Insurance usually sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, until you hear about some of the claims people actually file. Sure, most are the usual stuff like fender-benders, leaky pipes, and wind damage. But occasionally, something bizarre happens that makes you laugh, cringe, and then double-check your own policy.

Yes, these are real claims. And here in Nevada, where you might spot a coyote trotting past your mailbox as easily as a drone buzzing overhead, it’s proof that anything can happen.

A Cow Walks Into a Backyard…
It sounds like the start of a bad joke, but it really happened. A few years ago, a herd of cows escaped from a nearby ranch and decided to make themselves at home in someone’s garden. They trampled landscaping, fences, and a very unfortunate above-ground pool. In most cases like this, the homeowner’s insurance helped cover the damage, and the rancher’s liability insurance handled the rest.

Nevada twist: Open-range laws mean that in some rural parts of the state, livestock wandering onto property isn’t as uncommon as you’d think. It’s one reason homeowners, especially those on the outskirts of Las Vegas or in rural counties, should make sure they have solid property and liability coverage.

The Case of the Melting Dentures…
In one famously odd claim, a man placed his dentures on the stove while cooking (don’t ask why), and they melted beyond repair. His personal property coverage came to the rescue, proving that sometimes, it really does pay to read the fine print.

While you hopefully won’t be filing a claim for melted dentures anytime soon, it’s a good reminder that personal property coverage protects a lot more than you might realize. From electronics and furniture to jewelry, clothing, and, apparently, dental accessories.

The Deer (or Burro) That Danced on a Car…
Farmers Insurance once shared a story about a deer that quite literally danced on the hood of a car, leaving behind hoof-shaped dents and a very confused driver. Here in Nevada, it might not be a deer; it’s more likely a burro in Pahrump or a bighorn sheep up near Lake Mead. Either way, animal collisions are no joke.

Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers damage from animals, even if the story makes the adjuster chuckle. So, if you’re driving through Red Rock or Mount Charleston, “wildlife coverage” isn’t just a line item; it’s a real-world necessity.

Behind every weird claim is a not-so-funny truth. Strange things happen all the time, and insurance is there to pick up the pieces. Whether it’s runaway livestock, mischievous pets, or unexpected desert wildlife, having the right coverage means you don’t have to pay the price for life’s odd moments.

Here’s what to take away:

• Know what’s covered (and what’s not). Ask your agent if you’re unsure.
• Keep your coverage current. Especially if you’ve made upgrades to your home or car.
• Don’t assume “that’ll never happen to me.” We’ve seen too much to say that with a straight face.

Nevada might be known for its bright lights and dry desert air, but it’s also home to plenty of “you wouldn’t believe it” moments. From the Strip to the Sierra, unexpected things happen, and insurance is there to make sure you’re covered when they do.

So next time someone tells you insurance is boring, just smile and say, “Maybe you’ve never seen what a cow can do to a swimming pool.”

Cars today are more connected than ever. With key fobs, Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi, and even mobile apps that can start your engine or track your location. It’s convenient, but it also opens the door to a newer kind of risk: vehicle cyberattacks.

One of the most talked about threats is key-fob “relay” theft. In these cases, thieves use a small device to capture and relay your fob’s signal from inside your house to your car in the driveway. The car thinks the key is nearby and unlocks (and in some cases) even starts. It sounds like something out of a movie, but real incidents have been documented across the country.

Other risks come from your car’s connected features. Systems that use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or mobile apps can sometimes be targeted by hackers. Especially if the software isn’t updated or if your account credentials are weak. That’s why experts recommend keeping your vehicle’s software current, just like you do for your phone or laptop.

Even devices meant to help you can add risk if not properly secured. Many insurance companies offer “good driver” tracking devices that plug into your car’s diagnostic port. Most are safe, but if they come from lesser-known vendors or aren’t installed correctly, they could expose your vehicle or data to unnecessary vulnerabilities.

So, what can Nevada drivers do?

Start simple:

• Store your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch or metal container overnight.
• Use strong, unique passwords for any vehicle apps and enable two-factor authentication when possible.
• Turn off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi in your car when you’re not using them.
• Only use professionally installed and reputable tracking or telematics devices.
• And if you ever suspect tampering or a cyber issue, contact your dealership or insurance provider. Don’t try to remove hardware yourself.

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While high-tech car hacks are still rare, they’re becoming more common as vehicles get smarter. Taking a few small precautions now can go a long way toward keeping your ride and your personal data secure on Nevada’s open roads.

Here’s something we can all agree on… avoiding distractions while driving is a good thing. But now, you can actually get rewarded for it! Nationwide’s new Focused Driving Rewards program gives you points (and even gift cards!) just for keeping your eyes on the road and off your phone.

The best part? You don’t even need to have Nationwide insurance to join. Yep, anyone can participate. It’s totally free, and your insurance rates aren’t affected at all.

Here’s how it works: you download the Nationwide mobile app and enroll in the Focused Driving Rewards program. The app automatically tracks your trips and looks for signs of distracted driving. Things like picking up your phone, tapping the screen, or making handheld calls. Every couple of weeks, you’ll get a “score” based on how focused your driving has been. The better your score, the more points you earn, which you can trade in for e-gift cards from popular retailers.

It’s a pretty fun way to build better driving habits and maybe earn a few bucks along the way. For younger drivers (under 30), there’s even more incentive: they can earn up to $60 every six months just for driving safely. Parents with teen drivers might especially like this one! It’s a simple, no-pressure way to encourage safer habits behind the wheel.

And again, just to repeat the cool part, you don’t have to be a Nationwide customer. The program is open to anyone who wants to give it a try. It’s not insurance, just a free rewards program that helps you stay accountable (and distraction-free) while you drive.

If you’re someone who occasionally sneaks a glance at your phone at red lights, this might be the perfect nudge to break that habit. After all, who doesn’t like earning gift cards for something you’re supposed to be doing anyway… driving safely?

Here’s the link to learn more!
​ www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/auto/discounts/focused-driving/

Electric vehicles are awesome! Quiet, quick, and eco-friendly. But as more Teslas and EVs hit the road, more homeowners are adding chargers to their garages. It’s super convenient… until it’s not. Recently, there have been a few reports of home chargers overheating or even catching fire. Yikes! Before you panic, though, most of these issues come down to one thing, improper electrical installation, not the car or the charger itself.

EV chargers pull a lot of power. We’re talking way more than your fridge, dryer, or power tools combined. That means the outlet, breaker, and wiring all need to be up to code and correctly sized for the job. When someone unlicensed or a well-meaning DIYer tries to “save a few bucks,” it can lead to loose connections, overheated wires, and, unfortunately, some very toasty wall sockets.

That’s why it’s so important to hire a licensed and bonded electrician for the installation. A licensed pro knows how to safely handle high-voltage wiring and make sure your setup meets local building codes. And if something ever does go wrong, being bonded means you’re financially protected.

We’re not trying to scare anyone, but this stuff is real. Check out the photos below from one of our clients who had this exact issue after an improper install. Thankfully, everyone was safe, but it’s a good reminder that when it comes to electricity, shortcuts can be costly.

Go ahead and enjoy the perks of your electric ride! Just make sure your charger is installed by someone who truly knows their volts from their amps. 

Fall in Nevada is a funny season… We trade triple-digit days for cooler nights, desert winds, and maybe even a little rain if we’re lucky. It’s also the perfect time to give your home some TLC before winter sneaks up. A little effort now can save you from headaches (and insurance claims) later.

1. Clear those gutters.
Sure, we don’t have as many big leafy trees as other states, but wind loves to carry dirt, pine needles, and the occasional tumbleweed into gutters. Keep them clear so water flows where it’s supposed to and not into your walls or foundation.

2. Take a peek at your roof.
Summer sun is no joke in Nevada, and sudden rainstorms can make tiny roof cracks a big problem. Grab a pair of binoculars (or hire a pro) and check for missing or damaged shingles. Future-you will thank you.

3. Show your HVAC some love.
We rely on AC almost year-round, and soon the heat will be running too. Change your filters and schedule a quick check-up. You’ll breathe easier and keep your system humming.

4. Trim those branches.
Nevada winds are sneaky. One strong gust and that dangling branch could land on your fence, car, or worse. A quick trim now saves damage later.

5. Test your detectors.
Cooler nights mean fireplaces, space heaters, and furnaces kick on. Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. It’s an easy five-minute safety win.

A few fall chores now can keep your home cozy, safe, and claim-free all season long. And if you’re wondering whether your insurance is ready for whatever fall throws your way, Blue Sky is just a call or click away.

Water damage is water damage, right? When it comes to insurance claims, not all water damage is treated the same. For Nevada homeowners, one of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between “water damage” and “flood damage.” While both can cause major headaches, your insurance company sees them very differently, and knowing the distinction could save you from costly surprises.

What Counts as Water Damage?

Water damage usually refers to sudden, unexpected issues inside your home. Common Nevada examples include:

• A pipe bursting during a cold snap in Reno
• An overflowing washing machine soaking your laundry room
• A roof leak after one of those intense Las Vegas summer monsoons

Situations like these are generally covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy as long as they were accidental and not caused by neglect.

What Counts as Flood Damage?

Flooding, on the other hand, has a very specific definition. FEMA defines a flood as water covering at least two acres of normally dry land or affecting two or more properties. In Nevada, that could look like:

• Flash floods sweeping across the desert after heavy rain
• Water rushing down dry washes and into neighborhoods during a summer storm
• Rising groundwater after rapid snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada

Here’s the catch: a standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. For protection, you need separate flood insurance either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Why the Difference Matters in Nevada

Imagine your living room fills with water after a storm. If the water came from a broken pipe or failed sump pump, your homeowners policy might step in. But if it seeped in from outside due to flash flooding, that’s classified as a flood, and without flood insurance, the repair costs fall on you.

How to Protect Yourself

• Review your coverage: Make sure you know what your homeowners policy actually includes.
• Consider flood insurance: Even if you’re not in a designated high-risk flood zone, flash floods can happen anywhere in Nevada. In fact, Clark County reports millions of dollars in flood damage every year.
• Stay prepared: Keep gutters clear, check your roof, and monitor weather alerts, especially during monsoon season.

In Nevada, water damage can come from many places inside your home or from sudden desert storms. By understanding the difference between water damage and flood damage, and by making sure you have the right insurance in place, you can protect your home and your finances.
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If you’re unsure whether you need flood insurance, reach out to us at Blue Sky Insurance. We’re happy to review your risks with you.
 
 

Let’s face it, insurance isn’t usually what gets the party started. But here at Blue Sky Insurance, we believe even topics like rental car coverage can be more thrilling than a minivan with a turbo engine. So buckle up! We're diving into the world of rental car coverage... without putting you to sleep in the driver's seat.

First, Let’s Clear Up the Confusion

You’ve probably heard the term “rental car coverage” tossed around like spaghetti at a family dinner. But here’s the deal:

There are two different things people mean when they say rental car coverage:

1. 🚘 Coverage for a rental car you use while your car is in the shop
2. 🧳 Coverage for a rental car you're renting while traveling or on vacation

They sound the same, but they’re not. So, let’s break them down.

1. 🚘 Rental Reimbursement Coverage (When Your Car Is in the Shop)
This is an optional add-on to your personal auto policy. It pays for a rental car while your own vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim, like a fender bender or a tree that mistook your hood for a nap spot.
Quick Facts:

• It doesn't cover vacation rentals.
• It kicks in only after a covered loss.
• There’s usually a daily limit (like $30–$50/day).
• Coverage lasts only while your car is being repaired, not while you're just waiting for your mechanic to text you back.

This is basically your "backup ride" when life gives you lemons (and those lemons hit your bumper).

2. 🧳 Coverage for a Rental Car While Traveling (A.k.a. “Do I Need That Extra Insurance at the Counter?”)

You're at the rental car counter. You're excited. You’re heading to sunny beaches or mountain views. Suddenly, the agent asks, “Would you like to add our insurance for just $19.99/day?” Cue the panic. 😱 Here’s where your personal auto policy might save the day.

If You Have a Personal Auto Policy:
In most cases, if you rent a car for personal use in the U.S. or Canada, your existing policy will extend to that rental, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, depending on what you carry.

BUT... It Depends On:

• What’s on your current policy
• The limits and deductibles you have
• Whether you're renting for business or personal use
• If you’re renting internationally (spoiler alert: your policy probably won’t follow you to Europe)

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So if you only have liability on your personal car, that’s all you’re bringing to the rental car party. 🚫 No collision or comprehensive means damage to the rental car may not be covered, which could leave your wallet feeling very attacked. We usually suggest paying the rental car company for comprehensive & collision to avoid the headache of having your policy pay out for any damage you may cause to the rental car. But purchasing the liability, as long as you have it today, is not required. 

Most Las Vegas homeowners don’t realize they’re responsible for the underground utility lines that run from their house to the street, until something goes wrong.

These buried water, sewer, or electrical lines can break down over time due to wear and tear, tree root intrusion, shifting soil, or even desert dryness. And when they do… you could be facing a repair bill in the thousands, and most standard homeowners policies won’t cover it.

That’s where service line coverage comes in. Service line coverage is a low-cost endorsement you can add to your homeowners insurance policy. It typically covers the cost to repair or replace damaged underground service lines, including excavation, materials, labor, and even landscaping restoration.

This can include:

• Water pipes
• Sewer or septic lines
• Power or data lines
• Natural gas piping

In Las Vegas, many homes, particularly those built before the 1970’s, were built with aging infrastructure like clay, cast-iron, and even galvanized steel pipes. Combine that with our hard, shifting desert soil, and you’ve got a recipe for pipe breaks and sewer line collapse.

And unlike the city’s portion of the line, the section that runs across your property is your responsibility.

Without service line coverage, you could be paying out-of-pocket for:

• Emergency excavation
• Pipe replacement
• Sidewalk or driveway removal and replacement
• Landscaping repair

Average repair costs range from $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on the damage.
Service line coverage typically costs around $30 to $60 per year and offers $10,000 or more in protection.

In a city like Las Vegas where the soil and climate can be tough on underground infrastructure, service line coverage is a smart (and affordable) way to protect your home, and your wallet, from unexpected repair costs.
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Want to know if you’re covered or how to add it? Reach out to us at Blue Sky Insurance and let’s review your options!

When was the last time you brushed up on your driving skills? For most Nevadans, it’s been years since we last looked at a driver’s handbook. Unless we were helping a teenager prepare for their permit test.

Here’s the thing, taking a driving refresher isn’t just about being safer on the road in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Reno. It could also help lower your auto insurance costs.

Organizations like AARP and local Nevada driving schools offer mature driver and defensive driving courses that cover:

• Defensive driving techniques
• Updates on Nevada traffic laws you might not know about
• Tips for handling tricky situations like merging on the 215 or navigating construction on I-15
• Awareness of how medications or health changes can affect your driving

Completing a Nevada DMV-approved course may qualify you for a safe driver discount on your auto insurance, depending on your carrier and your driving record. Many courses can be completed online at your own pace, are affordable, and may qualify you for a discount for 2–3 years.

Insurers appreciate drivers who invest in safety. A driver who’s up to date on Nevada-specific traffic laws and defensive driving skills is less likely to get into an accident and fewer accidents mean lower claims for your insurance company.

Even if you don’t receive an immediate discount, improving your driving habits can help you avoid tickets and accidents, which will help keep your rates down in the long run.

While many courses are geared toward drivers 50+, any Nevada driver can benefit from a refresher. If it’s been a while since you took a defensive driving course or you’re looking for ways to save on your insurance, it’s worth asking your insurance agent if completing a course could lower your premium.
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Your driving skills need a tune-up just like your car does. A quick refresher can help you feel more confident while driving around Summerlin, Green Valley, or even heading out to Lake Mead, while potentially lowering your insurance costs. If you’d like to explore how a driver safety course could help you save on your auto insurance, let’s chat. We’re happy to check which Nevada-approved courses qualify for discounts with your carrier and help you find options that fit your schedule.
 

We get it. It can feel like an interrogation when you call for a quote or policy review. But there’s a good reason your insurance agent asks so many questions.

Insurance is not one-size-fits-all. We need to understand your unique situation so your coverage truly fits your life, not just a generic box. Whether it’s how far you commute, who lives in your home, if you have a pool, or what safety features your home and car have, these details can impact both your coverage and your premium.

Many questions also help us uncover discounts you may not know you qualify for, such as multi-policy discounts, safe driver discounts, or savings for safety upgrades in your home. At the same time, these details help us ensure you’re not underinsured in critical areas that could leave you financially exposed if a claim happens.
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It’s not about being nosy, it’s about making sure you’re properly protected and getting the best value for your coverage. The more we know, the better we can protect you, your family, and everything you’ve worked hard to build. Asking a few questions is still less painful than dealing with a claim that isn’t covered later. So, bear with us, answer a few questions, and let’s make sure you’re covered for whatever life throws your way.