“All the rusted signs we ignore throughout our lives…choosing the shiny ones instead.”

“Hello, Springfield.  Sorry to divert your attention from all the big noises and shiny things.”

Recognize the above?  One of them?  Both?

The first is a lyric from Pearl Jam’s “Thumbing My Way.”  The second is The Simpsons’ Sideshow Bob interrupting the crowd at the air show in his quest to rid the world of TV.

Our lives are full of distraction.  We’ve become so obsessed with technology we’d rather record someone in danger than help.

Our lives are full of sugary empty calories.  We’d rather be entertained than educated.

It therefore comes as no surprise that when it comes to protecting our homes – the most valuable asset for the majority – insurers pander to us.  Be it bubbly Flo (who sues her own policyholders) or artery-clogging George Wendt we’re distracted from what insurance is all about.

When a tree falls through the living room no one will care whether the TV commercial was funny.  The only hope is the policy covers the loss.

Many homeowners learned this lesson the hard way in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.  As we come upon the one year anniversary myriad articles are being written.  Hopefully this one awakens people to the importance of proper coverage.

Any company can provide a cheap policy.  It’s easy to do when you gut the benefits.  What better way to distract the masses than with a cute ad campaign?

Caveat emptor!