As an insurance agent, Moen, the faucet company, reached out to inform us of a new automatic water shutoff valve. Automatic water shutoff valves are a great tool to help reduce water damage, in the event of a water leak or broken pipe. This smart device can be sold directly to consumers and professionally installed by a licensed plumber for about $1000 (or less, depending on your location and availability). I found it interesting, that they were getting in touch with us, as insurance agents, directly. I also thought, what a great idea!
For many years, we have known that water damage causes more losses than fire (except for maybe this year) on an annual basis. We, as an agency, have seen water claims from $1,500 - $290,000. Any claim is difficult to deal with, no matter the cause of loss. With water, though, it seems to haunt everyone as it spreads throughout the floors, walls, and cabinets and can be a real hassle to clean up. And then, the claim stays on your record for 5-7 years.
While the automatic water shutoff valve is not new, I think it will be required by more and more insurance companies in the near future. Aside from it being required, in my opinion, I think it is a really good idea to install one, as it will help prevent water claims, or potentially reduce the amount of damage a water leak can cause in your home.
If you have a $2500 deductible or higher, for your home insurance, you are already self-insuring, to a certain degree. By adding an automatic water shutoff valve, it will hopefully provide you more piece of mind and help prevent any large water damage from happening inside your home.
Yes, it is worth it.
Elizabeth's Corner
My wife, Elizabeth, is a Mom, an amazing wife and an incredible chef. She trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. She shares a helpful tip below.
While I do not love Meatloaf, my husband Aaron does. The following recipe is one of the best recipes I have come across for the best Turkey Meatloaf. The recipe is courtesy of tootyflooty.
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
1 cup onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ¼ lbs ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg (or ¼ cup egg substitute)
¾ cup ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Melt butter in a skillet.
Cook onion and garlic in melted butter for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Place mixture in a large bowl to cool for 5 minutes.
Combine turkey, bread crumbs, egg, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper with onion mixture.
Press meatloaf into an 8"x4" loaf pan.
Spread remaining ketchup on top.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes.
(Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.) Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Until next time, if you have questions, concerns, or need some advice, please call our office 949-484-7500.
