If you're anything like me, you look forward to the cooler seasons of the year — a break from the heat and a little kiss on your nose from the chill is welcome. However, once that first cold morning hits, you often wish those days of humidity and heat were back with a passion. Here are a number of tactics to help you survive the cold and keep your toes warm in your mobile home this winter.

• Reinsulate Your Walls Energy bills can be high in the winter. Since some mobile homes lack enough insulation, you can keep your costs low by reinsulating your walls. Purchase some thick insulation from your favorite home store and DIY like crazy.
• Caulk Consider re-caulking and weather stripping the cracks and crevices around openings in your mobile home to decrease the air flow entering your cozy space.
• Unplug Electronics When you aren't using an item, unplug it! We use more electricity powering our dormant electronics than during use. These savings can be applied toward your winter energy costs.
• Let Sunlight In This form of heat is free, so when the sun is shining, make sure you open every blind and let that natural heat enter your space!
• Invest in Energy-Efficient Window Treatments Consider investing in energy-efficient window treatments to keep the cold out and the heat in. A range of energy-efficient window treatments can be found here.
• Use Ceiling Fans While this may sound contradictory to the objective, running your ceiling fan will actually increase air flow and push the heat that has risen back down to your level.

Button up your coat and your home, and you'll find the chilly months of the year can be truly enjoyable.

Although snow can make winter driving difficult, it's not the real threat. Icy roads are one of the top causes of car accidents in the United States, and cause hundreds of deaths each year. It's easy to lose control of your car when the roads are icy, and is difficult to gain control again. There aren't any fool-proof ways to avoid black ice, but you can certainly protect yourself by understanding and knowing how to deal with this seasonal issue!

• Know where to expect black ice Black ice is generally formed when a light rain or drizzle falls on a road surface that is below freezing, and is most common at night or in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest. Maine's Bureau of General Services suggests to watch out for bridges and underpasses, road areas shaded by the sun, or low-lying areas that may have standing water or run off from nearby melting snow banks.
• Look for black ice (when you can) If lighting conditions are right, a driver might be able to spot ice on the road. If the majority of the road you are driving on appears to be a dull color except for one section that appears to be shiny, odds are, the glossy area is ice. Keeping headlights on might help provide that visible shine.
• Check your tire tread Use the penny test to check treads — if you can see Lincoln's head, get new tires! If not, you're good to go. For more car preparation tips like this one, follow our blog to the Winter Auto Safety Checklist.

Here are some tips to help you regain control of your car if you're sliding on black ice:

1. Stay calm.
2. Don't make sudden movements, you would only lose more control.
3. Do not hit the brakes.
4. Try to keep the steering wheel straight.
5. If you feel your car sliding right or left, make a gentle turn in the SAME direction you feel you're going.
6. De-accelerate slowly by lifting your foot from the gas pedal.
7. If you can, shift into a lower gear.
8. If you still cannot gain control of your car, try to steer into an area with low impact like a snowbank or empty field.
9. Find a safe location to park your vehicle as soon as possible.

Hopefully you now feel better prepared to brave the winter ahead!

With the crisp winter air, it won't be long before you're able to take your snowmobile out on the trail, if you haven't already. Before you do, you may want to ask your insurance agency some questions about snowmobile insurance coverage. Foremost Insurance Group has some suggestions to help you get started.

1. Is my optional equipment covered?
"You'll want to know if your windshields, new seats or running boards are covered under your current policy, if they aren't included as standard by the manufacturer," says Foremost® assistant product manager Jarrod Long. "A good policy will give you a set amount of coverage for optional equipment included with your comprehensive coverage, with the ability to purchase more."

2. Is my safety apparel covered?"
Helmets, gloves, boots and any other clothing designed to minimize injury are generally considered safety apparel," adds Long. "Be sure to discuss what this coverage includes with your agent. Typically damage to safety apparel is covered, but theft is not. Check with your agent or broker."

3. What kind of higher limits are available for Liability coverage?"
Liability coverage is important in case you are found responsible for someone else's injury while driving your snowmobile," states Long. "Considering attorney fees and other costs associated with litigation can increase quickly, having the option for higher limits is a plus.. Based on their financial situation, most people try to match their snowmobile liability limits to the liability limits they have on their automobile."

4. What discounts are available?"
Discounts will help you save money on the premium you pay for your policy," Long adds. "You may qualify for a multi-policy discount if you insure more than just your snowmobile with the same company. Specifically for snowmobiles, you may be able to get discounts for taking safety courses or having multiple vehicles."

5. What payment plans are available?
"Whether you want to pay in full or in installments, having the flexibility to choose is a good option to have," suggests Long. "Talk to your agent or broker. Insurance companies offer many different plans such as one-pay, four-pay or ten-pay options."

​This time of the year is always hectic, especially when you add traveling into the mix. Between standstill traffic on the roadways, packed airports, crying kids and canceled flights – it can put a damper on your holiday spirit. To avoid all the craziness, we put together some tips and tricks to get you to your holiday destination safe and sound. Remember, it's always important to do your research, plan ahead and be prepared for the unexpected!

• Don't travel during high peak times. Sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic is no fun. If you want to avoid this, leave earlier (or later) than everyone else. The few days before Christmas and the day after New Year's Day are all peak travel days. However, if you do end up traveling on these days, plan for more cars on the road and add to your driving time. The same advice goes for airports if you want to avoid long check-in lines and crowds. If you have to fly during peak travel days, add some patience to your travel gear so you are prepared for whatever experience awaits at your local airport.
• Check your flight information often. If you show up to the airport without having checked the status of your flight, you may be in for a rude awakening. During this time of the year, weather changes frequently and can delay or cancel flights unexpectedly. To stay on top of things, follow your airline on social media, check-in online 24 hours ahead of your flight, download the airline's smartphone app or call the airline before you leave your house!
• Pack light. If you're flying, minimize added fees by limiting your baggage to carry-on items only. This way you'll also avoid the baggage check-in lines all together. A good packing tip is to plan your days ahead while packing. For example, if you're leaving for four days, you really only need 4-5 outfits (plus, you'll be wearing one already!). There are also packing techniques you can try that will give you more space in your carry-on. We also suggest you ship larger gifts to your destination instead of packing them. Or keep the gifts simple by buying gift cards for your family members!
• Carry an emergency road kit. This is essential for long road trips. During the winter, the roads can be filled with ice and snow… and these conditions can take a toll on your car. Because of the potential for inclement weather and extra cars on the road, you'll want to be ready for anything. To ensure a safe drive with your family, read our winter auto safety checklist and consider taking some of those items along with you.
• Pack food and drinks for the road. Doing this means less stops and happier passengers. Bring along nonperishable food like beef jerky or granola bars. If you have a cooler, pack easy meals like sandwiches and yogurt. If you're flying, solid foods like potato chips or apples are allowed through security, but skip the drinks.⚹
• Bring items to entertain the kids (and yourself). We all know long car rides and layovers at the airport are tiresome. If you have a DVD player in your car, bring movies that will keep kids entertained for a while, or let them play games on a tablet with each other. If you want more fun ideas, purchase some road trip games that everyone can enjoy. Plus – there's always the classics: "I Spy" or "20 Questions." If you're driving solo, have your favorite playlist or podcast downloaded and ready to go! You'll be surprised how quickly time will fly. If you're stuck at the airport, you have a little more flexibility. Check out our list of fun ideas you can do there to help pass the time!

Most importantly, don't forget to bring a positive attitude! It will certainly make the traveling process a lot smoother, and remember - there's always a solution to everything. Have fun and save travels!
⚹ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/printable

Slipping and sliding can have either very positive or very negative connotations depending on the time of year. During the summer, it can sound like a fun afternoon's activity! But during the winter, the term has a whole new meaning, especially when you have to drive. Those icy and snow-filled roads can take a toll on your car and make driving even more dangerous. Check out these tips to help keep you and your car in the best shape possible for the winter to come!

• Make sure your antifreeze reservoir is full This chemical makes the freezing point of your car much lower and will protect your radiator from freezing throughout the night. You can either open the cap on the radiator or simply check the 'full' line on the side of the reservoir to ensure you have enough the last through the winter.
• Test defroster This handy tool can sometimes stop working at the most inopportune times. Check both front and rear defrosters to make sure all fog and crystallized ice can just melt away at the click of a button. Generally, if your air conditioning or heating is working, your defroster will be working as well, but if your defroster does not work, check out this article to learn how to fix it.
• Check tire pressure If you are a part of the 19% of people that properly check and inflate their tires, good for you! But for those of you that do not, Foremost® strongly suggests that you check your tire pressure before the snow hits this winter. Why? Tell us what happens if you drive with low tire pressure.
• Check tire tread Every year, an estimated 90 people die and 3,200 receive injuries in crashes influenced by tire aging! Use the penny test to check treads — if you can see Lincoln's head, get new tires! If not, you're good to go.
• Maintain a healthy battery Maintain a healthy auto battery to make sure you don't end up having to jump start your car in below-freezing temperatures. Make sure headlights, passenger lights, and GPS/phone charger power sockets are all turned off before exiting your vehicle.
• Keep fuel levels high If you like to live on the edge when it comes to your fuel-tank levels, you may want to try otherwise this winter. Condensation can form in the empty part of your gas tank, which then freezes in winter's cold temperatures and keeps your car from starting. The best way to avoid a frozen tank is to keep your fuel levels at least half full during the winter.

You should also check for:

• Window wiper efficiency
• Blue washer fluid
• Ignition lights
• Oil

Don't forget to keep a warm blanket in your trunk, and of course, if you feel that conditions are too dangerous to drive, consider staying where you are and waiting it out!

Let's admit it, summer is definitely the most cheery season of the year. That warm, sunny weather boosts our mood and allows us to go on adventures wrapped in the warmth of the sun. But hey, winter has its perks too! Think of all those holiday parties, tasty treats and snow forts! Or maybe you prefer a warm, cozy night watching your favorite movie or reading your favorite book.

Wait… your furnace isn't working? Well that's no good. If you live in a cold-weather state, it's important that your furnace is in great shape so it keeps your home warm all season long.

Here are seven tips to help keep your house toasty without burning through cash. Stay warm and save money with these seven tips for getting started:

• Switch your thermostat from cooling to heating
• Change or clean the filter A furnace filter should be checked on once a month during the colder season and quarterly while it's not in use. Replace the disposable filter or wash/brush/vacuum permanent filters during each checkup, and consider writing the date on the filter when you change it. Setting a calendar reminder on your phone for the following month will also help ensure that you make the swap on time.
• Keep flammable objects away from the furnace You may be surprised to learn that heating systems are second highest cause of home fires, just after cooking! Everyday objects like rags, mops, paper and paint cans are extremely flammable and should not be left anywhere near a gas furnace.
• Check for and tape-up any air leaks in exposed ductwork Duct leakage is a big deal. According to Energy Vanguard, it's one of the top three energy wasters in most homes! There are four sensory ways to check the efficiency of your ductwork: look, listen, feel, and test. Pacific Air Systems suggests that you:
  LOOK for any cracks, gaps, or holes in your ductwork, paying careful attention to the seams and connections and where they meet walls, floors, ceilings, vents and registers.
  LISTEN for banging and other sounds in your duct system. Loud noises are an indication that something is wrong.
  FEEL for proper airflow coming out of all vents and registers. The air should be coming out at a consistent rate and pressure.
  TEST for air leaks using an incense stick, thin piece of toilet paper, or your wet fingertips. If you see the smoke or paper moving erratically, or if your finger feels cold, you’ve just detected an air leak!

Do you remember when you were young and had to check under your bed for monsters before you could go to sleep? I sure do! Because of my hyperactive imagination and the poor decision to watch one too many cheesy 80s horror movies, I was absolutely terrified of monsters when I was a kid. Every night I would thoroughly inspect all of the best hiding places in my room before I reluctantly switched off the light and frantically dashed for my bed, fully expecting to be ambushed by a mob of gremlins as soon as everything was dark. I certainly didn't want any mischievous little critters to snack on one of my exposed limbs as I slept, so I wrapped myself in a cocoon of blankets as an extra precaution.

Now that I am an adult who is fairly confident that there are no monsters under my bed, I have a more important question to ask: What's lurking below your mobile home? The answer probably isn't monsters, but here are three things that you may find:

Animals
Mice, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, insects and other critters may invade the space below your mobile home and cause messes, loud noises, bothersome odors and other damages. Keeping your trash and recycle bins tightly closed and making a point to keep the underside of your home clean of trash and debris are good strategies for keeping otherwise curious animals away. It also helps to keep bird feeders a good distance from your home, as they attract pesky squirrels and raccoons. According to SFGate, sprinkling chili or habanero flakes in the dirt around your home is an effective way to repel many animals. But if you do end up finding an animal under your home, don't try to remove it yourself. Instead, call your local animal control service−they can help you find a safe solution.

Water
If there is an abundance of clay in the soil around your home or if your yard is not graded well, any water that collects under your home may not be able to drain properly. Rainfall and even plumbing leaks can lead to excess moisture, and if you don't act quickly to fix this problem, your home could become musty and moldy. My Mobile Home Makeover suggests addressing the issue of pooling rain water by stapling plastic sheeting to the bottom frames of skirting so that any water that collects will be absorbed beneath the plastic and will not damage the bottom of your home. You can also install gutters to prevent rain water from pooling underneath or around your home.

Holes
It never hurts to thoroughly inspect the bottom of your mobile home for holes. Gaps, tears and open spaces enable animals to sneak in and make your home their own. Holes could also expose water pipes and wires, which could easily be damaged by outside elements. If you find holes in the polyethylene belly wrap below your home, SFGate suggests stuffing fiberglass insulation into the space before patching it. Additionally, cleaning the area around the hole will make the patch stick more effectively. Lastly, if you plan to file a claim with your insurance company, be sure to take photos of the holes and other damages and keep careful records of your receipts and invoices related to any mobile home underbelly repairing projects.

Routinely checking under your mobile home for animals, water and holes will help you stay aware of potentially monstrous damages that require your attention.

If you live in a climate where the temperature starts dropping in October and there's a chance of snow from November through February, you'll most likely be thinking about putting your motorcycle away for the winter.

Your motorcycle is an investment of your finances and your time, and it's important to think about keeping it clean and safe while the weather is cold and snowy. Wherever you may choose to keep it for the winter season, remember these tips from the Foremost Insurance Group and the American Motorcyclist Association:

Clean it up
Give your bike a good wash and wax and cover it with a breathable cloth cover. This will keep dirt and dust, or other airborne matter in your garage, from settling on your bike.

Gas it up
Top off your tank and add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer prevents your fuel from breaking down and producing a brown residue that can coat your carburetor. Run your engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated gas. Since gas is flammable, do not store a motorcycle with a full tank of gas in an area where there is open flame, pilot lights, sparks or motors.

Change the oil
Just before you put your motorcycle into storage, change the oil. Used oil that sits in your bike all winter becomes corrosive and can damage your motorcycle's parts.

Check the coolant
Since motorcycles are not used in freezing temperatures, many riders overlook the use of coolant. Use a floating-ball device to check if your coolant level is sufficient to resist freezing. If it's low, always add according to the manufacturer's directions.

Charge the battery
Remove your battery, store it at a temperature above 32 degrees and trickle-charge it once a month. If you're able to run the bike once a month, leave the battery in the bike and disconnect the negative cable end.

Remember the tires
If you can manage it, store your bike with the motorcycle off the ground. If you can't do this, make sure the tires are properly inflated, set the bike on its stand and rotate the front tire every so often to avoid flat spots.

By taking the time to properly prepare your motorcycle for storage, you'll save more time in the spring when you want to take your motorcycle out on the open road.

Motorcycle insurance
It's important that you have the right motorcycle insurance. You need an insurance policy that offers the coverages that are important to your specific bike and lifestyle. Take a look at our coverage options on our motorcycle insurance page, or get a quote.

Important things to look for when choosing a specialized motorcycle insurance policy:

• Safety Apparel Coverage to protect your investment in helmets, leathers, gloves and any other clothing designed to minimize injury in the event of an accident.
• Optional Equipment Coverage for chroming, custom painting, side cars or anything else that was not included as standard by the manufacturer.
• Optional Towing and Roadside Assistance in case your bikes breaks down and can't be ridden when you're away from home because you run out of gas, get a flat, or have other mechanical issues.
• Optional Replacement Cost Coverage on bikes purchased new and insured within 30 days.
• Flexible payment plans so you can choose the plan that best fits your budget.
• Deductible and coverage limit options.
• Premium discounts.

Add a little snow and an awesome machine and you have the wonderful world of snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is a popular pastime, especially in Michigan where our campus is located. I have only been on a snowmobile three times, so I'm no expert!

Every weekend you see snowmobiles on trailers riding down the freeway or snowmobiles on snowy paths on the way to a weekend or week-long trip. Whether you are going for the day, or making a vacation out of it, preparation is essential. Anytime you venture out into the cold, some risks are involved. Severe weather, unexpected hazards, injuries, or simply losing the trail … these things can happen quickly and it's best to be prepared. So, what do you need for a successful and fun snowmobile trip?

Anytime you venture out into the cold, some risks are involved. Severe weather, unexpected hazards, injuries, or simply losing the trail…

• Map and compass
• General first-aid kit
• GPS and cellphone
• Survival kit
• Signal flares
• Waterproof matches
• Hand axe
• Flashlight
• Tarpaulin
• High-energy snacks such as candy bars
• Food and water for emergencies including enough for one extra day for each day of your trip
• Most importantly – Before You Leave … Tell someone where you plan to travel and when you will be back.

We want you to have safe travels!

It's a necessary task for any seasonal home owner, and you still have time to get it done: preparing your seasonal home for the rigors of winter. Properly planning now can help you avoid damage and expensive repairs in the spring.

The best preparation is to develop a checklist of tasks and then follow it faithfully. Here are the major areas for winterization that Foremost recommends your list includes:

• Plumbing This is one of the most important areas to address when winterizing a seasonal home. If your furnace fails, any water in the house could possibly freeze and cause major damage. Make sure the water system is turned off at its supply point and any pipes are cleared to prevent possible freezing and bursting. Further, the toilet as well as the shower and sink traps should be flushed and protected with non-toxic antifreeze.
• Appliances You should drain any appliance that may hold water, including the water heater, washing machines, dishwashers or ice makers Also make sure the refrigerator and freezer are properly defrosted and propped open to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Unplug all devices that don't need to be powered and shut off the valves for any gas appliances.
• Furnace Turn down the thermostat to about 55 degrees to help prevent freezing problems unless your home is an area that doesn't get too cold in the winter. If your heater will be turned off over the winter, follow the manufacturer's instructions for winterizing the system.
• Structural repairs Check the roof and siding to make sure it's secure and intact. If a shingle or piece were to blow off while the house is empty and go unnoticed, it could cause bigger water or structural damage problems. Examine the exterior around windows, doors and any pipe openings and caulk any areas that could let air, water, bugs or rodents into the house.
• Outdoor work Clean up the yard and trim back bushes from the home to make it harder for burglars to hide. Secure all outdoor furniture in a locked garage or shed.
• Indoor cleaning Thoroughly clean the house before closing it for winter to help prevent mold, mildew or insect and rodent problems. Remove all perishable items and any boxed food that animals could eat. Move electronics, TVs or computers from plain sight so anyone looking in the windows won't see them. Consider removing any other small valuables from the premises altogether.
• Security Make sure all windows are closed and locked and sliding doors are secured with bars in the track to prevent entry. Check door locks to make sure the latch plates are screwed into the wall studs and not just the door frame. Close the curtains and if any neighbors are permanent residents, consider giving a trustworthy one a spare key to check on the place. Otherwise, arrange to have someone check on the place weekly, or install a remotely monitored security system.

It's also important to do an insurance check-up with your insurance agency to make sure your home's policy adequately covers it while it's closed. Seasonal homes often require a specialized policy that addresses the specific situation of a homeowner who only occupies a residence for part of the year.