Turning a home, lake cabin, or guesthouse into a short-term rental can be a great way to welcome visitors and earn rental income. But opening your property to a rotating stream of guests changes how it’s used, and that can change how insurance responds.

Whether you host on Airbnb, Vrbo, or through direct bookings, it’s worth checking your coverage before the next guest arrives. Here are the main risks and questions Indiana hosts should consider.

A short-term rental isn’t just a home with a guest

A long-term tenant and a short-term guest use a property differently. Short stays can mean frequent check-ins, unfamiliar visitors, more wear and tear, and a business activity taking place at the property. A standard homeowners policy may limit or exclude coverage for regular short-term rentals, including some guest injuries or damage connected with renting.

That doesn’t mean every policy works the same way. The details depend on the insurer, the property, how often it’s rented, and the policy language. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners explains why home-sharing can affect homeowners coverage. The key takeaway: don’t assume your current policy covers a paid stay. Tell your insurer how you actually use the property and ask what protection applies.

What can go wrong between check-in and checkout?

A guest can slip on the steps, trip on an uneven path, or get hurt using an amenity. A guest might accidentally damage furniture, or, in some cases, cause damage deliberately. Theft, vandalism, and disputes over what happened can also become stressful and costly.

Think beyond the main house, too. A detached garage, shed, or guesthouse may need to be included in the coverage conversation. Furnishings, appliances, linens, electronics, and other items you provide for guests may be treated differently from your personal belongings.

And if the property has a pool, hot tub, fire pit, or other feature that requires extra care, ask how its use affects liability coverage. Safe maintenance, clear guest instructions, and appropriate barriers are important risk-management steps, but they don’t replace insurance.

What kind of insurance should hosts ask about?

Depending on the property and its use, a carrier may offer a short-term rental or vacation-rental policy, an endorsement, or another suitable arrangement. A landlord-style policy may be an option in some circumstances, but not every landlord policy is designed for frequent, short guest stays. Ask specifically whether the proposed coverage allows the type and frequency of rental you plan to offer.

A policy designed for short-term rental use may address areas such as:

• The building and other structures: The home and eligible detached structures, subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
• Liability: Certain claims involving guest injuries or damage to someone else’s property, subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
• Furnishings and contents: Items you keep at the rental, subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
• Rental income: Lost income after a covered event makes the property unlivable, if the policy includes applicable coverage and the loss meets its requirements.

Don’t assume that damage to your property or canceled bookings are automatically covered just because the building is insured. Ask what causes of loss qualify, what documentation is needed, and how long any income-related coverage may apply. Coverage varies by carrier, location, and underwriting; all coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

Platform protection can help, but it isn’t your insurance policy

Airbnb and Vrbo offer host protection programs, but they are not substitutes for insurance you arrange for your property. Their programs have their own definitions, exclusions, conditions, and claim processes. Whether a program applies can depend on the incident, the reservation, and how the booking was handled.

For example, Airbnb describes Host liability insurance and separate Host damage protection. Airbnb says its Host damage protection is not an insurance policy and doesn’t replace insurance obtained by the host. Review Airbnb’s current Host damage protection terms and Host liability insurance information rather than relying on a summary, or assuming the program covers every possible loss.

Vrbo also describes a liability program with specific requirements and terms. Its liability insurance information is worth reviewing, but liability protection should not be mistaken for comprehensive coverage for your building, belongings, or rental income.

Use platform programs as a possible extra layer, not as your only plan. Ask your agent how the platform’s protection interacts with your own policy and what gaps may remain.

Indiana hosting has its own local details

Indiana hosts may welcome visitors to lake cabins, provide lodging during hunting season, or rent a home during a local festival or sporting event. Those uses can bring different booking patterns and different questions about occupancy, property features, and local requirements.

Check with the city, town, or county where the property is located about zoning, permits, safety rules, taxes, and any applicable homeowners association or condominium restrictions. Local requirements can differ from one community to another. For instance, Whitestown’s Code Compliance page provides local guidance on short-term rentals. It’s an example, not a rulebook for every Indiana community, so contact the relevant local offices for your property.

Water deserves attention, too. Storm damage, water entering from outside, and sewer or drain backup may be treated differently under insurance policies. Don’t assume that a policy covering some kinds of water damage also covers flooding. The Indiana Department of Insurance’s flood insurance resource is a useful starting point for understanding flood coverage. Ask an agent what applies to your specific property and whether building, contents, and rental-income concerns need separate consideration.

A practical checklist before the next booking

A short review now can help you understand what to expect before a claim happens:

1. Tell your insurer before you list. Explain how often you’ll rent, which platforms or booking methods you’ll use, and whether guests can use features such as a pool, hot tub, or fire pit.
2. Ask about the whole property. Discuss the main home, detached structures, furnishings, appliances, liability, and rental income.
3. Keep good records. Save receipts for furniture, equipment, improvements, and repairs. Take dated photos and keep an inventory of items supplied for guests.
4. Check local rules. Confirm applicable requirements with local authorities and review any HOA or condominium rules.
5. Review before busy seasons. A lake cabin before summer, a hunting-season rental, and a home listed for local events may have different booking patterns. Check that your insurer knows about changes in use.
6. Ask about umbrella liability. An umbrella policy may be worth discussing, but confirm that it can apply to your rental activity and understand its limits and exclusions.

Get a review that fits how you host

There isn’t one short-term rental policy that fits every Indiana property. A lake house with a dock, a furnished home rented during local events, and a small guesthouse may call for different conversations about use, property features, and liability.

Jett Insurance Agency is an independent agency that can compare options from multiple insurance providers and help you explore coverage suited to how you actually use the property. We’ve served clients since 1990, and our approach is personal: one size doesn’t fit all.

For a free review of your short-term rental property’s coverage before the next booking season, call 765-987-7019 or visit www.jettins.com. We’ll help you identify questions to ask and options to consider. Coverage varies by carrier, location, and underwriting and is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

A routine checkup can feel straightforward: book the appointment, bring your pet in, and follow the veterinarian’s advice. But if your dog swallows something they shouldn’t, your cat needs surgery, or a chronic illness calls for continuing treatment, the cost of care can become harder to plan for.

Pet insurance is designed to help with some eligible veterinary expenses. The details matter, though: policies differ in what they cover, how claims are reimbursed, and what costs remain yours. Here’s a plain-English look at how it works, and what it may mean for your household budget.

Why veterinary care can add up

Veterinary teams can diagnose and treat many conditions with tools such as lab work, imaging, specialist consultations, surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medication. Those services can be important for your pet, but they may also contribute to a larger bill, particularly when care is urgent or treatment continues over time.

An emergency visit may involve more than the initial examination. A veterinarian might recommend diagnostic tests, treatment, follow-up visits, or surgery. An accident, such as swallowing a toy, is different from an illness, such as cancer or diabetes, and coverage can depend on which type of plan you have.

There isn’t one reliable price for “a vet visit.” The amount depends on the clinic, location, what’s going on with your pet, and what care is needed. Without insurance, you’re generally responsible for the veterinary bill yourself. With insurance, you may still need to pay up front and cover any deductible, noncovered care, or other share required by your policy.

How pet insurance usually works

Many pet insurance plans work on a reimbursement basis. In a typical claim, the steps look like this:

1. Take your pet to the veterinarian. Depending on the policy and provider arrangement, you may be able to choose your veterinarian.
2. Pay the clinic. Often, you pay the bill at the time of treatment.
3. Submit a claim. You send the insurer the required invoice and any requested records.
4. The insurer reviews the claim. It checks whether the treatment is eligible under your policy and applies the deductible, reimbursement terms, and limits.
5. You receive any approved reimbursement. You remain responsible for costs the policy doesn’t pay.

Some plans may offer a different payment arrangement, so don’t assume the insurer will pay the clinic directly. Ask how claims are handled, what paperwork is required, and how reimbursement is calculated. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends looking closely at policy limits, deductibles, exclusions, and the reimbursement process.

A few terms to know

• Deductible: What you pay toward eligible expenses before reimbursement applies. It may reset each policy year, or the policy may use another structure.
• Reimbursement level: The share of eligible expenses the insurer may reimburse under the policy. The precise calculation can vary, so check how the deductible is applied and what amount is used as the basis for reimbursement.
• Annual limit: The most the insurer will pay for covered care during a policy year. A policy may have other limits, too, such as limits for a condition or service.

The advertised reimbursement percentage doesn’t necessarily tell you exactly what you’ll get back. Exclusions, sub-limits, the deductible, and the policy’s reimbursement formula all affect the result.

What pet insurance may cover, and what it may not

Many plans are built around accident coverage, illness coverage, or both. Depending on the policy, eligible treatment may include diagnostic tests, emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medications. Some plans also offer optional wellness or preventive-care benefits.

Routine care is not automatically included just because a plan is called pet insurance. Wellness benefits, when available, may have their own price, service categories, or reimbursement limits.

Common exclusions or restrictions may include:

• Pre-existing conditions: Health problems or symptoms that began before coverage takes effect may be excluded. Waiting periods and the policy’s definition of a pre-existing condition matter.
• Cosmetic or elective procedures: Non-medically necessary procedures may not be covered.
• Routine and preventive care: Checkups, vaccinations, and other preventive services may require an optional benefit or may not be covered.
• Other policy-specific exclusions: Rules may apply to certain conditions, treatments, or services.

Coverage varies by carrier and policy, subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Read the policy, not just the summary, to understand what’s covered, how limits work, and what happens at renewal. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s pet insurance guide also offers a useful checklist of policy features to compare.

Three everyday scenarios to picture

These examples are illustrative only. Whether a claim is covered depends on the policy, the pet’s history, any waiting periods, and the treatment provided.

A swallowed toy

A curious dog swallows part of a toy and needs urgent veterinary attention. If the plan includes accident coverage, eligible diagnostic tests and treatment may be considered for reimbursement. But the owner may still need to pay the bill first and cover the deductible, any share not reimbursed, and costs above a policy limit.

A torn ACL

A dog tears a ligament and needs surgery followed by recovery care. The total expense may include more than the procedure itself. Before choosing a plan, check how it treats orthopedic conditions, related services, and any waiting periods or restrictions. Don’t rely on the word “accident” alone to predict how a specific claim will be handled.

A chronic condition diagnosis

A cat is diagnosed with diabetes and needs ongoing visits, tests, and medication. If the condition develops after coverage begins and the policy includes the relevant illness benefits, some eligible expenses may be covered. If signs or treatment appeared before enrollment, or during a waiting period, the condition may be treated differently. Ask how the plan handles continuing treatment and annual limits.

When should you consider coverage?

It can be worth exploring coverage while your pet is young and before health issues arise. A condition that’s already present, or symptoms documented before enrollment, may be excluded, depending on the policy. Waiting periods can also apply before coverage begins.

That doesn’t mean every young pet will need the same plan, or that insurance covers every future expense. It means timing can affect which options are available. Review the terms before enrolling, and ask how a pet’s medical records may factor into a future claim.

Choosing a policy that fits your household

When comparing options, consider more than the monthly premium. Ask:

• Is the plan accident-only or accident-and-illness?
• What deductible applies, and when does it reset?
• How is reimbursement calculated?
• Are there annual, per-condition, or other limits?
• What waiting periods and exclusions apply?
• Are exam fees, prescriptions, or ongoing treatment included?
• Is preventive care included or offered as an add-on?
• What documents will you need to submit a claim?

Your veterinarian may also be able to explain common care pathways and provide an estimate for recommended treatment. Since reimbursement often comes after you’ve paid the clinic, it’s sensible to consider how you would handle the bill while a claim is being reviewed.

A personal look at pet insurance from Jett

There’s no single plan that fits every pet or every budget. As an independent agency, Jett Insurance Agency can compare pet insurance options from multiple carriers and help you understand the differences. We’ve served clients since 1990, and our approach is personal: one size doesn’t fit all.

If you’re in Indiana and want to talk through your options, contact Jett Insurance or call 765-987-7019. We’re happy to help you review the details and decide what questions to ask before you choose a policy.

For a broader discussion of pet insurance, you can also read our earlier post, “Protecting Your Furry Family: Why Pet Insurance Is a Must.”

Meta description: Contractors and trades insurance in New Castle, Indiana and Henry County. Plans and rates vary by business, compare coverage with a local independent agency.

Running a contracting business means keeping jobs moving, customers happy, and equipment ready. Insurance should not add unnecessary stress to your day.

At Jett Insurance Agency, Inc., we help artisan contractors and small trades find practical insurance options without the jargon. We insure businesses big and small, including plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, roofers, remodelers, landscapers, painters, handymen, concrete contractors, general contractors, lawn-care companies, and cleaning services.

The right insurance program depends on your trade, location, employees, vehicles, equipment, contracts, and the type of work you perform. Plans and rates vary, so the goal is not to buy a generic policy. It is to build coverage that fits your business.

Start with General Liability Insurance

General Liability is often the foundation of a contractor’s insurance program.

In plain English, it may help respond when your business is accused of causing bodily injury or property damage to someone else. For example:

• A customer trips over materials at a job site.
• A plumbing mistake causes water damage to a customer’s property.
• A ladder or piece of equipment damages something at a client’s home.
• A completed project allegedly causes property damage or injury.

General Liability may also provide coverage for certain legal defense expenses, subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions.

Many general contractors, property managers, and commercial customers require subcontractors to carry General Liability before work begins. They may also require specific limits or policy endorsements. That is why having the right policy, and being able to document it quickly, matters.

General Liability does not cover every business risk. It generally is not a substitute for workers’ compensation, commercial auto, tools and equipment coverage, or professional liability where those coverages are appropriate.

Is a Business Owners Policy a Good Fit?

A Business Owners Policy, commonly called a BOP, combines certain business coverages into one package.

A BOP may include:

• General Liability
• Commercial property coverage
• Business personal property coverage
• Business income coverage for certain covered losses

For a small contractor with an office, shop, storage space, or business equipment, a BOP may provide a convenient starting point. It can help organize your coverage under one policy, though it is not automatically the right fit for every trade or operation.

For example, a contractor who stores supplies in a small building may have different needs from a remodeler who works entirely at customer locations. A BOP may also need to be supplemented with commercial auto, workers’ compensation, inland marine, or other coverage.

Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Our job is to explain what the policy does, and what it does not do, in plain English.

Commercial Auto and Fleets

If you use a vehicle for business, personal auto insurance may not be designed for the way that vehicle is being used.

Commercial auto insurance may be appropriate for:

• Work vans and pickup trucks
• Vehicles with permanent tools or equipment
• Vehicles used to transport materials
• Company-owned vehicles
• Multiple work vehicles or small fleets

The right policy depends on who owns the vehicle, who drives it, how it is used, what it carries, and whether employees or subcontractors operate it.

If your business has multiple vehicles, we can help review the fleet as part of your broader commercial insurance program. Coverage for liability, physical damage, hired vehicles, or non-owned vehicles may be available depending on your business and the carrier’s underwriting guidelines.

Workers’ Compensation for Employees

Workers’ compensation is designed to address certain job-related employee injuries and illnesses, subject to applicable law and policy terms.

If you have employees, workers’ compensation may be required. Requirements can depend on factors such as your state, number of employees, business structure, and type of work. Independent contractors and subcontractors can also create insurance and contract questions, especially when a general contractor asks for proof of coverage.

Workers’ compensation may help with covered medical expenses and wage-related benefits for eligible workplace injuries. It can also help your business meet contract requirements.

Because rules vary, it is important to review your situation rather than assume you are exempt. We can help you identify questions to discuss when setting up or reviewing your coverage.

Inland Marine: Protecting Tools and Equipment on the Move

The name inland marine can sound confusing. For contractors, it often refers to coverage for certain tools, equipment, materials, and mobile property while they are being transported, stored, or used away from your primary business location.

This may be important for:

• Power tools and hand tools
• Compressors and generators
• Ladders and specialty equipment
• Job materials in transit
• Equipment temporarily stored at a job site
• Contractor’s equipment used at multiple locations

Your building or business property policy may not automatically provide the protection you expect for property that travels from job to job. Coverage availability and eligibility vary by item, cause of loss, location, and policy form.

A careful review can help identify what is stored at your office, what stays in a vehicle overnight, and what regularly travels to customer locations.

Certificates of Insurance: The Paperwork That Can Win or Lose a Job

A certificate of insurance, or COI, is a document that summarizes certain insurance information. It can show a customer, general contractor, or property manager that your business has active coverage.

A COI may list:

• The named insured
• The insurance carrier
• Policy types
• Policy periods
• Limits of insurance
• Certain endorsements or notes

General contractors and property managers often request COIs before allowing a contractor onto a job site. They want to confirm that vendors and subcontractors have insurance in place and that the requirements in the contract are being addressed.

Sometimes, the requesting party also asks to be listed as an additional insured. An additional insured is another person or organization that may receive limited liability protection under your policy for certain claims connected to your work. This is generally added through an endorsement, and the exact protection depends on the endorsement’s wording, policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

A certificate itself does not change your coverage or create coverage where none exists. It is evidence of insurance, not the policy.

Why a Slow COI Can Cost You a Job

Contractors often work on tight schedules. A general contractor may be ready for you to begin, but the property manager will not release access until your COI is received. If the certificate is delayed, or does not show the required information, you may lose valuable time.

In some situations, the customer may move to another contractor who can provide documentation sooner.

This is one of the biggest ways Jett Insurance helps contractors. We take the stress out of certificates of insurance and work to issue COIs fast. When you tell us what the customer or general contractor is requesting, we can help review the requirements and coordinate the appropriate documentation, subject to carrier approval and policy terms.

Why Work with an Independent Agency?

When you go directly to one insurance company, you are generally comparing that company’s product and pricing options. If the fit is not right, you have to start the shopping process again elsewhere.

Jett Insurance is an independent agency. We work with more than a dozen insurance providers, which allows us to compare available commercial insurance options from multiple carriers.

That matters because one carrier may be a better fit for an electrician, while another may have different guidelines for a roofer, landscaper, cleaner, or concrete contractor. Carrier availability, underwriting, coverage forms, deductibles, limits, and rates vary by business.

We do not believe one size fits all. We use technology to compare options, then take the time to explain the results so you can make an informed decision.

You can learn more about our approach on our business insurance information page and our article about working with an independent insurance agency.

What Should You Have Ready for a Quote?

To help us build a useful commercial insurance comparison, it helps to gather:

• Your type of trade and description of operations
• Business address and service area
• Number of employees
• Payroll information, when applicable
• Vehicle details and driver information
• Estimated annual sales or receipts
• Tools, equipment, and property values
• Current policy information
• Contract or COI requirements from customers

Accurate information helps carriers evaluate the business correctly. Coverage, limits, deductibles, carrier availability, and rates vary by business, trade, location, and underwriting.

Let’s Make Contractors Insurance Simple

Whether you are a one-person handyman business, an established plumbing company, or a growing general contractor, Jett Insurance can help you review your options.

We offer commercial insurance guidance, convenient monthly payment options when available, multiple carrier comparisons, plain-English explanations, and fast help with certificates of insurance. All coverage is subject to the applicable policy terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and carrier approval.

For a free, no-hassle review, call 765-987-7019. If you need assistance after hours, call 765-524-2279.

We serve New Castle, Henry County, and surrounding communities with a simple goal: Savings Made Simple.

If you have Medicare, or you’re helping a parent, spouse, or loved one make coverage decisions, mark your calendar: Medicare Annual Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7.

During this window, people with Medicare can review and change their Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

The important thing to remember is that Medicare plans can change every year. Premiums, deductibles, copays, provider networks, covered prescriptions, and extra benefits may all look different from one year to the next, even if you have been happy with your current plan.

That is why it is worth taking a fresh look before December 7. Here are five plain-English questions to ask before choosing your coverage.

1. Do my doctors and prescriptions still match the plan?

A plan may look affordable until you discover that your preferred doctor is no longer in the network, or that one of your prescriptions moved to a higher-cost tier.

Before renewing or changing coverage, make a list of:

• Your primary care doctor
• Specialists you see regularly
• Preferred hospitals and pharmacies
• Every prescription you take
• The dosage and frequency of each medication

Then check whether your doctors and facilities are in the plan’s network. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, this is especially important because many plans use specific networks and service areas.

You will also want to check the plan’s formulary, which is the list of medications it covers. Look for:

• Whether each prescription is covered
• Which tier each medication falls into
• Whether you need prior authorization
• Whether you must try another medication first
• Whether mail-order or preferred pharmacies offer a lower cost

Medicare provides an official Plan Compare tool to help you review available options. Still, plan websites and formularies can be difficult to interpret. A careful side-by-side review can help you avoid surprises after January 1.

2. What will this plan actually cost me all year?

It is easy to focus on the monthly premium. But the premium is only one part of your total healthcare spending.

When comparing plans, look at the complete picture:

• Monthly premium
• Annual medical deductible
• Prescription drug deductible
• Primary care and specialist copays
• Hospital costs
• Prescription copays or coinsurance
• Out-of-pocket maximum
• Costs for out-of-network care
• Extra benefits that may have restrictions or limits

A plan with a low or $0 monthly premium may still cost more if you regularly visit specialists, take several medications, or need frequent medical care. On the other hand, a plan with a higher premium could be a better fit if it reduces your costs when you use healthcare services.

Try to estimate your likely total annual cost, not just what will come out of your bank account each month. Think about your typical appointments, prescriptions, and healthcare needs from the past year. Then consider whether anything may change in the year ahead.

It is also important to understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage costs. Original Medicare generally involves Part A and Part B costs, and many people add a Medicare supplement policy and a separate Part D plan. Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare coverage through a private plan and may include prescription coverage, but you will pay according to that plan’s cost structure.

There is no single “best” setup for everyone.

3. Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage a better fit for my life?

Medicare coverage is personal. The right choice depends on how you receive care, where you live, how often you travel, and how predictable you want your expenses to be.

With Original Medicare, you can generally see any provider in the United States who accepts Medicare. Many people pair it with:

• A Medicare supplement, also called Medigap
• A standalone Part D prescription drug plan

With Medicare Advantage, you receive Medicare benefits through a private plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription coverage and may offer additional benefits, but they typically use provider networks and plan rules.

When comparing the two approaches, ask yourself:

• Do I want the flexibility to see Medicare-accepting providers across the country?
• Am I comfortable using a network?
• Do I prefer one plan that combines medical and prescription coverage?
• Would a supplement’s premium be worthwhile for more predictable out-of-pocket costs?
• Do I expect to need regular specialist or hospital care?
• Are there benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage that matter to me?

The answer may be different for two people living in the same household. Your neighbor’s plan, or your sibling’s plan, may not be the right plan for you.

That is why our approach at Jett Insurance is simple: one size does not fit all. As an independent agency, we can compare options from multiple insurance companies instead of starting with one carrier and trying to make it fit.

4. If I travel or spend winters out of state, will I still be covered?

If you travel frequently, spend part of the year in another state, or are a “snowbird,” make travel coverage part of your Medicare comparison.

Original Medicare generally allows you to receive covered care anywhere in the United States from a provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans work differently. Routine care may be tied to a local network or service area.

Before choosing a plan, ask:

• Is my destination included in the plan’s service area?
• Are there in-network providers where I spend the winter?
• Does the plan cover routine out-of-network care?
• Will out-of-network care cost significantly more?
• What happens if I am away for several months?
• Are emergency and urgent care covered while traveling?
• Does the plan offer any travel-related benefits, and what are the limits?

Emergency and urgently needed care is generally covered when you travel within the United States, but that does not necessarily mean routine appointments will be covered at the same cost.

If you spend extended periods away from home, read the plan’s service-area and travel rules carefully. A plan that works well in Indiana may not be convenient if you regularly receive care in Florida, Arizona, or another state.

5. Am I missing savings I may qualify for?

Some Medicare beneficiaries qualify for programs that help reduce premiums, deductibles, or prescription costs. It is worth checking, especially if your income or household circumstances have changed.

Ask whether you may qualify for:

• Medicare Savings Programs, which may help pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, other Medicare costs
• Extra Help, which helps eligible people with Medicare prescription drug expenses
• A different plan with similar coverage at a lower overall cost
• Medicaid or other assistance programs

Medicare says that people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program may automatically qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs. You can learn more through the official Medicare Savings Programs page and Extra Help information.

Eligibility rules can be confusing, and assistance programs may depend on income, resources, household size, and other factors. If you are unsure, ask questions rather than assuming you will not qualify.

Indiana residents can also contact the state’s free, unbiased State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, for Medicare counseling.

What if I love my current plan?

You should still review it.

Your plan may change its premium, deductible, prescription coverage, network, pharmacy arrangements, or extra benefits for the upcoming year. Watch for your plan’s Annual Notice of Change and compare it with your healthcare needs.

If your doctors, prescriptions, costs, and travel habits still line up, staying put may be the right decision. But you will not know that until you check.

Also, be careful about timing. The October 15–December 7 Annual Enrollment Period is different from the Initial Enrollment Period for someone first becoming eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you are approaching 65, recently retired, or losing employer coverage, make sure you understand which enrollment window applies to you.

We can review your options with you

Medicare questions are something our team handles every year. You do not have to sort through plan names, formularies, networks, and cost charts alone.

At Jett Insurance, we are happy to sit down with you, or with a family member helping you, and go through your options side by side at no cost. We can compare plans from multiple carriers and help you focus on what matters most: your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel plans, and peace of mind.

Call us at 765-987-7019, use our contact page, or stop by our office at 114 W Main St, Lewisville, IN 47352.

Please reach out before December 7 so you have time to review your choices and make an informed decision for the year ahead.

Fall is a beautiful time in Indiana: but it is also a season of preparation. Before freezing temperatures, severe storms, icy roads, and increased deer activity arrive, a few simple checks can help protect your home, vehicles, and family.

Fall is also an excellent time to review your insurance. Your home, belongings, vehicles, and household needs may have changed since your last policy review. Taking a closer look now can help you avoid surprises when you need your coverage most.

Use this practical checklist to get started.

Home and Property Checklist

Clean the gutters and inspect the roof

Leaves and debris can quickly collect in gutters and downspouts. When they become clogged, rainwater may overflow toward your roof, siding, foundation, or basement. In freezing weather, trapped water can also contribute to ice buildup and damage.

Before winter arrives:

• Clean leaves and debris from gutters.
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Look for loose, cracked, curling, or missing shingles.
• Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
• Look for signs of leaks in the attic or ceilings.
• Repair small problems before they become larger winter claims.

A roof inspection is especially important after Indiana’s spring and summer thunderstorms. Wind and hail damage are not always obvious from the ground, so consider having a qualified professional inspect the roof if you suspect damage.

Your homeowners policy may cover certain storm-related losses, but coverage depends on the policy language, cause of damage, deductible, and condition of the property. Preventive maintenance is still the homeowner’s responsibility.

Trim trees and secure outdoor items

Indiana’s fall and winter storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, ice, and occasionally significant snowfall. Weak or overhanging branches can damage roofs, vehicles, fences, and power lines.

Walk around your property and:

• Trim dead or damaged branches.
• Remove branches touching the roof or power lines: but use a qualified professional when necessary.
• Check large trees for signs of disease or instability.
• Secure patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, and decorations.
• Store lightweight items that could become airborne.
• Inspect fences, gates, and sheds for loose or damaged sections.

Taking care of these items now can help reduce storm damage and keep your property safer for guests, neighbors, and passersby.

Check heating systems and fireplaces

Your furnace, fireplace, and other heating equipment will soon be working harder. Schedule professional maintenance for your heating system and address unusual noises, weak airflow, or inconsistent temperatures.

If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove:

• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned as recommended.
• Check for damaged masonry or loose components.
• Keep flammable items away from the hearth.
• Use a sturdy screen or door to contain sparks.
• Dispose of ashes safely and only after they have fully cooled.

If you use portable space heaters, place them on a level, nonflammable surface and keep them away from curtains, bedding, furniture, and children.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested regularly: not just when the weather turns cold.

Check that:

• Smoke detectors are installed on every level of the home.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are near sleeping areas and on each level where appropriate.
• Batteries are fresh or the units are connected to working power.
• Detectors are not past their recommended service life.
• Everyone in the household knows what to do if an alarm sounds.

Carbon monoxide is an especially important concern during heating season because it is colorless and odorless. If an alarm sounds, leave the home and contact emergency services from a safe location.

Review Your Homeowners Insurance

Confirm your replacement-cost limits

Your home’s current market value is not necessarily the same as the cost to rebuild it. Labor, materials, construction standards, and local conditions can change over time.

Review whether your dwelling coverage still reflects the estimated replacement cost of your home. This is particularly important if you have:

• Completed an addition or major renovation.
• Updated a kitchen or bathroom.
• Finished a basement.
• Added custom features or higher-end materials.
• Replaced a roof, furnace, HVAC system, or electrical system.
• Experienced significant changes in local construction costs.

Also review coverage for other structures, personal property, and additional living expenses. If a covered loss makes your home temporarily unlivable, additional living expense coverage may help with eligible costs while repairs are completed.

Update your home inventory

A current home inventory can make the claims process easier after a fire, theft, or major storm loss. Walk through each room and photograph or record your belongings. Save receipts, appraisals, and serial numbers for high-value items such as jewelry, electronics, collectibles, firearms, and specialty equipment.

Store your inventory somewhere safe outside the home, such as secure cloud storage.

It is also worth asking whether you need special endorsements for valuable property or whether certain items have coverage limits under your current policy.

Understand exclusions and deductibles

Homeowners insurance does not cover every type of loss. For example, standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage. If your property is at risk from overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall, drainage issues, or surface water, ask whether separate flood insurance may be appropriate.

Review your wind, hail, water, and other deductibles. A deductible should be an amount your household could reasonably pay after a covered loss.

The Indiana Department of Insurance property insurance resources offer additional consumer information, but your agent can help explain how your specific policy applies to your home.

Prepare Your Vehicles for Indiana Fall and Winter

Get ready for rain, frost, and ice

Fall driving can bring wet roads, morning frost, reduced visibility, and sudden temperature changes. Before winter weather arrives:

• Check tire tread and tire pressure.
• Inspect windshield wipers.
• Top off windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.
• Test the battery.
• Check coolant and other essential fluids.
• Make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work.
• Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle.
• Remove leaves and debris from windshield vents and lights.

If you frequently drive rural roads or travel long distances, consider keeping blankets, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, and basic first-aid supplies in the vehicle.

Watch for deer

Deer activity often increases in Indiana during the fall, particularly around dawn, dusk, and breeding season. Stay alert in wooded or rural areas, reduce your speed when you see warning signs, and remember that deer often travel in groups.

If a collision with a deer occurs, comprehensive coverage commonly applies to animal-related damage. However, coverage, deductibles, and claim handling depend on your individual policy. Ask your agent specifically how your policy treats deer collisions.

Review auto coverage and roadside assistance

Fall is a good time to review more than just your liability limits. Consider whether your policy still includes the protection you need, including:

• Liability coverage.
• Collision coverage.
• Comprehensive coverage.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
• Rental reimbursement.
• Roadside assistance or towing.

Comprehensive coverage may help with certain non-collision losses, such as theft, hail, falling branches, or animal strikes. Collision coverage generally addresses damage from a crash with another vehicle or object. Your deductible applies according to the coverage involved.

Roadside assistance can be useful during cold-weather breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, or lockouts. If you rely on your vehicle for work, school, medical appointments, or family responsibilities, also consider whether rental reimbursement would be valuable after a covered loss.

You can learn more about available coverage options on Jett Insurance’s auto insurance information page.

Don’t Forget College Students and Seasonal Belongings

If a child recently moved into a dorm, apartment, or college house, review how their belongings are insured. Depending on the policy and living arrangement, a student may have limited coverage under a parents’ homeowners policy: or may need renters insurance.

Ask about:

• Personal property away from home.
• Computers, bicycles, musical instruments, and electronics.
• Items kept in a shared apartment.
• Liability coverage.
• Whether a separate renters policy is recommended.

Coverage can vary based on whether the student lives in a dorm, rents an apartment, or maintains a separate residence. Do not assume everything is automatically covered.

Also review seasonal belongings such as boats, trailers, recreational vehicles, hunting equipment, tools, and winter sports gear. Some items may require separate policies, endorsements, or specific storage requirements.

Review Life Insurance and Your Overall Household Coverage

Insurance reviews should include more than your home and auto policies. Fall is a natural time to revisit life insurance and household protection: especially after a major life change.

Consider a review if you have:

• Married or divorced.
• Had a child.
• Purchased a home.
• Changed jobs or income.
• Started or sold a business.
• Taken on new debt.
• Helped support aging parents.
• Experienced a change in beneficiaries.
• Had a child leave for college.

Make sure your life insurance amount, beneficiaries, and policy type still fit your family’s needs. Health insurance and other benefits may also deserve a closer look during employer open enrollment.

Jett Insurance offers life and health insurance guidance as part of a broader household coverage review.

Make Fall Your Annual Insurance Review

A little preparation can go a long way when Indiana weather becomes unpredictable. Cleaning gutters, maintaining heating equipment, preparing vehicles, and updating your home inventory all help reduce risk. Reviewing your policies helps make sure your coverage keeps pace with your life.

At Jett Insurance Agency, Inc., we have served customers since 1990. As an independent agency, we work with multiple insurance carriers rather than representing just one company. That allows us to compare options and build a personalized policy profile around your household, budget, and priorities.

Our approach is simple: insurance is not one-size-fits-all.

Contact Jett Insurance for a fall coverage review, and let’s make sure your home, vehicles, belongings, and family are ready for the season ahead.