Wednesday, February 7, 2024
If you’re planning a home improvement project, you probably have many contractors available to choose from. How do you pick the right one that will get the job done safely and without liability issues? Follow these tips....
Monday, December 4, 2023
If you have a young driver in your home, you may be fearful about them driving on their own, especially in bad weather or road construction. Here are some tips to share with them to improve safety by adapting their...
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Your boat is an investment that gives you tons of fun all summer long. But come the cold weather months, you want to make sure it’s properly winterized before you store it, so it’s protected from weather and other...
Monday, October 2, 2023
Homeowners today have never had more ways to save money through technology. Here are five smart home devices that will help you cut down on your bills and improve your home’s safety. Better safety can mean fewer...
Monday, September 18, 2023
If you’re on the fence about renting or owning a home, here’s a helpful look at the upsides of each option. Remember to get the right insurance when you make your choice, so your property is fully protected. The...
Monday, August 7, 2023
If you want to reduce your risk of traffic accidents and the insurance claims that accompany them - which could cause your premium to go up - you need to drive defensively. Here are some driving tips to help you avoid...
Monday, July 10, 2023
If you’re house hunting, you’re probably looking at many elements like the number of bedrooms or how updated the kitchen is. Don’t forget to check for these things too, which which may help avoid home insurance claims...
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Thanks to an unusual convergence of market trends, ushered in by the pandemic and followed by other disruptive events, you may see a bigger change to the cost of your home and auto insurance than usual when it comes...
Monday, June 5, 2023
Many insurance carriers today offer smartphone apps that track telematics to monitor driving. Here’s how they work and how these apps may help you lower your auto insurance premium, along with a few other advantages. ...
Friday, May 5, 2023
Water has been in short supply in many areas of the United States lately. And even if it’s bountiful where you live, you may be paying more for water than you’d like. Here are some tips for using less water and saving...
Monday, April 10, 2023
Your auto insurance is one of the most important elements of your personal insurance portfolio. But some people purchase only the minimum required liability coverage, not realizing they may be leaving themselves open to...
Monday, March 6, 2023
Whether you’re just getting away for a long weekend or spending a few weeks out of the house, it’s important to ensure your home is safe while you’re gone. Follow these tips to help prevent break-ins, fires, and water...
Friday, February 3, 2023
It’s an unfortunate fact that life expectancy in the US has dropped recently. This has led many people to examine whether or not they should have a life insurance policy and, if so, how much coverage they should have....
Friday, January 6, 2023
It seems like every day on the news that we hear stories about a hurricane, flood, or wildfire creating massive damage in the U.S. and putting people out of their homes. Have you thought about how your family would...
Monday, December 5, 2022
With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s...
Friday, November 4, 2022
Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some...
Friday, October 7, 2022
A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera...
Friday, September 2, 2022
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Every carrier is different, but the easy answer is probably not 100% of the time!! If you have a standard personal auto policy, most exclude coverage for delivery whether it be passengers, or the retail pick up or...
Friday, August 5, 2022
Grilling food is a fun pastime, and it’s ideal on those summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. But every year, there are accidents and home fires because people don’t grill safely. Follow these tips to...
Monday, July 11, 2022
No one likes the thought of having pests in their home, whether they be rodents, cockroaches, ants, or any other common household pests. If pest activity is common in your area, it is important to take steps to prevent...
Friday, June 3, 2022
You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order...
Friday, May 6, 2022
Water damage is one of the worst problems that homeowners can run into. Not only can it be incredibly expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but it can also create the potential for mold and mildew...
Friday, April 1, 2022
Spring is a common time for people to take on all of the cleaning tasks that they put off during the winter. With the weather getting warmer, it's the perfect time to tackle jobs both inside and outside your home. While...
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
You probably don’t think your dog would ever bite someone, let alone cause a serious injury. But dog bites are more common than you might realize-4.5 million occur every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for...
Friday, March 4, 2022
You may not give the windows on your home much thought, but they can actually make a big difference not just in your comfort level, but also in the value of your home. You'll have a wide range of options to choose from,...
Monday, February 7, 2022
If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills...
Monday, January 10, 2022
Today's modern appliances are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors, and some are even better than the rest. When shopping for appliances, you'll likely be overwhelmed by choice, so it is important to know...
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for any home, so you should ensure that your house is equipped with them. You should have detectors in the main living areas on each floor, including in every bedroom...
Monday, November 8, 2021
No one likes to think about the possibility of a fire in their home, but this is one situation where it definitely pays to be prepared. This is especially true if you have children or pets in your home. Read on to learn...
Friday, October 1, 2021
- Part D late enrollment penalty - The late enrollment penalty is an amount that's permanently added to your Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premium. You may owe a late enrollment penalty if at any time after your...
Friday, October 1, 2021
Solar panels can provide clean electricity for your home, helping you to save money on energy costs while also doing your part to help the environment. However, not all homes are suited to solar energy. Here's what you...
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
1. What is Original Medicare? - The term “Original Medicare” refers to Medicare Part A and Part B. Part A helps cover the cost of hospital-related care, including inpatient services, lab tests and surgery. Part B is the...
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Medicare Parts A and B Coverage Gaps - Original Medicare offers Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance)-coverage that covers many of your healthcare needs once you enroll. But it doesn’t cover...
Monday, September 20, 2021
You can only join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan during the three enrollment periods described below:1. Enrollment Period - When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can sign up during your Initial...
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Who can join a Medicare Advantage Plan? - To join a Medicare Advantage Plan you must: Have Part A and Part B Medicare.Live in the plan's service area. What if I have a pre-existing condition? You can join a Medicare...
Monday, September 13, 2021
What are Medicare Advantage Plans? A Medicare Advantage Plan is another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” are offered by Medicare-approved private...
Friday, September 3, 2021
When it comes to buying insurance, you have two primary options available to you: independent agents like us, and captive agents. While both can provide insurance services, these two types of insurance agents are not...
Monday, August 9, 2021
More and more people these days are choosing to add dash cams to their vehicles, and for good reason. These small cameras can be highly useful to you, especially in the event that you get a traffic ticket or are...
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Summary: At Ficon-Bush Insurance, we strive to help the local community with their insurance needs and support our customers in every way possible. Due to current and expected future growth, we are seeking a customer...
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Summer is here and people are flocking to the water - whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...
Thursday, July 1, 2021
In today’s digital world, slander and libel lawsuits are more common than you may think. Comments made in haste or anger on social media can have lasting and far-reaching effects on a person’s reputation or character,...
Monday, May 10, 2021
Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can...
Friday, April 2, 2021
Sometimes a basic homeowners policy just isn’t enough. So as your career advances and your income increases, it’s important to keep your insurance protection up to date. This helps you avoid expensive gaps in coverage...
Friday, March 5, 2021
Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do from day to day, there’s the risk of identity theft. You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you’re...
Monday, February 8, 2021
If you have a homeowners policy, you probably expect it to cover all the costs of rebuilding your house in case it’s damaged or destroyed by a covered hazard. But are you certain you have enough coverage? Read about two...
Friday, January 22, 2021
The decision to buy life insurance is often met with confusion, denial or hesitancy. After all, it's not an easy subject to think about: What would happen if you were to pass away? However, your family's future depends...
Friday, January 8, 2021
It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this...
Friday, November 6, 2020
Fall is a wonderful time - if your home is ready for it. So while we have a little more warmer weather, now is the time to do a little preventative maintenance. You’ll fix small problems before they become big, and big...
Monday, October 5, 2020
We’re not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven’t noticed, the new school year is upon us. And as you get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing for something else - your home. It won’t...
Friday, August 7, 2020
Water damage can be disastrous to your home. Imagine discovering that your entire basement is filled with brown water and sewage from a backed-up water main or other pipe. It’s not only disgusting and potentially...
Friday, July 10, 2020
It doesn’t take a massive remodel, or a big budget, to make your house feel a little more like home to you. Inside or out, small improvements can make a significant difference - and whether you’re handy or not, you can...
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has us considering our own mortality and also asking about life insurance. Do I have enough? Is too late for me to get it? Will my family be secure if something happens to me? If you have...
Friday, March 6, 2020
Carrying a minimum amount of auto insurance is required by state laws, so you can’t legally drive without it. Yet while the minimum amount keeps your premiums lower, it can also put you at great risk if you have an...
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
The collector car market evolves with each generation. While the Silent Generation started collecting cars, it was Baby Boomers who really got it rolling. They fell in love with the Chevrolet Bel Air, the Ford Mustang,...
Monday, December 2, 2019
KIWANIS CLUB OF ST. ALBANS - ANGELA PORTERFIELD Angela Porterfield, Insurance Agent in our St. Albans, WV office is proudly the current President of the Kiwanis Club of St. Albans, WV. The Club was organized on May 15,...
Friday, August 2, 2019
There’s perhaps no organizing task more daunting than the garage-it’s often the dumping ground for the stuff that has no other place in the house, or the things you don’t use but just can’t bring yourself to toss. How...
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Summer break is almost half over, but there is still time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.) The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a...
Friday, June 7, 2019
With spring in full bloom and summer just on the horizon, prime boating season is upon us. And you might notice more people on the water than ever, because sales of recreational boats have been growing at a steady clip...
Monday, May 6, 2019
April 22 marked the 49th annual Earth Day, when more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries were expected to take part in what the Earth Day Network calls “the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.”...
Friday, April 5, 2019
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle the monumental spring cleaning chore, read on for some helpful...
Friday, March 1, 2019
Back in the early days of home security “systems,” around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire “door shakers”-night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were...
Friday, February 1, 2019
Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life. However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or a fire or some other...
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now-as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. That’s why we...
Monday, August 13, 2018
Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States commute to work by bicycle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of cars off the road each day, a lot of gasoline saved and a ton of...
Saturday, May 19, 2018
As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home isn’t something you use daily. And it isn’t something flashy you show off to friends. It’s your homeowners insurance policy, and it protects you in more...
Saturday, April 7, 2018
You probably don’t think your dog would ever bite someone, let alone cause a serious injury. But dog bites are more common than you might realize-4.5 million occur every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for...
Monday, March 26, 2018
A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason it should be insured. However, calling...
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars - but unfortunately, we’re still years away from living in a world where you just tell your car where to go, kick back and relax with a book (or, more likely, your phone)....
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
From building materials to furnishings, many of the things in your home likely aren’t as flame-resistant as those from yesteryear. A fire in a modern home is a “perfect storm,” according to safety consulting and...
Friday, November 10, 2017
It’s easy to lower your insurance costs - especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles. Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad...
Friday, June 2, 2017
Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can...
Friday, March 3, 2017
Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving When teens begin to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, the sobering statistics start to pile up:Car...
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this...
Friday, October 7, 2016
It seems everyone these days has a smartphone. Or a smart TV, a tablet, or an ebook reader. Or all of the above – and more. When you add it all up, you may find you have thousands and thousands of dollars tied up in...
Friday, September 2, 2016
Have you ever noticed that, with roadway anger, it’s always the other guy’s fault? And, it very well could be. The thing is, you can’t control how other people drive. But, you can control how you respond to situations...
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your...
Friday, May 6, 2016
A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each one. So, which is...
Friday, April 1, 2016
It’s just rain — how much impact can it really have on your driving?The answer: a lot. You’re likely to experience lower visibility, reduced traction and increased difficulty in handling your car both during and after a...
Friday, February 5, 2016
Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road, especially if you’re on vacation and aren’t used to driving in winter conditions. And, it’s an even worse time to...
Monday, October 12, 2015
Fall brings more than just changing leaves and shorter days. In Southern West Virginia, it also comes with a shift in weather conditions that can have a serious impact on your home. And, don’t forget, winter is right...
Monday, August 10, 2015
Two thirds of households in America have air conditioners, according to the U.S. Department of Energy — and they spend a total of $11 billion each year running them. Our guess is that most of those households (which may...
Friday, June 5, 2015
There are plenty of great reasons to bike to work: Commuters who ride save money on gas and car insurance, stay fit and help the environment (they don't get stuck in traffic, either). And they even have fun - as long as...
Monday, May 4, 2015
Spring is here, and you're ready to get out on the water. But is your boat ready? Even if you've kept it properly stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still a number of things you need to do...
Friday, April 3, 2015
Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and, as the weather gets warmer here in Southern West Virginia, and the days grow longer, there's a positive energy in the air. Many people decide it's the perfect time for...
Monday, March 9, 2015
From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more West Virginian residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat. Wherever you stand on the issues...
Friday, January 9, 2015
It's easy to forget about your tires when it comes to vehicle safety. But with winter weather already in many parts of the country, tires are an important aspect you should keep in mind. Your tires can be the difference...
Friday, November 14, 2014
The holidays can be a great time to get out of town to visit family you rarely get to see, hit the slopes or flee to the beach. Regardless of how you spend your time away, you need to ensure your house stays safe while...
Monday, October 6, 2014
If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone who does), you've probably thought about spending some evenings on the water - especially in the summertime. It's a great thought, of course. But,...
Friday, September 5, 2014
Yes, it's already time for school again. Getting a head start can pay big dividends for you and your kids as they head back to class. But, it's not just what they need for school that matters. It's what they need at...
Monday, August 4, 2014
In 1984, National Night Out - "America's Night Out Against Crime" - began as a way to promote crime prevention through neighborhood camaraderie. Since then, according to the National Association of Town Watch (NATW),...
Monday, July 14, 2014
"Reduce, reuse, recycle." Most likely, you've heard that catchy phrase connected with information about saving natural resources and even saving your family money. But how many of us really make reducing, reusing and...
Monday, June 2, 2014
If you're like most people, there are certain items you own that you can't imagine ever losing - possessions you deeply cherish or those that would be impossible to replace due to the cost of re-purchasing them or...