​August is here and temperatures are skyrocketing! Whether you're trying to beat the heat by hitting the open road on your motorcycle, exploring trails on your ATV, cruising the lake in your boat, or taking your RV on a family adventure, summer is the perfect time to make lasting memories.
Before planning your summer activities assuming your stuff is covered, it is a good idea to make sure your “toys” are fully protected the way you want them to be!

​More Than Just Fun—They're Valuable Assets
Motorcycles, RVs, campers, boats, ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, and personal watercraft can represent a significant investment. Unfortunately, accidents, theft, weather damage, and unexpected repairs can happen when you least expect them.
Having the right insurance coverage can help protect you from costly surprises and give you greater confidence while enjoying your summer adventures.
Are My Vehicles Covered Under My Current Policies?
Many owners are surprised to learn that their standard auto or homeowners’ policy may not provide the protection they expect. While homeowners’ insurance may provide limited protection for certain personal property, it generally does not provide liability or physical damage coverage when recreational vehicles are being used.
Each type of vehicle needs coverage specific to how it is used and the protection it needs.
When in doubt, it never hurts to ask your favorite insurance agent what the best way to be insured is!
Important Coverages To Consider:
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage helps protect you financially if you're responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to someone else. If you're involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle or operating your ATV, liability coverage can help pay for medical expenses, legal costs, and property damage up to your policy limits.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects against many non-collision losses, including fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, storm/hail damage, flood, and animal collisions. Summer storms can develop quickly, especially in the Midwest, making comprehensive coverage an important consideration during this time of year.
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your recreational vehicle if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. This can be especially valuable for newer or financed “toys”.
Accessory and Custom Equipment Coverage
Have you upgraded your motorcycle or Golf cart with custom wheels, chrome accessories, upgraded audio equipment, or other modifications? Standard policies may limit coverage for aftermarket parts unless they're specifically insured.
The same applies to custom RV equipment, ATV accessories, and boat electronics.
Roadside Assistance and Trip Interruption
For RV owners especially, optional roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage can be invaluable. These coverages may help with towing, flat tires, battery service, fuel delivery, locksmith services, and certain unexpected lodging or transportation expenses if a covered loss interrupts your trip.
Enjoy the Adventure with Confidence
Your recreational vehicles represent more than just a financial investment—they're how you spend time with family, explore new places, and enjoy the freedom of summer.
Whether you're riding, camping, boating, or exploring the outdoors, having the right insurance coverage allows you to focus on the adventure instead of worrying about the unexpected.
If it's been a while since you've reviewed your motorcycle, RV, boat, ATV, or other recreational vehicle insurance, or are considering a new vehicle, we'd be happy to help. Contact your Brightside agent or the office for a personalized coverage review and let us help ensure you're protected wherever your next adventure takes you.

The good news? In many cases, pools are covered by homeowner’s insurance. However, the type and extent of coverage can vary depending on your policy and insurance carrier. 

Under homeowner’s policies there are two types of protection: property and liability coverage. 

Understanding Property Coverage: Is Damage to my Pool Covered? 

Many insurance carriers classify in-ground pools and permanently installed above-ground pools as "other structures" on your homeowners insurance policy. In many cases, this means your pool may be covered similarly to other structures on your property, such as a detached garage, shed, or fence. 

Like your home itself, insurance is designed to protect against sudden and accidental losses—not damage that occurs gradually over time due or a maintenance issue. Generally, unexpected events that are outside of your control may be covered, while damage caused by wear and tear, neglect, or failure to properly maintain the pool is not. 

For example, if a severe windstorm causes a healthy tree to fall into your pool, your homeowner’s insurance may help cover the resulting damage. On the other hand, if the tree was dead, rotting, or showing obvious signs of deterioration and eventually fell because it wasn't removed, the claim could be denied because the damage may be considered preventable. 

Because coverage can vary between insurance companies and policies, it's important to make sure your insurance carrier has accurate information about your pool and any related features. The more details you provide, the better your agent can determine what coverage applies and whether any updates to your policy are needed. 

When discussing your pool with your insurance agent, be prepared to answer questions such as: 

• Is the pool above ground or in-ground? 
• Is it permanently installed? 
• Does the pool have a diving board or slide? 
• Is there a deck or patio surrounding the pool? 
• Is the pool enclosed by a fence or gate? 
• Are there any additional safety features, such as pool alarms or safety covers? 

Providing photos, documentation, and accurate descriptions can help ensure your policy reflects the actual risks on your property. It can also help prevent coverage gaps, misunderstandings, or issues during the claims process if a loss occurs. 

A quick conversation with your insurance agent today can go a long way toward making sure your pool, and your peace of mind, are properly protected. 

Understanding Liability Coverage: Do I Need an Umbrella Policy? 

If a guest is injured on your property, medical expenses, legal fees, and potential lawsuits can quickly become costly. A simple slip-and-fall claim could cost several thousand dollars in medical treatment, while more serious injuries can result in claims reaching hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars. While no one likes to think about these situations, having the proper insurance coverage can provide valuable peace of mind. That's why it's important to review your homeowner’s insurance policy regularly and make sure your liability limits adequately protect your family and assets.  

For homeowners with swimming pools, trampolines, or frequent visitors, an umbrella liability policy may be worth considering. Umbrella insurance provides an additional layer of liability protection above the limits of your homeowners policy, helping safeguard your assets if a serious accident results in a large claim. Many umbrella policies start with $1 million in coverage, and higher limits are often available depending on your needs. Considering the amount of protection they provide, umbrella policies are often one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your overall liability coverage. 

Think of it this way: paying a relatively small premium each year could help prevent a devastating financial loss if a serious accident or lawsuit occurs. 

Pools Are Meant to Be Enjoyed 

At the end of the day, your pool should be a place where family and friends can relax, have fun, and create lasting memories. By taking a few proactive safety measures and ensuring your insurance coverage is up to date, you can enjoy your pool with greater confidence and peace of mind. 

If you have questions about how pool ownership may affect your homeowners or liability coverage, we're here to help. Our team would be happy to review your policy and discuss options to help protect what matters most. 

We’re on the lookout for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented individual to join Brightside as our Client Support Representative team member. After initial in-person training, this is a remote, full-time position (Monday–Friday) for someone based in Missouri or Illinois.

If you’re someone who…
✨ Loves customer service and providing a personal touch
✨ Has a strong sense of organization and attention to detail
✨ Brings a little marketing creativity to the table
✨ Is eager to learn and grow in the world of insurance

…then you might be exactly who we’re looking for!

This role covers a variety of administrative, clerical, marketing, and client support tasks. While this isn’t a sales position, a strong understanding of home, auto, life, and commercial insurance is important. Not licensed yet? No problem — we’ll cover the cost of your training and licensing within your first 60 days!

Compensation & Perks: $36K–$42K depending on experience, PTO after 60 days, and 401(k) investment matching. (Please note: medical insurance is not currently offered.)

For a full breakdown of responsibilities, required skills, and perks, check out the complete job description posted below.

📩 Interested in applying?
Applicants MUST submit all of the following:

1. Complete the Apply Now form in this post.
2. Send your resume, salary requirements, and two references to:
   👉 jaclyn.schmitz@brightsideins.com
   👉 patrick.varnum@brightsideins.com

We can’t wait to meet the next bright star to join our growing agency family! 🌟

Job Title: Client Service Representative 
Reports to: Owners / Insurance Agent  
Location: Remote in Illinois or Missouri 
Hours: Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week  
Compensation: $36K-$42K depending on experience, with PTO accrued after 60 days. We also offer 401(k) investment matching. Please note that medical insurance is not offered currently.  

About Brightside Insurance:
Brightside Insurance is a fast-growing, client-focused agency in Illinois & Missouri. We believe insurance should be personal, not complicated. Our team brings a positive, bubbly energy to everything we do, and we take pride in delivering exceptional service with a smile. We’re looking for someone who shares that same enthusiasm and enjoys helping people feel supported and taken care of. 

Job Purpose:
We are seeking a friendly, detail-oriented Client Service Representative (CSR) to handle the day-to-day service needs of our existing clients. This is not a sales role. Instead, the CSR serves as a key support resource for clients by assisting with policy updates, answering questions, processing documentation, and ensuring policies remain accurate and up to date.

CSRs work closely with our agents to deliver a smooth, positive client experience and help build long-term relationships. The CSR is often the first voice clients hear when they call Brightside and plays a vital role in keeping policies remain accurate, compliant, and easy to understand. Insurance knowledge is important, and obtaining an insurance license is required within the first 60 days (training paid for by Brightside).

Key Responsibilities:
Client Service & Policy Support (Primary Responsibilities):  

• Answer and professionally manage incoming phone calls with a friendly, solution-focused approach
• Assist existing clients with service requests such as vehicle changes, address updates, mortgagee updates, closing date changes, and ID card requests
• Answer billing, coverage, and deductible questions in a clear and supportive manner
• Help clients initiate claims and assist with follow-up as needed
• Track and ensure completion of e-signature requests and carrier compliance items
• Send post-bind and post-close documents and follow up on required verification and compliance paperwork
• Serve as a consistent, reliable point of contact for clients, building trust and long-term relationships

Ongoing Policy Management:  

• Assist with renewal reminders and follow-ups
• Run and monitor carrier reports including renewals, non-pays, pre-cancellations, and signature reports
• Help ensure policies remain active, accurate, and properly documented 

Administrative & Office Support:

• Manage appointment scheduling and calendar coordination
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in agency systems
• Monitor and manage the agency support email inbox daily
• Assist with document preparation, organization, and follow-up
• Order marketing materials and support local promotional efforts 
• Assist with implementing monthly marketing initiatives and campaigns
• Help maintain email lists and prepare newsletters through CRM or email platforms

Ideal Candidate Traits:  

• Friendly, personable, and confident on the phone
• Strong attention to detail with excellent follow-through
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Comfortable multitasking in a fast-paced environment
• Enjoy helping people and building relationships
• Curious personality, dependable, and collaborative
• Takes pride in being the “go-to” support person for clients

Required Skills & Experience:  

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Comfort using online tools such as CRM systems, task management tools, and digital signature platforms
• Previous experience in an administrative, customer service, or insurance support role
• Insurance background or license preferred (or willingness to obtain one within 60 days)
• Previous office admin or insurance experience a plus 

1. Deer Season Driving Checklist
Shorter daylight hours and peak deer activity make late fall one of the most accident-prone times of year on the road. Deer are most active during dawn and dusk, especially near wooded areas and open fields.

Safe-Driving Checklist:

• Slow down and stay alert in posted deer crossing zones.
• Use high beams when possible to increase visibility.
• Avoid swerving — brake firmly and stay in your lane if a deer crosses unexpectedly.
• Always wear your seatbelt, and keep both hands on the wheel.
• Keep comprehensive auto coverage active — it’s what protects you if a deer collision occurs.

A quick review of your auto policy can ensure you’re covered for damage caused by animals or unexpected road hazards this season.

2. Clean Gutters & Inspect Roofs Before Winter Hits
Falling leaves are beautiful — until they clog your gutters and downspouts! Blocked gutters can cause water to back up under shingles or overflow near your foundation, leading to costly water damage. In fact, many water claims stem from ongoing maintenance issues like clogged gutters rather than sudden storms. In addition to gutters, use this time to also inspect your roof for possible leaks or excessive wear to prevent interior water damage especially as we head into snow season.

Home Maintenance Tips:

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Check for loose or missing shingles and trim back overhanging branches.
• Inspect attic spaces for signs of leaks or moisture.
• Review your policy to understand what’s covered for wind, hail, or water damage.

Keep in mind that flood insurance is separate from standard homeowners policies — if you live in a low-lying area, it’s worth discussing whether a flood policy makes sense for your home.

3. Fire Safety for the Heating Season
When it’s finally time to flip the furnace on, safety should come first. Heating equipment, candles, and fireplaces are cozy — but they’re also leading causes of home fires during colder months.

Before You Cozy Up:

• Schedule your annual furnace inspection and replace filters.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from flammable items.
• Use sturdy candle holders and never leave flames unattended.
• Inspect chimneys and fireplaces before use.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher on each level of your home.

Regular maintenance not only keeps your home safe but may also help prevent costly claims down the road.

Stay Bright This Season
A few proactive steps — and a quick coverage review — can make all the difference as we head into winter. If you’d like help reviewing your home or auto policy before the holidays, our Brightside team is always happy to make sure you’re protected where it matters most.

✨ Stay safe, stay cozy, and as always — stay on the Brightside!

Car accidents are stressful, no matter how minor. Whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious, knowing what to do in the moment can make a world of difference.
​
Follow this step-by-step guide to make sure you know exactly what to do in the moments after a car accident—protecting your safety, your rights, and your insurance coverage. ​

✅ 1. Check for Injuries - Your safety is the #1 priority.
Before doing anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt – even slightly - call 911 right away and follow their instructions.

Tip: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Some symptoms don’t show up right away.

🚨 2. Move to Safety (If You Can)
If the accident is minor and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and reduce further risk. Turn on your hazard lights to stay visible.

Tip: If you can't move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

📞 3. Call the Police
Always report the accident - especially if there’s damage or injury involved. A police report can help protect you if there’s a dispute about fault or insurance claims.

Tip: Some jurisdictions may not send an officer for minor accidents or those in parking lots—but if you want dispatch and a report written, do not back down – it is your right.

📸 4. Document the Scene
Use your phone to snap photos of:

• Vehicle damage (yours and theirs)
• License plates
• Road conditions, traffic signs, and surroundings
• Any visible injuries

Also, exchange information with the other driver:

• Full name and contact details
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license and license plate number
• Make, model, and color of their car
• Location of the accident

Tip: Don’t argue or admit fault—just gather the facts.

📝 5. Gather Witness Info
If anyone saw the accident, kindly ask for their name and contact information. A witness statement can be extremely helpful if there's a dispute later on.

📄 6. Assess Your Insurance Options
If you have questions about next steps or want more details about your coverage, your agent is just a call away. Be ready to discuss:

• Who might be at fault
• The severity of the damage
• Whether anyone was injured
• If your car was towed or needs a rental
• Whether the other party was insured
• If it makes sense to file with your insurer or go through the other driver’s carrier

If it makes sense to file immediately with your carrier, many now let you start the claims process online or through a mobile app. Have this ready:

• Photos
• Police report number (if available)
• All details you collected

Tip: Be honest and detailed—your agent is there to help guide you through this.

🧠 7. Take Care of Yourself
Even after a minor crash, it’s normal to feel shaken. Watch for delayed injuries like whiplash or headaches and don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
And don’t ignore the emotional toll. If you’re feeling anxious about driving, talk to someone about it—or consider a defensive driving course to rebuild your confidence.

Tip: If the situation gets complicated, reach out to a personal injury attorney or legal expert for advice specific to your case.

No one ever plans for a car accident—but having a plan makes all the difference. Save this guide, print it for your glove box, or share it with someone you care about. It’s peace of mind you’ll be glad to have.
​
Drive safe. Stay calm. And remember—you’re not alone. 

Auto Insurance: Stay or Go?

• Staying on the policy:
  • If your child is enrolled in college full-time and leaves their car at home, they can qualify for a “student away at school” discount—saving you money while keeping them covered for visits home or occasional driving.
  • If they’re still living at home or driving a vehicle that’s registered in your name, it usually makes sense for them to stay on your policy, but discuss garaging address or out of state circumstances.
• Time to separate:
  • If your child has purchased and registered a car in their name or is living on their own and no longer considered a dependent, it’s likely time for their own auto policy.
  • Starting a full-time job and living independently is also a great time to help them build their own insurance history, which can lead to better rates in the future.

Renters Insurance: Don’t Skip It!

Whether it’s a college dorm, campus apartment, or first "real" apartment post-graduation, renters insurance is a must. It protects your grad’s belongings—like their laptop, clothes, furniture, or even a bicycle—from theft, fire, or water damage. Bonus: it also includes personal liability coverage, which can help cover costs if they accidentally damage someone else's property or cause injury.

Best part? Renters insurance is surprisingly affordable—often less than $20/month. A small price for some serious peace of mind.

Life Insurance: When to Start

This one often gets overlooked, but for young adults, life insurance can actually be a smart move. If your grad has cosigned student loans, dependents, or simply wants to lock in the lowest rate possible while they’re young and healthy, now might be the right time.

Plus, it’s a great opportunity to start teaching them about long-term financial planning and the importance of protecting what (and who) matters most.

We’re Here to Help

Every graduate’s situation is a little different—and so are their insurance needs. Whether you’re adjusting an existing policy or setting them up with one of their own, we’re here to walk you through it all.

Not sure what the right move is for your grad? Give us a call or shoot us an email —we’re happy to review your family’s current policies and help map out the smoothest transition into this exciting new chapter.

​We’ve all seen the headlines—flash floods sweeping through neighborhoods, heavy rains turning streets into rivers. But here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.
​
If water enters your home from the outside from the ground up—whether from a storm, overflowing creek, or sudden downpour—it’s considered a flood. And unless you have a separate flood insurance policy, you’re likely not covered.

​“But I Have Water Coverage!”

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is the confusion between Flood Insurance and Water Back-Up Coverage. While both deal with unwanted water, they’re not the same:

• Water Back-Up Coverage (an optional add-on to your homeowners policy) protects against water damage caused by water or sewage backing up into a home—like a sump pump failure or a backed-up sewer line or drain.
• Flood Insurance covers damage caused by natural disasters where water rushes into the home due to rising waters from a storm rising riverbanks.

Same mess—very different causes. And insurance handles them very differently.

Flood Insurance = Separate Policy

Unless you've purchased a flood insurance policy separately, flood coverage is not included in your standard homeowners policy. It’s typically obtained as a standalone policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurance. It must be requested—and we're here to help you explore your options and get the right protection in place.

Who Really Needs Flood Insurance?

Honestly? Most homeowners should at least consider it. Just one inch of floodwater can cause thousands of dollars in damage. And the worst part? Many don’t find out they aren’t covered until it’s too late.

Flooding doesn’t just happen in a high-risk zone. In fact, more than 20% of flood claims come from homes in low to moderate-risk areas. That means even if you’re not in a designated “flood zone,” you could still be at risk—and without the right coverage, those clean-up and repair costs are coming out of your pocket.

Local Flood Statistics:

• St. Charles County: Approximately 11.9% of all properties—about 3,230 properties—are at risk of flooding over the next 30 years.
• Historic Rainfall Event (July 26, 2022): St. Louis experienced its wettest day on record, with 8.64 inches of rain at Lambert International Airport. In St. Peters, rainfall totals reached 12.86 inches, leading to significant flooding.
• Impact of 2022 Flooding: More than 750 homes sustained major damage, with about 500 more affected. Over 27,600 residents applied for federal aid, highlighting the widespread impact of the flooding.
• Insured properties in St. Clair County, Illinois: Residents have filed over 230 claims in the last five years.

These statistics highlight the fact that flooding can and does happen outside designated high-risk zones, and the financial impact can be substantial.
 
Let’s Keep You Dry and Protected

Flood insurance isn’t just for coastal regions or high-risk areas—it’s for peace of mind. If you’re unsure about your current coverage or curious about what flood protection might cost, let’s talk. At Brightside, we’ll walk you through your options, review your policy, and help you decide what makes sense for your home and your budget.

Floods happen. But being unprepared doesn’t have to. Let’s make sure you’re protected for as many things as possible!

​Storms can strike at any time, bringing powerful winds, hail, and heavy rain. Knowing how to properly assess damage, when and if to file an insurance claim, and how to choose trustworthy contractors is essential. Here’s helpful guidance to protect yourself and make informed decisions after any storm event.

​Before Filing an Insurance Claim
Before reaching out to your insurance carrier, it's crucial to first assess the extent and severity of the damage. Rushing into a claim without proper evaluation can lead to unnecessary complications and potential premium increases down the road. Follow these steps to make an informed decision:

1. Assess the Damage Before Filing – Don’t rush to file a claim before knowing the extent of the damage. Have a professional contractor inspect and provide an estimate to determine if the damage is significant enough to warrant a claim. Filing too soon without proper assessment can be costly, as claims—even those with no payout—stay on your record for 3-5 years and may impact future premiums and policy renewals. Some minor cosmetic damage may not be worth filing a claim for, while structural damage should be addressed immediately.
2. Understand Your Deductibles – Know your policy deductibles (wind/hail deductible for home; comprehensive deductible for auto). Filing a claim when the damage is less than or just slightly above your deductible may not be beneficial in the long run. Consider your out-of-pocket costs carefully before moving forward.
3. Insurance Covers Actual Damage Only – Policies specifically cover storm damage, not general wear and tear or pre-existing issues. Before filing a claim, review your policy endorsements, as they may provide additional coverage or exclusions for specific types of damage. Some endorsements may limit or extend coverage for items like roofs, siding, or detached structures. Understanding these details ahead of time can prevent unexpected claim denials and ensure you have the proper protection in place.
4. Prepare for Rate Changes – Even legitimate claims may result in higher renewal premiums, as insurers frequently adjust their policies based on market conditions and catastrophic events. Understanding how claims impact future rates can help you determine whether filing is the right decision.
5. Always Use Reputable Contractors – Hire licensed, insured, and reputable local contractors. They help ensure quality repairs and minimize risks of scams or poor workmanship. Avoid contractors who pressure you to sign contracts immediately or claim they can “waive” your deductible.

​Watch for Contractor Red Flags
After storms, you might encounter contractors who use aggressive or misleading tactics. Unfortunately, storm-related damage often attracts “fly-by-night” contractors who take advantage of homeowners in vulnerable situations. Stay alert and avoid common scams by recognizing these red flags:

• 🚩 Unsolicited Door-to-Door Sales – Beware of strangers knocking on your door offering roof inspections, especially if they claim to have noticed damage from the street.
• 🚩 Claims of Visible Damage from Ground Level – Legitimate inspections require close, professional evaluation. Damage is not always visible from the ground, and anyone claiming otherwise may be trying to pressure you into unnecessary repairs.
• 🚩 Offer to File Claims on Your Behalf – Only policyholders should initiate claims; contractors should not handle this. If a contractor offers to “handle everything with your insurance company,” this is a major red flag.
• 🚩 No Verifiable Company Information – If a company claims to have been in business for years but lacks an online presence, customer reviews, or a valid license, exercise caution before signing anything.
• 🚩 High-Pressure Tactics – Legitimate contractors give you ample time to make decisions without immediate pressure. If you’re told you must sign a contract “today only” to get a deal, walk away.

We’re Here to Help
Navigating storm damage can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. Before making any decisions about claims or repairs, reach out to our team. We have strong relationships with reputable local contractors and can help ensure you’re taking the right steps to protect your home and finances. Making informed decisions now can save you money and frustration in the long run.
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Stay informed and protected—if you have questions or need assistance, contact us anytime!