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7 tips for safer online shopping this holiday season

by American Modern November 25, 2024

Cyber Monday may be days away, but most online shopping retailers start to offer discounts and deals on Black Friday, or even a week before.  And while, of...


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Your guide to winter maintenance

by American Modern November 11, 2024

Winter tends to ignore the calendar. Slush, sleet, frost and freezing temps can show up early, stay late and be extra hard on any home. Get ahead of...


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4 key snowmobiling safety tips for navigating the winter wonderland

by American Modern August 14, 2024

The snowflakes slowly begin to fall, the weather drops to bitter cold temperatures and the time has come to uncover your snowmobile for the season. But before you...


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7 tips to help prevent theft during the holidays

by American Modern August 14, 2024

“We live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen.” – Buzz McCallister, Home Alone (more…)


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Deep fry your turkey with a side of safety

by American Modern August 13, 2024

For the perfect holiday dinner, casseroles and cranberries, stuffing and sweet potatoes are all crowd favorites. But turkey is still the start of the culinary show. Of course,...


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5 easy steps to help winterize your home

by American Modern August 12, 2024

Winter is right around the corner, follow these 5 simple home winterization steps to help save money and energy. (more…)


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How to winterize your motorcycle in 7 simple steps

by Rick Drewry August 12, 2024

Cold temperatures are settling in, which means motorcycle riding season is coming to an end. Unless you live in the southwest or southern states, odds are you will...


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9 steps to winterizing your collector vehicle

by Rick Drewry August 11, 2024

It’s not an ordinary car. It needs more than ordinary care—especially when prepping it for winter hibernation. Collector vehicles face potential hazards all year round, even while sitting...


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Earthquakes can happen anywhere. Are you ready?

by American Modern August 10, 2024

People living in earthquake-prone areas are generally more aware of earthquake safety than others. Consider California and its history of earthquakes, for instance. Awareness of the risk is...


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Halloween hacks that protect against rental property nightmares

by American Modern August 09, 2024

So, you’ve done the hard part and purchased a rental property. You’ve bought deadbolts, security devices, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to keep your tenants safe. You’ve also...


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Light the holidays with cheer: Christmas tree safety tips

by American Modern August 07, 2024

Many of us take our cheerful Christmas tree traditions seriously. It’s the place we gather, the protector of presents, the holiday home of ornamental memories. When brightly lit,...


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5 steps to winterize your boat the easy way

by American Modern August 05, 2024

It happens every year. The season comes to an end, and we have to put our boat away for the winter. Before you say your final farewell, however,...


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Fire Prevention Week: 12 tips to prevent kitchen fires

by American Modern August 02, 2024

Did you know that October 8-14 is National Fire Prevention week? While it may not be something you’re going to actually celebrate, it’s a great time to refresh...


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10 safety tips to follow during Halloween

by American Modern August 02, 2024

The apples have been bobbed, the pumpkins carved, the cobwebs hung, and the spooky movies survived (barely). Halloween. It’s one of the most anticipated nights of the year...


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5 tune-ups every collector car owner should do

by American Modern July 19, 2024

The roads stretch out before you, the windows are down, the cool breeze is filtering throughout the car and the sun is slowly setting. What makes this moment...


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Prevent home water damage with these 3 devices

by American Modern July 18, 2024

Walking into your home and seeing unexpected puddles of water pooling on the floor, or water leaking from the ceiling, can be a nightmare. Water damage is devastating...


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E-bike riding tips for every cyclist

by American Modern July 17, 2024

When you think of metropolitan streets, you typically picture lots of cars, buses, trucks—in other words, traffic. The overcrowded streets often deter cyclists from venturing downtown. But that’s...


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Your guide to fall home maintenance

by American Modern July 15, 2024

Pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, haunted houses, apple picking—fall is full of outdoor fun. It’s also a sign that colder weather is on the way. As you head...


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Rethink the word “valuables”

by American Modern July 12, 2024

Cash and jewelry aren’t the only items on thief’s must-have list. There are a lot of “soft” targets you may not have considered, too. Check out this list...


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7 smart devices to protect your home

by American Modern July 11, 2024

Keeping your home safe these days goes way beyond guard dogs, spotlights and deadbolts. Smart devices help you control access and keep an eye on things from anywhere...


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Safety first: 5 tips for a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend

by American Modern July 09, 2024

Barbeques, fireworks, bonfires, boating and long days in the sun are just some of the many ways millions of Americans celebrate Labor Day weekend. Whether they be traveling...


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6 essential dirt bike maintenance tips

by American Modern July 09, 2024

Each time you take your dirt bike out on the trails, it can take quite the beating! Dirt bike maintenance is a must for riders of all levels....


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Enjoying summer on the water: Essential boating safety tips

by American Modern July 09, 2024

The heat of the summer continues to drive more than 100 million Americans to spend their days boating on the water each year, according to the National Marine...


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Stay current with e-bikes

by American Modern July 05, 2024

Bicycling is a whole lot easier than it used to be. The addition of a compact battery and motor has turned a bike into an e-bike, helping riders...


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9 tips to help you prepare for a wildfire

by American Modern July 02, 2024

Wildfires happen quickly. Sometimes it's only a matter of seconds from spark to blaze. And once a fire begins, it can spread at a rate of up to...


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5 window safety tips

by American Modern June 29, 2024

Everyone loves a warm summer breeze coming in from the window. Maybe you’re working or relaxing, or simply enjoying the nice weather. However, it’s always important to remember...


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Your collector car & hurricanes: What you should know

by American Modern June 29, 2024

August and September are prime months for hurricanes. Your state’s emergency management agency, or the local Red Cross office, can provide detailed emergency planning information for your life...


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Start grilling with 6 safety tips

by American Modern June 29, 2024

Sunburns are part of summer. Grill and fire burns shouldn’t be. Unfortunately, an average 8,800 backyard grill outs a year are involved in a home fire—that’s according to...


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Help protect your home with fire-resistant landscaping

by American Modern June 28, 2024

Californians are no strangers to wildfires. In 2019 alone, 8,194 wildfires burned 259,148 acres in the Golden State, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With that in mind,...


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10 steps to secure your ride

by Rick Drewry June 25, 2024

You wear a helmet and pay attention to the road while driving your motorcycle, but when it’s time to hop off for the day, how much care do...


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Hurricane safety kit

by American Modern June 25, 2024

The heart of hurricane season is approaching. Are you ready? Preparation is key to staying safe and protecting your property. Here are some ideas to help your planning...


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Detect home emergencies with these 5 devices

by American Modern June 25, 2024

You work hard to protect your house, but you can’t be expected to detect every danger that threatens it. What if you’re out of the house when a fire...


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Help customers understand the forces behind higher insurance costs

by American Modern June 20, 2024

Insurance customers everywhere have questions about increased costs and limited options. These talking points can help you address your customers' concerns and keep them informed. (more…)


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Understanding the forces behind higher insurance costs

by American Modern June 18, 2024

As a customer, you may be wondering why insurance costs are on the rise and options seem limited. From severe weather events to widespread inflation, there are several...


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Is your motorcycle coverage a perfect fit?

by American Modern June 01, 2024

Not all bikes are the same. Insurance isn’t all the same, either. Picking good motorcycle insurance is more than just choosing between comp and collision or liability-only. Here...


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Don’t let your bonfire go up in smoke with these 6 tips

by American Modern May 29, 2024

Whether you’re roasting marshmallows at the campground or hanging out with friends in your backyard, bonfires are a fun way to keep warm and socialize. But fire is...


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4th of July safety guide

by American Modern May 29, 2024

The 4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can create dangerous situations. Keep these...


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The ultimate lake house safety guide

by American Modern May 29, 2024

Nothing screams summer like packing up the car and heading down to the lake house. Living by the water provides a constant source of entertainment. But while swimming,...


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5 boat maintenance tips

by American Modern May 29, 2024

Spending a bit of time on basic maintenance can help you have fun for years to come. Here are a few  ideas to keep your boat ship-shape. Keep...


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Check all your boxes with our insurance checklist

by American Modern May 15, 2024

We know how life can get, so we totally get how easy it is to forget to update your home insurance policies when things change. But don’t worry!...


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Your guide to summer maintenance

by American Modern May 14, 2024

The first day of summer is almost here! Time to start tackling some those home care projects on your list. Home improvement stores are full of warm-weather ideas...


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Steer clear of the storm—we’ll help pay your way

by American Modern May 14, 2024

When someone yells, “Get out of the way!” you should. In fact, we’ll pay you for getting out of the way.  One of the benefits of your Boat...


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5 tips to summer-ize your watercraft

by American Modern May 14, 2024

Summer’s just around the corner and the water’s calling! Time to make sure your watercraft is shipshape. Derek Wolfe, one of our senior watercraft underwriters, offers 5 favorite...


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Dos and don’ts to safeguarding your home while on vacation

by American Modern May 14, 2024

“We live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen.” – Buzz McCallister, Home Alone    This...


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5 tips for weathering the storm

by American Modern May 14, 2024

Boating season. Full of sunshine, fresh air, good times … and sometimes storms. Severe weather not only puts a damper on the fun, it can do real damage...


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Prepare your pool for child safety

by American Modern May 13, 2024

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s likely that you and your kids are spending a lot of time cooling off by the pool. Here are some...


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5 steps to deter motorcycle theft

by Rick Drewry April 25, 2024

Summer is motorcycle riding season but also bike theft season. According to National Insurance Crime Bureau, of all thefts, less than half are recovered. The NICB study indicates...


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7 tire safety tips for a smooth ride

by Rick Drewry April 25, 2024

“Where the rubber meets the road” is more than just an expression. Enjoyable and safe motorcycling is a partnership between how well your tires grip the road and...


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How to fit a motorcycle helmet

by American Modern April 25, 2024

There’s no better feeling than hitting the open road on your motorcycle . . . unless your helmet isn’t properly fitted. Not only is a poorly fitted helmet...


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11 safety tips every pool owner should know

by American Modern April 25, 2024

Days are getting longer, temps are rising, schools are closing. For people who own pools and hot tubs, that means two things: more time in the water, and...


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Gearing up for a long motorcycle ride

by Rick Drewry April 24, 2024

Who’s ready to ride? That’s an easy one—you are. But that leads to lots of other questions: What’s your favorite destination? What route should you ride? Who will...


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5 steps to cleaning your collector car

by Rick Drewry April 01, 2024

Proper car maintenance and cleaning of your collector car are not optional—they are vital to ensuring you preserve your vehicle’s allure and value. Follow these 5 steps to...


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5 things to know before you get back on the water

by American Modern April 01, 2024

Summer is right around the corner—and that means it’s time to take the boat out of winter storage. Although there will always be risks, some marine losses can...


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Pet tips for apartment living

by American Modern April 01, 2024

According to the LA Times, more than 70% of apartment renters own pets, with cats and dogs being the most popular types. Regardless of whether you’re a cat-...


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Boat spring commissioning

by American Modern April 01, 2024

A properly maintained boat can provide years of enjoyment. While year-round protection and maintenance are crucial, a good spring commissioning can set your mind at ease. Here are...


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Spring flood protection: How to secure your home

by American Modern March 29, 2024

While it's true that spring rains are great for new plant growth – which is a welcome sight after a long winter – some storms are capable of...


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Your guide to spring maintenance

by American Modern February 28, 2024

After this cold and gray winter, you’re surely looking forward to brighter days, spring blooms, and lots of sunshine. With warmer temperatures approaching, it’s time to gear up...


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5 steps to cut your water heating bills

by American Modern February 28, 2024

Did you know that heating water for your faucets, showers and appliances can consume up to 20% of your home’s energy? That’s a big slice of any homeowner’s...


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7 steps to get your classic car ready for spring

by Rick Drewry February 27, 2024

Spring has sprung! That means it’s time to start thinking about getting your classic cars and trucks ready for the season. (more…)


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A 15-step guide to preparing your motorcycle for spring

by Rick Drewry February 27, 2024

Spring is in the air, and those motorcycle enthusiasts stuck in colder states are itching to take their bikes out for that first-ride-of-the-season cruise. If your bike has...


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12 tips to prevent kitchen fires

by American Modern February 20, 2024

Burning dinner can be something to laugh about. A burning kitchen? Not so much. More fires start in the kitchen than in any room of the house.1 Which...


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Energy efficiency for small businesses

by American Modern January 18, 2024

Appropriate temperature control is frequently a challenge for businesses. Heating and cooling systems are frequently running at a greater capacity than required when the building is not occupied:...


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6 advantages of manufactured homes

by American Modern January 18, 2024

As housing prices continue to increase, many homebuyers are expanding their search beyond traditional houses.  Manufactured homes present a viable option for potential homeowners. They’ve come a long...


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Heat up Valentine’s Day without burning down your home

by American Modern January 17, 2024

Candles and romance go hand in hand on Valentine’s Day, but what starts as a warm glow could escalate into a dangerous fire. Although candles account for a...


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Tie-downs are crucial for manufactured homes

by American Modern January 16, 2024

Tie-downs are crucial when it comes to the safety of any manufactured home. Because manufactured homes are very lightweight, strong winds are more likely to get under and...


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How much snow can your roof handle?

by American Modern January 11, 2024

With winter weather fast approaching, you might be expecting quite a bit of snow on your roof. The question: Can your roof handle it? The answer: It depends....


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Why skirting is a must for manufactured homes

by American Modern January 10, 2024

When choosing a manufactured home that fits your style and needs, it’s important to remember to buy and install the skirting. Not only is the skirting used to...


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Protect your pocket from costly home repairs – like HVAC and appliances

by American Modern January 09, 2024

In today’s world, we are all looking for more customizable options. Whether you’re building your computer’s system, picking out a band for your fitness tracker, or deciding if...


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7 ways to stay safe while snowmobiling

by American Modern January 08, 2024

If you’re lucky enough to live in a winter wonderland, hitting the trails on your snowmobile is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. However, snowmobiles are fast...


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10 tips for space heater safety

by American Modern January 05, 2024

Space heaters are pretty popular for a reason. When the furnace is on the fritz or when heating the whole house simply costs too much, they can take...


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Beat the deep freeze: How to prevent frozen pipes

by American Modern January 04, 2024

Freezing temperatures. Whiteout storms. Icy roads. And, worst of all, frozen pipes. You can’t do much about winter’s “wonderland,” but you can take steps to keep your pipes...


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End-of-the-year insurance checklist

by American Modern December 12, 2023

At the end of each year, we are whisked through a series of holiday celebrations, all leading up to the most contemplative day of the year: New Year’s...


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How to keep your home (and Santa) safe from a chimney fire

by American Modern November 01, 2023

The tradition of Santa Claus entering people’s homes through the chimney goes back to pre-Christian times when European folklore characters were believed to use the chimney to deliver...


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9 Christmas tree pet safety tips

by American Modern November 01, 2023

If you have seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you probably recall the tragic scene where Clark goes into the living room to find the string lights on the Christmas...


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How not to be gobbled up by Thanksgiving Day fiascos

by American Modern October 20, 2023

So, you’ve offered to host Thanksgiving this year. Hats off to you! Now for the fun part…a long list of holiday to-dos like braving the grocery store, ordering...


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We’ll help pay to get your car out of harm’s way

by American Modern October 01, 2023

When someone yells, “Get out of the way!” you should. In fact, we’ll pay you for getting out of the way. One of the benefits of your Collector...


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How to treat these 3 cyber tricks

by American Modern September 20, 2023

Halloween is a few short days away, and under the cover of the dark web, cyber criminals are refining their sinister methods. And they’re only getting more sneaky and...


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6 wildfire evacuation preparation tips

by American Modern September 14, 2023

While wildfire season often occurs during the summer, a wildfire could start at any time if the conditions are right. With how unpredictable and fast the wildfires are, surviving begins...


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Safety tips to keep in mind this Labor Day

by American Modern July 24, 2023

Labor Day is all about having fun in the sun and spending time with family and friends. But vacant homes, fireworks, grills, and even the sun can pose...


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7 tips for working from home with your dog

by American Modern July 18, 2023

Having canine companionship during the day is a blessing, but it can be tough to keep your dog quiet when you’re working from home. Here are some tips...


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7 golf cart safety tips

by Rick Drewry July 03, 2023

They’re not just for golf anymore! Golf carts can be found everywhere from retirement communities to college campuses. Some states have even passed laws allowing them to putter...


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Working from home: Making it work for you

by American Modern July 02, 2023

Still working from home? To help you co-manage work and home life – and stay productive at the same time – we gathered a few helpful tips to...


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Wildfire emergency evacuation checklist

by American Modern July 01, 2023

During an emergency, there may be little or no time to think about what you need to do. This checklist is designed to help you prepare and respond...


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We’ll help pay to get your boat, yacht, or car out of harm’s way

by American Modern July 01, 2023

When someone yells, “Get out of the way!” you should. In fact, we’ll pay you for getting out of the way.  One of the benefits of your Boat...


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Create a five-foot buffer to help protect your home from wildfires

by American Modern June 29, 2023

People living in California are keenly familiar with the risk of wildfire. Of the 4.5 million U.S. homes at high or extreme risk, more than 2 million of...


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7 safety tips for pet owners during hurricane season

by American Modern June 06, 2023

Let’s be real, if a situation is dangerous for you, it’s going to be dangerous for your pets too. This is especially true during hurricane season. Hurricanes, as...


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What’s your bike type?

by American Modern June 05, 2023

In the market for a new bike? Bikes come in all shapes and styles, and there are plenty of options to choose from.  We’ve put together a guide...


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Our top 5 tips for collector car maintenance

by Rick Drewry June 04, 2023

Seasonal tips for taking care of your collector car aren’t hard to find. There are plenty of get-ready-for-spring or prep-for-storage articles out there. But what about those blissful...


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Smart thermostats: Heat-beaters and money-savers

by American Modern May 23, 2023

Summer’s here and temperatures are on the rise. If you’re looking for new ways to beat the heat, a smart thermostat might be the right solution: It can...


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Mid-year insurance checklist

by American Modern May 19, 2023

With the year halfway through, summer is the perfect time to take a step back and reflect on the past few months. Take this opportunity to evaluate any...


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Top 5 reasons to buy a tiny home

by American Modern February 10, 2023

Tiny living is the hot new housing trend that has people of all walks of life permanently downsizing. They’re cost-efficient, energy-efficient, and space-efficient. If you don’t mind sacrificing...


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Cyber risks: 3 trends you need to be aware of

by American Modern January 09, 2023

It's Data Privacy Week, so we’ve put these trends together to inform you of potential cyber risks, and to help keep you and your customers safe. (more…)


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7 tips for safer online shopping

by American Modern January 01, 2023

Use the following 7 tips to help keep your information secure while shopping online, and share them with your friends and family too! (more…)


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Social media privacy: Taking control of your data

by American Modern January 01, 2023

Social media makes it easy for you to leave a trail of personal information that you may not want to share with advertisers, analytics companies, or people other...


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Safety tips for using public Wi-Fi

by American Modern January 01, 2023

Public Wi-Fi spots are everywhere these days. They’re convenient, especially when you’re on the go, but they could also leave your information vulnerable. Here are 3 tips to...


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4 ways to stay ahead of smartphone hackers

by American Modern January 01, 2023

Did you know that Americans check their phone on average 80 times a day? Surprising, right? Unfortunately, the amount of times that our phones can be compromised is...


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4 things to do before getting rid of your old device

by American Modern November 08, 2022

Thinking about getting a new smartphone for your kids or spouse as a gift this holiday season? Or maybe you want to treat yourself to the newest version...


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11 tips to keep your pets safe during the holidays

by American Modern November 08, 2022

It’s likely you are revving up for this holiday season’s festivities with as much spirit and drive as Santa himself. You’ve found the perfect tree. The holiday bins...


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Keep grilling safe this 4th of July

by American Modern June 28, 2022

4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can also create dangerous situations. This week,...


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Red, white, and burnt: 4th of July sun safety

by American Modern June 27, 2022

The 4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can also create dangerous situations. This...


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