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Friday, January 31, 2025

Does Bundling Insurance Actually Lower Costs?

My business partner and I insure the California home we share, as well as both our cars, using the same provider. We originally did this for convenience and discounts, but lately, a more powerful reason has emerged: We are still able to get home insurance in a region in which providers have dropped many other home policies due to fire risks. That’s because we give the company all our business by bundling our insurance.

Granted, our home insurance premium has increased by over 400 percent since wildfire struck our neighborhood in 2020, but at least we can still get insurance without resorting to the more expensive state-run plan. Given the projected expenses of recent fires in Los Angeles, the upward trajectory of our premium is bound to continue, but at least we are able to satisfy the insurance requirements of our mortgagefor now.

If you’re a homeowner in a low-risk region, you may not run the risk of losing your insurance, but you can still benefit from bundling. Or you might not.

We assembled a group of experts to help you decide whether bundling is right for you.

What Is Bundled Insurance?

If you need insurance for your home, your cars, your pets or other valuables, you can often save money by taking out multiple policies with the same provider. This is called “bundling.”

“Bundling…often comes with a discount,” advises financial expert Timothy Chase. “These discounts can range anywhere from 10% to 25%, depending on the company and the policies.” The discounts are usually on top of others that the company offers, such as the good-driver discount.

Does Bundling Insurance Actually Save You Money?

Bundling insurance doesn’t always save you money. It depends on the company and the type of insurance you need. “On paper,” says Chase, “the discount sounds like an easy win. But what many people overlook is that savings aren’t just about the percentagethey’re about the bigger financial picture.”

For starters, Chase points out that you wouldn’t realize much of a benefit if you bundle with a company that has great auto insurance rates but high home insurance rates. “In this case,” he says, “bundling might wipe out the potential savings. It’s like paying more for one thing just to get a discount on another.”

In other words, bundling locks you into a single company for all your insurance needs, and that can make it harder to customize coverage for your specific situation. “For example, if one company excels in auto insurance but falls short on offering comprehensive home coverage, you’re stuck with a compromise,” and you could end up paying more for coverage.

What Insurance Providers Say About Bundling Insurance

“Bundling does save money,” advises Leslie Kasperowicz of Insurance.com, “but that doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest option. It’s possible, and in fact not uncommon, for two separate companies to offer home and auto insurance rates that add up to less than the bundled rate with a single company.”

Whether or not bundling actually saves you money, it does offer another potential benefit, notes insurance specialist Carlos Gonzalez-Avila. It might open the door for a carrier to offer an umbrella policy that enhances your liability coverage beyond the limits the company typically offers. If you have such an arrangement and you exceed the coverage limits on one policy, the provider can supplement it by drawing from another policy in the bundle. “It’s important to note,” says Gonzalez-Avila, “that carriers typically will not write an umbrella policy over another carrier’s policies.”

Bottom line: All the insurance experts I interviewed advise cost-conscious consumers to shop around for the best rates before deciding to bundle. As Melanie Musson of Clearsurance.com puts it, “The only way to know how things will work out for an individual is to compare quotes for both home and auto insurance and compare the best rates separately to the best rates bundled.”

What the Data Shows About Bundling Insurance

Home insurance premiums have been spiking in recent years in response to natural disasters, and auto insurance premiums are going up, too. According to CBS News, auto insurance rates increased by 12.7 percent from 2023 to 2024. That may be why a 2015 study by J.D Power showed that 80 percent of homeowners bundled their home and auto insurance, and customer satisfaction among bundlers was higher than it was among non-bundlers.

One reason why for discounts, which cons be considerable, is that insurance providers often regard bundled policies as lower risk. That’s probably one reason why our provider still covers our home.

Alternatives To Bundling Insurance To Save Money

Bundling your home and auto insurance isn’t the only way to save money on your insurance premiums. Here are some alternatives:

Shop around

“Get quotes for bundled policies and compare them to individual policies from other providers,” advises Chase. “Take the time to understand what’s included, what’s excluded, and what your total costs will look like over time.”

Get group insurance

Shop around for private exchanges that offer cheaper rates because they insure groups of people in similar situations. Alumni of certain universities, members of homeowners associations and professional association members are all examples of people who could potentially qualify for group rates.

Reduce your coverage, raise your deductible

Get the minimum liability and damage coverage required by your lender. Don’t bother with comprehensive and collision insurance for your car if you don’t need it. You can also opt for a higher deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket on a claim before the company starts to pay.

About the Experts

  • Timothy Chase is a financial expert and mortgage broker with over 20 years of professional experience. He is the Owner of 719 Lending Inc. in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
  • Leslie Kasperowicz, a managing editor at Insurance.com, has four years of direct agency experience and over a decade of creating educational content to help insurance shoppers make confident, informed decisions.
  • Carlos Gonzalez-Avila is the Small Commercial Insurance Specialist at Bold Penguin. In this role, Gonzalez-Avila provides support for commercial insurance agents.
  • Melanie Musson, a published insurance and finance expert, specializes in the auto industry, real estate, home security, consumer analyses, investing, and finance. She is affiliated with Clearsurance.com

Sources

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Ford Recalls 150,00 Bronco SUVs Over Dangerous Rear Shock Issue

If you drive a Ford Bronco, you need to be aware of a recently announced recall impacting the popular SUV. The recall involved a critical issue with the vehicle’s rear shock absorbers that could lead to road hazards or even a crash. Ahead, learn all there is to know about the issue so faryour safety could depend on it.

Why Are Ford Vehicles Being Recalled?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration brief on the recall, “long flange rear shock absorbers in affected vehicles may experience corrosion between the external reservoir, mounting flange, and the damper body, resulting in separation of the external reservoir.” If a rear shock were to separate from one of the affected cars, it could result in road hazards and lead to a crash.

While this issue is serious, thankfully, Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries resulting from it.

What Ford Vehicles Are Being Recalled?

This recall impacts 149,449 Ford Bronco SUVs from model years 2021 through 2024. Owners impacted by the recall can expect letters in early February alerting them of the recall and instructions on how to remedy the issue.

What To Do If Your Ford Is Recalled

Ford is still developing a remedy for this recall, but historically, the manufacturer has repaired issues like these free of charge. In the meantime, you should probably limit how often you drive. Ford warns in the recall brief that “if you experience a bouncy ride, noise, or leaking fluid near the rear wheels,” it could be a sign that an external reservoir is about to separate.

If you think your Ford Bronco is impacted by this recall and you have questions or concerns, you can contact Fords toll-free customer service line by calling 1-866-436-7332). You can also contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealer for more information.

Source

NHTSA.org: Recall Safety Report

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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Honda Issues Massive Recall Over Dangerous Software Glitch

Honda recently announced a recall of hundreds of thousands of its vehicles due to a software error that puts them at a higher risk of crashing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a brief explaining the problem and the risks it poses when left unaddressed.

If you own a Honda vehicle, pay close attention to the NHTSA brief as well as any communications from Honda. Software issues like the one causing this recall can be incredibly dangerous and should be remedied as quickly as possible.

Why Are These Honda Vehicles Being Recalled?

According to the NHTSA brief, the affected Hondas have “a software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU).” A faulty FI-ECU “may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.” Stalled engines are bad enough when you’re struggling to change gears on a manual transmission; they’re even worse when they’re caused by something entirely out of your control.

Which Hondas Are Being Recalled?

Honda is recalling nearly 300,000 vehicles including:

  • 2022 Acura MDX Type-S
  • 2023 Acura MDX Type-S
  • 2024 Acura MDX Type-S
  • 2025 Acura MDX Type-S
  • 2023 Honda Pilot
  • 2024 Honda Pilot
  • 2025 Honda Pilot
  • 2021 Acura TLX Type-S
  • 2022 Acura TLX Type-S
  • 2023 Acura TLX Type-S
  • 2024 Acura TLX Type-S
  • 2025 Acura TLX Type-S

If you own one of the vehicles on the list, keep an eye on your mailbox. Honda will mail letters to the impacted owners in mid-March 2025. Refrain from driving your vehicle as much as possible until it is repaired. The NHTSA warns that “an engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.”

What to Do If Your Honda Is Recalled

Honda dealers will reprogram the faulty FI-ECU software free of charge. Follow the instructions in your owner letter and get this problem remedied as soon as you are able.

If you have further questions about this recall or don’t want to wait for your letter before learning more, you can reach Honda’s customer service at 1-888-234-2138. If you call them, be sure to clarify that you’re asking about recalls EL1 and AL0. You can also call the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236; their number for this recall is 25V031000.

Source

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When Exactly Do You Need To Use Your Parking Brake?

In my 50 years of experience as an ASE and General Motors master technician and automotive technology instructor, I’ve found that the parking brake (aka, emergency or hand brakes) is rarely discussed, much less properly used. Some people forget to use it altogether.

When four-wheel disc brakes were first widely introduced in cars around the 1980s, the mechanical parking brake mechanism was integrated into the hydraulic brake caliber as a kind of self-adjusting system. If the driver didn’t use the parking brake, the parking brake mechanism would seize up, and after a while, the brake pedal would drop asthe brake padsmoved further away from the rotor as they wore. Unfortunately, there was no way to manually “adjust” the parking brake mechanism. This resulted in an expensive repair and the eventual phasing out of this design.

While not using your emergency brake won’t lead to it seizing up in 2025, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it when you park. With input from an ASE master technician, let’s explore why you still need to use the emergency brake every time you park.

What Does the Parking Brake Do?

The parking brake is designed to keep your car from rolling away when parked, and it also acts as an emergency braking system if the main hydraulic brake system fails. Rule of thumb, hand-operated (a level usually located between the two front seats) or foot-pedal-operated parking brake systems should hold a car on an incline after “six clicks.” Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for correct parking brake operation.

How Is the Parking Brake Different From Normal Brakes?

The parking brake is a separate mechanical braking system that is usually incorporated with the independent “service” (hydraulic) brake system. The hydraulic brake system is used to bring our cars to a stop when pressing on the brake pedal during normal driving conditions.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations, parking brakes are required to hold a vehicle on a 20-degree incline with the vehicle in neutral. Additionally, parking brakes must work separately from the service brakes so that failure of the parking brake will not affect or impact the service brake function or operation.

When Should You Use the Parking Brake?

Setting the parking brake is a good idea for quite a few reasons. Here are the times when you should apply it:

  • On any incline, hill or slope.
  • Whilechanging a tire.
  • When working on your car with the tires off of the ground.

Should you use the parking brake every time you park?

Yes, according to ASE master technician Tom Diamond, “For safety reasons, even on flat ground, always engage the parking brake when you put the car in park and shut it off.”

Diamond added, “A small metal or plastic lever called a “parking pawl” engages with gears in your transmission. This locks the transmission in place, preventing a car from moving after shifting into park. That’s why your car moves slightly after parking and then comes to a stopthe pawl needs to fully engage with thegears inside your transmissionto keep them [and your car] stationary.”

According to AAA, although the parking pawl is designed to hold a vehicle stationary, original equipment manufacturers advise that to keep the entire weight of your car from pressing against the pawl, always engage the parking brake to “prevent wear and tear on intricate vehicle components.” As Diamond said, the parking brake is useful because would you actually trust a parking paw made from plastic to hold a car, especially on an incline?”

Additionally, regularly using the parking brake can prevent the parking brake from rusting or seizing, ensuring it works properly when you really need it.

What Happens If You Drive With the Parking Brake On?

Driving with the parking brake on will cause all types of problems, including:

FAQs

Is the parking brake just there for tradition?

No! Absolutely not. While many consider parking brakes anold, outdated feature, it remains essential for vehicle safety and reliability. The parking brake has several helpful purposes:

What about an electric vehicle that doesn’t have a transmission?

Electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have a transmission, but depending on make and model, they may use a gear set in the electric motor that engages a parking pawl, the same as a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle.

Electronic parking brakes on many EVs and hybrid models are factory-programmed to turn on automatically. On other cars with electronic parking brakes, the driver can synchronize them to automatically engage when the shifter is in park. “Yeah, you still need to use the parking brake in 2025. If manufacturers still think it’s necessary to automatically set the parking brake, that tells you something,” says car expert Alex Black, Chief Marketing Officer at EpicVIN.

Are there times when you should not use the parking brake?

Yes, there are times when you shouldn’t use the parking brake, advises Black. After driving throughslush, snow or ice, and when temperatures will drop below freezing, don’t set the parking brake. The parking brake cables or mechanisms can freeze in place and will not release. This is the same as driving with the parking brake on, even after releasing the parking brake.

Additionally, depending on your vehicle’s parking brake system, parking brake shoes or pads can freeze to the parking brake “drum” or disc rotor,causing the wheels to lock upor keep from turning.

About the Experts

  • Tom Diamondhas over 35 years of experience in the automotive repair industry as a technician, certified original equipment manufacturer (Mazda) trainer and shop supervisor. He has been an ASE Master Technician for over 25 years, including ASE L1 advanced automotive engine performance certification and is a PA Department of Transportation certified state safety, emissions and reconstructed vehicle inspector. Email, with follow-up Interview, Jan 28, 2025.
  • Alex Blackhas a deep understanding of the automotive industry, is a recognized car expert and as Chief Marketing Officer atEpicVIN, empowers dealers and consumers with the best tools and services for when buying or selling a car. Email communication, Jan 28, 2025.

Sources

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Make Your Own Windshield Wiper Fluid in Minutes

Driving for over 50 years, plus being involved in the auto repair industry as an ASE and General Motors Master Technician, I understand the essential value of windshield wiper fluid, especially when driving in icy, snowy climates. However, not all windshield wiper fluids are the same. Some have different freezing points, some are designed just to be effective for dust and road dirt, while others are better to clean bug splatter on long summer road trips.

You can still buy a gallon of the standard “blue stuff” rated for temperatures above 32 F for around $4. However, if you can’t get to the supermarket or parts store to pick up a gallon of windshield wiper fluid, you can make your own with household items you probably have in your cleaning cabinet.

Read along as an ASE-certified body shop manager and certified K-12 chemistry teacher share their expertise and practical tips to help you prepare a homemade windshield wiper fluid that will help increase visibility and your driving safety and comfort.

Can You Make Your Own Windshield Wiper Fluid?

Yes, making windshield wiper fluid yourself isn’t difficult or complicated and can be an economical alternative to commercial brand windshield wiper fluids. However, homemade windshield wiper fluid can cause damage or stain your car’s finish.

According to Eric Heigold, ASE master technician and body shop manager, “It’s important to use the proper ingredients in the correct dilution [ratio of ingredients to water].” Heigold adds, “One part 70 percent isopropyl alcohol mixed with four parts distilled water is used to remove wax and other contaminates from paint [before repainting or waxing], so at the right strength, it’s safe to use [to make washer fluid].”

Pros

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Very eco-friendly
  • More effective cleaning of the windshield during harsh winter weather
  • You can tweak the ingredients to meet your particular needs, such as adding more alcohol if you live in colder climates.

Cons

  • Using “tap water can cause the wiper fluid nozzles to clog; think of mineral deposits clogging a steam iron,” says science and chemistry teacher Greg Feliz.
  • According to Feliz, vinegar is a “weak acid,” and using other types of vinegar instead of distilled vinegar can stain your car’s paint or windshield.
  • Using too much alcohol, methanol or denatured alcohol can stain your car’s finish or damage the paint.
  • All alcohols, says Feliz, “are flammable and must be stored safely.”

Pay attention to the ingredients when concocting homemade windshield wiper fluid. True story: It was snowing. My washer reservoir was empty, and the dealership where I worked was out of washer fluid. I needed something for the long ride home. Someone suggested using alcohol from the body shop. Mix it 50/50 with water, they say. “It’ll be fine.” Unfortunately, what I grabbed was full-strength, denatured alcohol. The following week, I found that the highly concentrated denatured alcohol mixture had completely stained the paint on the roof and hood, requiring an expensive paint job to fix.

How To Make DIY Windshield Wiper Fluid

DIY windshield wiper fluid recipes are readily available. I have made this one myself, and it works as well as any ready-made fluid.

Ingredients

  • 32 ounces white distilled vinegar
  • 96 ounces distilled water
  • Three or four drops Dawn dish detergent or a tablespoon of car wash/shampoo
  • Clean one gallon jug
  • Blue food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients well, then carefully pour into the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
  • Test in an inconspicuous area (under the hood or inside the trunk) to ensure the solution doesn’t cause any paint damage or discoloration. “Rinsing off your car, no matter what type of washer fluid you use, will help protect the finish,” adds Heigold.

Notes

  • For colder climates, cutting the vinegar to 16 ounces and replacing it with 16 ounces of 70 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol should offer freezing protection to around 20 F.
  • According to Feliz, “Through the magic of chemistry, 40 percent methanol will prevent washer fluid from freezing where temperatures drop below -10 F. He adds, “Although the dilution ratio is relatively low, methanol is a strong solvent [and] proper dilution is important to decrease harming the finish.”

Windshield Wiper Tablets

Windshield wiper tablets are a great alternative to making windshield wiper fluid completely from scratch. They are small, making them convenient and easy to use and store.

Although you’ll need to use distilled water and add alcohol for winter driving, they’re an inexpensive substitute that not only cleans dirty windshields but also makes good household cleaners due to their effervescent qualities. Usually, one tablet produces one gallon of windshield wiper fluid. This also helps reduce the number of empty plastic bottles that end up in landfills.

  • Pro Tip: The best windshield wiper fluid will not make up for worn or damaged wiper squeegees. Also, in my experience, the windshield washer fluid reservoir is one of the most overlooked maintenance items in our vehicles. Replace it if there is scum, muck, or rust build-up that can clog or damage the washer fluid pump.

The Experts

  • Greg Feliz, M.S., has a has over 15 years in industry, and an additional 20 years in the classroom as a Pennsylvania Department of Education certified K-12 chemistry, science and mathematics teacher and is currently teaching at Lansdale Catholic High School located in Lansdale, PA.
  • Eric Heigold is an ASE and General Motors master technician, has been in the automotive repair industry for over 40 years as a technician, shop foreman, service manager and is the manager of Faulkner Collision Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Resources

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What to Do When Your Home Insurance Company Cancels Your Policy

If you’re one of thousands of Americans living in high-risk weather zones, you know the struggle of finding and keeping home insurance. Recent years of extreme weather events have resulted in huge losses for insurance companies, and as a result, many are refusing to insure homes in certain areas of the country. But, even if you live in a low-risk area, insurance companies can still cancel your policy for other reasons.

If you’ve found yourself dropped by your homeowner’s insurance company, read on to find out what steps to take next, with help from experienced insurance professional Anne Beatty.

Why Do Insurance Companies Drop Customers for Home Insurance?

Beyond nonpayment, insurance companies can cancel your coverage if they feel you, your home or your environment are too risky. Things like committing insurance fraud, lying about the condition of your home, or even getting a new dog without telling your insurance company can trigger a cancelation. “If you get a new dog that’s considered a high bite risk, they will cancel your coverage,” Beatty says.

Filing too many claims is another common reason to get dropped by your homeowner’s insurance company. “This is not only true for big claims,” Beatty says. “Lots of small claims can get you canceled, too.” Too many claims will often lead to non-renewal at the end of the term rather than immediate cancelation.

Underwriting discrepancies are also problematic. These happen when an inspection conducted by the insurance company reveals home issues that were not detailed when the policy was issued. I had this happen once when the inspector found areas of moss on my roof. Insurance companies don’t like old roofs, and if you have one, your policy could be canceled.

Living in a high-risk area can also get you dropped by your insurance. “It may be hard to find coverage in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, hailstorms or wildfires, as the risk outweighs the benefit for the company,” Beatty says.

Is It Legal For My Insurance Company To Drop My Home Insurance?

Yes, it is legal, but they must provide ample notice. The amount of notice varies but is between 5 and 45 days, depending on the state.

What To Do If Your Insurance Company Drops Your Home Insurance

If your insurance company drops you, the first thing you’ll want to do is ask for a reason for cancelation and any supporting evidence.

Depending on the reason, ask the provider to reconsider their decision. “Reach out to your insurance company and see if it can be overturned,” Beatty says. “If it’s a needed repair that triggered cancelation, they’ll likely be willing to work with you.” Make any needed repairs within a certain number of days to have your coverage reinstated. If you live in a natural disaster-prone area, try to reduce your risk by making improvements to your home, like adding fireproof roofing or waterproofing windows.

If you’re definitely parting ways with your current carrier, you’ll want to shop around and find a new policy before your old one expires. Ask your neighbors for recommendations or do some online research, and compare at least three quotes from new companies before making a decision. “The larger name companies might not offer you coverage after you’ve been canceled, but smaller companies may,” Beatty says.

Can I Get My Money Back From the Insurance Company That Dropped Me?

Yes, you will receive a refund of any premium paid based on the amount of time left on the policy.

About the Expert

  • Anne Beatty is a licensed insurance agent in the state of Connecticut. She has over 20 years of industry experience.

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

9 Ways Your Phone Could Be Putting Your Security at Risk

My phone is always complaining at me to update its software. When it’s not doing that, it’s asking to track me through whatever app I’m using. Turns out, this is more than just an annoyance. Making the wrong decision on either of these requests can actually create a phone security risk.

“Cell phones are a necessity in today’s world, but they are also usually a consumer’s most significant digital vulnerability,” says Yaron Litwin, a digital safety expert with Canopy. “Phones used to account for a small minority of web traffic, but now they make up the large majority; and phones present certain dangers that personal computers may not.”

Here are some of the ways your cell phone may be putting your digital and personal security at risk.

Outdated or Malicious Apps

Developers regularly update apps and smartphone software to address known security issues. Outdated apps on your phone can put you at risk. An easy fix is to turn on auto-updates for both your apps and phone.

Also, downloading some apps is risky, especially cash games. “Many are trying out games that pay out gift cards or cash, but most of those games contain malicious codes that can mess up your cell phone,” says Baruch Labunski, CEO of Rank Secure.

Public Wi-FI

9 Ways Your Phone Could Be Putting Your Security At Risk Gettyimages 1849645166

“Public Wi-Fi is like the computer highway’s red-light district,” says Labunski. “It’s dangerous and particularly prone to phishing and hacks.”

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can leave your phone and its data, including passwords, open to hackers. Solutions to this include not accessing sensitive data while on public Wi-Fi (or not using public Wi-Fi altogether), using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Canopy or ExpressVPN to encrypt your online traffic and accessing websites with HTTPS versions.

Similarly, Litwin recommends turning off Bluetooth when it’s not in use, as it can also act as a window for hackers to access your phone or computer.

Location Data

Sharing location data, or location tracking, is helpful to let family members keep track of one another. “However, having location trackers on pictures and social media posts also tells stalkers and potential child abductors too much about you and your children,” says Labunski. “Turn it off.”

For apps that need to know where you are, such as map apps, try to limit location-sharing permissions to “while using the app.”

Insufficient Cyber Hygiene

Cyber hygiene means keeping your phone and computers clean and healthy, which makes it more difficult for hackers to run amock.

Beyond updating apps and software regularly, to prevent phone security risks, set strong passwords and update them regularly, periodically clean out your cache and use multi-factor or biometric authentication, says Labunski.

But don’t make the common mistake of solely relying on the latter, says Lauren Hendry Parsons, a privacy advocate at ExpressVPN. “While biometrics logins using a fingerprint or face scan are increasingly common, using a fresh and strong password is the best way to physically protect your phone from bad actors,” she says.

Phishing via SMS (Smishing) and Email

A major way scammers and hackers obtain sensitive information is through fraudulent texts and emails. These typically pretend to be from legitimate entities and urge you to click on a link or share personal data. Once you do, the link leads to a scam website or the theft of sensitive data like passwords or credit card details or even unauthorized access to your accounts, says Nati Tal, head of Guardio Labs.

“Many think only older or less tech-savvy people fall for these scams, but phishing tactics are increasingly sophisticated and target all demographics,” he says. “Even savvy users can be fooled by personalized phishing attempts, proving no one is immune.”

The solution: Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders, verify messages by contacting the sender directly through official channels and use anti-phishing tools (like Guardio) for added protection.

Scam Calls

9 Ways Your Phone Could Be Putting Your Security At Risk Gettyimages 2162575553

Similarly to smishing, scam callers often impersonate trusted entities like banks or government agencies to extract sensitive information or money over the phone. AI-powered voice spoofing is also making this harder to detect.

“Scam calls aren’t always obvious,” says Tal. “Caller ID spoofing makes these calls seem legitimate. One victim reported losing thousands to a fake IRS agent demanding payment for unpaid taxes.”

To protect yourself from these phone security risks, let unknown numbers go to voicemail, never share sensitive information unless you initiate the call and use call-blocking tools. “Don’t assume a caller is genuine just because they know your name, address or other personal details,” says Tal. “Scammers often use leaked personal information to make their calls sound legitimate and convincing.”

SIM Swapping

If your phone stops working, it could be that a criminal transferred your phone number to their own SIM card, which then gives them control over your phone calls, text messages and emails. This means they can potentially access your bank and other accounts, even if you use two-factor authentication. They can also steal your identity and pose as you, since any calls they make look as if they’re coming from your phone.

“Hijacking a phone number is alarmingly simple and SIM swappers often focus on cryptocurrency accounts due to their high value and lack of chargeback protections,” says Tal. “One victim shared how they lost their life savings in minutes after their phone stopped working.”

To protect yourself, notify your provider to block SIM swap requests if you suspect your personal data has been exposed, and use a separate number exclusively for two-factor authentication. Set up a PIN with your carrier and monitor your account for unusual activity.

QR Code Scams

Fraudsters use malicious QR codes to redirect users to phishing websites or install malware on their devices, says Tal. Sometimes it’s easy to spot a fake link, like “amazonn.xyz” or “bankkofamericas.net,” but since QR codes don’t show you the URL upfront, it makes it harder to verify their legitimacy.

“People assume QR codes are inherently safe because they are widely used in legitimate settings like restaurants and events,” he says. “Scammers exploit this by placing fake QR codes in both digital spaces like emails and social media, and also real-world locations. For example, last year, fraudsters stuck fake QR codes over parking signs, redirecting payments to phishing sites instead of the official ones.”

To protect against this, avoid scanning codes from unverified sources, and use tools (like Guardio) to detect and block malicious sites.

Public Charging Systems

9 Ways Your Phone Could Be Putting Your Security At Risk Gettyimages 1372135842

In addition to providing power, public USB charging stations can also establish a data connection. This “juice jacking” isn’t too common, but if a criminal has compromised a charging station with malware, they could be able to access cell phone data, including passwords.

“Think of it as connecting your phone to a computer you do not trust, which in turn may attempt to access your device without your consent,” says Hendry Parsons.

To prevent this, carry your own charging cables or a portable battery.

About the Experts

  • Nati Tal is the Head of Guardio Labs security tools, which protect millions from digital threats. He has more than a decade of experience in threat intelligence, malware analysis and vulnerability research.
  • Yaron Litwin is a digital safety expert with the Canopy parental control and digital safety app, where he creates cutting-edge, positive impact technology products that offer a better, safer world.
  • Baruch Labunski is the CEO of Rank Secure, a firm specializing in online marketing, branding and operational strategies.
  • Lauren Hendry Parsons is a privacy advocate at ExpressVPN and co-chair of the VPN Trust Initiative, where she helps people understand the importance of digital privacy and security.

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What Are Locking Differentials? How It Can Improve Off-Road Driving

If you’re a car enthusiast, especially about four-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, you may be familiar with locking differentials. But if you’re anything like me, you didn’t know what they were or what they did until your dad started taking you out for off-roading adventures. Until you know how they work, when to and why use them, the button that controls them will sit unused on your dashboard.

In a FWD or AWD vehicle, each wheel generally gets power independently. This allows the wheels to turn at different speeds, such as when turning a corner. Normally, this is very helpful for vehicle control, but there are certain situations where it’s not the best option.

Locking differentials are a lifesaver if you find yourself driving over uneven or difficult terrain. They are the difference between having a fun story to tell everyone later and having to sheepishly call someone to help you get your vehicle unstuck.

What Are Locking Differentials?

The complicated answer is that locking differentials affect the torque directed to your wheels to prevent them from spinning uselessly when you get stuck. According to Chevrolet, engaging them “lets you lock wheels [on the same axle] together on their axle, forcing them to turn at the same rate.”

Put simply, locking differentials help you to avoid getting stuck when driving on difficult terrain because it sends more power to your wheels all at once.

Why Would You Need Locking Differentials?

Car Locking Differentials

City driving generally doesn’t call for any fancy features. However, you’re not always going to be driving paved and well-maintained roads. Sometimes you might take your vehicle out to areas with difficult terrain. This is where locking differentials come in. Engaging them allows the car to compensate in situations where one of your wheels has less traction than the other. For example, if you’re stuck in soft dirt or if one of your tires is stuck in the air.

How Do You Turn This Feature On?

This answer depends quite a bit on what kind of car you have. Many vehicles designed for rough terrain, like Jeeps and Grenadiers, have a physical button labeled “locking differentials” that you push to engage. Cars like my Subaru, a step down from overlanding vehicles, generally include them in their “sport mode.” Engaging that feature automatically activates them, as well as other features designed to compensate for uneven terrain.

Reference your car’s driver manual to figure out where the locking differential control is located.

Sources

How to Use Locking Differentials, Chevrolet.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

You’ve Been Using the Voice Button On Your Steering Wheel Wrong

Most modern cars come equipped with an infotainment system loaded with features from the manufacturer. But in 2025, just about everything requires a subscription to function. For example, my 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes with Toyota’s navigation software and voice assistant, but it requires a subscription to their DriveConnect service to make them work. However, I do not pay the $15 to $30 a month subscription because CarPlay and Android Auto exist and those serivces already give me access to Google Maps and Google Assistant for free.

However, one minor-turned-major annoyance I continuously encountered was that the voice button on my steering wheel activated Toyota’s voice assistant instead of Google’s. While driving, I’d click the button to ask Google for directions or to tell it what song to play next. But instead of Google Assistant coming to my aid, Toyota’s voice assistant would ring out to tell me it can’t help me because I’m not subscribed to its subscription service.

For close to a year, I simmered with rage over the useless button. Surely, if Android Auto is running, clicking the voice button on my wheel should activate Google Assistant, not default to the car’s voice assistant (which I don’t have a subscription for)!

Imagine my surprise when I found out I had been using the button wrong for an entire year, and there is, in fact, a way to activate Google Assistant (or Siri, if you’re a CarPlay user) from the steering wheel. If this is an issue for you, you’ll be mind-blown to know how simple the solution is:

How To Activate Google Assistant/Siri From the Steering Wheel

If you’d like to activate Google Assistant or Siri from your steering wheel, simply long-press the voice button on your steering wheel.

That’s it! May your future drives run smoother now that you’re equipped with this knowledge.

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12 Brilliant Ways To Reuse a 5-Gallon Bucket

paint being poured into a bucket lined with garbage bag

Really Easy Paint Container Cleanup

Even if you use reusable shopping bags, theres a good chance you have some plastic grocery bags somewhere in your home. And a large trash bag can be used for a variety of projects in your workshop.

Use your extra trash bags as 5-gallon bucket liners to make a 5-gallon paint bucket. This tip is especially helpful when working with messy materials such as paint or grout. Simply place the trash bag inside the 5-gallon bucket and make sure that there is enough bag left over at the top so it wont collapse inwards. When using this handy hint with paint, you can tie the bag shut to use it for another day of working on your project. Once you are done using the paint in the bucket, you can poke a hole in it to drain it back into the paint can.

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Kia Recalls 80,000 SUVs Over Airbag and Seatbelt Wiring Issues

While it’s difficult to definitively rank a car’s safety features from most to least important, it’s safe to say that airbags and seatbelts are certainly some of the most important out there. If either of these features fails, your risk of serious injury or death skyrockets. Unfortunately, that’s what Kia America (Kia) is contending with. They recently announced a recall of tens of thousands of their Kia SUVs due to airbag and seatbelt issues.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a brief summarizing the issues and proposed repairs. We’ve parsed it for you so that you can quickly get all your answers.

Why Are These Kia SUVs Being Recalled?

According to the NHTSA brief, this recall involves an electrical problem. “The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged,” they detail. Damaged wiring is always dangerous; in this case, it “can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.”

Which Kia SUVs Are Being Recalled?

Over 80,000 Kia SUVs are included in this recall, including:

  • 2023 Niro EV
  • 2024 Niro EV
  • 2025 Niro EV
  • 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
  • 2024 Niro PHEV
  • 2025 Niro PHEV
  • 2023 Niro Hybrid
  • 2024 Niro Hybrid
  • 2025 Niro Hybrid

Kia will mail letters to the affected owners in mid-March 2025. If you own one of the above vehicles, keep an eye on your mailbox and exercise caution while driving.

What To Do If My Kia SUV Is Recalled

According to Kia, dealerships will “inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers.” Don’t hesitate to schedule the repairs; faulty safety features are an accident waiting to happen, and the repairs are free.

If you have further questions after reading your owner letter or you don’t want to wait, you can contact Kia for more information. Contact them at 1-800-333-4542 and clarify that you’re asking about recall number SC332.You can also contact the NHTSA with further questions. Call 1-888-327-4236 and clarify that you want to know about NHTSA recall number 25V024000.

Source

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Monday, January 27, 2025

Should You Have Your Home Depot Order Delivered With DoorDash or Uber?

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a project only to realize you’re missing a crucial tool or material? You don’t want to stop working, but you know you’ll eventually need to make a trip to the store to finish your work. Well, good news: a convenient delivery option is now available at an orange home improvement store near you.

Last week, The Home Depot announced a new deal with DoorDash and Uber Eats that lets customers get tools, materials, and supplies delivered to their homes in as little as one hour. The service sounds like it could be a huge time saver, but it comes with an added price.

“Weve never been faster or more efficient at delivering the products our customers need through HomeDepot.com, said Jordan Broggi, president of online at The Home Depot, in a press release about the partnership. Our expanded e-commerce capabilities make it easier than ever to shop and receive your order when and where you need it.

By logging onto either the DoorDash or Uber Eats platforms, customers can browse a selection of products from The Home Depot that the store describes as “extensive.” Once you place your order, it will be assigned to a shopper, who will go to the store to pick up your items and deliver them to your doorstep or job site.

It’s worth noting that The Home Depot also offers same-day and next-day shipping options through its website. If you’re looking for a good deal, you’ll probably want to stick to shopping on the website or in-store (prices on delivery apps are typically marked up to cover the commission fees charged by the delivery app companies). But if you need construction supplies or a tool in a pinch, one of these apps might come in handy.

Source:

The Home Depot, “More Convenience, More Value: The Home Depot Expands On-Demand Delivery Capabilities” (2024)

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Here’s What Happens If You Hit Your Car’s Start/Stop Button By Accident

The first time I rented a car with a press-button start, it felt fancy. Just a couple of decades later, it’s hard to find a new car without one. But this convenience comes with a potential downside: a few people in online forums have been sharing alarming stories of what happened when they accidentally pressed the start/stop button while driving.

“Most people haven’t thought about it until they hear about a potential catastrophe,” says Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org. “Then it hits close to home, and they wonder what would happen if they accidentally pushed the button.”

This might also lead to an uptick of people trying it just to see what happens, says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer. We highly recommend against that.

However, the engineers at Nissan Group of the Americas speculate it’s trending for another reason: because “people are naturally curious about how things work, especially when it comes to their cars. It’s a great opportunity to share the ways modern vehicle technology is designed with both convenience and safety in mind,” they told Family Handyman.

Here is more about what can happen when you press the start/stop button at the wrong moment and how to react if you accidentally do hit it.

What Is the Start/Stop Button?

The start/stop button is what’s used in the majority of modern cars to turn the engine on or off. It replaces the need for a metal key to be inserted and turned in the ignition/starter mechanisms.

What Happens If I Press the Stop/Start Button While Driving?

It depends on your car’s design, your speed, and how long you press the button. Some cars are built with safety features to prevent accidental presses, while others are not.

At low speeds some vehicles allow the engine to shut off when the button is pressed, which causes loss of power steering, brakes and acceleration, says Xavier Sabastian, an auto expert at Way.com. “At higher speeds, many modern vehicles are designed to ignore a single press of the start/stop button to prevent accidental engine shutdowns,” he says. “However, holding the button for a few seconds may still turn off the engine.”

To find out your vehicle’s specific behavior, consult the owner’s manual. For example, a member of the Nissan engineering team told Family Handyman that in their vehicles, the engine will not turn off if a driver accidentally presses the ignition button briefly while driving. However, if there is an emergency, the driver can shut off the engine while driving by either pressing the ignition button three times in quick succession (for less than 1.5 seconds each), or pressing and holding the ignition button for more than 2 seconds.

“Of course, as we point out in our owner’s manuals, stopping the engine while a vehicle is being driven could lead to a crash and serious injury,” says the Nissan rep.

What Happens If I Press the Stop/Start Button While Not In Park?

If your foot is on the brake and you forget to put it in park before pushing the stop button, what will happen will also depends on your car’s features. Some cars will shift into park when they’re stopped and powered down. But if yours does not, then you risk your call rolling.

Again, using Nissan as an example, the current Nissan Rogue and Pathfinder models have electronically controlled (aka shift-by-wire) transmissions. That means they can go into park automatically when the driver turns off the engine without having to use the shift lever.

“In other words, if the driver forgets to put the transmission in park, it will go to park when they turn off the engine with their foot on the brake,” says the engineer. However, “In traditional designs, the shift lever is mechanically linked to the transmission. In that case, if the vehicle is shut off when not in park, the driver will get a warning to shift to park before exiting the vehicle.”

Tips to Avoid Pressing the Start/Stop Button By Accident

Adjusting Car Stereo Button While Driving In A Rainy Day

Think about what actions you might take that would put your hand or other objects near the button so you can find ways to mitigate the chances of accidentally pressing the stop/start button. For example:

  • Turn on your music before you start.
  • Acquaint yourself with the temperature controls before you’re on the road.
  • Be mindful of your hand placement.

“Get in the habit of not putting your hand near the button or juggling things like a phone or coffee mug while driving,” says Pyle.

What To Do If You Press The Start/Stop Button Accidentally?

If you accidentally press the button for less than a second, chances are nothing will happen. But if you press it long enough for the engine to shut off, hold the steering wheel with both hands and prepare to use muscles to maintain your steering, especially as the vehicle slows, says Musson. Also, be prepared to push the brake pedal harder than normal.

Sabastian also offers this advice:

  • Stay calm.
  • Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
  • Shift to the transmission into neutral.
  • Restart the engine by holding the brake pedal and pressing the start/stop button again.
  • Once the engine is running, safely pull over to assess the situation.

“Understanding your vehicle’s specific features and responses is crucial for safe operation,” he says. For detailed information, always refer to your owner’s manual.

About the Experts

  • Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org, where she has worked for nearly a decade.
  • Xavier Sabastian is an author and auto/insurance expert with the Way.com auto app.
  • Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006.
  • A member of the Nissan Group of the Americas engineering staff also contributed to this article.

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Friday, January 24, 2025

8 Best Non-Toxic Mattresses, According to Our Experts

Avocado Green MattressVIA MERCHANT

best overall non-toxic mattress

Avocado Green Mattress

Pros:

  • Made with organic, fair-trade and non-toxic materials
  • Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment
  • No odors or off-gassing
  • High-quality look and feel
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Available in three firmness levels
  • Cool to the touch
  • No flame retardants used

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Does not eliminate motion transfer

High quality, non-toxic materials, cooling properties and edge support make the Avocado Green mattress the cream of the crop. Every Avocado mattress is lab-tested for harmful levels of toxic substances so you can rest comfortably knowing that its completely free from formaldehyde, PFAS (known as forever chemicals), chemical fire retardants and off-gassing materials. And you will rest comfortably thanks to this mattress’s high quality construction.

Depending on the size you choose, each Avocado Green mattress has between 833 and 1,379 steel coils individually encased in fabric pockets. These coils are arranged in seven ergonomic zones to support your hips, back and shoulders. Moreover, a reinforced steel perimeter ensures that this mattress retains its structure without sinking or compressing.

According to our tester Nancy Snyder, sleeping on this mattress was like sleeping on a 5-star hotel bed. “It wasnt just comfortable for a box mattress, says Snyder in her full Avocado Green mattress review. This might actually be one of the most comfortable beds Ive ever laid on. Our only regret? Getting this for the guest bedroom, as it was more comfortable than our main bedroom mattress!

The only thing you may want to consider is the fact that this mattress does not reduce motion transfer as Snyder hoped it would. Though the brand claims that the coils reduce motion transfer, Snyder was able to feel her dog jumping up and moving around on the bed beside her. Snyder also points out that many other reviewers claimed they were able to feel every movement from their partner. But while this is important for some, it may not be a deal breaker for others, she adds.

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Ford Recalls 270,000 Cars Over Defective Batteries

Important news for Ford owners: The Ford Motor Company recently announced a recall of over 270,000 vehicles due to battery issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that certain Ford vehicles have faulty batteries that can make them incredibly dangerous, both for the driver and for other drivers on the road.

Take steps to remedy this problem as quickly as possible; faulty batteries are a huge problem. You know what a pain it is to try to turn your car on when the battery is dead; this issue is even worse because it can happen while the car is still running.

Which Ford Vehicles Are Being Recalled

According to the NHTSA brief, the faulty battery issue could affect over 270,000 Ford vehicles, including:

  • 2021 Bronco Sport SUV
  • 2022 Bronco Sport SUV
  • 2023 Bronco Sport SUV
  • 2022 Maverick Trucks
  • 2023 Maverick Trucks

Ford has said that they will be mailing out owner letters in early February of 2025, so if you own one of the vehicles on this list, keep an eye on your mailbox. The letter will give you further instructions on how to remedy the problem.

Why Is Ford Recalling These Vehicles

The NHTSA brief explains that the faulty batteries in these Ford vehicles “may experience degradation and suddenly fail.” If the battery fails, it “can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.”

Avoid driving your vehicle as much as possible until you can repair it. A suddenly failing battery is incredibly dangerous for both you and the other drivers on the road.

How to Remedy the Faulty Batteries

Ford has announced that dealers will inspect and replace the faulty 12-volt batteries free of charge. The NHTSA brief also notes that these vehicles “were previously repaired under 24V-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.” So, even if you’ve already had your vehicle repaired previously, confirm whether you’ve had the most current repair.

If you have further questions or don’t want to wait for your owner letter to arrive, you can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. When you call, be sure to specify that you’re asking about recall number 25S02. You can also contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236; the recall number is 25V019000.

Source

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Will a Dryer Sheet in a Mailbox Deter Bees?

If you’re a queen bee, the inside of a vacant mailbox might look like a pretty good place to stay for a while and maybe even establish your hive. It’s protected from the elements, warms up quickly in the sun, and has plenty of room. It’s also a relatively undisturbed space at least until someone moves into the house and the mailman comes with the first mail delivery. Ouch!

If you live on the property, or you’re the one delivering mail, you are interested in keeping the bees away. But, as pest control expert Brad Guerrera cautions: “Bees are vital to our ecosystem, so it’s important to handle situations like this carefully and humanely.”

So, what’s a safe and effective way to deter bees from mailboxes? Some people say to use dryer sheets. Does this work? Let’s find out.

Why Put a Dryer Sheet in Your Mailbox?

Mitch Coluzzi is the head of construction for a company that buys and sells abandoned houses, so he is well-acquainted with the problem of bees in old mailboxes. “An old mailman’s trick is to stick dryer sheets with linalool in vacant mailboxes to ward off bees/wasps,” he says. “It became an old wives tale when folks were using random dryer sheets, but if you use sheets that contain linalool, which is a natural deterrent to bees and wasps, it works.”

Do Dryer Sheets in Mailboxes Actually Deter Bees?

Dryer sheets must have some deterrent value, or no one would have ever thought to use them in the first place, but Guerrera isn’t particularly impressed. “In my experience,” he says, “dryer sheets might provide a temporary fix, but they’re far from reliable.”

Coluzzi, on the other hand, is more bullish on the practice. “We send and receive a lot of mail, so at a cost of just 12 cents a sheet, keeping the mailman happy and safe feels well worth it!”

Snopes identifies the claim that dryer sheets keep stinging insects like bees and wasps out of mailboxes as “unproven,” which means it may or may not work. For the curious homeowner, that probably means that the best way to find out is to try it. You’re more likely to have success if the sheets have a strong scent, says Guerrera. “Bees rely heavily on their sense of smell for navigation and communication, so overpowering scents can disrupt them and make certain areas less attractive for nesting.”

How Do Dryer Sheets Deter Bees?

“Dryer sheets don’t kill bees,” says Nicole Carpenter, another pest control expert, but she agrees with Guerrera that they can be an effective deterrent if they have a strong scent. “The chemical compounds that neutralize static and soften fabrics emit strong, synthetic scents that can confuse bees’ sensitive olfactory systems. The mixture of fragrances and fabric softeners mask pheromones, can make the area less attractive to bees.”

Does linalool make dryer sheets more effective? According to Science Direct, linalool is a common floral volatile found in over 200 plant species, including lavender (a popular scent for dryer sheets). As such, it could well attract bees as effectively as it repels them. If dryer sheets actually do function as a deterrent, it’s probably the combination of linalool and other synthetic chemicals they contain that is responsible.

Alternatives To Dryer Sheets to Deter Bees From Mailbox

“For long-term prevention,” says Guerrera, “I always recommend inspecting mailboxes and other outdoor structures regularly and sealing potential entry points. This not only deters bees but also helps prevent other insects from setting up shop.”

Strong-smelling essential oils, such as neem, peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus and cloves are also known to repel bees and other insects. If you spray one of these oils inside the box, and keep the box closed, you’re less likely to have a nasty surprise when the mail gets delivered, but keep Carpenter’s warning in mind: “There are different bee species, and some bees might like or dislike specific chemicals.”

About the Experts

  • Mitch Coluzzi is the head of construction for SoldFast, a nationwide home restoration company.
  • Brad Guerrera is the owner of Houston-based Expert Pest Control and is a leading authority in humane wildlife removal and eco-friendly pest management.
  • Nicole Carpenter has been working in pest control since she was in high school. She is the President of Black Pest Prevention, which serves North and South Carolina.

Sources

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Does Bundling Insurance Actually Lower Costs?

My business partner and I insure the California home we share, as well as both our cars, using the same provider. We originally did this for...