YOUR INSURANCE TIPS
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We insure Work Trucks!

12/30/2022

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Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles that are regularly operated for business purposes, whether driven by the company's owner or an employee.
While a personal auto policy will cover someone commuting to and from work, it doesn’t include protection for any activities that could help a company generate profit.
  • For example, a landscaper carrying tools to a client’s home or a caterer bringing food to a venue would benefit from commercial auto insurance.
If you own a business that needs commercial auto insurance, turn to our agency to explore your coverage options.
Serving companies such as yours, our independent agency provides high-quality solutions tailored to fit each client’s unique situation.
We’ll work closely with you to find a suitable policy at the best rate available.
​Call our office to request a quote or visit us online to learn more about the services we offer. 
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​Don’t Let a Burglar Grinch Ruin Your Holiday; Protect Expensive Gifts with the Right Amount and Type of Insurance

12/28/2022

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Gifts are an important part of many holiday traditions, and while you can’t put a price on their sentimental value you certainly can—and should—insure their financial value in case a costly item is lost, stolen or destroyed by a fire or other disaster.

If you receive a sparkling engagement ring, a stunning piece of art or even took advantage of the end-of-year sales to treat yourself to a new set of golf clubs or fast new bike, it is important to contact our insurance agency to make sure the items are properly insured.

Generally speaking, personal possessions are covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. However, there may be a limit on the amount covered for theft. Typically, items such as jewelry, furs, collectibles, and precious stones are limited to $1,000 to $2,000.

To properly insure jewelry, consider purchasing additional coverage through a floater. In most cases, a floater also provides coverage for ‘mysterious disappearance,’—for example, if your wedding ring falls off your finger or is lost, you would be financially protected.

Floaters (also known as endorsements) are available as an addition to homeowners and renters insurance policies, carry no deductibles and frequently provide the option of having the insurance company replace the item for you. Prices vary depending on the type of jewelry, the insurance company you choose, where you live and where the item will be kept. In addition to jewelry, floaters are also available for furs, fine art, musical instruments and even sports equipment.

If you receive an expensive present and want to make sure it is adequately protected, we suggest that you contact our insurance agency even if you are insured elsewhere. Let us know that you now own a piece of jewelry, a fur or other expensive item. We will review your insurance to find out how much coverage you have under your current policy and whether additional insurance is needed.
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​Those flashing lights in your rear-view mirror are not Christmas decorations!

12/26/2022

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Don’t get a ticket for driving without insurance and ruin your holidays!
Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.
Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance. Most transactions such as quoting and binding can be done over the phone from the comfort of your home.
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We wish you a Merry Christmas!

12/21/2022

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“May your family have a holiday season that is full of wonderful surprises, treats and nonstop laughter.”
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​Insurance Coverage for Business Autos Explained

12/19/2022

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Many businesses are exposed to the financial consequences of their ownership, use or maintenance of vehicles used in their operations.
Most coverage needs can be handled by a business auto policy (BAP) or similar form which cover operations such as:
  • Product or food delivery
  • Transporting business products to wholesalers or retailers
  • Retail product delivery to consumers
  • Carrying persons for short, intermediate or long distance routes
  • Picking up customer items for cleaning, repair, storage, etc.
Coverage is flexible. It may be purchased as a separate policy or as part of a package of coverage that can also protect buildings and business property (equipment, furniture, etc.). A BAP generally offers:
  • Liability Coverage–protection for physical injury to other persons or their property because of an accident related to your covered vehicle, including legal defense cost or expense.
  • Comprehensive Coverage–handles loss from any cause except collision. A limited, less expensive option is available. It only protects against a set of specific causes such as fire, lightening, explosion, vandalism and several others
  • Collision–takes care of damage from crashes with another object or overturn of the vehicle
  • Towing And Labor Costs–handles expenses for moving disabled vehicles
  • Loss of Use/Rental Vehicle Coverage–if you damage a rental car, this option helps to reimburse the rental company for income it loses because the vehicle is out of use. Also, there may be limited coverage for injury or damage that you cause to others while using a rented vehicle anywhere in the world.
Typically, a business auto (or similar form) bars coverage for the following:
  • any injury/damage that you expected or intended
  • responsibility for damage you assume under a contract
  • losses that should be handled by a Workers Compensation, Disability
Benefits or Unemployment Compensation Law
  • Bodily Injury to an employee caused by a Fellow Employee
  • Damage to property that is in your Care, Custody and Control
  • Any bodily injury or property damage that occurs because of Pollution
  • Any loss that is related to racing, demolition or stunts
​Are you protected against business auto losses? Drive over and discuss your situation with one of our insurance agents. The trip will be worth it.
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​Why It's Important to Do a Home Inventory

12/13/2022

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Have you ever had to make a claim on your home insurance? If your home sustains damage or theft, you will probably already feel stressed when you file a claim with your home insurance company.

While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed when dealing with a major home problem, you can do something now to make the claim process go more smoothly. Learn why a home inventory is important and how to make your own.

What is a home inventory?

A home inventory is simply a list of your possessions along with the estimated or appraised value of each item.

Why is it important?

Creating a home inventory now, before you find yourself needing to file a claim, will make the process easier. When we’re overwhelmed or stressed, it can be hard to think clearly.
To make a claim, you’ll need documentation stating the value of each item you lost. This can be hard to do without an itemized list. Making a home inventory now will help your future self and ensure the success of your home insurance claim.

How to inventory your home:
  • Go room by room. Breaking the list down by room should feel easier and help you stay organized. Working within categories like furniture, jewelry, antiques or art, list your belongings in each room.

  • Keep receipts. When you make a large purchase, such as a couch or electronic device, save the receipt to document the value.

  • Prioritize the most expensive items. Begin with your most valuable possessions, as these will be the most important to replace after a fire, burglary or other damage.

  • Do your best to estimate. Sometimes it will be easy to determine an object’s value, such as having a piece of jewelry appraised, while other times, you just have to make your best guess. Don’t sweat it too much.
How often to update your inventory:

Keeping your home inventory updated will make it more accurate if the time comes when you need to file a claim. You can do this as often as it makes sense: quarterly, annually or just when you make a new purchase.

Creating a home inventory can also make you wonder if you have enough or the right home insurance coverage. Have questions about your insurance policy? Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to help.
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​Are You Getting Jewelry for Christmas?

12/9/2022

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When you buy an engagement ring or expensive jewelry, know what your policy says.
Most homeowners and renter's insurance include jewelry as personal property, but that coverage may not be enough to cover your purchase.
Many policies set a limit and might not protect against all losses. Given the sentimental value of some heirlooms, think about coverage for all situations.
Your standard policy might only cover a fraction of what your jewelry is worth.
Most policies will protect against theft, but you may need additional coverage to protect your jewelry against damage or loss.
Check with one of our insurance agents to better understand the scope of your policy. If it's not enough to cover the items you want to protect, consider purchasing a separate policy or adding an endorsement.
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What You Need to Know About Renters Insurance

12/7/2022

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Renters insurance provides financial protection against the loss or destruction of your possessions when you rent a house or apartment. While your landlord may be sympathetic to a burglary you have experienced, or a fire caused by your iron, destruction or loss of your possessions is not usually covered by your landlord’s insurance. Because in most cases, renters' insurance covers only the value of your belongings, not the physical building, the premium is relatively inexpensive.
By purchasing renters' insurance, your possessions are covered against losses from fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm, and water damage (not including floods). Like homeowner's insurance, renters' insurance also covers your responsibility to other people injured at your home or elsewhere by you, a family member or your pet and pays legal defense costs if you are taken to court.
Renters insurance covers your additional living expenses if you are unable to live in your apartment because of a fire or other covered peril. Most policies will reimburse you for the difference between your additional living expenses and your normal living expenses but still may set limits as to the amount they will pay.
There are two types of renters insurance policies you may purchase:
Actual Cash Value – pays to replace your possessions minus a deduction for depreciation up to the limit of your policy
Replacement Cost – pays the actual cost of replacing your possessions (no deduction for depreciation) up to the limit of your policy
With either policy, you may want to consider purchasing a floater. A standard renters policy offers only limited coverage for items such as jewelry, silver, furs, etc. If you own property that exceeds these limits, it is recommended that you supplement your policy with a floater. A floater is a separate policy that provides additional insurance for your valuables and covers them for perils not included in your policy such as accidental loss.
Today is a good day to contact our office to see how inexpensive it is to get peace of mind with Renter’s Insurance.
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Home Insurance Considerations for Raising Grandchildren

12/5/2022

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Take the Quiz and see how much you know about insurance considerations for raising grandchildren
A special challenge facing these grandparents is that state and local governments, communities, and schools may not formally recognize their role in raising their grandchildren. While acquiring legal custody and guardianship of a grandchild may be financially and emotionally burdensome, grandparents should be aware that many benefits, including healthcare, emergency care, financial assistance, and social security benefits, require proof of a legal relationship before they will help. Proof typically includes court guardianship papers or adoption papers.
To help grandparents raising grandchildren better understand their insurance needs, our agency offers tips and considerations regarding auto, home, health, and life insurance.
​Home Insurance Considerations for Raising Grandchildren
  • When caring for a grandchild and his/her visiting friends, consider increasing your liability coverage through an umbrella policy if someone is injured on your property. Remember that backyard items, such as a trampoline or pool, may require an increase in liability coverage.
  • Keep in mind that if your adult grandchild rents from you, he/she might not be covered under your standard homeowner's policy. Contact our insurance agency to find out what is covered and if a renter’s insurance policy might be needed.
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​Home, Sweet Home Insurance

12/2/2022

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Has it been over three years since you compared your coverages and rates?
Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.
Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance.
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