Kathrens Insurance - Blog

Fall Is Here—and So Is Deer Season

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:41:05 GMT

By: Cate Harrigan

As many of you may very well know, September 22nd marked the official first day of fall. But while most of us are eagerly looking forward to pumpkin spice lattes, apple picking, and weekend football, the change in season also brings a less welcome tradition: a dramatic spike in wildlife-vehicle collisions. October through December marks peak deer mating and migration season, creating a significant surge in animal activity across local roadways—particularly during dawn and dusk commutes.

If a deer suddenly darts into your path, traffic safety experts advise a counterintuitive but vital rule: do not swerve. Instinct prompts us to veer sharply, but swerving frequently results in losing vehicle control, rolling over, or striking fixed obstacles like guardrails and trees. Those scenarios carry a much higher risk of severe injury than a controlled brake. The safest technical response is to brake firmly, maintain your lane, and sound your horn.

From an insurance perspective, how you react determines exactly how the subsequent claim is handled:

Direct Collision with the Animal: If your vehicle makes physical contact with the deer, the damage is processed under your Comprehensive coverage (minus your deductible), as it is legally classified as an unavoidable act of nature.

Swerving and Hitting Another Object: If you swerve to avoid the animal and instead strike a ditch, tree, or guardrail, the incident is classified as a Collision claim.

While both coverage types will ensure your vehicle is repaired, they are treated differently on your loss history and can have varying impacts on your future premiums.

To mitigate your risk this season, utilize high beams in low-traffic areas to spot reflective eyes early, and remember that deer travel in herds. If you see one cross the road, always expect others to follow closely behind.

Does Your Dog Affect Your Homeowners Insurance?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:50:04 GMT

By: Cate Harrigan

For many households, pets aren’t just part of the family—they are family. However, when it comes to homeowners insurance, your pet, particularly your dog, can play an important role in how your policy is underwritten.

When an insurance company evaluates a homeowners policy, there are a number of factors it considers when determining whether it can provide coverage. For some carriers, that includes the breed and bite history of any dogs in the household. Breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and others may be subject to additional requirements or restrictions depending on the insurance company.

These guidelines aren’t necessarily a judgment on an individual dog. Instead, insurance companies rely on industry-wide claim statistics and historical loss data when assessing risk. Dog-related liability claims can be costly, which means carriers have to take that potential risk into consideration when establishing their underwriting guidelines. Depending on the company, this could result in additional premium, specific coverage conditions, or, in some cases, an inability to write the policy.

So, what does this mean for you?

If you’re bringing a new dog into your household, we recommend letting your insurance agent know. Since each carrier has its own guidelines, we can review your current coverage and help you understand how those guidelines may apply to your new pet. While a new addition doesn’t necessarily mean changes to your insurance are needed, a quick review can help ensure there are no surprises down the road.

At Kathrens Insurance, we work with multiple insurance companies, each with its own underwriting guidelines. While we don’t believe in changing carriers unnecessarily, having multiple options allows us to help find an appropriate solution when a customer’s circumstances or a carrier’s guidelines require it.

Bringing home a new dog is an exciting time for any family. If you’re welcoming a new four-legged member to your household, give us a call—we’re always happy to help you understand what it may mean for your homeowners coverage.

Unexpected Losses Happen—Be Prepared

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:01:07 GMT

By: Cate Harrigan

Unexpected losses can happen in an instant. A house fire, severe storm, theft, or other disaster can change everything in a matter of minutes. While insurance plays an important role in helping protect what matters most, there are also simple steps you can take now to make a difficult situation a little easier later.

One of the most valuable things you can do takes only about twenty minutes: walk through your home with your phone and record a video of your belongings. Open your cabinets, closets, drawers, and storage spaces. Take a few extra moments to capture the things you use every day but may overlook, such as kitchen utensils, dishes, clothing, tools, décor, electronics, and personal items.

Today, most of us have easy access to smartphones with cameras, making it simple to create a digital inventory of what we own. This small effort can make a major difference if you ever need to file a claim after a loss.

When people imagine losing their belongings, they often think about larger items like furniture or appliances. But in reality, the hardest part is remembering everything else. After a devastating fire or natural disaster, recalling every detail becomes incredibly difficult. How many forks did you own? How many pairs of shoes? How many shorts, T-shirts, blankets, or towels were in your home? Most people do not realize how overwhelming that process can be until they are facing it.

Having a video inventory gives you a clear record to reference during an already stressful time. It can help support claims, reduce stress, and save valuable time.

Protecting yourself does not always require major effort. Sometimes, a simple twenty-minute walkthrough today can provide peace of mind tomorrow.

We also recommend storing your video somewhere secure, such as cloud storage, an external drive, or emailing it to yourself. Update your inventory yearly or after major purchases. A quick refresh ensures your records stay current and gives you confidence that, if the unexpected happens, you are better prepared to recover during challenging moments for your family later.

If you have questions about your current policy, coverage limits, or whether you have enough protection for your personal belongings, we encourage you to give our office a call. We are always happy to review your coverage with you and help answer any questions so you can feel confident that you are properly protected.

Why Did My Insurance Rate Go Up If I Didn't Do Anything?

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:33:52 GMT

By: Cate Harrigan

One of the most common questions we hear from our clients is, "Why did my insurance premium increase? I haven't had any claims, tickets, or accidents."

It's a fair question—and one that highlights a common misunderstanding about how insurance rates are determined.

While your personal driving record and claims history certainly play a role in your premium, they're only part of the equation. Insurance companies also adjust rates based on a variety of larger factors that are completely outside of any one policyholder's control.

For example, when the cost of repairing vehicles increases due to inflation, insurance carriers pay more to settle claims. The same is true when labor rates rise or vehicle technology becomes more sophisticated and expensive to repair. A simple fender bender today often involves sensors, cameras, and advanced safety systems that can significantly increase repair costs.

Weather-related events are another major factor. Severe storms, hail damage, flooding, and other natural disasters can lead to higher claim payouts across an entire region. Even if your home or vehicle wasn't affected, widespread losses can influence future rates.

Carriers also monitor trends such as increased accident frequency, distracted driving, vehicle theft, and rising medical costs associated with injuries. When these trends result in higher claim expenses, insurance companies may adjust rates to keep pace with the increased risk.

Another important thing many people don't realize is that these broader market-driven rate changes typically affect premiums at renewal—not in the middle of your policy term. Unless you've made a change to your policy or experienced something that directly impacts your risk profile, such as a violation, accident, or claim, most premium adjustments occur when your policy renews. That's why it's not uncommon for clients to see a change at renewal even when nothing about their personal situation has changed.

The important thing to understand is that a rate increase does not automatically mean you've done something wrong. In many cases, it's simply a reflection of broader market conditions affecting the insurance industry as a whole.

At Kathrens Insurance, we believe our job goes beyond finding the lowest price—we're here to help our clients understand what's happening behind the scenes and find coverage that's tailored to their unique needs and risks. That's why we regularly review policies, monitor carrier changes, and look for opportunities to ensure you're receiving the best value available.

If you ever receive a renewal and have questions about your premium, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to explain what's driving the changes and explore your options. An informed client is an empowered client, and we're here to help every step of the way.

The Hidden Risk Behind “Renters Insurance”

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:54:15 GMT

By: Cate Harrigan

Moving into your first apartment or settling into a new rental can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between packing, unpacking, organizing, and finally enjoying your new space, renters insurance is often one of the last things on anyone’s mind. Additionally, when it does come up, many people simply look for the quickest and least expensive option available.

In recent years, many rental properties throughout the surrounding areas have made that process seem even easier by offering their own version of renters insurance directly to residents. While convenient, the word “insurance” itself can sometimes be misleading. Naturally, most tenants assume that once they enroll in coverage through their property management company, both they and their personal belongings are fully protected. Unfortunately, that is not always the case — and recently, we have seen this misunderstanding occur much more frequently.

Many of these landlord-provided policies offer very limited coverage and, in some situations, may only protect the property owner’s interests rather than the tenant’s personal belongings or liability exposures. This means that after a fire, water loss, theft, or other unexpected event, tenants are often shocked to learn their furniture, clothing, electronics, and other valuables may not actually be covered the way they believed.

A very similar incident recently occurred in the nearby town of Dublin, Ohio, where ABC6 News reported that a fire broke out at a local apartment complex. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, multiple tenants were displaced after the fire completely destroyed their homes and many of their personal belongings. According to reports, some residents were shocked to discover that the renters insurance policies they had obtained through their property management company primarily covered losses to the landlord’s property rather than their own personal belongings. As a result, many were left facing the overwhelming financial burden of replacing their possessions entirely on their own.

Even more concerning, many renters underestimate the true value of everything they own. While it may not seem like much at first, replacing an entire apartment full of belongings can become incredibly expensive very quickly. From mattresses and couches to kitchen items, clothing, and electronics, the cost of starting over after a loss can create a major financial burden without the proper protection in place.

Renters insurance is designed to provide peace of mind during situations no one ever expects to face. A properly written policy can help protect your personal property, provide liability coverage if someone is injured in your home, and even help with temporary living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss.

Before choosing coverage based solely on convenience or price, it is important to fully understand what is — and is not — included in the policy. Taking a few extra minutes to review your options and ask questions today can make an enormous difference when the unexpected happens tomorrow.

When Your Mortgage Changes, Your Insurance Should Too

Tue, 05 May 2026 02:15:30 GMT

For many homeowners, insurance premiums are paid through an escrow account managed by their mortgage company. This structured arrangement provides both convenience and reassurance, as your lender facilitates payment directly to your insurance carrier on your behalf.

However, when changes occur—such as refinancing your home or transferring your loan to a new mortgage company—it becomes especially important to ensure your insurance information is updated in a timely manner. Without these updates, even routine transitions can occasionally result in billing delays, misapplied payments, or added stress for all parties involved.

Homeowners pursue mortgage changes for a variety of beneficial reasons, including:

Refinancing to secure a more competitive interest rate
Transitioning to a lender that better aligns with their financial needs
Modifying loan terms or consolidating existing debt
Loan transfers resulting from a lender’s acquisition or merger with a larger financial institution

While these decisions are often advantageous, they do require a few proactive follow-up steps to ensure your insurance policy remains accurate, aligned, and uninterrupted.

Why updating your mortgagee clause matters

When a policy is escrowed, one of the most important details to keep up to date is the mortgagee clause. This is the information that identifies your current lender and ensures billing is directed to the correct institution for payment on your behalf.
When an individual chooses to transfer a loan from one lender to another, it’s essential that this information is promptly updated. If not, billing notices may continue to be sent to the previous lender. Since they are no longer associated with your loan, those notices are typically not redirected. This can result in your new lender never receiving the invoice, which may ultimately delay payment on your policy.

Understanding the impact on your escrow account

When billing is disrupted, it can create a ripple effect within your escrow account. A few common scenarios include:

Missed or delayed payment: If your new lender does not receive the insurance invoice, they may not issue payment on time. This could require you to make a temporary out-of-pocket payment to prevent a lapse in coverage.
Duplicate or overlapping payments: In some cases, a previous lender may issue a payment before the loan transfer is fully processed, while the new lender also schedules a payment. This can result in an overpayment toward your policy, which must later be refunded and reconciled between parties.
Escrow shortages: If your lender advances funds late or has to make a catch-up payment, your escrow account may fall short. When this happens, the lender may request a lump-sum deposit or increase your monthly mortgage payment to rebalance the account.

While the inconvenience of these situations can be frustrating, they are often preventable with proactive communication.

Why we rely on you for updates

Here at Kathrens Insurance, we are always happy to assist in any way we can; however, insurance agencies typically are not authorized as third parties on loan accounts unless specified otherwise. Because of this, we are limited in the information we can access. Critical details—such as updated loan numbers and payment status—are often not directly available to us, even when we contact the lender.

In some cases, updated information is sent to our office by mail during the loan transition process. Depending on timing, these updates may arrive after a payment deadline or may not be received before action is needed. For this reason, receiving updated details directly from you is the most reliable and efficient way to ensure your policy remains accurate and up to date.

How to help keep everything running smoothly

To avoid delays and ensure your coverage continues without interruption, we recommend:

Letting our office know when you start the refinancing process or expect a loan transfer
Sharing your new lender’s details, including the loan number and updated mortgagee clause (often provided in a mailed letter)
Confirming with your mortgage company that your insurance premium has been set up for payment

A quick update allows us to keep your policy current, prevent billing complications, and support a smooth transition during your mortgage change.

If you have any questions about your escrow account or upcoming changes, our team at Kathrens Insurance Agency is always here to help guide you through the process.

Kathrens Corner: Let’s Talk Insurance - Your Questions, Simplified

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:40:47 GMT

By: Cate Harrigan

The good news? That’s exactly what we’re here for!

We’re always happy to review your coverage with you and walk through the details together so you can feel confident in your decisions. While it would be nice if every insurance question had a simple “yes” or “no” answer, the reality is a bit more nuanced.

Insurance policies are designed to fit individual needs, which means your coverage, limits, deductibles, endorsements, and even how a situation unfolds all play a role in determining what is or isn’t covered. Two people can ask the exact same question and receive completely different answers based on their specific policies.

There are often important details behind the scenes—like how a loss occurred, who was involved, or what endorsements are in place—that can significantly impact coverage. Because of this, giving a quick answer without reviewing your policy could lead to confusion or even misinformation.

That’s why we take the time to look a little deeper. Our goal is to provide you with clear, accurate guidance tailored to your situation—not just a one-size-fits-all response.

So when in doubt… give us a call—we promise we’ll make it easy (and maybe even a little fun 😉).

Is It Luck — or the Right Coverage? Why Working with an Insurance Agent Matters

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:25:39 GMT

By: Cate Harrigan

March often brings thoughts of luck — four-leaf clovers, fortunate breaks, and good timing. But when it comes to insurance, the right protection shouldn’t be left to chance. It should come from thoughtful decisions and guidance tailored to your unique needs. Being new to the insurance industry, I’ve spent my first months listening closely to our clients’ experiences. One common theme I hear is that many initially chose online insurers or the lowest-priced policies, only to later discover that the coverage didn’t fully meet their needs.

Online platforms offer speed, convenience, and often very competitive pricing. For many, that quick savings feels like a lucky find. However, lower premiums can sometimes mean certain protections you assumed were included are not. Standardized policies may overlook endorsements, limits, or liability protections that are important based on your specific risks and exposures.

While we may not always be able to match the lowest online price, that’s often because our focus is on helping ensure you’re properly covered — not just minimally insured. Our goal is to help you understand what your policy truly protects, so there are fewer surprises when it matters most.

Added benefits of working with an established agent include:
- Personalized guidance that reflects their real-life risks and priorities
- Coverage clarity so they understand what is — and isn’t — included
- Claim support from a real person who helps explain next steps in some of the most stressful moments
- Practical assistance such as mailing forms, helping clarify billing concerns, or coordinating with financial institutions when appropriate
- Ongoing communication that keeps their coverage aligned with life change(s)

At Kathrens Insurance, we strive to go the extra mile to make insurance easier to navigate. While there are practical limits to what any agency can do, having a knowledgeable, local advocate can save time, reduce stress, and provide reassurance that you’re not facing important decisions alone.

Online providers serve an important role by offering accessibility and quick comparisons. But if you prefer guidance, personalized protection, and support beyond a screen, working with a local agent can provide confidence that goes beyond luck.

This March, instead of relying on chance, consider the peace of mind that comes from coverage designed with you in mind.

Why Small Life Changes Can Have a Big Impact on Your Insurance

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:09:34 GMT

Life changes happen constantly, and one of the biggest things I’ve learned since starting in the insurance industry is how often small, everyday changes can impact coverage in ways people don’t expect. In my time at Kathrens Insurance, I’ve noticed that most coverage issues don’t come from major life events—they come from situations that feel temporary, informal, or not worth mentioning.

Some of the most common scenarios I’ve seen include:

A newly licensed teen who drives “once in a while”
A friend or family member borrowing a vehicle long-term
A roommate who slowly becomes a permanent household member

These situations may not feel official, but insurance companies look at patterns—who regularly lives in the home and who regularly uses the vehicles—not intent or assumptions.

Another very common situation I’ve learned to watch for is when an adult child faces a difficult chapter—whether due to financial hardship or a major life change—and needs to return home to regroup. While they focus on getting back on their feet, they may rely on your home as a home base and use your vehicle for everything from job interviews to daily errands. It might seem like a minor favor, but if they aren't officially listed as a driver on your auto policy, the consequences of an accident can be severe. Coverage can be delayed, limited, or outright denied, which could turn their temporary setback into a major out-of-pocket expense for you.

I’ve also seen similar insurance gaps arise when adult children step into a caregiver role for their parents. If you’ve started regularly driving your parents to appointments, managing their household, or even moving back in to provide full-time support, your insurance needs to reflect that reality. Both auto and homeowners policies are based on who is living in the home and who is behind the wheel on a consistent basis. Without updating these details to show you are now a primary caregiver or resident, you run the risk of complicated claims and denied coverage at the very moment your family needs support the most.

The good news is that most of these updates are quick and easy when handled proactively. A simple phone call or email can help make sure your policy keeps up with your life.

If you’re ever unsure whether a recent change matters, that’s completely understandable—and that’s what we’re here for. From what I’ve learned so far, it’s always better to ask. At Kathrens Insurance, we’d much rather have a quick, proactive conversation now than a stressful, reactive one later. When life changes, let us know—your future self will thank you.

USPS Postmark Changes: What You Need to Know

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:38:15 GMT

USPS Postmark Changes: What You Need to Know

Starting in late December of 2025, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) implemented and updated its postmarking process. While this change is part of USPS modernization efforts, it may affect how time-sensitive documents are handled. If you rely on postal mail for important paperwork or payments, this change matters—however there are some simple and proactive alternatives that can help you stay protected.

What has changed?
Mail is no longer postmarked with the date it was placed in the mailbox or dropped off at the local post office. Under this new USPS ruling, the official postmark date is based on when an item is first processed at a regional facility —often a day or more after it is originally mailed—meaning the postmark may not reflect the actual date of mailing.

Why is this important?
Postmark dates, similar to receipts, are often used to confirm timely submission of important materials, including insurance forms, claims documentation, legal notices, mail-in ballots, tax filings, and bill payments. A delayed postmark could cause an item to appear late, even if it was mailed out on time, creating additional late fees or penalties.

Steps you can take to avoid delays when mailing items
To help protect yourself, we recommend:

Mailing important documents well in advance of deadlines
Taking time-sensitive mail directly to a post office counter and requesting a same-day postmark (free)
Using certified or tracked mail when proof of mailing is important

Steps you can take to avoid delays when making an insurance payment
To help ensure your insurance payments are received on time and to prevent any potential coverage interruptions, we encourage you to consider the following options:

Call our office: Contact Kathrens Insurance at (419) 354-3517 to make a secure payment over the phone
Pay online through your carrier: Log in to your insurance carrier’s website or customer portal to submit a payment directly.
Set up automatic payments: Speak with one of our agents to enroll in automatic payments for added convenience and peace of mind.

If you have questions about the best payment option for your policy, our team here at Kathrens Insurance is always here and happy to assist.
Our commitment to you
Our goal is to help you avoid preventable issues and stay informed about changes that may impact your coverage or financial obligations. Being proactive with important mailings and/or altering your method of submission can help ensure deadlines are met and reduce the risk of unnecessary complications.
If you have questions about submitting insurance documents or meeting important deadlines, please contact our office or visit USPS FAQ’s page for additional information.