SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (LEX18) — As costs continue going up and people are feeling the weight of inflation – in their pockets. One thing many people may not have considered is the rising cost of home and auto insurance.
Kris Castle, owner of Castle Insurance in Georgetown, has been an insurance provider for six years. She says she’s served hundreds of clients. As prices continue to rise insurance rates have been no exception.
Castle says, “What I think a lot of people don’t understand is that there are other factors at work as well. And inflation really does impact your insurance rates.”
One Castle Insurance client, Aaron Rajchel, says he and his family have felt the weight of inflation. He’s noticed an increase in property taxes.
“So if insurance goes up too that’s going to continue to push up our insurance price, continues to push up home prices, and then obviously affect things like our auto insurance as well,” says Rajchel.
Castle says the market has been soft over the past few years. Now, this insurance agent admits this is the biggest over-arching increase she’s seen.
“In a lot of homeowners insurance policies I’ve seen double-digit increases on premiums from last year, of course, the horrible weather that we’ve had, the last 12-18 months here in Kentucky. With the tornadoes, all the ice storms, the flooding — that has definitely affected insurance rates as well,” explains Castle.
Castle Insurance agency suggests looking over your policies as soon as possible. They say that many people don’t realize that you don’t have to be up for renewal before you make changes.
“Look at your auto insurance policy and your homeowner’s policy. Make sure you know what you have,” says Castle.
Castle explains some of the best ways to save money are, again, not waiting for your policy to renew, before you review it. Consider increasing your deductible — to save on your homeowners’ policy. Keeping your home and vehicle maintained — to avoid opening yourself up to unnecessary claims and checking your policy for added benefits.
Castle suggests, “Have a conversation with your local insurance agent, ask them questions and make sure that you’re protected properly. Make sure that you’re getting all the discounts that you deserve in your policy as well and have that consultation and make sure you have the education to make wise decisions about your insurance.”
Windshield Repair Insurance: What You Need to Know before Buying
Windshield repair insurance is a great way to protect your car, but how do you know if or when to file a claim?
There are many types of windshield repair insurance endorsements. The most common type is called “claims-made” coverage, which means that it covers repairs only if they happen while the policy is in effect. Another type of coverage is called “continuous” coverage, which means that you can get repairs at any time, even if the policy has expired. Claims-made is by far the most written type of policy in most insurance agencies in our area.
Windshield Replacement – Important Things You Should Know
Windshield replacement on your policy is a good way to cover these costs in the event that your windshield is damaged or broken.
The cost of a windshield replacement varies depending on the type of glass, the size and shape of the windshield and the damage. Since there is so much technology in our vehicles these days, many times you’ll have to calibrate or replace sensors in the glass too.
Windshield Replacement – The MOST Important Thing You Should Know
In Kentucky, there is no deductible (out-of-pocket expense) for a glass or windshield claim. However, keep in mind that a claim filed on your insurance policy is still viewed by your insurance company as a claim. It can affect your claims history, which of course can affect your rates. It can also make you ineligible for a new policy with a new insurance company.
For example, here is a real claims history for a quote that I was working on a few weeks ago.
Glass 05/23/2021
Glass 12/08/2020
Glass 06/08/2020
Glass 09/30/2019
Glass 12/03/2018
Because they had 5 glass claims in less than 4 years, I couldn’t help them with a good policy with great rates. They had too many claims, even though there weren’t any collisions or accidents.
I would recommend you find out how much a new piece of glass will cost before you file a claim for replacement and be sure that it’s a claim that is worth filing with your insurance company. Sometimes a chip repair will work and that is a pretty inexpensive repair.
Your insurance agent can walk you through setting up a claim and making sure your vehicle is road-ready again.
If you’re looking for ways to tighten your monthly budget, there’s an unexpected place you can look: Your garage.
No, we’re not telling you to sell your car (although that’s certainly an option). Rather, it’s time to take a closer look at the way you drive and take care of your vehicle. As gas prices climb, both of these habits can make a bigger impact on your wallet than you think.
And if you’re looking for car insurance that is affordable, we can help with that, too.
WHAT IS GAS MILEAGE?
Gas mileage (also known as miles per gallon or MPG) is measured by calculating the number of miles that a vehicle can travel using a single gallon of fuel. Fuel economy is another term that’s commonly used. It’s often referred to in relation to improving fuel efficiency — which means using less gas when you drive.
HOW CAN I FIGURE OUT MY VEHICLE’S MPG?
Since 1977, auto manufacturers have been required to publish some form of miles per gallon metric on new car labels. For modern vehicles, this includes ratings for city, highway and combined MPG values.
In general, vehicles tout better gas mileage during highway driving rather than city (i.e. stop and start) driving. But the combined MPG rating, which represents 55% city driving and 45% highway driving, provides a quick and easy way to compare the fuel efficiency of gasoline vehicles — which is especially helpful if you’re shopping for a new car. You can find these values for your current vehicle through a quick internet search.
If you want to measure the real-world gas mileage of your car, it’s easier than you might think. Follow the steps below from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy:
Step 1: Top off your tank. Fill your tank all the way up, then record the current mileage from your odometer (or set your odometer’s trip meter).
Step 2 : Run it out, then record your numbers again. Once it’s time to fill up again, record the new odometer reading as well as the number of gallons it took to refuel.
Step 3: Subtract your readings. If you used the trip meter, you can skip this step. If not, put those elementary math skills to use and subtract your first odometer reading from your second to see how many miles you traveled on one tank.
Step 4: Do a little division to determine your MPG. Take your figure from step three and divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons it took to fill your tank. Your final number is your MPG for that driving period.
WHAT’S CONSIDERED “GOOD” GAS MILEAGE?
Getting good gas mileage means that you can travel further using less gas.
As a general guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designed a fuel economy rating that evaluates vehicles on a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best). These numbers can also be found on new car labels. For the 2020 model year, vehicles earning a 1 rating return an MPG of 14 or less, while a score of 10 requires 44 or more MPG.
But there are a lot of other variables that factor into this ‒ from the type of vehicle you drive to the way you drive it. And all of these can add up when it comes to how much you end up spending on gas.
WHAT CAUSES POOR GAS MILEAGE?
Regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive, all of these factors can negatively impact gas mileage:
Speed: The faster you drive, the more fuel your vehicle burns up. This includes how fast you accelerate, too.
Idling: Keeping your car on for it to warm up or cool down, queuing up at a drive-thru or waiting to pick your kid up from soccer practice can all decrease your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Aerodynamic drag and excess weight: Driving too fast or traveling with a rooftop cargo carrier? These can increase wind resistance, which causes your vehicle to use more gas. And towing any kind of trailer or hauling too much in your trunk, bed or back seat also requires more fuel.
Poor maintenance: From underinflated tires to an unattended engine issue, failure to consistently “tune up” your vehicle can cost you a lot more at the pump. It also can create potential safety risks.
Quick trips: A quick run to the supermarket on Monday. Stopping by the bank on Wednesday. While it may be convenient to run these errands one at a time, it can wreak havoc on your fuel economy. Quick, short trips like this from a “cold start” eat up fuel, because your engine needs to warm up before it can run efficiently.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY GAS MILEAGE?
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and Consumer Reports offer several ways that you can improve your MPG:
Drive more efficiently.
Follow the speed limit, and drive sensibly ‒ not aggressively (e.g. quick accelerations, hard stops, etc.).
On the highway, don’t speed up and slow down (unless you need to for safety). Once you get up to speed, stay there. Use cruise control when possible.
Remove unnecessary extra weight, avoid idling and take the cargo box off the roof of your vehicle (unless you really need to use it) to help even more.
Keep your car in shape.
Make sure your engine is tuned, keep tires properly inflated and use the right grade of motor oil. Check out 9 Things You Should Never Do to Your Car for basic car-care tips.
Plan and combine trips.
Spend less time sitting in traffic by avoiding rush hour on daily commutes.
Run all your errands on one day rather than taking multiple short trips during the week.
If you have an especially long commute, ask your employer if you can work from home a day or two per week.
Opt for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
If your budget allows it, consider purchasing a vehicle that touts better MPG than your current one. With fuel prices rising, you could save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs per year switching from a vehicle with 20 MPG to 30 MPG. Check out the fuel savings calculator on fueleconomy.gov.
Just imagine that you have gotten some of the worst news you could possibly receive.
Your spouse/partner has been killed in a car accident. While dealing with all of the emotions and heartbreak of this news, you have to slog through this devastating circumstance and take care of yourself and your family in practical ways.
You will need to find the life insurance policy that was hopefully purchased to help continue to pay your bills. You will need make changes to bank accounts and other financial accounts. You will need to be able to access your auto insurance and home owner’s insurance policies and various legal documents.
Human beings prefer to deal with things they know about and have an affinity for, or have the education and learning to be successful. If you are like many couples, it seems one of you deals with the finances of your household and one of you wants nothing to do with all that! One of you loves it, or at least doesn’t mind dealing with these types of things, and one of you really hates it.
I would propose that you may want to rethink this in your relationship. Both people should be aware of all account passwords, login information, insurance policies (especially life insurance), your last will and other legal documents. Maybe you store this in a safe in your home or a safety deposit box at the bank. Many families utilize an password application that stores everything in one place electronically. Even if one of you makes most of the banking, investment, insurance, medical and other type of life decisions, both of you should know what is happening. Even if you have separate bank accounts, be sure you can access all accounts in the case of the death of the account holder.
I have dealt with insurance customers that have lost their spouse, and are completely clueless how to move forward with everything. They have no idea what is going on with their insurance, how to pay the bills, and even how to access sorely needed funds. It can be months and months of struggle, on top of dealing with the loss of their loved one.
A very stressful situation can be made SO MUCH EASIER if you will take a couple of minutes to have a discussion about your accounts and the access needed, just in case.
Imagine you’re driving down I-75, and all of a sudden, your tire blows!
What if you came out of the grocery store and your battery is dead?
Maybe you think it’s too cold to fill up your gas tank right now and choose to play a game to see if you can make it to your destination before you run out of gas? And….you lose and run out of gas.
If you have car trouble on the side of the road, you want fast and reliable service. Does it matter if you use your road service coverage on your insurance policy or is it worth your money to go ahead and AAA service?
Keep in mind, ANY TIME YOU USE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY, IT IS VIEWED BY THE INSURANCE CARRIER AS A CLAIM. Even if it’s only a $70 road service claim or a battery jump, it will show up on your auto insurance claim history. Now of course, it doesn’t affect your rates or insurance score in the same way that an at-fault accident will, but it will still be included in your claim history. An insurance carrier can use excessive road service claims as part of the reason to non-renew your policy.
If you have several vehicles, especially ones that aren’t in perfect shape, you may want to consider purchasing a road service/towing plan through AAA or another auto club service. Depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, you may not be able to purchase the coverage through your policy and will need AAA for this service anyway.
Many new vehicles have road service through the manufacturer/dealer as well, so that would be another way to get assistance if needed, without using your insurance policy.
Think of your insurance policy as a way to pay for expensive accidents, injuries, etc. and think about the smaller claims being handled a different way.
By: Check out our newest blog post by a guest blogger, Anson Thompson, Insurance Agent and Author Extraordinaire!
(EXCERPT)
I’ve had a few conversations with people asking about our Air B and B’ing of our home. We now spend two months in Colorado and one month in Indiana; our Indy home is vacant for eight months a year. We had talked about opening it up but thought it might be a hassle. So last year, at a Synergize event, I asked one of my fellow members if he had a person that managed Air B and B’s. He referred me to “Tom,” and we did a walkthrough of our property.
We went back and forth on the benefits, the downsides, but in June of this year, we officially listed it on multiple sites, and I thought I would share our experience thus far.
But first, let me share the story of my friend Phil who has a home in Colorado and for a few years offered up his residence on VRBO. When it was occupied, he and his wife would go camp, live their everyday life, and make some extra scratch on the side. They now have a baby, I don’t think they offer their home anymore, but one can list their residence online and make money using their asset.
I guess this little word soup is for people with multiple homes; if you own a couple of places, here’s your Wednesday morning idea. Rent your home when you are not using it! In April of this year, we began moving our “personal” items into our master closet; believe it or not, we don’t have a lot of personal things, most of our belongings are more communal. We’re not sentimental folks.
Before deciding to list your home and a house-sharing site, I strongly recommend you find a local manager. You do not want the calls in the middle of the night about the toilet not working or the door that won’t lock; it’s more than worth it to give a few points of your income to someone else to manage the space. Many individuals and companies now specialize in this operation; our company has 42 units in our area.
We began our listing in June of this year with no expectations; we list it for an average of $500.00 a night, although we have a much lower price for our friends and family program. The cost includes cleaning, maintenance, and anything that needs attention. Before listing, our provider had a photographer come in and shoot the essence of our space, giving the traveler a good idea of where they would be staying.
Our location is critical; we are within walking distance of downtown Indy; you can get to a pacers game, colts game, or concert with a nice walk or very short UBER ride; it’s also close to the convention center. We have three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a nice kitchen to prepare big family meals; it’s a lovely spot for a couple or large family to use when visiting Indianapolis.
We earn some nice income from the property; we have the money deposited into the new account we set up expressly for this operation. Our idea was to try this for a year and see if the income was worth it and how much damage our home would sustain.
Well, here we sit in almost November; our house has been rented multiple times, and we did spend most of the summer in Colorado. It was rented most of the summer.
We returned home in June; the key to our system is blocking the time we will be home which is easy; we tell our property manager what dates to block, and the house is not available when we are home. We arrived in September of this year after many folks had used our home, we didn’t know what to expect, but our house was cleaner than usual. It does not hurt to have a commercial cleaning team manage your home when away.
I think we will continue leasing our home on a short-term basis; we have learned that Indy is a convention town, there are many opportunities to provide a perfect space for those visiting, and many come for multiple nights. However, we do have a three-night minimum, and we set our price point so we would not have people that just want to have a party in our home.
We are happy with our decision; I thought it might be good to share if others think about this as an additional income stream. It makes owning a second or third home possible, and you can even add to your top-line income if your home is in a place that people like to frequent. Of course, if your home is not in an area that people frequent, you still might consider listing it; we travel across the country quarterly and have stayed in places like Colby, KS, and Russell KS, places one might not usually think about having travelers.
Well, that will do my little story about our Air B and B or VRBO experience; we are avid users of the service when traveling, so we do have a basis of understanding of the process. However, if you are new to the idea, pack your bags and do some experimental travel to see how others manage their homes; hell, if ever in Indy, use our home, you will not be disappointed, and we have many five star reviews to back up the quality, location, and positive experiences of our guests.
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Observations from a Cornfield Kid that now lives on Top of a Mountain
We are so happy to be hosting the 3rd Annual Castle Insurance Cars and Caffeine for 2021!
OCTOBER 17, 12 PM -2 PM
210 BEVINS LN (LANDMARK CENTRE) GEORGETOWN
Please bring your favorite car and enter for a chance to win!
The judging categories will be:
Modern (1990+)
Classic (pre-1990)
Fan Favorite
If you want to enter your vehicle, you’ll receive an entry form to fill out and put under your wiper when you arrive. Staging for cars in the show starts at 10am. Show starts at 12pm. Awards at 2pm.
Those attending the car show can just scan the QR code on the form to vote. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
ALL MAKES AND MODELS ARE WELCOME. Share this link with all your automotive enthusiasts.
If you are more of a “this is just my transportation and I don’t really think I’ll win an award for anything” type of car person, that’s ok! Bring your family and hang out with us – vote for your favorite car and FEED A HORSE!
Our friends next door at Ashton Grove Senior Living have a cute horse named Winston that will be hanging out at Castle Insurance from 12-2. And you thought horsepower meant the cars!
Plus, there will be a live DJ, a coffee truck, yummy food, bingo, a cake walk, a huge inflatable bounce house/obstacle course, hayrides, kid’s crafts, and tours of Ashton Grove. FREE FAMILY FUN FROM 12-4.
Plan to spend a Fall afternoon in Georgetown with Castle Insurance and Ashton Grove. We look forward to meeting you!
Feel free to call the office if you have any questions! 502-603-0397
Sometimes it feels like no matter what, your auto rates increase year over year. Or you feel like what you are paying is just too much. You may think the premiums you pay for your auto insurance are totally out of your control but there are a few things to keep in mind and try to keep more dollars in your bank account!
Credit – Believe it or not, a good credit score affects your insurance rates, just like it affects your interest rates. Insurance companies feel that if you pay your other bills on time you will pay your insurance bill on time too. Statistically speaking, people with higher credit scores tend to be more risk-adverse in life in general and in driving as well. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but there is enough data out there to support this theory.
Multi-Policy Discounts – Many of the big national carriers have utilized advertising campaigns in the past few years that speak to the fact you get a discount with an insurance company when you have more than one policy with them. It’s kind of a “buy more save more” situation. You probably know you want to bundle your home and auto policies, but having a personal liability umbrella, and life insurance can also save you more. If you own a business, many carriers will give you discounts on your commercial and personal policies when they are all with that carrier.
Deductibles – When you carry very low deductibles on your insurance, you are paying higher premiums for sure. The insurance companies assume that you are going to frequently file claims and charge you more, for this reason. We all know that more claims=more premiums, so think about increasing your deductible a bit and using your insurance policies for larger damage. So think about a higher deductible and pay for the smaller dings out of pocket.
Driving History – This is a no-brainer, right? If you get tickets, have accidents (even small ones), or don’t keep your driver’s license current, insurance carriers will DEFINITELY make sure you pay for those infractions. Most also want to see 3-5 years of driving history to be sure the driver has a history of safety. So slow down, be extra cautious, and keep your license up-to-date. Be sure you don’t drink and drive!
Your insurance agent should be able to advise you on ways to keep your premiums low, so make sure you work with someone who will act as an advisor and help you out.
Confident female
Erie Insurance offers a program for your auto insurance that allows you to lock in your rate. With ErieRatelock, as long as you keep the same drivers, vehicles and address on the policy, your rate is locked in. It’s a pretty helpful and unique feature, so let me know if you want more information and pricing! kris@castleinsuranceky.com
The short answer is “YES”! We have several clients that have the more expensive vehicles insured with Castle Insurance. No matter if you prefer German imports or a car made right here in the Bluegrass, Castle Insurance can write a policy for you.
2014 BMW M6 Photo used by permission (one of our client’s vehicles)
I’d like to invite you to read an article from one of our clients. He is a member of the Bluegrass Region Porsche Club of America and the editor of their monthly magazine.
Bluegrass Region Porsche Club of America – The Editor’s Desk
by Kevin Vrbanac – published in August 2020
BASED ON THIS month’s content, it looks like the Bluegrass Region decided it was time to get out and drive in the month of July. And I don’t know about you, but that makes me extremely happy. If there’s one thing I love to see, it’s our members and their Porsche’s in their natural habitat. Whether its on the back roads or the race track, these cars are made to be driven. Actually, they deserve to be driven. So don’t deprive your car of it’s purpose! Instead, follow the lead of the Bluegrass Region Members who contributed to this month’s Rumble and get out there and drive!
As you already know, our Monthly Cars & Coffee and Socials are back in full swing, albeit with masks and social distancing. If you weren’t able to make it last month, our events chair, Larry Dukes, takes us through what you may have missed at our recent event at Hall’s on the River and our July C&C. As crazy as it sounds, fall is right around the corner, so make sure you’re enjoying these events while the weather is still favorable for us. The Board is staying close to local regulations and we’re doing everything we can to keep our members safe. Check out the calendar for upcoming events, but we’ll be hosting our monthly Social and C&C for the foreseeable future.
Next up is a story that I’m particularly excited about, because it’s all about my recent journey to Road Atlanta for SCCA’s Track Night in America. Region Member Gregg Morton Jr, Region Sponsor Steve Castle (of Castle Insurance) and I headed down to Georgia last month to check out this event, and more importantly, check this track off of our bucket lists. Read on to hear all about my personal experience, and to learn more about Track Night, which is a great event for anyone who is looking to get into track days, but isn’t quite sure where to start.
You may have noticed that I referenced a new sponsor, and you’ll see a new ad in the Rumble, so I’d like to formally welcome my good friends at Castle Insurance to the PCA family! Without getting in too deep, they’ve taken excellent care of me and my cars for the past few years and I’d happily recommend them to anyone out there. And that’s not just because they used my car in their advertisement!
Switching gears, Region Member Rich Barsalona takes us through a recent impromptu Saturday drive with a few other members. Rich outlines a fantastic route that includes one of my all time favorite roads in the area, and walks through how to host a small, unofficial event while still complying with all the recent Covid regulations. My recommendation—read the article, call up some friends and go replicate his adventure. It’s a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday.
Finally, Region Member Bill Meckley returns to his home track of Watkins Glen as an instructor at a recent high performance driving event. And luckily for us, his friend Lee Turner was there with his camera to provide some great photos of the experience as well.
So if you like 987.2 Base Cayman’s on racetracks, have I got an issue for you! But in all seriousness, if you take anything away from this one, it’s to get out and enjoy your Porsche in whatever way you see fit!
Thanks to Kevin for the use of his photo of his mint-condition 2009 Porsche Cayman.
For more information about the local Porsche club, check out the link below.
Before the cold and miserable weather arrives in Kentucky this weekend, it’s a good idea to winterize your home and your vehicles. These tips will help you avoid claims on your insurance policy and keep your claim-free discounts intact!
Here are some tips for your home:
Check the gutters. It seems like gutters are on every single “home maintenance tips” list, and there is a good reason for this fact. Gutters are one of the main drivers of the rainwater away from your home. Water can do lots of damage, so be sure there aren’t any leaves or other debris in your gutters that will impede water flow. Make sure they are affixed to the home correctly and don’t have any gaps in the metal. Be sure they are attached to the downspouts correctly too.
Have your furnace/heating system inspected to be sure it is in proper working order. Change the filter(s).
If you have a chimney, have it cleaned and inspected.
Check for drafts around your windows and doors and replace weatherstripping if needed.
Be sure you have have snow-removal supplies, just in case.
Trim your trees. Remove branches that could hit your car or home if they broke off during a winter storm. If it’s a big job, hire a licensed professional.
Disconnect your garden hose, including the extra connector piece.
Here are some tips for your vehicles:
Be sure your tires are ready for winter. Replace ones that have worn treads. Maintain the correct tire pressure for the lower temperatures.
Pack a winter safety kit for your trunk.
Replace the wiper blades and fluid.
CHECK THE BATTERY!
Be sure all fluids are topped off.
Check belts and hoses.
Here are a few links for more information from the experts.
Most of us have auto, home, and life insurance, but having protection against a catastrophic liability claim is often overlooked.
Would you have enough coverage if something like this happened to you?
A jury awarded $900,000 to the estate of a 43 – year – old father that died after an auto accident. The award was based in part on the father’s future earning potential.
While helping a friend paint his home, a 40 – year – old man fell and broke his heel. Although the homeowner was found only partially responsible, the fall cost him $1.2 million dollars.
An umbrella policy will provide you with an additional $1 million dollars or more of coverage over and above your underlying homeowner or personal auto limits. It can offer you an extra layer of protection against the possibility of a high jury award in a personal liability case.
It is especially important to purchase this type of policy if you have wages that can be garnished or assets that can be seized to pay a judgement.
It’s an inexpensive policy with extensive benefits! Contact your insurance agent or our office for more details.
I get it. Most of us want to spend the least amount possible on our insurance! What does liability-only even mean?
Liability – only coverage will only pay out if you are at fault in an accident. It will pay for the other driver’s injuries and property damage to their vehicle, as well as damage to a building, structure, pole, etc. There is no coverage for your vehicle with this type of coverage.
We usually write older vehicles that aren’t very valuable and wouldn’t cost much to replace. Vehicles that have current damage, like a broken windshield, rust, or previous collision damage that hasn’t been repaired would not qualify for anything other than liability coverage.
There is another coverage that you may want for an older vehicle that is inexpensive. It is comprehensive coverage and would cover glass, theft/vandalism, and hail damage.
If you have a lien on your vehicle, your lender will require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage, so make sure you don’t remove that coverage to save money!
Be sure to discuss all your coverages with your agent to be sure you have what you want.
A recent ad used by a popular insurance company tells you, “Only pay for what you need.”
Some of you might find yourself asking some good questions:
“What DO I need? How much insurance is enough? How much insurance is too much?”
In today’s economy, price is king. There will always be several insurance companies to choose from. There will always be a cheaper policy available, but you should know first what you are paying for.
When shopping insurance, especially online, it’s pretty common to ask for an “apples – to – apple quote”, which means you want the same coverages you currently carry, only cheaper. But what is the significance of the coverages you currently carry? Do you have the same coverages since you were 18 and purchased your first policy? Your insurance coverage should reflect your current needs, and it’s very possible that your needs have outgrown your current coverage.
Do you really want an apples – to – apples quote?
When dealing with an experienced insurance agent or risk manager, you should be asked some tough questions like, “Do you have the assets to protect yourself from a million dollar lawsuit over a car accident?Does your policy coverage uninsured drivers?”
Protecting your family from the unknown is exactly what insurance is for, and if you are choosing not to consistently reassess your insurance needs, you may be missing the big picture.
Insurance is a two-way street, and you should be asking your agent tough questions as well. You should ask your agent, “Why did you select these coverages for me? How would you handle a claim? “Why should I choose your agency?”
Build a relationship with your insurance agent.
In the long run, developing a relationship with your agent will pay off far better than saving a few dollars every month. But if you do not feel that your current insurance needs are being met, or if your agent is unable to explain why your coverages are sufficient, please contact Castle Insurance for a comprehensive risk assessment.
It’s common knowledge that insurance rates fluctuate from year to year. If you plan on looking for a new insurance policy, here are a few things to consider:
Agent Vs. Direct For many years, the only way to get an insurance policy was through a licensed agent, often face to face. With the advent of the internet, consumers can now easily get an insurance policy without even talking to an agent. Many companies offer streamlined online applications and cell phone apps. While these may be convenient, dealing directly with a local agent can have advantages.
The convenience of no face to face interaction may be appealing, but during billing disputes, claims, or vehicle changes, having direct access to a licensed insurance advisor often has its own benefits. At Castle insurance, your phone call will always be answered by a caring insurance professional.
Rate comparison tools If you have ever searched for insurance on Google, chances are your Facebook feed was soon filled with services that let you shop several companies rates, all at once.
While this sounds like a novel concept, be wary of what you are actually signing up for. You may decide to buy a policy from one of those ads you were served, only to see your rates drastically change when you are directed to the company’s website. This is known as a “bait and switch” and can often lead to you overpaying for insurance or having your coverage drastically reduced.
Working with a local independent agent will provide a wide variety of quotes, and Recommendations from your agent will help you pick the right policy for your needs.
Buying a new house? Buying a new house can be a long, exciting and often stressful process. Dealing with a local real estate agent will likely make the process easier for you. But should you trust your realtor’s advice when it comes to insurance? While they can certainly put you in contact with a licensed insurance agent, be sure you do your own research and be aware of what type of policy you are buying.
Realtors are trusted advisors and their advice should be considered, but when it comes to insurance, make sure you have a policy that addresses your concerns and offers the right protection long after your purchase.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Have you ever heard your grandparents say that?
People often see ads for insurance that are hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper a year than their current premiums. As a savvy consumer, you have to question this!
Ask yourself a few questions.
Are there any companies out there that can offer a policy for thousands less than everyone else?
What am I actually paying for?
Is there an option that isn’t being included that leaves me vulnerable in the case of a claim?
Is this pricing for high liability limits that give me more legal and financial protection or just what is required by the state? State minimum coverage will allow you to legally drive here in Kentucky, but you won’t see me get behind the wheel with that type of coverage! The small difference in cost between minimum requirements and a more robust limit might surprise you. Be sure you are protecting yourself and your family with the highest limits you can afford.
Bundling is Smart Be a smart consumer and check multiple companies. Having your Home and Auto insurance managed by the same agent is convenient and can lead to significant discounts on all your insurance policies.
Are you a number or family member? There are plenty of insurance companies that tell you their products are far superior to anything else, and far cheaper too. The best way to ensure your assets are properly protected and you pay a competitive rate is to deal directly with an independent insurance agent or broker. For a large company, you may just be another policy number, but for a local agency like Castle Insurance, you are part of the family.
Please contact us today if you are concerned about your coverage, unhappy with the way a claim was handled, or just want a more competitive quote.
-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!
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.
