From an insurance point of view, be sure your insurance agent knows about it and adds it to your policy. The coverage is very inexpensive and can save you costly attorney’s bills in the case of a problem.
Why is this important? If you think about it, one of the biggest liabilities a homeowner faces is from a pool. You are subject to claims resulting from someone slipping on the pool deck and getting hurt, hurting themselves diving in, and of course drowning. All of these scenarios create a situation for a major lawsuit and you want your insurance company, not you, to pay out as much as possible in that situation!
Each insurance carrier has their own set of rules and guidelines but some pretty common ones are listed below:
Above ground pools need to have a removable ladder. Remove the ladder and store it away from the pool each night.
Your yard must be fenced.
For in-ground pools, the pool area must have a fence around it with a locking gate.
Store pool chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Enjoy your backyard and pool oasis with peace of mind! Give your agent a call and have a conversation. You’ll be glad you did.
Homeowner’s insurance is sometimes referred to as a fire policy. Modern homeowner’s policies have evolved from our grandparent’s “fire insurance” and today’s policies cover a wide range of perils. But does a homeowner’s insurance cover water damage?
Standard homeowner’s insurance offers little coverage when it comes to water damage, especially water due to heavy rains. When it comes to water damage, a flood policy is typically purchased to cover any damage from overflowing waterways, rain runoff, and of course, heavy rainstorms leading to floods.
There is a misconception among policyholders whobelieve flooding and standing water in the home, especially the basement. When surveyed, 33% of Americans believed that flooding was covered by a standard homeowner’s policy, and only 20% of at-risk properties in America are insured against flood damage. For example, during Hurricane Harvey, only $12 billion of the $40 billion of damage was covered by flood insurance. While we don’t have hurricanes in Kentucky, flood insurance may still be right for your home.
So,what type of water damage IS covered by my home insurance?
One of the main principles of homeowner’s insurance is the coverage for sudden and unpreventable events. When events are considered to be avoidable through routine maintenance, insurance claims are likely to be denied. Ensuring all appliances are in working order and free of leaks will help mitigate water damage caused by interior appliances, pipes, etc.
When pipes or appliances suddenly fail, subsequent water damage should be covered. For example, if your hot water heater bursts and floods your basement, you would be eligible to submit a claim. If a washer hose bursts, you would be eligible to submit a claim. If your basement floods from rainwater, you would normally NOT be eligible for a claim.
What is the deal with flood Insurance?
Most standard insurance companies do not offer flood insurance. A local broker can connect you to a policy issued by the National Flood Insurance Program or another private flood insurance program. These policies have strict limits of coverage and there are specific conditions to be met before a flood claim will be paid. If you live in a designated flood zone, you are required to buy flood insurance when you signed your mortgage. This protects the customer and the mortgage company in the event of a catastrophic event.
Where can I buy flood insurance?
At Castle insurance, we are connected to some of the few private flood policies available. Pricing and coverage options will vary.
On Monday, Kentucky began the phased reopening of health care services.
The Healthy at Work Plan set out public health benchmarks for reopening Kentucky’s economy.
The 10 basic rules to reopening a business under the Healthy at Work plan are:
Continue to telework where possible
Phased return to work
Onsite temperature and health checks
Universal masks and other necessary protective equipment
Close common areas
Enforce social distancing
Limit face-to-face meetings
Sanitizer/hand wash stations
Special accommodations
Testing plan
It is very important as a business owner to have your plans in place before reopening. Be sure you have everything in writing and you have your employees sign off that they understand the new guidelines.
From an insurance perspective, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The guidelines have to apply to everyone equally. Be careful about what you require employees to divulge about life outside of work. For example, if you know of an employee that travels out of state, will you require them to quarantine for 14 days? If so, will you pay them? Do you even have the right to know what they do on their off-time?
What steps are you taking to provide a safe working environment? For example, in addition to providing masks, do you need to provide plexiglass screens? If you believe one of your employees has been exposed while in the course of working for you, what is your plan to have them tested and to mitigate the risk of them getting sick and spreading the virus to others in your place of business?
How do you enforce social distancing?
What is your plan to purchase masks, hand sanitizer, thermometer, and other necessities? Start searching for these items and getting them in place now.
If you have common areas, such as a break room, smoking area, etc., how are you communicating that these areas are off limits in the new guidelines?
Research other businesses in your industry online and see if you can find a guide that will be helpful to you in organizing your plans and procedures. This is a changing environment, so be sure you amend your processes if needed.
It’s time to discuss the years-old debate on rental car insurance. Everyone who has rented a car has been asked to buy the rental companies insurance. Renting cars can be expensive. So naturally, skipping out on the add-ons can be an easy way to lower your costs. And if you have your own car insurance policy, do you really need it?
Here are the facts:
Most full coverage policies extend coverage to non-owned vehicles.
This means when renting a vehicle, your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages are extended to the rental car. If you are involved in an accident or incur damages to the rental car, you can still file a claim on your policy. This is subject to the same deductibles and limits as your personal vehicle.
If you do file a claim for a rental car, it will show on your driving record, as any and all claims do.
One reason to buy the additional insurance is to avoid having to file a claim on your personal insurance for any damages to the car.
What your personal insurance policy won’t cover on a rental car.
Rental car companies only make money when their cars are out on the road. If you damage one of their vehicles, they are going to lose money for the time it is off the road being repaired. Some companies will attempt to recoup the money they have lost by charging the one who was renting the car when it was damaged. A rental car often will lose value once it has been in an accident, and they can stick the driver of the vehicle with this cost as well. Your personal auto policy does not cover loss of use or diminished value for non-owned cars. If you do plan on purchasing additional rental car insurance, make sure to ask about these add on coverages.
Another helpful add on coverage can be “loss of personal effects” This will often cover you if your personal belongings are stolen while renting a car. If you carry comprehensive coverage on your policy and your rental car is stolen, your insurance policy will pay to replace the stolen car, but not any of your property.
What’s the conclusion?
Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit. They will offer some of the same additional coverages rental car companies sell, but without cost to the cardholder. Check with the bank that issues your credit card for more details. Some cards may only offer actual cash value for the rental car and not replacement cost. Ensure that your card benefits are comparable with what the rental car company offers before you use it as a substitute.
While you do not always have to purchase additional insurance to rent a car, their policies do offer more than a standard “full coverage policy”. By getting the additional coverage, you are ensuring that you won’t be hit with any additional out of pocket costs if your rental car is damaged.
Always check with your personal insurance agent to find out specifics of your policy and situation.
Here are five projects that can increase the curb appeal of your home and help you avoid filing an insurance claim in 2020.
Spring is finally here in Kentucky! It was a mild winter, and those who are stuck at home and looking for spring maintenance projects should consider some of the following:
In no particular order, these are my top five projects for homeowners for this spring.
1. Vinyl Siding Maintenance
If your house has vinyl siding you might see a layer of dirt or film that can accumulate over the winter season. If you own a power washer, this is a quick afternoon project. If you don’t own a power washer, a garden hose with a sprayer attachment will do fine. Use these ingredients to make a solution that will help remove mold and residue from your siding.
⅓ Cup of powdered laundry detergent
⅔ Cup of Household cleaner
1 Quart of Bleach
1 Gallon Water
While protecting your hands and face, apply this to your siding with a course brush and remove with a garden hose. This will prolong the lifespan of your siding and increase the curb appeal as well.
2. Ensure your deck railing is secure and safe
Decks are a great feature on any house! But before you grill out with your family, ensure your railings are still sturdy. One of the most common homeowner liability claims arise from someone leaning on a railing that has not been properly maintained or installed, often leading to a nasty fall. A quick check to ensure that your railings can withstand the weight of an adult leaning on them is the best way to avoid a fall.
3. Roof Upkeep
If you live in a wooded area, you know that branches, leaves, and debris can accumulate on your roof after a windy fall and winter. Removing them from your roof will prolong the lifespan of your shingles and help to avoid a costly water damage claim this summer. While you’re at it, make sure your gutters are clear as well. Before you do either one of these projects, ensure you are comfortable climbing on a ladder. When you do decide to do the work, make sure you place your ladder on a flat, stable surface and do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended height. If you cannot reach your roof, consider hiring a professional. Don’t risk having to place a disability claim trying to avoid a homeowners claim. SAFETY FIRST!
4. Sidewalk and Driveway maintenance
If you live in a city or subdivision, you should make sure the sidewalks around your property are free of debris. While you do not own the sidewalk, you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the sidewalk. If any tree limbs or debris from your household on the sidewalk causes someone to trip and injure themselves you are certainly liable. Check with your local officials; most municipalities will designate a pickup day in the spring for yard waste. A quick afternoon cleaning up the sidewalks surrounding your property will greatly increase the curb appeal of your property and ensure you are not exposing yourself to a costly personal injury claim.
5. Have a Car, Boat or vehicle on your property you no longer are using?
Most of us guys have been there, “Yes honey, I am going to fix that car”.
If you have a project car on your property that you know you’ll never get around to fixing, you should consider donating or selling it. Having a nonfunctional vehicle on your property is considered an incidental exposure from an insurance standpoint, and probably an eyesore to your neighbors. There are several charities that you can donate your car to, and most of them will remove it from your property for free, allowing you to claim a tax deduction in exchange. If you want to go the route of selling, check your local Buy/Sell/Trade page on Facebook. There are often individuals who will pay you the “Scrap” value of your car. While this may only be a few hundred dollars, they also will remove it from your property.
Whatever your spring cleaning projects are, remember to be safe! If you have any questions about what your homeowners insurance covers or will not cover, contact Castle Insurance today!
What an unprecedented time we are living in right now! I haven’t seen anything like this in my lifetime. I think my kids will be able to say, ” I remember when Covid 19 totally shut down the world and life as we knew it.”
Lots of businesses are scrambling to stay afloat due to the loss of income from clients, customers, and prospective customers.
Does your business insurance have coverage for interruption due to a virus?
The short answer is probably not.
However, I would recommend you contact your insurance agent and discuss filing a claim. They are there to talk you through the situation and assist you. At the end of the day, it is your decision to file a claim or not. It is up to the carrier to approve or deny the claim, based on the policy you have purchased.
Check out this article from the Kentucky State Police.
“Many preventable crashes result from unsafe driving behavior such as speeding, distracted driving and floolowing too close. Oftentimes, we see this on our highways when motorists and commercial vehicle drivers struggle to share the road. “ — Sergeant Jason Morris
Thinking about renting out your house? Here are items to
consider.
Buying property here in Central Kentucky can be a very
appealing investment! Rental prices are higher than ever, and there is no
shortage of qualified tenants. Here at Castle insurance we often work with
homeowners who are acquiring additional properties to rent to others. This can
be a great way to create residual passive income through an investment that
will often appreciate. In most cases, a consistent stream of additional income
can help you reach your retirement goals a little easier. We are always excited
to help our customers reach their financial goals, and one way we can do this
is to ensure your rental property is covered.
Before you consider investing in a rental property, there are a few things that must be considered. There are several situations where rental properties can become a serious liability; one that can severely hinder your assets.
First, we recommend that a landlord establish an LLC to ensure their assets are separated from their business operations.
Secondly, ensuring your tenant keeps an up-to-date renters policy will help to protect you from any liability that arises from their actions. For example, if your tenant’s dog bits someone visiting your rental, their renter’s insurance liability will cover damages incurred up to their limits of liability. Without renters insurance, a lawyer may choose to challenge you for the damages, and a costly lawsuit can be devastating for you and your business.
Another great coverage option is a personal or business catastrophe liability policy. This policy is often referred to as a PLUP or umbrella policy and can provide millions in liability coverage for your auto and homeowners policy. While your rental property should be insured as a rental-dwelling, your policy may not contain enough liability coverage to offset a litigious tenant. Even those landlords who are mindful oftenant screening and property upkeep, the unforeseen lawsuit can ruin your ability to run a profitable operation.
In closing, renting property can be a profitable long term
investment. Managing the insurance for this type of business can be confusing,
but you should always understand what you are covered for.
If you rent property here in Kentucky, please contact us for
a comprehensive review of your insurance, and let the expert agents at Castle protect
your assets.
Earlier this month, Kris and I got the chance to promote Castle Insurance at the 2020 Sport, Boat and Recreation show at Rupp Arena. The old adage, “Bust Out Another Thousand holds up”!
Many of the boats on display and for sale would be considered a serious investment for most people! While some might say “the best boat is your friend’s boat”, it was clear that many were considering or actually taking home the newest model over the weekend. And let’s be honest, what sounds better than a weekend on the lake with your family and closest friends? Before you hit the open water, you should ensure your asset is properly protected.
Not unlike a sports car or motorcycle, boats can be a source of endless recreation, but are often overlooked as a liability. Before you hit the waves this year in your speedboat, jetski or pontoon, a routine review of your boater’s insurance should be on your checklist. Most boat owner’s policies do not provide the same medical benefits in an accident that you enjoy on your auto policy.
Simply put, if you haven’t selected additional medical benefits, your passengers may be without coverage in an accident. And yes, boat accidents do happen!
Here at Castle Insurance, we always recommend that anyone operating a boat takes a boater safety class to help identify dangerous situations that can arise on the waters. Most insurance carriers will give you a discount on your boat owner’s insurance if you receive training. Plus, it’s always smart to be prepared.
Ensuring that your current policy has a proper amount of liability coverage, medical payments and trailer coverage is one thing that all boat owners must do. Here at Castle Insurance, we can provide a routine inspection of your insurance policy, much like you inspect your boat before your first trip to the lake.
Keep the fun going on the lake by making sure you have proper protection.
By Guest Blogger – Linda Fisher – Insurance Agent/Owner Extraordinaire
It happens. Relationships sometimes simply don’t work out, and you find yourself moving out of a home and dividing up assets. The insurance in these situations can be complicated for everyone including your insurance agent.
We get the calls often. We are getting a divorce and he/she has moved out, so delete them.
It’s not that simple. We will never knowingly leave a client without coverage or remove them without their permission.
In these situations, we will take the client who has reached out to us and move them to a new policy with their assets that they legally own. If they are taking one vehicle and both names are still on that vehicle, we will then list the spouse or ex-spouse as an additional insured (using their new address), and loss payee until their name is off the title. That way, they would still be protected if an accident occurred and they were sued, or if the vehicle was damaged. Until that ‘legal insurable interest’ in that vehicle no longer exists, we will continue to protect them.
If a home continues to be in both names until the divorce is final, we will keep the insurance in the name of the owner who continues to reside in the home and will then again, add the spouse who moved, as an additional insured and loss payable so they would be entitled to liability as well as any physical damage claim checks.
We have had situations where one spouse doesn’t know where the other is temporarily living. These are difficult for an insurance agency to work with as our only option if we don’t have separate email addresses and phone numbers, is to send the notices of the insurance bills and renewals to the only mailing address we have on file, and if that is an address that you moved away from, how would you know if your auto insurance cancelled because it wasn’t paid? There are court cases where clients have been driving around with no insurance and weren’t made aware of it. Our agency makes sure to do everything possible so that doesn’t happen to our clients!
To make sure that you are always protected, we would highly recommend that during ANY separation (not just divorce), that you are in touch with your insurance agent.
I discussed ‘Named Insured’ in another blog but be advised that if you move out of the address we show on file for you, you will have serious coverage gaps especially in your auto insurance policy, once you are no longer ‘related by blood, marriage or adoption AND in the same household’!
As always, we welcome your contacting us if we can be of assistance with your personal, life, or business insurance needs.
We are so excited to have a spot at the Kentucky Sport Boat and Recreation Show this
weekend.
Stop by and register to win some cool prizes! We have a nice portable grill to give away as well
as a pop-up two person Coleman tent, and two Coleman camping chairs with a 4 – can attached
cooler.
Does any other booth at the show have a FISHTALES pinball game you can play for free? It’s a great game and we know you’ll have a good time playing it at our booth.
Click on the link below for times and other information about the show.
For most Americans, getting to the financial point of home ownership is a prerequisite to starting a family. In growing communities like Georgetown, finding the home of your dreams (which you can afford) can be a difficult search. With onsite gyms,laundry, entertainment and even babysitting services all within one complex, some couples are opting out of home ownership altogether. With less of a financial responsibility, renting remains a safer option for many. While the landlord is responsible for upkeep, the tenant does remain liable for what goes on inside the space that they actually rent. So what will a renter’s policy cover?
Picture this, A main water line breaks in the ceiling of your apartment. Your landlord will be responsible for fixing the water leak but is not responsible for replacing your possessions inside your apartment that are damaged. While this may not seem fair, you remain responsible for protecting your personal possessions. Even in the event of a natural disaster or fire, a landlord’s insurance policy will cover his or her building, but the policy does not provide coverage for the property of their tenants.
Renter’s insurance is one way to ensure your family’s assets are protected from the unexpected circumstances of renting. Renter’s insurance provides two major coverages; personal property and personal liability. You will select a limit, which should exceed the total value of all your possessions, including electronics, appliances, clothing and jewelry. Your insurance company will pay you directly if they are stolen or damaged in a fire.
The second part of the policy is designed to cover your liability. One example of the way you could use this coverage would be to pay for injuries to your neighbor if your dog bit them. Your insurance company would cover the damages up to the limit you selected, which often is in increments of $100,000.
Simply put, you are leaving yourself exposed if you choose to rent without insurance. Most policies can be purchased for $30 dollars or less a month and most companies will offer a discount for bundling Auto and Renters insurance.
-Article by Fausto Sarmiento, President of the Bluegrass Bimmers (edited for space)
Over 80 Bluegrass Bimmers members and their families met at BMW of Louisville to share our passion, enthusiasm, and friendship over what connects us all, the Ultimate Driving Machine. Anthony Magagnoli delivered a presentation that incorporated racing tales and business acuity to inspire all of us to “Drive in to 2020” with the same enthusiasm we feel when we prepare to go out on a spirited drive.
The 2020 Bluegrass Bimmers Kick Off Party was funded in part by the generous sponsorship of Castle Insurance. Bluegrass Bimmers President Fausto Sarmiento had the chance to speak with Castle Insurance owner, Kris Castle, about the role insurance plays when we “Drive in to 2020”. Read on for additional information on how to manage risk while you “Drive in to 2020”!
Fausto Sarmiento, President of the Bluegrass Bimmers: Many car owners opt for “minimum coverage” out of routine convenience. BMW drivers often make it a point to take the scenic route instead of the direct route when planning trips or even on their daily commutes. In other words, BMW drivers are hardly routine! What are some factors BMW owners need to consider when looking at their auto insurance coverage to make sure their insurance coverage meets their needs?
Kris Castle, Castle Insurance: The most important factor to consider in an insurance policy is the liability limits that you have. State minimum coverage is not enough! A good insurance agent will definitely advise you to increase those limits! This is the main protection a driver has in a lawsuit situation, so spend the few extra minutes to have that conversation. It’s worth the time and money. Secondly, if you have after-factory mods on your car, keep in mind that they may not be covered. Discuss this with your agent.
Fausto Sarmiento, BGB: Castle Insurance supports the automobile and motorsports community by sponsoring events such as the Bluegrass Bimmers Kick Off Party and the Cars & Caffeine community event. What is it about car drivers and driving enthusiasts that makes us an attractive market for your insurance company – we’re not crazy, risky drivers, right?!
Kris Castle, Castle Insurance: My favorite character quality of BMW drivers is their love and care of their vehicles! I know if I write a policy for a BMW owner, the car is usually in excellent shape and while they enjoy driving more than the average driver, they are also very responsible and in tune with what their car can do. They appreciate quality, so I know they will appreciate a quality insurance policy, and not necessarily the cheapest option if that doesn’t serve their needs best. Plus, BMWs are just really pretty to look at so I enjoy attending events, even though I don’t really have the deep knowledge of the cars like most of the BMW drivers do. I’m married to a BMW owner and we have three BMW cars in our household – quality and quantity rarely go hand in hand, but few things are as appealing as a line of BMWs out on a spirited, technical drive!
Fausto Sarmiento, BGB: What are some tips you can recommend to BMW drivers to ensure they are properly protected from an insurance point of view? Kris Castle, Castle Insurance: I can’t stress enough how important it is to have high liability limits. The state minimums are laughable. Be sure you use an agent that will explain and educate you on what your options are and why they are recommending what they are writing for you. BMW drivers appreciate quality, obviously, so spend the extra $150 per year and increase your liability limits. I personally have $250k/$500k/$250k and that’s what I think is a good mid-range coverage. You can never have too much insurance!
It seems that the more I try to avoid hitting a pothole, the more likely I am to actually hit it. I immediately cringe and hope I didn’t just destroy my rim, wheel, or tire! Sometimes, especially at night, it is really difficult to see one, but the unmistakable huge bump and scrape lets you know what just happened.
How does your insurance carrier handle claims regarding potholes? Insurance companies will consider this a collision-type of claim and it will show as an at-fault claim on your claims history.
What should you do if you hit a pothole?
Be sure the car is safe to drive. Your steering may be impacted or you may get a flat tire.
Get an estimate on the repairs to fix the damage done to your wheel.
Depending on your deductible, you may want to fix the damage without filing an insurance claim.
Always discuss claim situations with your agent. They are there to assist you as needed!
When it comes time to rent a car, here are two common questions that customers often ask us:
Do I need to buy the insurance offered by rental car companies?
If I am in a car accident and need to rent a car, am I covered?
Let’s find out the answers.
INSURANCE OFFERED BY RENTAL CAR COMPANIES
You’re standing at the rental car counter and the person helping you asks if you want to buy insurance through them. Do you need it? Ultimately, it’s up to you but in most cases, you probably don’t, as your personal auto insurance should have you covered for liability claims, but your ERIE Agent can tell you for sure. Additionally, If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, you may also be covered for damage to the rental car.
Auto insurance from Erie Insurance is designed to suitably protect you and your family for incidental use of a car that’s not your own, such as a short-term rental of less than 45 days. The coverage extends to cars in the U.S. or Canada. That said, it’s a good idea to check with an insurance adviser like an ERIE agent beforehand since auto policies vary from person to person.
Here are a few questions to ask your agent about insurance and rental car coverage:
Q:When I rent a car for a combined business trip and a personal vacation, am I covered? A: Your personal auto policy may not cover you, but your employer’s insurance might.
Q:If more than one person is driving the rental car, am I covered? A: Your auto insurance likely only covers individuals that are on your policy, such as spouse or kids. So, in this scenario, coverage from the rental company could be a good idea.
Q: If my luggage, purse or personal possessions are stolen out of my rental car, am I covered? A: Maybe. This depends on the details of your individual auto policy. In many cases, personal property may be covered by a homeowners or rental insurance policy, but not by your auto insurance. It may be worth asking an associate from the rental company what their policy is regarding personal property stolen from their vehicles.
Another option to consider: Many credit card companies offer rental car insurance if you pay the rental fee using their card. Just know that this coverage typically only covers physical damage to the rental car, so you’ll still need separate liability coverage. Get in touch with your credit card company to ask for details.
With liability coverage, there are a few things you should consider. Most states have a required minimum amount of liability coverage, which rental car companies are required by law to offer, but that still may not give you enough protection. If you have personal auto insurance and have opted for higher liability limits, you’ll be better protected.
INSURANCE FOR RENTING A CAR AFTER AN ACCIDENT
If your car needs to be in the shop for a while after an accident, you may need to rent a car. Most auto insurance policies offer rental reimbursement coverage for a nominal extra charge, but sometimes auto insurance shoppers skip adding it to their policies.
With ERIE, basic rental car coverage is automatically included in most states if you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage. That means if your car is disabled because of a fire, theft, glass damage or another comprehensive type claim that may be covered under your policy, you’re covered for a compact sedan rental car. If you need a bigger rental vehicle, you could buy additional coverage (details below).
To have rental car coverage while your vehicle is being repaired from collision losses, such as hitting another car or a fence, building or pole, you would need to purchase collision coverage and add the rental car coverage to your policy.
At ERIE, this add-on coverage is called Transportation Expenses. It allows you to select a class of vehicle you want. It’s a nice benefit, because if you are a family of six… a compact sedan is probably not going to work. There are six classes* from which to choose:
Class 1: Compact sedan
Class 2: Traditional sedan
Class 3: Small SUV or pickup truck
Class 4: Minivan or midsize SUV
Class 5: Luxury sedan or large SUV
Class 6: Specially equipped vehicle that can be operated and accessed by an individual with a disability.
How comprehensive is comprehensive coverage? What the heck does that even mean?
Comprehensive coverage for your car, also known as other-than-collision coverage, can be used in a few different ways.
The number one way I see my clients use this coverage is for glass – such as your windshield or back window. In Kentucky, there is no deductible for glass claims, so it will not cost you out of pocket.
Another way comprehensive coverage works is for vandalism or theft. If your ex keys your car or your cousin’s shady friend steals your car and takes it for a joy-ride, the comprehensive part of your policy (if you have purchased it) will be used.
If you have never had a deer run into your vehicle, the damage can be pretty severe. A repair can be thousands of dollars, so you’ll be glad you had this coverage!
Wind, ice, snow can really shake loose old or diseased tree branches. If a tree limb falls on your car, that would be a comprehensive claim. A good tip is to park in the garage when possible and to avoid parking near trees, especially if inclement weather is forecasted.
Hail damage. See tip above.
Lastly, road service is included in this part of your coverage. Keep in mind, if you use your insurance for any reason, including a jump or a lock out, that is considered a claim. If you have AAA or other road service options, you may consider utilizing them as well.
Please find additional information from the Insurance Information Institute. Click on the link below.
Back up collision damage is the largest percentage of accident claims. Nearly everyone has backed up into an object in their driving career. Younger drivers are more prone to making this mistake.
A few helpful tips:
Whenever possible, drive forward into a parking spot where you can drive out forward to avoid backing out of spaces.
Use your mirrors, but also turn around and check all blind spots before moving.
Be aware of what is behind you when you get in your car. Poles, curbs etc often are not visible from inside the car.
If your car has built-in sonar sensors, pay attention to them. Get familiar with your car by walking around back to test the sensitivity is of the vehicle sensors
Install (or use) a backup camera system. Using these systems greatly decrease the instance of a backup accident and claim
When do you have to add your teenager to your auto insurance policy?
This is a question I get asked all the time and I have heard all kinds of wrong answers. Let’s talk about it!
Most insurance companies require that all people that live at your address that have a driver’s license are added to your policy or can show proof that they have a policy of their own. This includes your children.
In Kentucky, a teenager can get a beginner’s permit at 16 years of age. This permit requires that a legal parent or guardian is in the car with them at all time and they must keep a log of hours driven, including night-time hours. You are not required to add them to you policy during this stage.
Can you believe he’s driving already?
After the requirements have been met, a youthful driver can get their intermediate permit. This doesn’t require a parent to ride along and there are some time restrictions that must be followed.
IT IS AT THIS TIME YOU MUST ADD THEM TO YOUR POLICY.
Your rates will definitely go up, but you don’t want to put yourself in a position where a carrier won’t pay a claim because the driver wasn’t added or to be canceled because you didn’t have your new driver added. And, it may not be as expensive as you may think!
Always discuss any changes in your household with your insurance agent so they can make sure you have the proper coverage in place to keep you protected.
Is your home is one of your most valuable assets? If you’re like most Americans, it sure is.
While your homeowner’s policy covers many different losses, what are some of the damages that are NOT covered?
Flooding. This can be a big one! Most insurance companies will not cover ground water coming into your home. This means water standing in your yard due to lots of rain or a blocked storm drain, etc.
Lots of valuable jewelry. Your homeowner’s policy will cover up to a certain dollar amount for your jewelry. You can usually upgrade the coverage to a slightly higher amount. However, if you have a Rolex collection or a very large diamond ring, those would be items you want to schedule separately. You should list each item, the replacement value and a brief description. You will be charged for each piece and you can adjust the deductible down to “zero” if you don’t want to pay out of pocket to replace the lost item.
Maintenance. As a homeowner, you are responsible to replace an old roof, cut down dead trees, replace siding, and other items that wear out with a home. Your insurance policy is designed to assist you in an emergency situation. Some good examples of what is covered would be fire, wind damage, burst water pipe, etc.
As with any insurance, please check your personal policy and your agent for specific coverage questions.
If you pass, your family or spouse would be responsible in settling the school loan balance. Fortunately, insurance to cover this kind of protection can be very inexpensive.
