Life Insurance Is For Those You Love

A lot of people put off purchasing life insurance because it seems like a hassle.  You don’t want to do any sort of medical appointment.  It’s an extra expense.  And, for the most part, you just plain don’t want to think about death.

But life insurance isn’t about you.  It’s about the people you love.  And what better time than now to think about the people you love! 

So let’s get real.  You do a lot for your family and if you have family members who depend on your income, then you need life insurance.  And the sooner, the better.

For one, life insurance is cheaper when you are young and healthy!  With each birthday you’ll see your quote go up unless you lock in a great rate now.  And you don’t want to look for life insurance after you’ve been diagnosed with an illness.   

Another great thing about life insurance is that there are a lot of options.  And we’re here to discuss all of them with you.  You can purchase a policy for the short term or even as a long term investment.  It all depends on how much you can afford to spend and what your family needs are. 

Whatever your situation, sitting down and discussing your needs and budget with an agent is a great first step.  Call us today at 508-347-9343 to set up a free, no-obligation appointment!

8 Ways To Save on Auto Insurance

Looking for ways to keep your auto insurance premiums manageable?  Here are 9 ways you can save on your insurance (without sacrificing coverage.)

1. Driving Record

Your driving record plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance. By keeping a clean record for 3-5 years, you can save hundreds of dollars! Be a cautious driver, don’t speed, and you'll lower your premiums.  

2. Driving Course

Defensive driving courses are an easy way to achieve an extra discount. They can also help keep a ticket from showing up and messing up your clean driving record. Make sure to call us before taking the class if you're using it for a discount so we can verify that your policy qualifies.

3. Anti-Theft Devices

Installing an alarm or other anti-theft device can lower premiums on your vehicle. Make sure to discuss all features with us, sometimes even power locks and a remote can count!

4. Your Credit Score

While insurance uses a different formula then the credit bureaus, your credit still affects the rate you pay. Good credit can save you hundreds (even thousands) on your premiums! Make sure to review your report on a regular basis and have any mistakes corrected.

5. Where You Live

Rural areas pay less for insurance than the big cities do. It's all about risk and with a large population, there is more chance for an accident. Therefore, where you choose to live can impact your rates. Consider visiting with us before purchasing a home if you’re concerned about the costs (it is based on the zip code).

6. How Often You Drive

If you take public transportation and only drive on the weekend, you'll pay less than someone with a long commute. Make sure to review your annual mileage and daily commutes with us (especially if they change) so that you can receive the extra savings.

7. Raise Your Deductible

A higher deductible (your out of pocket cost in a claim) means a lower monthly rate. If you have $1000 in savings and could afford to use it if you had an accident, then you’ll save on your insurance cost by having a $1000 deductible instead of a $250. We can help you review the costs and benefits in your specific situation.

8. Your Agent

And the best way to save? Work with a local agent! You'll get the coverage you need plus you'll have an advocate working on your behalf to find the best rate, all the discounts, and an easy explanation of any gaps in your coverage. It's the #1 way to control your risk, maximize your savings, and protect your family.

We want to be your agent. Call us to discuss your policy today.

July Home Maintenance Tasks

Regular home maintenance is important and frequently overlooked.  We tend to forget about our HVAC system until it quits working on a hot day!  That's why, we're providing a few simple tasks and reminders you can do each month to keep your home in tip top shape all year long.

Here's where you can get started in July:

Do an energy audit.  Hot weather is a great time to find all the spots in your home where air may be sneaking in.  Plugging those leaks can save as much as 20% on your heating and cooling bills!  

Look at every door and window area for places where you can see daylight through a crack or feel a draft.  Don't forget the mail slot and fireplace too!  If you'd rather use a professional, contact your utility company for a recommendation on a home energy auditor.

Protect your patio furniture.  You probably have all of your nice outdoor furniture in use right now.  Make sure to take a few minutes to clean it each week (and protect it during storms) and it will last for many years.  

Check the tags on pillows and cushions for specific cleaning instructions and regularly hose down the furniture itself. Remember, patio cushions are a favorite place for busy squirrels so try to keep them protected!  

Save on Home Insurance.  If we don't currently insure your home, call us for a quote today.  We'll look for every possible discount and insure that you have all the coverage you need.  Great insurance coverage is the best protection you can have!

What To Do When Your House Is Vacant

Selling your home can be a stressful process, especially when it doesn't move quickly.  With a new job looming, you may have no choice but to leave the home vacant for a short time until it sells.  

The problem?  Vacant homes fall under different insurance rules and can leave you at risk.  Homes are typically considered vacant when you no longer sleep there regularly, the utilities are shut off and/or furniture has been removed.

Insurance companies view a vacant home as a higher risk.  There are more opportunities for vandalism and no one living there to protect the home from fire or storm damage.  

So what should you do when moving?

First you need to talk to your insurance agent and get the details on your policy.  Since policies vary by state and insurance company, there is no single right answer.  

Explain the situation to your agent.  Ask what coverage is included and what is excluded (specifically for vandalism).  And find out what changes can be made to protect your home.  

Selling a home doesn't always follow a quick timeline.  If you're facing the possibility of leaving your home vacant, contact us first  and find out how to best protect yourself and your property. 

Why You Need Renters Insurance

If you are currently renting your home or apartment, it’s time to learn more about renters insurance! 

Homeowners insurance covers the house itself and the items inside.  But if you don’t own the home, you don’t need insurance to cover it.  All you need is coverage for your actual personal belongings.

It might not seem like a lot, but all those little items add up!  When you think about the cost to replace your furniture, dishes, sheets, clothes, books, and everything else filling up your home, it’s probably a lot more than you thought. 

Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect what you’ve worked hard to acquire.  And it’s probably a lot cheaper than you’d expect!  In fact, many times the discount you receive on your auto insurance for having multiple policies can almost pay for the entire renters policy!

Renters Insurance will cover personal belongings within your home as well as a limited amount of property off premises (such as items in a storage building) or your laptop when it’s in the car. 

It also includes important liability coverage.  If you accidentally cause a fire that burns down the property, your insurance pays the landlord to replace it (protecting you from a damaging lawsuit).  In fact, many landlords now require that tenants carry a certain amount of liability insurance before they approve the lease. 

So if you’re renting, it’s time to look at protecting your valuables.  Give us a call today at 508-347-9343, and ask for a no obligation quote on renters insurance.  And don’t forget to find out how much you’ll save on your auto insurance too!