Protecting What Matters This Fall - L&T Agency Newsletter September 2026 Edition

Before the first true cold front arrives, it is a good idea to give your home a seasonal checkup. Gutters, roofs, attics, sump pumps, furnaces, and exposed pipes can all become problem areas once temperatures drop.

A few helpful fall maintenance habits include cleaning gutters, checking your roof for missing or damaged shingles, testing your sump pump, servicing your furnace or heating system, sealing drafty windows and doors, and preparing pipes that may be vulnerable to freezing. These steps may seem small, but they can help reduce future repair costs and limit the chance of winter-related damage. Fall maintenance guides commonly recommend cleaning gutters, inspecting roofs, preparing for freezing weather, and servicing heating systems before winter.

Helpful reminder: maintenance is not just about comfort. It can also help protect your home from avoidable issues that may not always be covered by insurance if they result from neglect or lack of upkeep.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to learn the basics of life insurance and review whether your current protection still fits your life. Life Happens created and coordinates Life Insurance Awareness Month every September to remind Americans about the role life insurance can play in financial security.

Many people think about insurance in terms of fires, storms, or car accidents, but one of the biggest financial risks a family can face is the unexpected loss of a primary income earner. A home is not only protected by walls, a roof, and a homeowners policy. It is also protected by the income that helps pay the mortgage, utilities, taxes, and daily living expenses.

That is why life insurance is worth reviewing before it feels urgent. There is no cost to look at what policy options may be available, and even a simple conversation can help you better understand term life, permanent life, coverage amounts, beneficiaries, and how much protection may make sense for your family.

One helpful way to think about life insurance is this: you are only your youngest self-right now. As life changes, health changes, family needs change, and financial responsibilities grow. Looking into coverage today may give you more options than waiting until later.

Good thing is that you're not alone in this learning process. Our Agency has the tools and resources to answer any question you may have. Call our office to schedule a quick conversation with our Financial Team today! Conversely, click below to email us a day and time that works best for our Team to call you.

Click here to contact us! 👇

If you have a high school senior in your household, this is your reminder that senior year moves quickly! Between school, sports, activities, college planning, and everything else that comes with this milestone, scheduling senior pictures can easily become one of those things that gets pushed down the list.

If you're still looking for a photographer, check out Serena Hughes, owner of Myshutterbugphoto in Grayslake. Serena has been behind the camera for more than 20 years and specializes in high school senior photography, creating personalized sessions designed to showcase each senior's individual personality and confidence.

Her studio is located in downtown Grayslake, with options for professional hair and makeup, and she also photographs at outdoor locations throughout Lake County, and the greater Chicago area.

Whether senior pictures are still sitting on your to-do list or you're simply looking for a local photographer for your family's next milestone, Serena is a great local resource to check out.

Click here to learn more about Serena & Myshutterbugphoto 👇

Even with good maintenance, things can still break. That is why fall is also a smart time to review possible coverage gaps before winter weather arrives.

For example, sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe, may be treated differently than damage caused by ongoing maintenance issues or failure to maintain heat. Standard policies often do not cover flood damage or sewer/drain backups unless specific coverage has been added.

A few coverage areas worth asking about include:

Water Backup Coverage
This may help if water backs up through a sewer or drain, or if a sump pump overflows. Water backup is commonly listed as an optional homeowners coverage, not something to assume is automatically included.

Service Line Coverage
This may help with certain underground utility line issues, such as water, sewer, drainage, electric, or gas lines running to the home. These repairs can be expensive, and standard homeowners policies may not automatically include them.

Building Code / Ordinance or Law Coverage
If your home needs repairs after a covered loss, updated building codes may increase the cost of rebuilding or repairing. Some policies include limited ordinance or law coverage, while others may require added protection.

Fall Style Tip
While preparing your home for colder weather, prepare yourself too. Fall is the season for practical layers: quarter-zips, light jackets, neutral sweaters, clean boots, flannels, and darker denim. Think comfortable, warm, and polished. A good fall outfit works the same way a good insurance review does: it prepares you before the weather changes.

We believe great service starts with real people who care about helping you feel confident in your protection. This month, we’re highlighting Jennie Key, a valued member of our Inside Sales team who supports customers by reaching out at their renewals and conducting detailed policy reviews.

A quick hello from Jennie:

Hello everyone!

I’m thrilled to introduce myself as a proud member of the L & T Agency team! Working here brings me immense joy, and I take great pride in what I do. My passion lies in solving issues and ensuring that you receive the best coverage at the best rates.

Building strong relationships with my customers is at the heart of my approach. I genuinely listen to your needs and strive to do what’s best for you. Your trust means everything to me, and I appreciate the referrals you share with friends and family.

Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything. Thank you for allowing me to serve you, and let’s spread the word together!

Click here if you need me! 👇

Your experience matters to us. If you have a moment, we invite you to share feedback through our Customer Satisfaction Survey below—your responses help us understand what’s working well and where we can continue improving how we serve you. If you’d also like to share your experience publicly, a Google Review (👈 click) helps others feel confident choosing an agency that values education, clarity, and long-term protection. We truly appreciate you taking the time, whether privately or publicly.

Click here to share your feedback 👇

Prepared by Megan Dinklenburg to bring helpful, real-life insights to our L&T community. Questions or ideas? Please reach out anytime: meganwodek@allstate.com