Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost

What is Replacement Cost?

Replacement cost is the cost to replace the property at the same location with property of similar quality and material. 

Ex: 30 year shingles ripped off by a windstorm are replaced with 30 year shingles in the same or similar color. 

What is Actual Cash Value?

Actual cash value is replacement cost - depreciation

Ex: Your roof is damaged and it will cost $2,000 to fix the damage to your 15 year old roof. You will get $2,000-Depreciation= less than $2,000.

Why Purchase a Replacement Cost Policy?

It offers more protection when a loss occurs.

Why Purchase an Actual Cash Value Policy?
It still offers protection, but generally at a lower price.

Job Opportunity: Join Our Team!

We are looking for a Customer Service Insurance Agent to join our team. It is a full-time position with benefits in Mountain City, TN. 

Responsibilities Include: 

• Writing policies 
• Answering the phone
• Interacting with customers in the office
• Handling payments

Qualifications: 

• Computer literate 
• Money handling experience
• Customer service experience
• College degree preferred but not required
• Prior insurance experience a plus

We will help with agent licensing if necessary

Please send resumes to barbielambert@easttnmutualins.com, fax to (423) 815-9013 or drop them by our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 383 South Shady St. Mountain City, TN 37683

A 118 Year-Old Insurance Company in Today's Insurance Market

Some of the oldest companies in the United States are Mutual Insurance Companies. Our company, East Tennessee Mutual Insurance, has stood the test of time and is still here 118 years after its inception on September 19, 1896. To say that it is a challenge to keep our small company relevant in today's market is an understatement. These challenges are exciting and we have made and are making changes to keep our company viable. We are using technology to mainstream our internal operations. This has enabled us to serve our current policyholders and given us more opportunities to reach the new generation if tech savvy policyholders. Our company was founded with the vision to serve an underserved group of people (farmers at the time) while maintaining honesty and integrity. While we have expanded out policy offerings (homes, doublewides, mobile homes, rental homes and farms) and our coverage area, we still stay true to that vision.

We have always offered our policyholders a "personal touch" and 'peace of mind", now we can do that more efficiently. We are in an exciting time where technology is offering us new and inventive ways to stay connected to our policyholders, but we still believe that when you contact us, there should be someone ready to talk to you personally. We have technology, but we do not alienate those that do not use or want to use technology.

At East Tennessee Mutual Insurance: "As a policyholder you are more than a customer, you are a member of our company and we work for you."

Check out the wonderful blog of one of our policyholders!

S&K Farm: Brrrr It's Cold!!!:

Have you ever wondered how cattle stay warm in frigid temperatures? Well, here's your chance to learn how! The secret involves three thi...

A Cake Recipe to Help You While Away This Cold Day Inside

Today is very chilly. I hope anyone who has to go outside is bundled up. However, if you have no intention of leaving the house today, I have a yellow cake recipe for you. I found it on a forum in cheftalk.com and it is the best yellow cake I have ever tasted or made. Hopefully you will enjoy your time baking and enjoy your time eating even more.

Basic Yellow Cake:

2-1/4C all-purpose flour (do not sift the flour)
1-1/2 C granulated sugar
3-1/2t baking powder
1t salt
1-1/4C milk
vegetable oil
1 stick butter (not margarine), softened
1T vanilla extract
3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350

Cut baking paper to fit the bottom of (3) 9x1-1/2inch round pans. Grease with butter, place the baking paper in the pans and butter the paper.

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, mixing well.

Measure the 1-1/4 C of milk in a 2C measuring cup...then add enough vegetable oil to bring the liquid up to 1-1/3C.

Add the milk/vegetable oil mixture, butter and vanilla to the flour mixture and beat with an electric mixer on medium to medium-high speed for 2 minutes, scraping sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the eggs and continue beating an additional 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched at the center.

Cool cakes on wire racks for 15 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely.

Frost as desired

My favorite frosting on this cake is cooked chocolate frosting.

Cooked Chocolate Frosting

Mix together and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until thick and bubbly:
1-1/2C granulated sugar
1/4C + 2T cornstarch packed
7T cocoa
1T butter
3/4t salt
1-1/2C boiling water

Remove from heat and stir in:
6T butter
1T vanilla extract

Stir until the butter is melted; cool to frosting consistency and frost cake.

http://www.cheftalk.com/t/45372/finally-that-perfect-homemade-yellow-cake

Potatoes and Kielbasa

Here is one of my family's favorite recipes for a cold day when you really want a hearty meal. We simply call it Potatoes and Kielbasa.

Potatoes and Kielbasa

1 pkg polska kielbasa
3-5 potatoes depending on size
onion powder or onions
vegetable oil

1. Cut potatoes into small pieces and boil
2. Slice kielbasa 1/2 inch thick
3. Take boiled potatoes and add to skillet with some vegetable oil
4. Add onion powder or cooked onions to taste
5. Add kielbasa
6. Brown potatoes and kielbasa
7. Serve a warm tasty meal to your family

Holiday Safety Tips

Don't leave your holiday lights on when you leave the house or when you go to sleep. There is always the possibility of a fire so it's best just to turn them on when you can enjoy them.

Make it a holiday tradition to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You'll keep your family safe and having lots of people around could make a boring task into a fun family tradition.

Make sure you regularly water your live tree. If there is a fire, a well watered tree will not burn as readily as a dry tree.

(An NFPA video comparing the two)

If you choose to have an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as fire resistant. 

Only light a fire in your fireplace if the chimney has been cleaned this year by a professional. The creosote that builds up in your chimney is highly combustible, especially in large quantities.

There is a lot of cooking going on during the holidays. Remember to wash your hands and cooking surfaces regularly. It is a good way to prevent the flu and food borne illness.

Stay safe and have a happy holiday season.