What To Do After An Insurance Claim

Claims can be a stressful process. We've worked with clients after car accidents, home fires, storm damage, and even a death in the family. Insurance claims are tied to the most stressful events in our lives. That's why it's extremely important that you work with an agent and a company that you trust. 

After an insurance claim, you call us.

First

We gather as much information from you as we can and report it to your insurance carrier. This could be Safety, Travelers, NGM or others. Our agency writes insurance with many different insurance carriers. Your agent will be there to advise and assist in the process.

Second

Your carrier will assign you a claims handler, who sends an adjuster to evaluate your loss. Depending on the type of claim, they will examine the property and gather more information.The adjuster will determine the settlement amount. Your claims handler will help with any questions you may have.

So what happens if things don't go smoothly at first?

Maybe you don't agree on the amount? Or you can't get the right documentation? Your claims handler is hard to contact?

That's where I come in. My job, as your agent, is to also be your adviser.  My office goes to work to help you communicate with your adjuster and claims handler if there is a problem. That means that when you need help, we're there. Your insurance carrier will settle your claim, but we are in your corner. 

Yes, sometimes you can get cheaper rates with unknown companies. And you might love being able to buy online without talking to an agent. But when it comes down to those stressful moments, it's great to have someone who knows the process on your side.  Call my office today and let us protect your family next.  

Top 7 Things To Look For When Buying Insurance

So you’re ready to shop for insurance and are hoping for a great deal.  But did you know that there are a few things to look for that are much more important than the price of the policy?  In fact, don’t buy your next policy until you look for these seven things.

#1 - A Top Rated Insurance Company  You want an insurance company that will be around if you have a claim.  Don’t choose a company that you've never heard of with a price that seems too good to be true!  If you aren't familiar with the company your agent is recommending, ask for a little more information.  Find out what they are rated in your state and how long they've been around.

#2 - Choose a LOCAL agency!  While all the commercials on TV will tell you to call a 1-800 number for a quote, it’s usually not a great idea.  A local agency gives the same great policies (from the same companies!) but allows you to deal with one person on a regular basis. It’s nice to have a local agent who you can go visit when needed.

#3 - Choose an agency that offers a variety of policies.  Keeping your insurance with one agency makes it MUCH easier when you have a claim.  Plus you can qualify for huge multiple policy discounts!  Find someone who can take care of all your needs in one local location.

#4 - After-Hours Support  What if you have storm damage in the middle of the night?  Do you want to wait until tomorrow to get assistance?  Look for an agency that offers after-hours support!  Many local agencies will provide you with 24/7 claim assistance numbers.  But make sure to ask for the information and keep it in your cell phone.

#5 - Choose an agency that’s EASY to contact!  You don’t want to have to chase your agent down every time you need something.  Ask if the agency is available by email, text, and phone while doing your shopping.

#6 - Do they offer annual reviews?  Things change, especially when it comes to insurance!  You want an agency that will regularly meet with you to review your coverage and make sure you’re protected.  Ask about their review procedures and how they make sure there aren't any gaps in your protection.

#7 - Excellent Customer Service  When it comes down to it, this is the most important!  Choose an agency that wants your business and wants to give you the best possible service!  

We meet all of the criteria above and would love to work with your family.  Give us a call today for a no-obligation quote and insurance review!

Think Twice Before You Switch!

We hear it all the time on the radio and television, “Big savings on your auto and home insurance.” In these difficult economic times, we’re all looking for ways to save money and insurance is a place to start. But there are some things that we need to consider… Just because we can get a lower rate with another carrier doesn’t mean that changing companies is a good idea. Do you have the same coverages or did the new company give us lower limits of insurance? We also need to consider company loyalty because the longer you are with a particular company, the more likely you are to receive a credit for being with them a long time. And if you’ve been with one company for years, they are more likely to stay on your policy if you’ve had a loss or two (remember those tornadoes, snow storms, and ice storms that we had back-to–back in our area a few years ago?). If you are considering changing insurance companies, please discuss your concerns with your Insurance Agent before you make any changes that could affect your future.

Grave Marker Insurance

With the Memorial Day holiday just around the corner, we often visit our deceased family members' plots in the cemetery.  Did you know that your homeowner’s policy covers your relative’s grave markers or mausoleums? Unfortunately, vandalism and theft happen to grave markers and even though your homeowner’s policy won’t cover your emotional upset, it will cover the damage to the grave markers anywhere in the world. The standard Homeowner’s policy pays up to $5000 but check with your Insurance Professional to see what your particular policy covers. 

A Vacant Home, Doesn’t My Homeowner’s Policy Still Cover It?

Say you purchase and move into a new home but your old home still hasn’t sold.  Or you have inherited a house and cleaned out all the contents.  Should you be concerned about the homeowner’s coverage on these homes? YES! The moment that you move everything out of the home, that home is no longer occupied and your homeowner’s policy needs to be changed.

After 30 days of being vacant, the following coverages are no longer available:

• Vandalism
• Malicious mischief
• Glass

After 60 days of being vacant, the following coverages are also removed:

• Fire
• Lightening

Can you see where these vacant homes are vulnerable?  If you have a home is vacant for any reason, please contact your Insurance Agent to discuss your options before a loss occurs.

Life Insurance Reality Check

Do you have enough?  Most Americans don't.  More than a third don't have any life insurance at all, and those who do don't have enough.  Most experts believe that coverage equal to 10 times one's annual income is a reasonable rule of thumb.

There are many types of life insurance, but for all of them, the bottom line is the same:  they pay cash to your family after you die, allowing loved ones to remain financially secure.  Life insurance payments can be used to cover daily living expenses, mortgage payments, outstanding loans, college tuition and other essential expenses.

There are plenty of resources you can turn to for life insurance answers.  For a general sense of your life insurance needs, you can go to a Needs Calculator like the one at www.lifehappens.org/lifecalculator.  Call your insurance agent for professional advice.