Jul 17

Shedding Light on Car Insurance Savings

It can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – as an independent agency, The Insurance Shop can help! We can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are some things you may want to consider:

 

• Ask us to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate—and wecan do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars.

 

• Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether.

 

• Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium.

 

• Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker, nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check.

 

• Don’t assume having your car and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it.

 

To learn more about all an independent agency can offer you, call The Insurance Shop or visit progressiveagent.com.

 

 

Jul 16

Insurance for Environmental Risks

We can write the following types of business:

 

Types of Risks
  • Asbestos, mold or lead abatement contractors
  • Environmental engineers & consultants
  • Demolition or painting contractors involved in environmental operations
  • Environmental impairment liability; underground and above ground storage tanks
  • Haz-mat & waste haulers

Jul 16

Average Lifespan of Major Home Applicances

TC_LifespanAppliances

Jul 15

Eight Tips For The Road Ahead Be Safe, Be Smart On A Long-Distance Road Trip

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of The Insurance Shop:

 

1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.

7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.

8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.

Jul 15

What Affects Motorcycle Insurance Costs?

TC_MotorcycleInsurance

Mar 18

Facts About Fires

  • There are approximately 374,000 residential fires each year in the U.S.
  • These fires result in more than 7 BILLION in property losses annually
  • Cooking & home-heating cause about 72% of all residential fires

TC_FireInsurance

Feb 28

Auto Insurance…Did You Know?

Did You Know…

  • If you’re found legally responsible for bills that are more than your insurance covers, you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket?

  • One out of every seven vehicles on the road in the United States has no insurance?

  • Underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy will reimburse you when an at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to pay for your total loss?

  • Uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy will reimburse you for injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver?

 

Feb 26

“What’s the Right Auto Liability Limit for Me?”

Low Limit Policies

In the current difficult economic climate it is tempting to purchase lower limits to save premium dollars or to buy a policy from an insurance company that advertises low-cost coverage. Often, these “low-cost” policies provide only the minimum amounts of liability required by state law.

Buying minimum limits can be a mistake and will not provide the protection you need. If you’re found legally responsible for bills that are more than your insurance covers, you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket. These costs could wipe you out!

Minimum Limits in New York

New York State law requires all auto insurance policies to provide liability coverage for:

  • One accident of at least $25,000 for injuries to one person
  • $50,000 for injuries to multiple people,
  • $10,000 for damage to other people’s property.

(This is sometimes referred to as 25/50/10).

A limit of $25,000 per person can be spent pretty quickly if an injured person needs emergency surgery, an extended hospital stay or lengthy physical therapy.

A limit of $10,000 for damage to another person’s property won’t be enough to replace most cars on the road today.

What is Auto Liability Insurance?

Auto liability insurance pays for amounts the insured person owes as damages for bodily injuries and property damage caused to someone else due to an auto accident. It also pays for the cost of hiring an attorney to provide legal defense. Most states, New York included, require all auto insurance policies to provide at least a minimal amount of liability coverage.

Auto liability limits are typically available up to $500,000 for a relatively small increase in premium.

Other Types of Insurance

There are other types of auto liability coverage that can protect your property and assets.

  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage protects you against other drivers who do not have auto liability insurance and from hit-and-run drivers.
  • Underinsured Motorist Coverage protects you against other drivers who have low limit insurance policies. It will also protect you if you are hit as a pedestrian.
  • Umbrella Liability Policy provides coverage over other policies.
  • Collision Coverage pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another car or object. If you are not at fault for an accident your insurance company may try to recover the amount they paid you from the other driver’s insurance company, including your deductible.

Consult With Your Independent Agent for the Best Protection

  • Your independent insurance agent will help you understand the best liability limit to protect your income and assets.
  • Independent insurance agents work with multiple insurance companies and therefore can offer you a range of coverage and price options.
  • Ask your independent insurance agent today about these important coverage options.
  • Protect your assets and drive responsibly with adequate auto liability limits.

Feb 24

HOMEOWNERS, ARE YOU COVERED?

Learn the basic facts about homeowners insurance…

Your policy should protect:

  • Structure of your home.
  • Personal belongings.
  • Personal injury law-suit.

Mortgage Insurance Vs. Homeowners Insurance:

  • Mortgage insurance does NOT insure YOUR HOME.  It insures the BANK if you default on your loan.
  • Homeowners insurance provides coverage for your home in the event of a loss.

Cost Factors:

  • Value of your home (Replacement cost, not Market value).
  • Crime rate in your area.
  • Amount of prior claims.
  • The state in which you reside.

Check with your local independent insurance agent for more information.

Home Insurance

Feb 21

Renewing Your Insurance Policies

4 Tips for renewing your insurance policies…

4 tips for renewal infograph