Yes. You should usually notify your insurance company before or during major home renovations.
Renovations can change your home’s value, risks, and coverage needs. If your insurer is not aware of the changes, your current policy may not fully protect you.
Common renovations that often require notifying your insurer because they significantly affect your insurance coverage:

• Kitchen or bathroom remodels
• Room additions or home expansions
• Finishing a basement
• Installing a pool or hot tub
• Adding a deck or outdoor structure
• Installing solar panels
• Major electrical or plumbing upgrades
• Installing a new roof

These upgrades can increase the replacement cost of your home, which may require higher coverage limits or even qualify you for a discount!

It is usually best to contact your insurer before starting major renovations. You may want to notify them if:

• The project costs several thousand dollars or more
• You are changing the structure of the home
• You are adding square footage
• You are installing features that increase liability risk

Your insurer can confirm whether your current policy still provides adequate protection.
Home renovations can change your insurance coverage needs. Notifying your insurance company before major projects helps ensure your home is properly protected during construction and after the work is complete.

By: Amy Miller
Blue Sky Insurance 
Agency Owner​

​​Life changes fast. One minute you’re just living in your home, and the next you’re hosting weekend guests, starting a side hustle, or collecting fresh eggs from the backyard. The problem? Insurance policies don’t automatically change when your lifestyle does.
Here are a few common ways everyday upgrades can quietly outgrow your coverage.
Renting Out a Room or Your Whole Home
Turning your place into an Airbnb, even occasionally, can change how your homeowner’s insurance responds. Many standard policies limit or exclude coverage when a home is used for short-term rentals. Liability, property damage, and guest injuries may not be covered the way you expect without the right endorsement or policy adjustment.
Starting a Home-Based Business
Selling products online, storing inventory in your garage, or meeting clients at home may feel small, but to your insurance policy, it’s a business exposure. Homeowner’s insurance typically offers very limited coverage for business property and liability, leaving gaps you may not see until there’s a claim.
Backyard Chickens (Yes, Really)
They’re adorable, useful, and increasingly popular. But adding animals (even chickens) can create unexpected liability or property concerns. Some policies have restrictions on livestock, and others may not cover damage or injuries related to animals kept on your property.
Upgrading Your Toys
New boat, ATV, side-by-side, or recreational vehicle? These aren’t always fully covered under a standard home or auto policy. Storage, transport, and off-property use can all affect how (or if) coverage applies.
Renovations and Additions
That kitchen remodel or backyard upgrade can increase your home’s value, and the cost to rebuild it. If your policy limits haven’t been updated, you could be underinsured without realizing it.
Your insurance policy is built around your life as it existed at a moment in time. When your lifestyle grows, and that’s a good thing, it’s important your coverage keeps pace.
If you’ve added guests, animals, side projects, or “toys” to your life, a quick policy review can help make sure those upgrades don’t come with unwanted surprises later. Because the best time to adjust your coverage is before your lifestyle outgrows it.

A new year usually means fresh starts, new routines, and maybe finally tackling that to-do list you ignored all last year. But there’s one thing most people don’t think about updating in January, their insurance.

Even if you didn’t move or buy something major, chances are your life changed more than you realize, and those changes can affect how your insurance works.

Your Home Might Be More Expensive to Rebuild:
Home prices get a lot of attention, but rebuild costs matter way more when it comes to insurance. Materials and labor keep getting more expensive, and if you’ve done any updates, like a kitchen remodel, new flooring, or adding square footage, your current coverage might not reflect that.

And if you haven’t looked at your policy in a few years, there’s a good chance it hasn’t kept up.

Cars Change Faster Than You Think:
Maybe you bought a new car, paid one off, or added a driver to your household. Those are all things that should trigger a quick policy check. We often see people accidentally reduce coverage once a loan is paid off, not realizing what they gave up until it’s too late.
Teen drivers, longer commutes, or even using your car a little differently than before can also make a difference.

Life Happens:
Got married? Divorced? Kids moved out… or moved back in? Started working from home or picked up a side hustle? These are normal life changes, but they can create gaps in coverage if your policies aren’t updated.

Insurance is built around how you actually live, not how you lived three or five years ago.

Claims Cost More Than They Used To:
When something goes wrong, everything costs more to fix than it used to… homes, cars, and everything in between. If your limits or deductibles haven’t been reviewed recently, you could end up paying more out of pocket than you expected.

A Quick Check Now Can Save Headaches Later:
The good news? This doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick insurance checkup at the start of the year can help catch gaps, outdated limits, or small issues before they turn into big ones.

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just making sure your coverage still makes sense for your life today.
​
If you want a second set of eyes on your policies, our team at Blue Sky Insurance is always happy to help. Consider it one less thing to worry about this year.

If you’ve lived in Nevada for a while, you already know how strange our housing market can be. Prices can dip, spike, or stall depending on interest rates, inventory, and whether Californians are making a mass migration that month. But here’s the thing most homeowners don’t realize, what your house is “worth” on Zillow has nothing to do with how much it would cost to rebuild it after a fire, water loss, or major claim.

Replacement cost is a totally different number, and lately, it’s been rising much faster than real estate values. Nevada has seen higher construction costs due to labor shortages, material delays, and the rising price of things like lumber, drywall, and roofing. Even basic trades like plumbers, electricians, contractors… are charging more than they did just a few years ago. That means the cost to rebuild a home in 2025 is significantly higher than it was even in 2020, even if your home’s market value hasn’t changed much.
​
This is why reviewing your coverage every year actually matters. If your dwelling limit hasn’t kept pace with construction costs, you could be underinsured without even realizing it. Most policies include something called “inflation guard” to automatically bump your coverage each year, but with the jump in Nevada construction prices, that built-in increase isn’t always enough. A quick review can make sure you’re covered for what it would actually take to rebuild your home today, not what it was worth years ago.

​Long story short, your home’s market value changes based on the economy, but rebuilding costs change based on materials and labor in our state. And right now, those rebuilding costs are trending up. A quick check-in can give you peace of mind that your policy is keeping up.

When something goes wrong, whether it’s a burst pipe, a fender-bender, or damage from one of Nevada’s surprise windstorms, most people instinctively call their insurance company’s 1-800 claims number first. It makes sense on the surface… something happened, and you want to let your carrier know. But here’s the part most policyholders don’t realize. Once you officially file a claim with the carrier, it’s on your record whether it’s paid, denied, or even withdrawn later. And in Nevada, your claim history can directly impact your rates and sometimes your eligibility with certain carriers.

That’s why calling your agency first is such an important step. We’re here to help you decide whether filing a claim is actually the best move. Sometimes the damage is below your deductible, which means filing a claim wouldn’t help you financially and may only affect your history. Other times it may be something that’s easier and cheaper to handle out of pocket. And in cases where someone else is clearly at fault, it may make more sense for their insurance to pay so the claim doesn’t hit your record at all.

When you call us first, we can walk you through the situation, help you understand how your deductible works, talk about what repairs typically cost in Nevada, and explain how your carrier handles certain losses. We can also help determine whether the loss is something your policy actually covers before you initiate a formal claim. This doesn’t slow the process down; if a claim needs to be filed, we’ll help you open it right away. It just gives you the chance to make an informed decision before anything is officially reported.

Once the claim is filed, a claims adjuster from the carrier takes over. They’ll review the damage, gather the details, coordinate inspections, and work with contractors or repair shops depending on the type of claim. Your agency stays available throughout the process to answer questions, translate the “insurance speak,” and make sure things move in the direction they should.
​
Filing a claim doesn’t need to be stressful, but it should start with a quick call to your agent. A five-minute conversation can save you money, protect your claim history, and help you avoid headaches down the road. In a state like Nevada, where weather, repair costs, and even traffic seem to change week to week, having someone guide you first makes all the difference.

Why Car Repairs Are Getting More Expensive.
Car repair costs are rising faster than general inflation. This means even small repairs can be much more expensive than they used to be. Recent data shows vehicle maintenance and repair costs are up about 7.7% year-over-year, according to Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.
What’s causing higher repair costs? Several factors are driving the increase:

• More expensive replacement parts
• Higher labor costs
• Advanced vehicle technology

Modern cars often include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as sensors, cameras, and automatic braking. After many repairs, these systems must be scanned and recalibrated, which adds time and cost.
Industry reports show calibrations now appear in about 31% of repair estimates.

Even small damage can add up.
Repairs that seem minor can still be costly.
Examples include:

• A bumper repair that requires sensor recalibration
• A windshield replacement that needs camera adjustment
• A small dent or scratch that requires repainting and panel work

Because of the technology involved, these repairs can quickly become expensive.

How insurance helps.
Some auto insurance coverages help pay for repair costs:

• Collision coverage – damage to your car from an accident
• Comprehensive coverage – damage from theft, weather, animals, or vandalism
• Liability coverage – damage you cause to someone else’s property

Bottom line.
Cars are more complex and expensive to repair than ever. Reviewing your auto insurance coverage can help make sure you’re protected if repair costs add up after an accident.

Updated 3/5/26 
By Amy Miller
Blue Sky Insurance 
​Agency Owner

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.

​
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.