When was the last time you reviewed your personal insurance coverage? Most of us know that major life events can make it necessary to update our personal insurance coverage. But did you know that even subtle changes can have an impact on your financial needs and plans?  Call our office today, and we can help you find the right combination of coverage and price.
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Insurance “To Do” List.
 

• Review my home and auto insurance to make sure I have the right coverage
• Take the time to read my insurance policies
• Consider increasing my umbrella coverage
• Check my credit score
• Get a quote for earthquake insurance
• Consider an alarm system
• Clean my gutters
• Have I replaced all the batteries in my smoke detectors?
• Does my independent agent have all my correct information, including new phone number, address, and newly purchased property?
• Consider increasing my auto deductibles on my older vehicles
• Make sure I have identity theft insurance
• Combine my auto and home insurance to save money
• Complete a home inventory to ensure my property values are correct
• Do I have enough life insurance?
• Do I need life insurance for my spouse?

 
Have there been any of the following changes in my life situations? If so you may need to have your insurance adjusted to make sure you have the correct coverage.

• Bought  a new car or sold a car
• Changed your marital status
• Bought a boat, RV or ATV
• Change of address
• Welcomed a new baby into the family
• Major inheritance
• Have a new teen driver in the family
• New purchase of guns, jewelry or art
• Child headed off to college
• A Child over the age of 26
• Purchased second home
• Plan foreign travel
• Started a home based business
• Retirement

 
Give us a call today.
 

Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right motorcycle. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle, but at the same time be within your budget. Although most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage are usually optional. Always ask your insurance agent or company representative which laws apply in your state.
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Liability coverage
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It doesn't cover you or your motorcycle. Find out if your coverage includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on the motorcycle. Whether or not this is included depends on the laws of your state and the company issuing the policy.

Collision coverage
Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Your insurance company pays for damages, minus your deductible, caused when you collide with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.

Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. However, just like collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle.

Keep in mind most comprehensive and collision coverages will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle. If you decide to add on any optional accessories such as chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers or sidecars, you should look into obtaining additional or optional equipment coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Coverage covers damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either doesn't have insurance (uninsured) or doesn't have adequate insurance (underinsured) to cover your damages.

This coverage typically pays for medical treatment, lost wages and other damages. If your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage includes property damage, then your motorcycle would also be covered under the same circumstances. Check with your insurance professional to see if property damage is included or needs to be purchased separately.
 
Tips for the cost-conscious rider
Many factors can play a role in determining what your insurance costs will be such as your age, your driving record, where you live and the type of motorcycle you own, or being a graduate of a rider-training course.

Many companies offer discounts from 10 to 15 percent on motorcycle insurance for graduates of training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. Riders under the age of 25, usually considered a higher risk, may see some savings by taking this course. It’s also a good idea for cyclists who have already had accidents.

Maintaining a good driving record with no violations will also help reduce your premiums.

In many states, riders may save money by buying a "lay-up" policy. With a lay-up policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months.

Find out what discounts your insurance representative offers. Multibike discounts for those insuring more than one bike, organization discounts, if you’re a member of a motorcycle association, and mature rider discounts for experienced riders, are just a few possibilities. Discounts can range anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent, depending on the company and your state. Availability and qualifications for discounts vary from company to company and state to state.

Keep in mind that the type, style (such as a sports bike vs. a cruiser) and age of the motorcycle, as well as the number of miles you drive a year and where you store your bike may also affect how much you pay for your premium.

We are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates. Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available with the lowest rate possible. Most people don’t take time to review exposures, options, or their current economic condition before making their insurance purchase. We want to help you, so we prepared these insurance buying tips for 2020.

1. Don’t buy insurance through the internet – Call our agency and let us provide outstanding service along with competitive pricing.
2. Maintain good credit - Regularly check your credit score, since a low score may impact your premium.
3. Review your auto limits – If you have limits of less than $100,000, that won't even cover the medical bills in a serious accident. The minimum liability coverage that anyone with any assets or income to protect should be carrying is $500,000 to $1 million or more.
4. Maintain a home inventory – Having an accurate account of your personal property can provide for greater recovery in the event of a loss.
5. Bundle your insurance – Combine your auto, home and umbrella policies with one insurer to receive greater discounts.
6. Set the right deductible - A higher deductible reduces your premium, but you have to pay more out of pocket in the event of an accident. If you have a good driving record and haven’t had an accident, you may want to gamble and opt for a higher deductible The reward for this risk could be up to a 40% savings.
7. Consider Identity Theft – Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S.
8. Buy from a financially strong company – Your insurance is only as good as the company who stands behind the policy. The insurance company should have an “A” rating or higher.
9. Be prepared to make adjustments as your lifestyle and needs change.

Call us today and let us help protect what is important to you.