5 Things That Changed in 2025 That Could Leave You Underinsured in 2026

The ball has dropped, the resolutions are set, and a fresh new year—2026—is officially underway! As you look forward to what this year holds, it's also the perfect time for a quick look back at 2025. Why? Because sometimes, the most exciting changes in our lives can inadvertently create hidden gaps in our insurance coverage, leaving us vulnerable if something unexpected happens.

Many people assume their insurance policy is a "set it and forget it" item, but life moves fast. The things that changed in your world last year could mean your existing policies aren't quite keeping pace with your current reality.

Here are five common scenarios from 2025 that could leave you underinsured in 2026, and why a quick review with your agent is a smart move right now:

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1. Your Home's Value Skyrocketed (or You Made Improvements)

Did you tackle that kitchen remodel, add a new deck, or finish the basement last year? Even minor upgrades like new flooring or a bathroom refresh significantly increase the cost to rebuild your home. Beyond renovations, construction costs and material prices have likely continued to climb into 2026. If your policy’s "dwelling coverage" hasn't been updated, you could be seriously underinsured.

The Hidden Gap: In the event of a total loss, your policy might only pay out the old, lower amount, leaving you to cover the substantial difference out-of-pocket to rebuild your home to its current standard.

2026 Action: Review your home's estimated replacement cost, not its market value. Have you told your insurer about significant renovations? Even if you haven't renovated, ask your agent to re-evaluate your dwelling coverage based on current construction costs in our area.

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2. You Acquired New Valuables (Hello, Holiday Gifts!)

The holiday season often brings new treasures into our homes – a dazzling piece of jewelry, a high-end camera, a sophisticated new e-bike, or a coveted piece of art. Standard home insurance policies have limits on certain categories of personal property, especially for high-value items like jewelry, furs, silverware, and firearms.

The Hidden Gap: Your new diamond necklace or that vintage watch might only be covered up to a few thousand dollars under your standard policy, far less than its actual worth. If it's lost, stolen, or damaged, you could face a significant financial loss.

2026 Action: Create a quick inventory of any new valuable items acquired in 2025. Consider "scheduling" specific high-value items on your policy. This provides broader coverage and ensures they're insured for their appraised value.

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3. Your Driving Habits Changed (For Better or Worse)

Did you get a new job with a longer commute? Did you start working from home, drastically reducing your mileage? Or perhaps you added a new driver to your household, like a newly licensed teen? Your auto insurance premium is highly dependent on how and how much you drive, and who is driving.

The Hidden Gap: If you're driving significantly more, you could be taking on more risk without adequate liability limits. If you're driving much less, you might be overpaying for coverage you no longer need, or conversely, missing out on "pay-as-you-drive" discounts that reward lower mileage. A new teen driver without proper coverage is a huge risk.

2026 Action: Inform your agent about any significant changes in your daily commute, annual mileage, or household drivers. Many insurers offer usage-based insurance programs in 2026 that could save you money if you drive less.

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4. You Started a Side Hustle or Home-Based Business

The gig economy is thriving, and many people dipped their toes into entrepreneurship from home in 2025 – whether it's selling handmade crafts online, freelancing, dog walking, or providing consulting services. While exciting, this blurs the lines between personal and business liability.

The Hidden Gap: Your standard homeowners or renters insurance policy is designed for personal use, not commercial activities. It likely offers very limited, if any, coverage for business equipment, inventory, or most critically, liability claims arising from your business operations. An injured client visiting your home, or a defect in a product you sold, could lead to a lawsuit not covered by your personal policy.

2026 Action: Discuss your home-based business with your insurance agent. You might need a specific home business endorsement or a separate business insurance policy to protect your assets and livelihood.

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5. Your Personal Liability Exposure Shifted

Life changes can also impact your personal liability. Did you install a swimming pool, trampoline, or a new dog in 2025? Did you start volunteering more, or join a new community board? These are all wonderful, but they can increase your risk of being held financially responsible if someone is injured on your property or due to your actions.

The Hidden Gap: Your standard homeowners policy has liability limits that might not be sufficient if a serious accident occurs, leading to extensive medical bills or a lawsuit. A lawsuit resulting from a dog bite or a pool accident could quickly exceed those limits, putting your personal assets at risk.

2026 Action: Inform your agent about any new "attractive nuisances" like pools or trampolines, or new pets. Also, consider an Umbrella Policy. For a surprisingly affordable premium, an umbrella policy provides an extra layer of liability protection above and beyond your home and auto policies, offering millions in additional coverage.

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Don't Let Hidden Gaps Become Big Problems in 2026

January is more than just a time for new beginnings; it's a prime opportunity for smart reviews. Taking a few minutes to assess your 2025 changes can ensure your insurance coverage is perfectly aligned with your life today, protecting everything you've worked so hard for.

Ready to ensure your coverage is up-to-date for 2026?

Click here to schedule a complimentary "2026 Coverage Checkup" with our experienced team. We'll help you identify any potential hidden gaps and ensure you have the peace of mind you deserve this new year.

Sizzling Your Way to a Flavorful Feast: A Visit to Galbi Grill in St. George, Utah

When you're craving a dining experience that's both interactive and incredibly delicious, look no further than Galbi Grill in St. George, Utah. Located conveniently within the Red Cliffs Mall, this restaurant brings the authentic and exciting world of Korean barbecue and hot pot right to your table.

What is Galbi Grill?

Galbi Grill isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination for a culinary adventure. "Galbi" (or "Kalbi") translates to "rib" in Korean, and it's the star of the show here. The restaurant specializes in Korean BBQ (KBBQ), a style of dining where you grill your own marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables on a tabletop grill. It's a fun, social, and hands-on way to enjoy a meal.

The Experience

The moment you walk in, you're greeted with the inviting aroma of sizzling meat and a friendly, bustling atmosphere. The staff is known for their great service and are always happy to guide you through the process, whether you're a KBBQ veteran or a first-timer.

The real magic happens when you choose your proteins. Galbi Grill offers a diverse selection of high-quality meats, including their namesake marinated beef short ribs (Galbi), savory bulgogi, and various cuts of pork and chicken. You can also explore options like fresh seafood and an array of vegetables.

Each KBBQ meal comes with a variety of banchan, or small side dishes. These traditional Korean accompaniments, like kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), pickled radishes, and bean sprouts, are essential to the experience. They provide a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the best part is they are often unlimited!

Beyond the Grill

While the Korean BBQ is the main attraction, Galbi Grill's menu extends to other fantastic Korean dishes. They also offer a Hot Pot experience, where you cook your ingredients in a bubbling, flavorful broth. And for those who prefer to have their food prepared for them, there are delicious entrees like bibimbap (a mixed rice bowl), various stews, and fried rice.

A Community Favorite

Galbi Grill is more than just a restaurant; it's a part of the St. George community. It's a perfect spot for a date night, a family dinner, or a celebration with friends. The interactive nature of the meal sparks conversation and creates lasting memories.

So, if you're in the St. George area and looking for a unique and flavorful meal, make your way to Galbi Grill. Prepare to fire up the grill, fill your table with delicious food, and enjoy an unforgettable taste of Korea.

Have you heard of captive insurance?

Unlocking Savings and Control: The Power of Captive Insurance

For many businesses, the traditional insurance market can feel like a black box – premiums rise, control is limited, and true cost savings seem out of reach. But what if there was a way to take ownership of your insurance program, potentially reduce costs, and even earn back unused premiums? That's where captive insurance comes in.

Captive insurance allows best-in-class companies to come together and form their own insurance company. This strategic commitment can lead to safer workplaces, lower overall insurance costs, and greater control over your programs.

Here are some key benefits of joining a group captive:

• Premiums Based on Actual Loss History: Unlike conventional plans where premiums are often based on broad class codes, group captive members enjoy custom premiums that reflect their actual 5-year loss history. This means if you manage risk efficiently, your annual costs can decrease.
• Lower Operating Costs: Group captives minimize overhead and spread costs among members, leading to reduced operating expenses. On average, only 32 cents of every dollar go to operating expenses, compared to approximately 40% with conventional plans.
• Risk Management Resources: Members gain access to a wealth of resources, including a network of over 400 loss-prevention professionals, educational workshops, networking opportunities, and regular Risk Control Assessments.
• Insulation from Market Conditions: Group captives are designed to remove best-in-class companies from volatile market fluctuations, providing more stabilized and predictable insurance costs.
• Profit Potential from Unused Loss Funds: When members effectively manage risk and preserve their loss fund, the captives return those dollars to the members, plus investment income. Some captives supported by Captive Resources invest in a shared fund that earns an annual return of over 6%. Members have earned dividends in 98% of accident years, with around 60% of years seeing dividends over 20%.
• Ownership Over Insurance Program: Becoming an owner in your own insurance company gives you greater control over claims processes, third-party administrator (TPA) selection, and premium costs.

While group captive insurance is a long-term strategy, not a short-term cash grab, almost three-quarters of new bound policies in group captives had lower costs than their previous conventional plans, with many saving 10% or more.

If your company is financially strong, has superior performance, and is entrepreneurial, invested, and safety-conscious, a group captive could be a powerful alternative to traditional insurance.

Give us a call at 435-674-2221 and we can discuss the details about a captive insurance program.

Positano: A Taste of Italy in St. George, Utah

For those seeking an authentic Italian culinary experience in the heart of Southern Utah, Positano Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is a must-visit destination. This relative newcomer to the St. George dining scene has quickly become a local favorite, drawing patrons with its made-from-scratch dishes and sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.

Opened by St. George brothers and seasoned culinary professionals, Chef Cameron Payne and Royce Payne, Positano is a testament to their passion for classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu is a journey through the flavors of Italy, featuring handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and perfectly grilled meats.

Guests can start their meal with a selection of appetizers like a creamy burrata with roasted tomatoes and corn, or the classic Fritto Misto. The pasta dishes are the star of the show, with options ranging from a rich Casarecce Bolognese with short rib ragu to a decadent Burrata and Pesto Ravioli. For a truly unique experience, some specialty pasta dishes are even prepared tableside in a giant cheese wheel.

Beyond the food, Positano's ambiance is what sets it apart. The restaurant offers a chic and intimate setting, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The thoughtfully curated wine list complements the menu, and the staff's knowledge and attentiveness ensure a memorable dining experience from start to finish.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Positano Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar brings a little piece of the Italian coast to the desert of St. George, offering a dining experience that is both delicious and unforgettable.

How to Clean Your Dryer Duct

Key takeaways

As your dryer dries your clothes, heat and moisture build up in the dryer. Your dryer’s vent ducts allow that hot, moisture-filled air to escape your dryer—and your home. This is a safety feature that helps prevent your dryer from overheating and starting a fire, but over time, lint from your clothes can clog your vent ducts, increasing the risk of a fire. Each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments respond to close to 14,000 home fires caused by clothes dryers.

Dryer manufacturers recommend cleaning the lint filter after every load, but sometimes, lint gets through that filter and collects in your dryer vent ducts.

To reduce the chances of a dryer fire, clean your dryer vent ducts once a year.

If you have a large family, a long duct, or an old dryer, the ducts may require cleaning more often.

Signs that your dryer vent ducts are blocked

If your dryer isn’t venting properly, it could overheat and cause a fire. Some dryers have a “Check vent” indicator. If this light comes on, it means that your dryer’s airflow is restricted. Clogged vent ducts are the most likely cause, but the indicator may not detect a partially blocked vent. Be on the lookout for other warning signs as well. Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you noticed a burning smell coming from your dryer?
• Is the dryer area hotter than usual?
• Are your clothes taking longer to dry?

These are all signs that your dryer vent ducts may need cleaning. If you find lots of lint on your clothes when you remove them from the dryer, that’s another sign.

While lint buildup is the most likely culprit of clogged dryer ducts, you’ll also want to take a look at the dryer vent cover located where your dryer duct exits your home. When your dryer is running, the vent cover outside your home should open to release air. If the vent cover is missing or damaged, insects, rodents, or birds may have made themselves at home inside the warm vent.

How to clean your dryer vent ducts yourself

Step #1: Assess the scope of the project

If your dryer vent duct is very long or hard to reach, consider hiring a professional to do the job. If you decide to clean the dryer duct yourself, read through the following instructions and be sure you have the right tools.

Step #2: Gather your tools

Here’s what you’ll want to have handy: utility gloves, a screwdriver, a trash bag, a vacuum, and a dryer vent duct cleaning kit. The cleaning kit will include a brush with a long extension that allows you to reach much further inside the ducts than you could with your hands alone. If you have a power drill, a cleaning kit with a drill attachment will make the job easier. Cleaning dryer vent ducts is a dusty job, so you’ll also need a ventilation mask and goggles.

Step #3: Disconnect the dryer

If your dryer is hot, let it cool down before you begin. Unplug your dryer from the power outlet. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply, and be very careful not to disturb the gas line as you clean out the ducts.

Step #4: Move the dryer away from the wall

Pull the dryer away from the wall so you have access to the vent area.

Step #5: Remove the vent cover

Use a screwdriver to remove the vent cover from the wall so that you can detach the dryer vent hose from the wall.

Step #6: Clean out the ducts

Which end of your dryer vent duct is higher up—the one inside your house or the one outside? You’ll want to start with the higher end of the duct so gravity can help you clear the ducts. Feed the brush from the cleaning kit into the dryer vent duct, adding extensions as needed. Turn the brush by hand or with a drill attachment, and move it back and forth to remove lint and any other blockages in the duct. If your vacuum has a hose attachment, you can use it to vacuum the lint or debris from the duct.

Step #7: Inspect the duct

Before reattaching the duct, look it over carefully for any signs of damage. If you have a vinyl dryer duct, take this opportunity to replace it with a rigid or semi-rigid metal dryer duct. Metal ducts are less flammable and trap less lint.

Step #8: Reattach the duct and vent covers

Securely fasten the dryer vent duct and vent cover back into place.

Step #9: Clean around the dryer

Vacuum any remaining dust and debris from around the dryer.

Step #10: Move the dryer back into place

Push the dryer back to its normal location.

Step #11: Plug the dryer back in

Once the dryer is in the correct position, plug it into the power outlet. If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas back on.

Step #12: Test the dryer

Now, it’s time to make sure the dryer is functioning correctly. Thanks to your newly cleaned ducts, you should have better airflow through the vent duct. To confirm this, check that hot air is coming through the outside vent.

Bottom Line

Cleaning out your dryer vent ducts doesn’t just prevent fires—it makes your dryer more efficient, which means your clothes dry faster and your energy bill goes down. This DIY project may leave you a little dusty, but it will also leave you with a safer home and save you money.

October Insurance Tips

October Insurance Awareness: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

October is a month filled with festivities and family time. As we gather for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving feasts, and cozy nights indoors, it's essential to ensure we're also protected against unexpected life events. This October, let's delve into the importance of insurance and explore how it can provide peace of mind and financial security.

Why Insurance Matters

Insurance acts as a safety net, shielding you from significant financial losses in case of accidents, illnesses, or other unforeseen circumstances. It's a proactive step towards safeguarding your assets, protecting your loved ones, and maintaining a stable lifestyle.

Types of Insurance to Consider

• Homeowners Insurance: Covers your home's structure and belongings in case of damage caused by fire, theft, natural disasters, or other perils.
• Auto Insurance: Protects you and your vehicle in the event of accidents, theft, or property damage.
• Life Insurance: Provides financial support to your beneficiaries upon your death, helping them cover expenses like mortgage payments, education costs, and living expenses.
• Health Insurance: Offers coverage for medical expenses, including doctor's visits, prescription drugs, and hospital stays.
• Renter's Insurance: Protects your personal belongings and covers liability if someone is injured in your rental unit.

October Insurance Tips

• Review Your Policies: Take time to review your existing insurance policies to ensure they adequately meet your current needs. Consider any life changes, such as a new home, a baby, or a change in income, that may require adjustments to your coverage.
• Consider Umbrella Insurance: If you have significant assets, an umbrella policy can provide additional liability coverage beyond your homeowners and auto insurance limits.
• Shop Around for the Best Deals: Don't be afraid to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the most competitive rates and coverage options.
• Understand Your Deductibles: Be aware of your deductibles for each type of insurance. A higher deductible generally means lower premiums, but it also means you'll pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim.
• Protect Your Digital Assets: Consider adding cyber insurance to protect your personal information and online assets from identity theft and other cyber threats.

By taking proactive steps to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from financial hardship and enjoy peace of mind. This October, make insurance a priority and take control of your future.

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