 It won’t be long now before you’re back out on the water. Are you counting down the days?
While everyone loves to hit the lake on the boat, there are a few things you need to take care of first. Are you properly covered? Since boat insurance isn’t required (in most states), a lot of people skip it in order to save money. But that’s a very risky idea! First, without coverage, you’re risking all the money you spent on your boat. Would you drive your expensive car without insurance? Probably not! Second, boats are a liability exposure. That means that they open you up to lawsuits. If you were to have an accident and damage someone’s boat or personal property, then you could be held responsible. With the proper insurance coverage, this wouldn’t be a problem. You’d be protected! In fact, we typically recommend that clients with a high level of assets purchase extra liability coverage if they own a boat. All in all, purchasing boat owners insurance is a simple way to give yourself a lot of peace of mind. Who wants to worry about insurance when they’re out on the water? Call us today for a free quote on your boat or watercraft.
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 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!  Are you tired of paying too much for auto insurance? No one wants to pay more than they have to! That’s why it’s important to know what savings and discounts are available. Here are a few things to discuss with your agent at your next review.
Is Your Driving Record Accurate? Tickets, accidents, and claims will raise your rates! That’s why it’s important to make sure your motor vehicle report is accurate. Ask your agent if anything showed on your record and make sure that the information is correct. Take A Defensive Driving Class Have you taken a defensive driving course in the past? Let us know. You may qualify for a discount! Don’t forget about driver’s ed classes for your teenagers too. Just get a copy of the completion certificate for your records. Many of these discounts apply for several years and give substantial savings. Increase Your Deductibles The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket after an accident (or for hail damage, etc.) The higher that out-of-pocket amount, the lower your monthly premium! So if you are currently carrying $100 or $250 deductibles, consider raising them to $500 and keeping a little extra in your savings account. You could save a lot each month while still being protected from any major damage. We can give you prices for a range of deductibles to help you decide. Find The Best Payment Options Depending on your individual policy, we may be able to offer various discounts for paying your policy premium in full or putting it on a monthly bank draft. While $3-4 a month might not seem like much, over time it really adds up! Ask us about payment options for your policy and see where you can save. Keep Your Insurance In One Place And one of the largest, and most overlooked, savings opportunities is to have multiple polices with one company! If you carry homeowners or renters insurance with a different company, let us quote it! Many times our clients will save several hundred dollars per year just by having their policies in one place. It’s a no-brainer! And remember, getting these savings isn’t difficult. In fact, with one short phone call we can review your policy, look for discount opportunities, and discover your coverage. Give us a call today to get started!  April has arrived and brought spring with it! There is no better time than now to get focused on home maintenance and spring cleaning. Here are a few things you can do in April to protect (and organize) your home.
Check For Damage - Winter can be really hard on your home. A quick inspection around your property can reveal a lot of home improvement projects! Look for any damage to your roof or outdoor window screens and doors. Make note of chipped paint or areas that are in need of general maintenance. Decide what you can do yourself and what will require a professional. Spring Clean - Now it’s time to tackle the inside of your home. Start working on clearing out and donating unused items (think tax deduction next year!) This could be the perfect time to take inventory of any high value items that need to be documented for your insurance, like guns, artwork, and jewelry. Take photos or make a quick video of those items and store it in a secure (and fire-proof) location. Organize Your Tax Documents - You probably just finished your taxes in the past few weeks. Were all of your documents easy to locate? What could make the process even easier next year? Update your filing system or schedule a meeting with your accountant and get prepared now. Car Maintenance - April is Car Care Month. If you’ve been putting off an oil change or a tune-up, get it scheduled now. Your car will run better and maintain it’s value longer! Spruce Up Your Porch - How does your front porch look these days? Could it use a little extra care? Buy a new welcome mat, plant a pot of flowers, and make sure you can easily read your house numbers. Get Great Homeowners Insurance - The best way to protect your home? Having the right amount of insurance! Let us give you a no-obligation review of your current policy. Call to schedule your appointment today. |
