When your windshield needs replacing, you have two main options: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass or aftermarket glass. Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice.

OEM glass is made by the same manufacturer that produced your vehicle’s original windshield and usually includes the automaker’s logo. It’s identical to what came with your car and is often preferred for brand consistency.

Aftermarket glass, made by third-party manufacturers, doesn’t carry the logo but meets the same safety and performance standards set by the Department of Transportation. It’s designed to fit and function just like OEM glass.

The biggest difference? Cost. OEM glass is typically more expensive due to its branding and manufacturer origin. Aftermarket glass is generally more affordable and more likely to be fully covered by insurance.
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Both options are safe and reliable. It just comes down to your preferences and coverage. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

So, you’re moving. Congrats! Or... good luck. Either way, you’ve got a moving truck, a mountain of boxes, and maybe a friend who promised to help if you paid in pizza.

But before you hit the road, let’s talk insurance. Nothing kills moving day vibes like realizing you’re not actually covered when something goes sideways. Literally.

You may be thinking, “My Car Insurance Covers It, Right?” Eh… maybe not. Most personal auto insurance doesn’t cover rental trucks, especially the big guys. If the truck weighs more than 9,000 pounds, you’re probably out of luck. And even if your policy includes rental coverage, it usually means rental cars, not giant box-on-wheels moving trucks.
Your policy likely won’t cover:

• Damage to the truck
• Damage to your stuff inside the truck
• Accidents while loading/unloading (watch those toes)

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When you rent a truck, you’ll be offered a bunch of insurance options. Don’t just blindly click “no thanks” to save $400. Here’s what that extra coverage usually includes:

• Damage Waiver: Covers repairs if you back into a mailbox or accidentally scrape a low-hanging branch. (It happens.)
• Cargo Protection: Covers your stuff inside the truck in case of fire, theft, or accidents. But if you pack like a raccoon in a rush and things break? That’s on you.
• Liability Coverage: If you hit someone else or their stuff, this protects you (and your wallet).
• Medical Coverage: For you or your buddies riding along, just in case.

What About Homeowners or Renters Insurance? Good question. Some policies offer limited coverage for belongings while they’re being moved, but there are usually a lot of “ifs” and “maybes.” Like, if you’re using a professional moving company, or maybe if it’s within a certain distance. Basically, read the fine print, or better yet, call your agent.

Moving is already stressful enough without surprise bills. Don’t assume your regular insurance has you covered when it comes to rental trucks. Double-check your policies, ask questions, and consider that rental insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

So, your restaurant delivers food? Awesome for customers, potentially disastrous for your insurance if you’re not careful.

Let’s say your employee is out delivering a pizza in their own car. If you don’t have a Business Auto Policy (BAP), coverage might fall to their Personal Auto Policy (PAP). That is, unless their insurer decides food delivery counts as “livery conveyance,” basically a fancy term for “you’re kinda like Uber, but with extra cheese.” If that exclusion applies, suddenly no one's covered, and everyone's wallet is in danger.

If you do have a BAP, that’s better, but only if you’ve chosen the right symbols. Symbol 1 (Any Auto) or Symbol 9 (Non-Owned Auto) opens the coverage door. But even then, BAP typically covers the business, not the employee. Without the CA 99 33 “Employees as Insureds” endorsement, your driver could be left out in the cold... and possibly sued by your own insurer. Super awkward.

Also, the employee’s PAP is always the first line of defense. If their limits are low and they accidentally crash into a surgeon on her way to the OR, your business could be footing a huge bill after the PAP taps out.

The Must-Have Menu:

• A BAP with Symbol 1 or 9
• The CA 99 33 endorsement
• Employees with decent PAP limits (think 100/300/50 or higher)

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Food delivery without the right insurance setup is like sending your drivers out with no brakes and hoping for the best. Protect your team, your business, and your peace of mind by making sure your policies (and your policy symbols) are working for you, not against you. Confused? Not sure what coverages you really need? Reach out to us, Blue Sky Insurance. We’re here to help you navigate the fine print and keep your business moving safely. 

Electric bikes are an amazing way to commute, get around town, and even feel like you’ve got superhero legs. But as fun and efficient as they are, e-bikes come with a hidden risk… fires. If not handled properly, their lithium-ion batteries can go from eco-friendly ride to unintentional flaming mess real quick. Not the kind of “Hot Wheels” you were hoping for. Recently, we had a client whose e-bike exploded and blew up their garage. Turns out, they were using a non-manufacturer charger.

Let’s keep your e-bike in “ride mode,” not “fire hazard mode,” with these essential fire prevention tips:

Buy Smart, Ride Safe:
Only purchase an e-bike that’s certified by a qualified testing organization like UL (Underwriters Laboratory). The same goes for replacement batteries. That off-brand bargain battery may save you money, but rebuilding a garage? Not so budget-friendly.

Charge with Caution:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. They wrote them for a reason.
• Only use the charger and adapter that came with your e-bike; no third-party knockoffs.
• Never leave your e-bike charging unattended, and definitely don’t charge it overnight.

Warning Signs:
If your battery starts overheating, changing shape, leaking, smelling weird, or making odd noises, stop using it IMMEDIATELY. If it’s acting extra sketchy and you can do so safely, move it away from flammable materials and call 911.

Storage Smarts:

• Keep batteries and devices at room temperature, no direct sunlight, and no extreme heat.
• Store your e-bike away from flammable objects like gas cans, paint cans, or stacks of paper.
• Absolutely do NOT store your e-bike in a child’s room (or any bedroom, really). E-bikes belong in the garage or a safe storage space.

​Don’t Block the Exit:
It’s tempting to park your e-bike near the door for easy grab-and-go access, but don’t let it block your way out. You don't want to be playing obstacle course with a 70-pound bike in the way if a fire breaks out.

If the Battery Catches Fire… RUN!
If your battery goes up in flames, get out of the building and call 911. Lithium-ion battery fires spread fast, and your fire extinguisher likely won’t cut it.

Dispose Responsibly:
Used batteries and chargers don’t belong in the trash. Take them to a designated battery recycling center. Tossing them in the garbage is a surefire way to turn a landfill into a fireworks display.

SPREAD THE WORD!
Know someone with an e-bike or any lithium-ion device? Share these safety tips with them. The more people know how to charge, care for, and dispose of these batteries properly, the fewer accidental infernos we’ll have.

E-bikes are awesome, but fire hazards aren’t. Follow these tips, and your bike will stay where it belongs, on the road, not on fire. Stay safe and charge smart!

Nevada homeowners are facing a growing challenge. Many insurance carriers are pulling out of the state, leaving policyholders scrambling to find new coverage. Companies like American National have recently announced they will no longer renew policies, forcing homeowners to secure a new carrier on short notice.

The primary reason? Increased risks from wildfires, rising repair costs, and higher claims have made it difficult for insurers to maintain profitability. As a result, many carriers are choosing to limit their exposure in high-risk areas, like Nevada.
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If you’ve received a non-renewal notice, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact us, Blue Sky Insurance, to explore your options early and ensure you’re not left without coverage. With fewer carriers in the market, finding affordable and comprehensive protection can be challenging, but staying proactive can help you avoid gaps in coverage.

Awe, springtime in Las Vegas! The sun is shining (but not scorching), the flowers are blooming in the desert, and the call of the open road (or at least the scenic bike trails) is impossible to resist. If you're looking to explore Vegas beyond the Strip, hopping on an e-bike is the way to go. Whether you're cruising through Red Rock Canyon, zipping down the Arts District, gliding your way to the neighborhood park, or whizzing down to get some froyo, an e-bike makes it all effortless and way more fun!

But here’s the thing, while you're soaking up that desert breeze, you’ll want to make sure your ride is protected. That’s where Progressive Insurance comes in!

Why Insure Your E-Bike? E-bikes can be a big investment, especially when you’ve decked them out with all the latest accessories like upgraded suspension and flashy lights! But what if something goes wrong? Theft, damage, or even an unexpected tumble can quickly turn your joy ride into a headache. That’s why having insurance can give you peace of mind.

Here’s Why Progressive can be a Game-Changer:

RCV (Replacement Cost Value) for Accessories – Got a sweet cargo rack or custom saddle bags? If they're damaged or stolen, Progressive will cover the replacement cost, not just the depreciated value.
No Minimum Age for Riders – Whether it’s you, your teenager, or anyone in the family taking the e-bike for a spin, Progressive’s got you covered.
Separate from Your Homeowners Policy – This is a BIG win! If you file a claim for your e-bike, it won’t show up on your CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report or affect your homeowner’s insurance. So, no worries about your home policy premiums going up because of an e-bike mishap.

Progressive’s e-bike coverage is awesome, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re using your e-bike for commercial purposes like running a delivery service, it won’t be covered. If you're just riding for fun, fitness, or commuting, you're good to go!

Ready to Roll? With spring in full swing and perfect weather calling your name, now’s the time to gear up and get your e-bike insured. Trust us, protecting your ride with Progressive means you can enjoy those Vegas views worry-free.
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Please reach out to us, Blue Sky Insurance, so we can get you all set up. Then you’ll be ready to pedal through spring, explore the desert, and let your e-bike adventures begin!
 

Putting your home in a trust is a smart estate planning move. It helps avoid probate and makes passing down your property smoother. But what does it mean for your home insurance?

When you transfer your home into a trust, the trust technically becomes the owner. That means your homeowner’s insurance needs to reflect that change. If your policy still lists you as the owner, your coverage might not be valid in case of a claim. Yikes!

To fix this, simply notify your insurance company and update your policy to include the trust as an additional insured or named insured. This way, both you and your trust are protected.

Another perk? If the trust helps manage your property for future generations, insurance can stay active even if ownership shifts. Just keep your insurer in the loop to avoid any surprises.
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A home in a trust is a great idea, but don’t forget to update your insurance. A quick call to your agent can keep you covered and worry-free! 

Ah, the internet… a magical place full of cute cat videos, questionable TikTok trends, and unfortunately, cyberbullies and identity thieves. If you or your kids become targets (or let’s be real, accidental instigators), your homeowner’s insurance might actually have your back, with the right endorsement, of course!

First, let’s talk about identity theft. Scammers love stealing personal info, and fixing that mess can cost a fortune. The good news? Many homeowner’s policies offer identity theft protection as an add-on, covering legal fees, lost wages, and even the cost of reclaiming your digital life.

Cyberbullying is a modern nightmare! If your child harasses someone online, guess who’s legally on the hook? Yep, you. Parents can be sued for their kids’ cyber shenanigans, and without the right insurance coverage, you could be writing some very painful checks. Some insurers offer personal injury liability coverage that helps cover legal costs if you’re sued.
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The internet is wild, and insurance is your safety net. Call your agent, ask about cyber coverage, and remind your kids that if they wouldn’t say it to Grandma’s face, they probably shouldn’t post it online! 

If you’ve noticed your homeowner insurance rates creeping up, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are seeing higher premiums, and it’s not without reason. Several key factors contribute to these increases and understanding them can help you navigate the changes.

First, inflation is doing what it does best… inflating everything, including insurance costs. The price of lumber, labor, and even nails has skyrocketed, making it more expensive to repair or rebuild homes. So, while your house may be standing strong, your wallet might be feeling the aftershocks.

Another factor is population growth. As more people move into high-risk areas, such as hurricane-prone coastal regions or wildfire-prone states, there’s a surge in claims when disasters strike. This increases the overall risk for insurers, prompting them to raise premiums.

Location plays a significant role as well. If you live in an area experiencing more severe weather events, natural disasters, or even higher crime rates, you’ll likely see a hike in your insurance rates. The geographic risk is a major consideration for insurers.

And let’s not forget credit scores. Insurers look at your score like a nosy neighbor peeking over the fence. If it’s less than stellar, you might be paying more because they see you as “risky.”

Finally, claims history plays a role. If you’ve filed multiple claims, even for minor issues, insurers might start seeing you as the problem child.
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While these rising costs can feel overwhelming, understanding the reasons behind them can help you make informed decisions. Consider shopping around, improving your credit score, or bundling policies to find savings amidst these changes.
 

Life is full of surprises, and while we can’t predict what’s around the corner, we can certainly prepare for it. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in. It’s a type of policy that often gets overlooked but can be a financial lifesaver in unexpected situations.

Umbrella insurance is essentially extra liability coverage that goes beyond the limits of your standard home, auto, or other insurance policies. It’s designed to protect you from major claims or lawsuits, covering legal expenses, medical bills, and even damages that your primary policies can’t handle.

For example, imagine you’re at fault in a car accident that leads to significant injuries or damages exceeding your auto insurance limit. Without umbrella coverage, you could be forced to pay out-of-pocket, potentially jeopardizing your savings, retirement, or even your home.

This type of insurance is for anyone who wants peace of mind. Whether you’re a homeowner, parent, or business owner, umbrella insurance offers an affordable safety net in an increasingly litigious world.
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Umbrella insurance doesn’t just protect your assets, it protects your future. When the unexpected happens, you’ll be glad you had that extra layer of security.