or anything else.

Business Interruption

Your business may be interrupted as a result of a covered loss from your home, such as a fire or storm. This form of coverage can provide you with business income while your home is being repaired so that you don’t experience a catastrophic financial loss. The coverage stops once your home is fixed.

Employment Practices Liability

There are various other types of coverage that you may need as well, and it is dependent upon the type of business that you have. You may require business auto coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, and much more. This is why it can be advantageous to speak to an insurance agent.

At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you make sense of the insurance needed for your home-based business in Boise.

 

 

Fun For The Kids Indoors This Winter In Boise

You want to plan some fun for the kids this winter, especially when they’re not playing outside. It can be dreadful for kids to be cooped up in the house with no fun in sight. By taking some action, your home in Boise can be filled with happy kids who are having fun.

Board Games

Board games can be a lot of fun – and you can involve plenty of kids. If they get tired of playing the same ones over and over again, let them be creative and make their own. Just borrow dice or a spinner from another game.

Story Time

Forget about reading the same story over and over again. Let the kids create their own. Have everyone contribute to the story – and then hand out paper and markers for everyone to be able to illustrate the story. You can always make copies to give to the other parents at the end.

Dance Party

Ensure the kids are up and moving around from time to time. Plan a dance party and let them know they can invite some of their friends. Turn on the stereo or karaoke machine and let them dance away their winter blues.

Salt Dough

Make up a batch of salt dough using salt, flour, water, and a little oil. It’s just like play dough, except you can bake it. Kids can get creative by making ornaments, figurines, and all sorts of cool things. You can choose to color the dough any color, too, which opens up the possibilities of what they can create.

At Fuhriman Insurance Agency we’re here to help you find homeowner’s insurance you can rely on all year long. Call and speak to one of our friendly agents today to learn about coverage options and get quotes from some of the best companies in Idaho.

 

 

Give Your Car The Best For The Fall

You want to give your car the very best for the fall months in Boise. There are various things that you can do to ensure that your car still gets the performance, even though the weather is colder. You can also be more comfortable as you drive by having a car mechanic check on a few things for you.

One of the first things you need to realize is that batteries are affected by colder weather. This means you want to make sure that the battery is in good condition and that the charging system is working effectively. Be sure that the connections are clean and clear. You may also want to look into replacing your battery if it has been years.

Have your brakes checked. As you drive throughout Idaho, your brakes are going to be tested more throughout the fall and winter them throughout the rest of the year because of ice and snow.

Your tires need to be checked as well. You want to make sure to have sufficient tire tread depth. You may also want to look into replacing your tires with a specialty tire that is capable of gripping the roads more effectively.

Also, schedule an HVAC inspection with a local mechanic. They will be able to check such things as:

  • Defroster unit
  • Heating system
  • Cabin air filter

There may be things you want to replace as well. Check on everything to make sure that your car is in good condition. You may want to replace wiper blades on the front and back windshields. If you are driving in any particularly snowy or icy areas, you may also want to think about snow chains.

Call us at Fuhriman Insurance Agency today. One of our agents can talk to you about coverage with your policy and work to get you an affordable rate.

 

Ensure That Your Personal Property Coverage Exceeds the Value of Your Possessions

One of the main coverages included in most renters insurance policies is personal property protection. Designed to insure your belongings against a variety of perils, this coverage will reimburse you if your possessions are damaged or lost in a covered incident. In order to have your belongings fully insured, your renters insurance policy’s personal property protection limits need to exceed the value of your belongings.

Personal Property Coverage Limits

Like all insurance coverages, personal property coverage includes limits that determine the maximum amount your insurance policy will pay for a covered loss. Your insurer won’t reimburse you more than your coverage’s limits, and your coverage may include different limits for different types of belongings. Your coverage’s limits should exceed the total value of your covered possessions.

Sometimes, renters are tempted to lower their personal property coverage in order to reduce their premiums. Doing this leaves you vulnerable, though.

Finding Affordable Coverage

Instead of sacrificing your coverage to save on your insurance premiums, you should shop around for a more affordable renters insurance policy. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, our independent insurance agents make it easy to find the lowest-priced policy in Idaho. In just a short while, they can pull up multiple quotes and compare them with your current premiums. If there is a cheaper option, they can help you switch.

If you live in Boise, ID, or anywhere else in the state, contact our agents through our website to find affordable personal property coverage. The entire process is quick, and it could save you a few dollars every month without sacrificing your coverage.