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Why Is Insurance Getting So High?

a series of wooden house models of increasing height, arranged in a bar graph-like structure, with a blue upward arrow indicating growth or rising values, symbolizing increasing property or housing market trends.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

Prices on everything in our lives seem to keep going up these days, and this includes the price of insurance—whether it be for your car or your home.

According to an article in USA Today, the average auto insurance rate in the U.S. is expected to go up by 7.5% in 2025, as stated in a recent analysis by MarketWatch Guides. The hikes will add an average $182 to the average annual full-coverage premium nationwide, raising it to $2,615 from $2,433. Drivers in several states face increases of at least $200. An increase in national disasters such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes are to blame for a lot of the increase. Also, the shortage of vehicle parts, skilled auto repair workers, and supply chain problems that have continued since early in the COVID pandemic.

Not only are national disasters an issue because cars may need to be repaired or replaced more often, but also the cost of parts needed continues to go up. An article on Noble Quote.com states that inflation is hitting the auto industry hard and has touched every aspect of the auto world. Labor and parts costs have gone up significantly. Tariffs are also playing a part in that rise of costs. Another factor, is that cars are more expensive and complicated to fix as the technologies in newer cars require more specialized diagnostics and repairs, hence higher labor costs. Freeman Insuranceservices.com says for example, repairing an EV often involves more labor hours and expensive parts compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Homeowners insurance is also facing an increase in cost. According to Trusted Choice.com, home insurance has increased by an average of 21% across the U.S. in the last couple of years. Some of the reasons for the increase include the same things that made car insurance go up, such as an increase in national disasters, including wildfires in some areas of the country like California. Speaking of California, it is one of the many areas where a lot of insurance companies have stopped writing coverage because they are high risk areas. As natural disasters worsen and become more frequent, some home insurance companies just aren’t willing to continue writing policies in the states that are deemed high-risk.

Trusted Choice.com goes on to state that another factor is that the construction industry has also seen a labor shortage. In August of 2024, there were 368,000 construction job openings in the U.S., which was an increase of 138,000 from the previous month. This number was more than double that expected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also, just like with cars, inflation and supply chain issues have made the cost of repairing or rebuilding a home much more expensive.

The rise in insurance rates has been going on for a while now. According to an article on Lending Tree.com, home insurance rates climbed 40.4% cumulatively across the U.S. over six years.Rates stayed relatively level from 2019 through 2021, with the biggest jump of 3.0% in 2021. They have since risen faster, with increases of 5.4%, 11.0% and 11.4% in 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

While this continued rise in insurance rates may be concerning to the consumer, just like any other business, insurance companies can’t afford to lose money. So, with the rising costs of repairing your home and car, insurance rates also have to go up.

There are a few things consumers can do to combat some of the rising costs of insurance. In a recent CNBC.com article, they share seven ways to lower car insurance. These include shopping around, paying your premium annually if you are able, bundling your car and home insurance, and being aware of any discounts you may qualify for. Kinplinger suggests many of the same things for reducing your home insurance, such as bundling and asking about any discounts you might qualify for. There may also be discounts available through organizations you belong to. Implementing simple home upgrades can often lead to savings on your homeowners insurance premiums as well, and you can lower your deductibles.

Mennonite Insurance Services is here to answer any of your questions about your insurance, and to help you see if there are ways you can bring the costs down. You can contact them at (559) 638-2327.

Summer Cycling Fun!

a bicycle resting on a sandy beach with a sunset or sunrise in the background, creating a serene and peaceful scene.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

It’s summer vacation time and there are so many fun things you can do! Things that fit any budget. From heading to the beach, to escaping into a good book on your couch in your air conditioned house, to attending fun free programs at your local library, or traveling across the country or the world. One thing that is becoming more and more popular is cycling! If you enjoy cycling, there are often free trails and places you can ride near home. Or, you can go on cycling trips and adventures away from home, often without breaking the bank—depending on what you are looking for and your level of experience.

California has a website called Cal Bike (California Bicycle Coalition), which lists many different bike trails in the state, both curated, and with bike maps for trips you can take on your own. The website includes links to free maps of bicycle routes on local and regional roadways, state highways, and dedicated bike paths throughout California. For more specific route suggestions in your area, you can contact your local bike advocacy organization. They also have cycling resources and advocacy information. Many other states also have their own bicycle coalitions.

Bike tours and vacations are more popular now than ever, according to a 2024 article in The Globe and Mail. One reason is the new popularity of e-bikes, which opens up cycling to many who never considered it before. In the article, Mike Scarola, CEO at Canadian tour company Butterfield and Robinson, says e-bikes have been a game changer for travelers, going from less than 25 percent of their bike reservations five years ago to 60 percent in 2024.

If you are looking to book a cycling vacation, VBT is one of many websites that offer a number of different options that you can book right on the site. There are guided and self-guided options all over the world! You can also find bike and boat tours, and guided walking tours, if those are more you style. If you want to go on a guided cycling tour, there are packages you can book where they take care of everything. You choose your destination, what type of bike you want to ride, and your activity level, and VBT puts it together. You also get to meet your tour leaders online, and they offer support along the way to meet your needs. Backroads is a similar company you can check out as well, and I’m sure a Google search would find many more.

No matter what type of cycling you are doing it is always important to be safe. NHTSA has a list of some basic bicycle safety. Americans are increasingly biking to commute, for exercise, or just for fun. Tips include making sure you have a proper fitting helmet, and drive defensively and be focused and on alert. It is also important to be prepared. Make certain that your bike and tires are in good condition, ride a bike that fits you, wear the proper safety gear, follow safety and driving rules, and choose routes with less traffic.

During the summer, you also need to be aware of the temperature. The League of American Cyclists has several tips on riding in the heat, which include to stay hydrated, travel light, try to ride during the cooler parts of the day, be prepared for emergencies (which is important for any cycling trip), and take breaks in the shade. An easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order before hitting the road, dirt path, or wherever you travel, is to do an ABC Quick Check.

A cycling vacation/trip has many advantages. It can be beneficial to your health, help you slow down and truly enjoy the places you go, and it’s better for the environment. Whether you just want to find fun paths near home, or want to go on an all-out cycling vacation, there are many options and opportunities! Have fun this summer, stay safe, and don’t forget the sun screen.

Mennonite Insurance Services would love to hear about your cycling adventures and tips, be sure to share on the Facebook page!

Summer Safety Prep

Illustration of a person inspecting a fire extinguisher next to a checklist, representing fire safety and inspection.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

Summer is nearly here. In some areas of the country, it already feels like summer thanks to the high temperatures. If you haven’t had the chance already, now is the time to prepare yourself for the summer heat, and also for the summer wildfire season in some areas.

HGTV has several tips for getting your house ready for summer. One tip is to spruce up your front door by making sure the weather stripping is in place and by tightening hinges in case anything shifts due to the temperature change. It is also a good idea to give your windows a similar check to make certain they are ready to help keep the heat out, and perhaps give them a nice cleaning (the article includes some good window cleaning suggestions). They also recommend checking on the sprinklers, and cleaning out your gutters.

According to a recent article on Kiplinger, the Farmers’ Almanac’s summer 2025 forecast states that most regions in the United States can expect the hottest temperatures in recorded history. The article has several more suggestions on how to prepare for that heat, including an HVAC tune-up, making sure you have clean air filters in the AC, setting your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise, plugging air leaks, and aerating your lawn.

The American Red Cross has good tips on how to keep yourself and those you love safe from the summer heat. They include obvious ones such as never leaving kids or pets in a hot car, and making sure that you stay hydrated. It is also a good idea to avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine as they can dehydrate you. Other good tips are to wear loose fitting and light colored clothing, avoid strenuous activity and exercise during the hottest part of the day, and take frequent breaks when you have to work outdoors.

For those who don’t have or can’t afford to use air conditioning, many areas have cooling centers available during the day. A cooling center is an air-conditioned public or private space opened up to the public to temporarily provide relief from extreme hot weather conditions. They not only provide a cool place to be in while it’s hot, some even provide water. One common type of cooling center are public libraries. The National Center for Healthy Housing has links to cooling centers across the United States.

In many areas, especially California, summer also brings more wildfires. Cal Fire states that one crucial thing you can do for your home’s wildfire safety is to create defensible space. Defensible space is the buffer zone you create between your property and the surrounding wildland area. This space is key to slowing or stopping wildfire spread and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat. It also provides firefighters with a safer area to defend your property. Defensible space is divided up into zones, and the intensity of vegetation management increases as you get closer to your home, with the goal of starting at your house and working outward up to 100 feet or to  your property line. This includes fire-safe landscaping. Cal Fire also has a list to go through with defensible space and home gardening actions you can take to help protect your home. These include removing all combustible materials in a five feet area around your home, removing all dead or dying plant materials within 30 feet of all structures or to the property line, and store combustible outdoor furnishings.

Another good thing to check on as we come into summer, especially if you live in an area where wildfires are a concern, is your insurance coverage. Mennonite Insurance Services would be happy to answer any questions you might have in that area (559) 638-2327.

Here’s to a happy and safe summer!

Unique Travel Spots On the West Coast: Scotts Valley

A flat lay of summer vacation essentials on a wooden background, including a straw hat, starfish, sunglasses, compass, camera, passports, smartphone, flip-flops, and seashells.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

We are doing a series this year about fun travel spots that might be lesser known than some of the big cities. The first one we highlighted was Depoe Bay, Oregon. This time we are highlighting Scotts Valley, California. I think most of us on the West Coast are familiar with Santa Cruz—it has been one of my favorite spots for years—but just a few miles away, up the hill, is the little town of Scotts Valley.

Scotts Valley is a small city in Santa Cruz County, California about thirty miles south of downtown San Jose and six miles north of Santa Cruz, in the upland slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains. As of the 2020 census, the city population was only 12,224. According to the Santa Cruz County website, Scotts Valley has many popular and seasonal family-friendly events including: Music at the Park, Movies at the Park, Food Truck events, the Annual Art, Wine & Beer Festival, the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Show, Car Shows, and more.

One of the nice things about Scotts Valley is that it offers a more relaxed and less tourist-focused environment than Santa Cruz. Just walking along the tree lined streets can be lovely and relaxing. It is a great and more affordable choice, especially for a family. Another bonus is that hotels there tend to be less expensive than in Santa Cruz, and yet, still close enough to visit all of the sights there as well. Plus it’s a nice central location for visiting many of the other towns in the area.

In Scotts Valley, it’s about the mountains and big trees, as opposed to the beaches you go to in Santa Cruz. However, the beaches are also just minutes away if you want to drive down the hill. Speaking of big trees, the Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Guided Star Walk is one of the fun things you can experience there. It is an astronomy-based guided hike where you are guided up to an observation deck perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. Once there, you participate in activities and learn about the night sky. Everyone meets at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, and it involves a one mile round trip hike.

Speaking of the Redwoods, less than five miles from Scotts Valley you can also find Roaring Camp Railroads where you can travel on authentic 19th century steam trains through the Big Trees to the summit of Bear Mountain. Or, you can ride early 1900s Pullman cars and open-air excursion cars along a scenic river gorge through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the beach of Santa Cruz.

One of the events taking place in Scotts Valley in August is an Art, Wine, and Beer festival. Despite its name, you don’t need to drink to enjoy the festival. It is the premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains and has something fun for everyone! The fun includes over 100 artists, live music, kid zone, food trucks, Cops Car Show on Saturday, Dog Day on Sunday, and more! Admission is free! Speaking of music, at the end of August the Music at Skypark concert series in Scotts Valley returns for its 14th season.

Fun fact, the famous filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock lived in Scotts Valley from 1940 to 1970, where he entertained many famous Hollywood names of the time. You will have to wait for next spring for this, but in March they have an Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival. If you love old suspense/thriller movies this is the perfect event for you! There are film screenings, food, drinks, and more! The Hitchcock Festival offers a rich tapestry of activities, blending screenings of classics with insightful analyses and discussions. This year’s festival, which was the third annual one, included keynote talks, panel discussions, and a special fashion show inspired by the iconic styles in Hitchcock’s films.

Anywhere in Santa Cruz County is a great choice for visiting during the heat of the summer—whether you want to stay in the more relaxed town of Scotts Valley, or the bustling beach town of Santa Cruz, or one of the many other options in between. You can find a listing of events in the area on the Santa Cruz County website.

If you are planning a summer road trip, it’s also a good idea to check in on your car insurance just in case the unexpected happens. Mennonite Insurance is happy to answer any of your questions (559) 638-2327.

Happy and safe summer travels!

How to Protect Your Business with the Right Insurance Policies

A person in a light blue shirt and black tie is writing on paper with a pen, holding a smartphone in the other hand. A transparent shield with a checkmark symbol overlays the scene, indicating security or verification. Papers and a laptop are on the table, with a warm, sunset-like background.

By Lorie Ham

There have been many articles here about all types of personal insurance, but making sure you have the right insurance for your business is important too. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as a general rule, you should insure against things you wouldn’t be able to pay for on your own. This coverage protects against financial loss as the result of bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, defending lawsuits, and settlement bonds or judgments.

To learn more about business insurance, we chatted with Marcus Mahling, Regional Sales Manager for Mennonite Insurance Services.

Q: Why is business insurance important?

Marcus: Business insurance protects your organization from unexpected losses due to liability claims, property damage, employee injuries, and more. It also helps ensure financial stability, legal compliance, and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on running and growing your business.

Q: Does Mennonite Insurance Services offer business insurance?

Marcus: Yes, Mennonite Insurance Services offers a full suite of business insurance products through various carriers. We specialize in supporting churches, nonprofits, and small to mid-sized businesses.

Q: What types of business insurances are available?

Marcus: We can write a wide range of commercial policies, including but not limited to:

  • Commercial General Liability
  • Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Directors & Officers (D&O)
  • Commercial Property
  • Professional Liability
  • Commercial Auto
  • Abuse & Molestation Coverage
  • Inland Marine
  • Cyber Liability

Q: How do you determine what types of insurance a business needs?

Marcus: We begin by reviewing your operations, size, assets, staffing, and any specific risks associated with your industry. From there, we provide recommendations based on exposures and regulatory requirements, and help customize a package that fits your budget and risk profile.

Q: Do you need a different type of insurance if you rent your building as opposed to owning it? Or if you work from home?

Marcus: Yes—if you rent, you’ll typically need liability and business personal property coverage, while the landlord maintains insurance on the building itself. If you own the building, you’ll also need property insurance to cover the structure. For home-based businesses, standard homeowners insurance often does not provide adequate protection, so supplemental or standalone business policies are usually necessary.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

Marcus: We’re always happy to walk our clients through the process step by step. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reevaluate your current coverage, we’ll help find a carrier and coverage plan that fits your needs.

If you already have business insurance, the U.S. Small Business Administration recommends that you re-assess every year. As your business grows, so do your liabilities. If you have purchased or replaced equipment or expanded operations, contact your insurance agent. You should discuss any changes in your business and how they affect your coverage. Mennonite Aid/Mennonite Insurance is happy to help you sort out your business insurance needs any time! You can contact them at (559) 638-2327.

Summer Beach and Vacation Reads

By Lorie Ham

It’s hard to believe that spring is nearly behind us and summer is almost here! Soon it will be time for the kids’ summer vacation from school, and perhaps a family vacation trip. If you live in the Central Valley, or anywhere else that gets really hot in the summer, a trip to the beach this summer may be just what you need! If you prefer a more relaxed vacation, why not take some books to enjoy while the kids play in the sand and ocean. Or perhaps your idea of a vacation is a staycation, where you travel through the books you read. Whatever type of vacation you are planning, here are some book suggestions to take with you to the beach or a comfy chair at home.

Book cover for "The Butcher's Daughter" by David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark. Depicts a historical figure holding a pie with bloody hands against a black background. Text includes: "The Butcher's Daughter," "The hitherto untold story of Mrs. Lovett," and "A Novel."

If your tastes run to mystery, thrillers, and suspense novels, CrimeReads has a list of suggestions that goes from January 2025 through the summer. One of the books on this list is The Butcher’s Daughter  by David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark. This book offers a new take on the character of Mrs. Lovett in the Sweeney Todd Musical,one that shows you her early life. If you are looking for a moody thriller set on a remote Mexican island full of secretive vacationers, check out The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz. Another highly anticipated thriller is the latest from bestselling author Ruth Ware, The Woman in Suite 11,the highly anticipated sequel to The Woman in Cabin 10.

Book cover for "Marble Hall Murders" by Anthony Horowitz. Features a black ink bottle with a quill and red splashes on a red background. Text includes: "New York Times Bestselling Author of Magpie Murders & Close to Death," "Marble Hall Murders," "a novel," and "Anthony Horowitz."

If you prefer your mystery reading a bit tamer, you can take a trip to England in the latest book from Anthony Horowitz, Marble Hall Murders. This is the third book in a trilogy so I recommend checking out the other two first—Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders (which were also turned into a TV show that aired on PBS). These books have a bit of an Agatha Christie feel to them. Marble Hall Murders will be released on May 13.

Book cover for "The Last Ferry Out" by Andrea Bartz. Shows a dark ocean scene with a boat's wake under a starry sky. Text reads: "By Reese's Book Club Pick Here," "The Last Ferry Out," "A Novel," and "New York Times Bestselling Author."

If you are looking for some new fun cozy mysteries this summer, Goodreads has a list of cozies released/releasing in 2025. These include foodie mystery Icing on the Murder by Valerie Burns, Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (A Golden Girls Mystery), and Cat Got Your Killer by Sofie Ryan a Second Chance Cat Mystery.

Book cover for "Say You'll Remember Me" by Abby Jimenez. Illustrates a couple kissing on a beach at sunset with a Ferris wheel and a dog in the foreground. Text reads: "#1 New York Times Bestselling Author," "Abby Jimenez," "Jimenez is a true talent! —Emily Henry," and "Say You'll Remember Me." Background is a gradient of pink and blue.

If your tastes run more to romance, best-selling romance author Emily Henry just released her latest book, Great Big Beautiful Life. Her books are a perfect choice to take out to the beach with you, she even has a book titled Beach Read. You can find all of her books on her website. Another popular romance author is Abby Jimenez, who just released her latest novel Say You’ll Remember Me, and it even has a beach on the cover! You can find all of her books on her website.

Book cover for "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" by Sangu Mandanna. Features a whimsical illustration of a house on a grassy hill, a woman with a book and a fox, and a man holding a mug. Text includes: "One hundred percent delightful! —Sarah Beth Durst," "a novel," and "National Bestselling Author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches." Background is pink with trees and sparkles.

For those who prefer fantasy novels, Becky’s Book Blog has a fun list of some of the fantasy books coming out this year. The list includes the much anticipated A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, the author of the best selling cozy fantasy novel The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and The Grimoire Grammer School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis. LitHub also has a list of fantasy book releasing in 2025. And, if you are looking for something a bit different and enjoy vampire novels, TikTok sensation Jack Townson is releasing his second novel, The Lightslayer, in June. It is the first in a fantasy/horror series.

Whatever your reading tastes, there are books out there for you. And if you aren’t able to purchase them, your local library is filled with both print and ebooks of all types and genres! You are sure to find something perfect for your summer reading vacation! Many libraries also have great summer reading programs and free fun for the kids!

We would love to hear what you are reading this summer. Feel free to share on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.