Tips for a Safe Halloween in 2023

October 12, 2020

This year has been a wild ride no matter which way you look at it. With many states and municipalities rolling back on reopening as the weather cools down, Halloween plans seem to be as muddled as they could ever be. How do we get to enjoy the season while remaining safe? While there are plenty of ways to get your Halloween candy fix while staying safe, consider the following steps to be safe on the upcoming trick-or-treating evening.

Before all else, check your local and state regulations - There are cities that are fully restricting trick-or-treating activity and others have just placed moderate boundaries on how Halloween activities can be handled. It is important to celebrate within the bounds of your town or city’s regulations for the safety of your family and those around you. Head over to your municipality’s government website for important updates about mandates and regulations; your city may even have some COVID-safe activities if you’re looking for things to do!

Stock up and stay in - The most simple and safe option to enjoy Halloween in the age of COVID is to stay in. Thankfully, grocery shopping is a relatively safe task so long as the store enforces mask policies – take a quick trip and grab a couple bags of your favorite candy! The possibilities are nearly endless at home; you can keep the evening low-key or go on a Halloween-themed cooking blitz. After all, there is no place like home!

Host a movie marathon - Keep it small, but make it good. While you may have to keep your group under 10 people (check your local regulations!), you can still have an excellent night of fright-filled film. Get a group of friends and family together – even just your household counts – and put together a marathon together that everyone can enjoy. Many standard television channels curate marathons this time of year and some air ad-free, so if you’re having trouble finding content-appropriate movies for everyone in the house, consider accessing your TV guide function and choosing from the list.

Reach out to local farms for information - In many places large-gatherings are prohibited, but many small farms and rural businesses that typically host haunted hayrides and corn mazes are adapting to the local and state restrictions by offering those services by appointment and with certain size restrictions. If you find yourself with a small group of interested family members or friends, give your favorite corn maze a call. The business is sure to love to hear of your interest and you’re likely to get a day-long experience full of classic Halloween fun.

Be sanitary - If your local government is allowing trick or treating on Halloween night and you’re set to go collect candy – be smart. Keep hand sanitizer available and use it after each contact with a foreign surface, namely door handles, other people's hands, and handrails on staircases. If your costumes already have masks, ensure that those masks meet health guidelines for proper ventilation and virus restriction, if your costume is mask-free then add a mask! Whether it’s the default paper medical mask or something more stylized to match your outfit, masks are vital to your safety this Halloween season. For added safety, wash your earning before opening the packages to dig in – a simple spray disinfectant should do the job!

No matter what activities are your preference this Halloween season, it is vital to remain both vigilant and safe. Stay masked up, clean, and most importantly healthy – while Halloween is supposed to be scary, the risks we take should be calculated this spooky season.  Want to protect your Home, Family, and Automobile from risk?  Give us a call today to review your insurance coverages - 607.734.8799

By Kim Wilson October 23, 2025
When it comes to insurance, it’s tempting to shop around for the lowest price — after all, who doesn’t want to save a few dollars each month? But insurance isn’t like buying a gallon of gas or a cup of coffee. The cheapest policy might save you a little upfront, but it can cost you much more in the long run. Coverage limits, exclusions, and customer service vary greatly from one company to another, and a bargain policy may leave you uncovered when you need it most. A good insurance policy should give you peace of mind, not just a smaller bill. That means choosing a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs — your home, your car, your lifestyle, and your risks. A knowledgeable local agent can help you understand what’s included (and what’s not) so you don’t find out the hard way after a claim. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to make sure you’re properly protected, not just “barely covered.” Another key difference between cheap insurance and the right insurance is service. When something goes wrong — whether it’s a fender bender or storm damage to your home — you want a team that answers the phone, knows your name, and helps you through every step. As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers to find the right fit for your budget and your coverage needs. We’re also your advocate when it’s time to file a claim, not just a voice on the other end of a 1-800 number. At the end of the day, buying insurance isn’t about finding the lowest price — it’s about finding the right protection and a trusted partner. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business who’s here to help you make confident, informed decisions so you’re covered when it matters most.
By Kim Wilson October 9, 2025
When it comes to protecting your home, car, or business, the coverage you choose is important—but so is the person behind it. Buying insurance locally isn’t just about convenience; it’s about building a relationship with someone who truly understands your needs. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business, and here’s why choosing a local agent matters. 1. Personalized Service You Can Count On A local agent knows the community and the unique risks that come with it. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to get to know our clients personally—understanding your lifestyle, your priorities, and your concerns—so we can recommend coverage that fits your life. When questions arise or claims need attention, you can call us directly and speak to someone who knows you, not just a faceless hotline. 2. Quick and Easy Claims Assistance When the unexpected happens, speed matters. Our local agents guide you through the claims process quickly and efficiently, helping you get back on your feet without unnecessary stress. Being right here in your community means we’re invested in helping our neighbors—our clients—every step of the way. 3. Support Local Businesses and Give Back Working with Wallin Insurance means supporting a local business that actively gives back. We proudly support a variety of charities, including delivering Meals on Wheels to community members in need. Choosing us isn’t just about insurance—it’s about contributing to a stronger, more caring community. 4. Tailored Advice You Can Trust We don’t just sell policies—we build relationships. At Wallin Insurance, we help you understand your options, identify discounts you may not know about, and make sure you have the right coverage for your specific situation. That personal guidance is something you won’t get from a big online insurer. 5. Peace of Mind Knowing there’s a friendly, familiar face to turn to when life throws the unexpected your way is invaluable. With Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business—someone who truly cares about protecting your home, family, and future. Final Thoughts Insurance is more than just a policy—it’s protection for what matters most. Choosing Wallin Insurance means personalized service, faster claims help, and the confidence of working with someone who genuinely cares about you and our community. And remember, with Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business.
By Peter Wallin September 26, 2025
Why You Should Bundle Your Home and Auto Insurance When it comes to protecting the things that matter most, like your home and your vehicle, having the right insurance coverage is key. But did you know that combining your home and auto policies with the same insurance company can provide significant benefits? Bundling is one of the easiest ways to save money and simplify your insurance experience, all while ensuring you have strong protection in place. One of the biggest advantages of bundling is the potential for cost savings. Many insurance companies offer discounts when you purchase multiple policies through them. These savings can add up quickly, making it a budget-friendly way to secure the coverage you need. Plus, it’s a smart financial move to maximize value without sacrificing quality protection. Bundling also adds convenience. Instead of juggling multiple policies, payments, and renewal dates with different companies or agents, everything is streamlined. This makes managing your coverage easier and less stressful, especially when it comes to filing a claim. With just one agency handling your policies, you’ll also have a single point of contact for questions or assistance, saving you time and frustration. Lastly, bundling can help ensure better coverage coordination. When one insurance agency oversees your insurance portfolio, they can identify gaps or overlaps in your protection. This holistic approach helps ensure that you’re fully covered in the event of an accident, natural disaster, or other unexpected event. At an independent insurance agency, we can compare multiple carriers to find the best bundling options for your unique needs, giving you peace of mind and the best possible value.
By Peter Wallin September 15, 2025
We Have a Mural to Prove It
By Peter Wallin March 5, 2025
Auto insurance companies are facing unprecedented rate increases due to inflation and the increasing cost of repairs. One of the most simple ways to assure your auto insurance rate is providing the best value is to take a defensive driving course - which is available to you online ! For residents of New York, the Improv Traffic School is currently offering their top-rated, fully-online defensive driving course for under $30, making it easier and more affordable than ever to both become a better driver, and save on auto insurance premiums. Some benefits of taking the course include: A guaranteed reduction of up to 10% on insurance rates - The certificate is recognized by all New York State auto insurance companies. Reduction in points on your license - For people with points attached to their driving record, the Defensive Driving Course can help eliminate those marks on your driving history. A fully online learning environment - The course can be completed from the comfort of your own home, with an instant awarding of your certificate upon completion. No final exam - Anxious test-takers, worry not. The Improv School’s course is content-oriented, making the focus more about taking in information than being able to reiterate the contents of the class. The course is designed to benefit you. If your defensive driving certificate is near its expiration date, now is the perfect time to renew without going out of your way. For folks who have previously completed a Defensive Driving Course, the Improv School also offers a 3 Year Renewal Course in order for you to retain your discount. If an online course does not sound like the right choice for you, there is a classroom-style Defensive Driving Course for your consideration. The classroom-based course offers all of the same benefits as the online equivalent, including the reduction of up to 10% on your insurance rates. Whether you’ve been seeking a way to lower your premiums, or simply desire to improve your driving habits, learning more about defensive driving strategies is a simple and efficient way to start.
By Sarah Smith March 5, 2025
Updating your roof might save you money on your insurance
By Peter Wallin December 5, 2023
So your teenager is getting their drivers license? Congratulations! Sort of...
By Peter Wallin December 5, 2023
The Independent Agent is your best option
By Peter Wallin December 4, 2023
Take Care This Winter!
By Peter Wallin October 20, 2023
Watch out for Deer in the Autumn Months