Dec 3, 2019 | Insurance
When you apply for auto insurance, companies will assess your driving record to determine how likely you are to file a claim. If you’ve been in several accidents or filed auto insurance claims frequently, insurance companies may consider you a risky person to insure. This can drive your car insurance rates up dramatically, and some companies may deny you insurance altogether. If you’re in this situation, don’t worry – you can still get insurance. Here are some tips to help you find the right policy. Work with an independent insurance agent Independent insurance agents are experts in their field and have extensive knowledge of the many different types of policies on the market. They will likely be able to direct you to insurance companies that are lenient about driving records and help you find a policy that gives you appropriate coverage. Another advantage of working with an independent agency is that they have relationships with local and regional agencies, who often are able to offer good prices and reliable customer service. Take defensive driving classes In many states, you can earn a discount on your car insurance by taking a defensive driving class. These classes aren’t particularly time-consuming or difficult, and they can get you back in good graces with your insurance company after a major accident or insurance claim. You should also ask your insurance company if there are any other discounts you qualify for – this can help lower your premiums if you’re struggling to afford them. Lower your coverage amount If you’re struggling with unaffordable premiums, try lowering the amount of coverage you have. Lowering the...
Nov 20, 2019 | Insurance
A major trend we’ve seen among auto insurance companies lately is the use of telematics. This is when the insurance company tracks your driving habits in real-time, either through an app or a special device, and gives you discounts when you drive safely. Some telematics programs also track the number of miles you drive and charges you a per-mile rate. If your car insurance company offers this, you may be wondering if it’s an easy way to get affordable insurance. Here’s what you need to know about telematics-based insurance programs before you sign up. Advantages of telematics-based car insurance If you are a very safe driver who doesn’t speed or brake abruptly, you can get a very significant discount by using telematics. Most programs will give you a small discount just for signing up, and then increase your discount when your driving habits are good. In some cases, you can earn a discount as high as 20 percent. If you don’t drive often, you may also benefit from a distance-based telematics program. This is often the case for people who live in urban areas and can walk or take public transit around town. Disadvantages of telematics-based car insurance There are also some potential disadvantages of telematics-based car insurance to keep in mind. If you don’t have the best driving habits, this type of insurance can actually hurt you more than it helps. Some telematics programs will actually increase your insurance rates if they notice that you aren’t driving safely. Another thing to keep in mind is that telematics programs give your insurance company information about where you are driving....Nov 12, 2019 | Insurance
Towing or flatbed car transportation often proves necessary after a vehicle collision or mechanical failure. Severe weather can increase the likelihood that a vehicle will need to be towed. Depending on the circumstances and the type of policy you have, auto insurance may or may not cover the cost of this important service. Crashes If towing is necessitated by a traffic accident, it’s possible that collision coverage or another motorist’s liability policy will pay. The outcome varies based on who is at fault and what insurance this person carries. You might have to pay for towing and wait to be reimbursed. When you need this service due to a disaster or vandalism, comprehensive car insurance may provide it. Although it’s unlikely, your vehicle could become involved in an accident while being towed. This may happen if inclement weather caused the original crash and persists afterward. The damage would likely be covered by another individual’s liability policy, the tow truck’s on-hook insurance or your insurer. You’d have better protection in this situation if you carry collision coverage. Breakdowns Some insurers sell towing coverage as an optional add-on. It typically reimburses motorists regardless of whether an accident has occurred. For instance, you could request a tow truck when your vehicle suffers mechanical problems or a large animal shatters the windshield. An insurer may require you to buy a comprehensive plan before you can add towing. Roadside assistance is a similar add-on. In addition to vehicle transportation, it provides help with certain problems like lock-outs and dead batteries. Be sure to learn about any annual limits on service requests. Your insurer may...Nov 6, 2019 | Insurance
Most auto insurance companies offer a wide range of discounts to their customers to encourage loyalty and promote safe driving. If you’re shopping for a new car insurance policy, it’s important to ask about potential discounts. When you take advantage of the discounts available, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars each year on your insurance. Here are some of the most common auto insurance discounts. Good driver discount If you’ve been a consistently safe driver for several years, car insurance companies will reward you with a sizable discount. Safe drivers are less likely to get into accidents, which makes you less of a financial risk for them. If you haven’t had any accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for this discount. If you don’t qualify, you may still be able to get a discount by taking a defensive driving course. Bundling discount One of the easiest discounts to get is a bundling discount. This is when you bundle your car insurance with another type of insurance, like home insurance or life insurance. This discount can save you a significant amount of money, because you’ll get discounts on all of the policies you purchase from the same insurance company. Safety features discount If your car has modern safety features, you may receive a slight discount on your auto insurance. This is another way that insurers like to reward safe driving behaviors. Some features that may qualify for this discount include anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, or modern airbags. Good student discount This is one of the best discounts available for...Nov 1, 2019 | Insurance
If you rent out your home to tenants or Airbnb guests, having a quality home insurance policy is exceptionally important for you. While insuring your home is important for everyone, individuals who rent out their home to guests or tenants may face an increased risk of property damage. Some people who you rent your home to may be far less conscientious about preventing damage to the property than you are. In addition, getting compensation from a tenant or guest who has caused damage to your home can be difficult or even impossible. Luckily, having an effective home insurance plan will protect you in this situation. Does Airbnb offer insurance coverage? If you’re renting out your home through Airbnb, the company offers insurance that can protect you in certain situations. However, there are some serious loopholes in the coverage, such as the fact that it does not cover property damage. Instead, the insurance plan that Airbnb offers is primarily designed to cover you if a guest is injured while they’re staying on your property. Therefore, it’s important to have a high-quality home insurance policy that will cover property damage that was caused by Airbnb guests. How do you know if you need landlord’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance? If you do not live on the property that you’re renting out, then you’ll definitely need to get a landlord’s insurance policy. However, our homeowner’s insurance policies are perfect for people who are living on the property that’s being rented out to tenant(s) or Airbnb guests. Where are EZ home insurance policies available? If you live in the state of Texas, you can...Oct 23, 2019 | Insurance
Your home is probably one of your most significant investments. Thus, it’s vital to protect it with homeowners insurance. Whether you have paid off your mortgage or are buying a new house, having insurance guarantees that your asset is protected in a variety of ways. Many homeowners don’t know the value of home insurance, especially when it comes to securing your home in case of unforeseen disasters. Here are some reasons why you need homeowners insurance for your property. 1. It protects more than your home A home insurance policy typically protects your house, but its coverage extends to other properties, e.g., garage, backyard, and shed. It also covers personal belongings in your home and medical bills in case a guest gets injured while on your property. Other coverage includes… Your family: If your loved ones damage another person’s property, liability coverage can help pay for medical fees, repair costs, and legal fees. Personal property: This covers belongings such as furniture and electronics that are stolen or damaged. 2. Financial security Purchasing a home or paying the mortgage is expensive and can stretch out your budget. In case of any damage from fires, floods, and earthquakes, repairing can further strain your budget if you don’t have insurance. Many homeowners can’t afford to repair any damage caused in their homes because they can be pricy. To avoid financial insecurity, purchase homeowners insurance that covers any damage costs. This way, even if you’re not financially stable, you can still have a safe home to live in. 3. Peace of mind Some states are prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes that destroy...
Oct 15, 2019 | Insurance
Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility, so it’s vital for you to cushion yourself against unforeseen future events such as fires or robberies by purchasing home insurance. You need to buy insurance policies that marry with your unique needs. For instance, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, your policy needs to have flood insurance that protects your home from flood-related damages. Always work with a local agency on your home insurance as it’s easier and allows direct conversations. An agent can help you understand and decide what type of coverage you are looking for. Here are some different types of home insurance coverage. 1. Homeowners’ insurance A standard homeowners’ insurance policy covers your home, its contents, and associated buildings such as the garage. It’s easier to replace your home or damaged properties at no cost once you have this insurance. It also covers personal liability costs, such as physical injuries sustained by guests in your home. However, you need a customized policy that covers specific situations unique to you. 2. Renters’ insurance This is for tenants in rental buildings that wish to protect their personal belongings. It covers costs for belongings that have been destroyed or lost within the rental building. The property owner usually has a separate insurance policy that covers the building only. Landlords usually require tenants to purchase their own renters’ insurance to rid them of the responsibility of lost or damaged property. 3. Condo insurance If you own a condo unit, this is the best insurance policy for you. It insures your condo unit and personal property against vandalism and fires....Oct 8, 2019 | Insurance
The items inside of a vehicle are often visible and relatively vulnerable. You can protect them by choosing parking spaces wisely, installing a security system and always checking the door locks before you leave. Nonetheless, it isn’t always possible to prevent car burglaries. Insurance can help you when theft occurs, but coverage varies depending on what was stolen. Personal Belongings If a thief steals personal possessions, an auto insurer won’t pay for replacements. You must carry renter’s or home insurance to gain compensation. This type of coverage can reimburse you when a vehicle burglar takes your notebook computer, luggage or the items you bought at a store. However, you should keep in mind that deductibles and limits normally apply. Vehicle Components Car insurers cover the theft of built-in equipment, but you must have a comprehensive policy to qualify. For example, this kind of coverage will provide compensation if a criminal steals your vehicle’s original navigation system, stereo or driver’s seat. Some comprehensive auto policies also fund the replacement of aftermarket equipment, such as upgraded audio systems and wheels. Extra Coverage If you keep expensive belongings in your house and/or car, you might benefit from purchasing extra personal property coverage when you buy home or renter’s insurance. Likewise, you may need to upgrade your auto policy before it will cover a high-end aftermarket stereo system. A knowledgeable agent can help you determine what’s really necessary to adequately protect your investments. Damaged Equipment Thieves frequently inflict damage in the process of breaking into vehicles. Comprehensive auto plans pay for the associated car repairs. If a criminal harms any valuable personal possessions,...Oct 3, 2019 | Insurance
Different types of car insurance provide different coverage. Some car insurance is inexpensive but only provides a minimal amount of coverage. Others types of car insurance cost more but provide a greater amount of protection. While it may be more economical to choose a less expensive insurance coverage type, it may not be the most prudent decision. Likewise, expensive car insurance is not always required. It is possible to pay for more insurance than you require. Because there are so many different types of car insurance, it is important to understand the differences. There are six basic types of car insurance. 1) Liability Insurance – The most basic car insurance, liability insurance pays for the victim’s damage if you are responsible for an accident involving another car or people. 2) Collision Insurance – Unlike liability insurance that only protects others and their property from you, collision insurance protects your vehicle as well. 3) Comprehensive Insurance – For accidents and damage unrelated to driving. Comprehensive insurance will cover your vehicle in case of vandalism or hail damage or a tornado or some other situation that does not involve a motor vehicle accident. 4) Medical Payments Coverage – If you or the people inside your vehicle are injured, medical payments coverage will cover the costs. 5) Personal Injury Protection – Not all states offer PIP. But, like medical payments coverage, PIP covers any medical costs you might suffer as the result of an accident. In addition to medical costs, some personal injury protection will cover costs like lost wages and child expenses. 6) Uninsured and Under-insured Motorist Coverage – In situations...
Sep 24, 2019 | Insurance
Auto insurance costs can vary based on an insured person’s perceived level of risk. Certain variables, like age and gender, do come into play when determining the cost of your premium. Here are a few reasons why age and gender are factored in. Age If you are new to being behind the wheel, it’s going to cost more for you than it would for people who have been driving for many years. Being an “inexperienced driver” statistically poses more risks than a person who has been driving for a while, or who is older. CDC statistics show that crash rates per mile driven for 16-to 20-year-olds are four times higher than those of older drivers. When insurance claims are filed, and insurance companies pay to repair damage (car or bodily) the premium goes up, resulting in an increase in cost. Premium costs do lower around the age of 25, but they don’t drop entirely. Premiums begin to stabilize around 25 years old, and they fall by another 18 per cent until they reach their lowest point at age 60. So don’t expect your insurance rates to drop at midnight on your 25th birthday. We advise paying close attention to your car insurance rates when they renew in order to find the best deal. Gender Men and women are different, even in their driving habits. Women are statistically safer drivers than men. This leads to fewer car accidents and fewer filed claims. In turn, auto insurance costs for women tend to stay pretty consistent over time. Men are considered to be somewhat reckless while driving i.e. speeding, aggressive driving, or...
