​It’s Not Just a Quote, It’s a Relationship

Shopping for insurance? You may think you’re simply looking for an insurance policy. But, perhaps, what you’re really looking for isn’t a what but a who: Someone you can trust to guide you through the plethora of insurance choices, rather than trying to make sense of all the options yourself online.
That someone is an insurance agent, but there are countless agents out there – not to mention different types. So, how do you choose? Use these four steps to select the type of agent that’s right for you and find one you want to work with to purchase, review and manage your policies on an ongoing basis.
1. Know the Types of Insurance AgentsSome insurance agents represent only one insurance company. These are known as direct, or captive, agents, and they are direct employees of the company whose policies they sell. Any policy he or she sells will be from that company, and that company only.
An independent insurance agent, on the other hand, represents a number of different carriers, oftentimes as an employee of a local agency in your community. An independent agent isn’t restricted by what any one carrier offers, so he or she has more flexibility to help you explore a broader range of options.
And, what about commissions? Both direct and independent agents receive commissions from the companies they represent.
2. Get RecommendationsThe best way to predict what kind of service you can expect from an agent is to find out what kind of service he or she has provided in the past. Ask for recommendations from family, friends and neighbors, and then ask for more details.

• What does your friend or co-worker like about that agent?
• Have there been any problems or complications?
• Was the agent helpful, attentive and friendly?
• Was the agent knowledgeable, answering all questions satisfactorily?
• Most importantly, were the agent and the company he or she represents dependable, timely and supportive through the process of resolving a claim?

3. Research the Agency and AgentOnce you have a few recommendations in hand, it’s time to research your prospective agents, the agencies where they work and the companies they represent. Here are a few places to check:

• The website of your state’s Department of Insurance. Here you can likely see any complaints, investigations or disciplinary actions against agents, as well as ensure they have an active license. You can likely look up information about various carriers, as well.
• Local chambers of commerce or the Better Business Bureau.
• The agency’s own website, which should outline their services, the types of insurance they offer and the carriers they represent.
• Online reviews, such as on Yelp, for the agency.

4. Interview the AgentYour research paid off, leading you to an agent in your area who seems like a good match for you. Now’s the time to ask some tough questions to be sure.
Tell the agent what you’d like to insure, and ask how he or she would be able to help. If you or a friend has gone through difficult insurance experiences before, ask how he or she would deal with a similar situation.
Ask if he or she gets involved in the claims process, or ask any of those other questions you’ve always wondered about insurance. Pay attention to whether the agent offers specific examples or speaks in generalities, as well as to whether he or she is talking about insurance in a way that makes sense to you. You can also ask for references.
A prospective agent may be able to give you a quote at this point. But, what you really want is a sense of how well you could work with this person. Is this someone with whom you can communicate easily and in whom you can place your trust?
Because, when you’re shopping for an insurance agent, you’re not just looking for an attractive quote. You’re looking for a good working relationship that can endure through new cars or homes, fender benders, storm damage and much more.

A condominium is different from a house or an apartment — you own part of a building or a property, but not all of it. Insurance for condominium owners is different, too.
Just like homeowners and renters, people who own a condo unit want to be insured against financial loss brought about by such dangers as theft, fire and lawsuits. But, a condominium will typically be covered by two separate insurance policies that protect different parts of the whole.
The first of these two policies will be held by your condominium association, or other administrative group. It’s sometimes known as the master policy. This policy covers the structures and areas owned in common by all the unit owners. This usually includes the roof and exterior walls, stairways, recreation rooms, elevators, swimming pool and grounds.
The other policy is your individual coverage, and it needs to protect your personal property and that portion of the building that belongs to you.
What do you own?But, which parts belong to you? Depending on the state where you live and the particular condominium you buy into, you might own — and have responsibility for insuring, if coverage is available — everything between the bare walls, floor and ceiling of your unit. This could include carpeting, floor tile, bathroom fixtures, cabinets, appliances, countertops and interior walls.
In some cases, the master policy might cover your unit’s original fixtures, making you responsible only for any alterations or modifications that you make. In still other cases, you might also be responsible for what’s inside your walls: plumbing and wiring.
If your unit comes with a patio, balcony, garage or garden area, those will also likely be your responsibility. If it includes a “limited common” area, such as a balcony or room that you share with only one or a few other units, you will probably want to insure your share of it as well, if possible.
The details of what property you own should all be spelled out in the association agreement you get at the time you purchase the condominium. You’ll want to bring that agreement along when you discuss condo insurance coverage with your independent agent.
What does condo insurance cover?One feature of condominium insurance, as with homeowners insurance, is coverage for the structure – the inside of your unit, that is. A condo policy will generally cover interior structures, such as cabinets, flooring and countertops within your unit’s surrounding walls, but only as specified in your policy. For example, damage to the interior of your unit due to fire or vandalism may be covered. Damage caused by neglect may not be.
A standard policy usually provides even more protection than that. Typical condo insurance coverage, within the limits of your particular policy, may help to cover:

• Loss assessments when a covered peril damages the community’s common property and your association bills you for a share of the repair costs.
  
  
• Personal property, such as TVs, furniture, computers and artwork, that’s stolen or damaged in a covered peril, such as a burglary.
  
  
• Damage to another’s property for which you’re held responsible.
  
  
• Medical payments, if a guest is injured on your property.
  
  
• Temporary housing costs if you’re unable to live in your unit due to a covered loss.

Additional condo insurance coverage may also be available. It might be wise, depending upon your circumstances, to consider:

• Coverage for individual items from your personal property. “Scheduling” an item on your policy designates coverage just for it, usually at the appraised value, in cases when your policy does not provide enough coverage. For example, you may have a ring worth $8,000 but your policy only covers $3,000 worth of jewelry. By scheduling the ring, you can insure its full appraised value.
  
  
• Higher coverage for loss assessments.
  
  
• Flood, water backup or earthquake coverages, if your unit is in a floodplain, susceptible to drain backup or in a potential earthquake zone.

How much coverage should you get?Since there’s much less property and structure to cover with condo insurance than with homeowners, it generally costs less to insure a condo. To find out how much less, you will have to do your homework. Study your association agreement to determine exactly what parts of the structure you own and are responsible for insuring. Tally the value of your personal property, giving special attention to costly or irreplaceable items. Then visit an independent insurance agent, with your association documents in hand, and explore the range of possible coverages. Then kick back and enjoy your home. You’ve earned it.


Pay Less for Condo InsuranceA variety of factors will impact how much you pay for condominium insurance. One is how much personal property you have, and how much it’s all worth. Another is your deductible. If you choose a lower deductible, your premium may be higher – and vice versa. To save on condo insurance, you may want to consider a higher deductible, as well as insuring your car, motorcycle and other assets with the same carrier. Discuss available insurance discounts with your independent agent today.

Generally speaking, gaps are a bad thing. If there’s a gap in the sidewalk, you may trip and break your arm. If there’s a gap in your data, you may draw the wrong conclusion. And, if there’s a gap in your insurance coverage? You may find yourself unexpectedly paying out-of-pocket to repair your home or vehicle.
Insurance gaps are a rotten surprise, and unfortunately they don’t go away just because you ignore them. In fact, the more you know the better. So, let’s take a closer look at insurance gaps and how they may occur.
What Is an Insurance Gap?A coverage gap is an area or type of risk that an insurance policy does not cover.
How Do Insurance Gaps Occur?An insurance gap may occur when your policy does not offer any coverage for a particular type of risk (i.e. it’s an “excluded risk”). Alternately, coverage may be available but you did not purchase any or enough of it.
How Can I Avoid Insurance Gaps?Here’s the tricky part: You’ll always have coverage gaps. There’s simply no insurance policy or combination of policies to fully protect you from every single risk there is. However, you can work with your independent insurance agent to help identify and address many of the most common gaps.
Here’s another tricky thing about insurance gaps: They can be hard to identify if you don’t know your policy well or if you simply assume you are covered when you actually aren’t. For example, here are four wintertime scenarios when unknown or ignored coverage gaps may cost you severely:

1. Snow Melt Overwhelms Your Sump Pump
   And, now your basement is flooded. There’s a gap here because the typical homeowners policy does not cover damage resulting from overflow or discharge from a sump pump. However, you can help to close the gap by purchasing additional coverage, such as Backup of Water and Sewer, if it’s available from your carrier. Adding it to your policy will increase your premium, but it could also increase your peace of mind against the threat of water damage.
   
   
2. An Auto Accident Injures Your Carpool of Carolers
   Your family and a neighboring family are carpooling to a caroling event downtown, and you volunteered to drive. On the way, you lose control of your minivan going around an icy bend and collide with an SUV. Now you’re on the line for damage to the SUV and your own vehicle, as well as injuries to the SUV’s driver and to the three passengers in your vehicle who were hurt. There could be multiple coverage gaps here, depending on the specifics of your policy. They may include:
   
   
   • Too little liability coverage. Most states require you to carry Property Damage Liability and Bodily Injury Liability on your auto policy. Even still, you may find that you have a coverage gap if you selected low liability limits for your policy. In other words, the cost of the damage to and injuries in the SUV could be greater than the total coverage that your policy provides. When that happens, it’s your responsibility to cover the remaining costs.
     
     
   • No Collision Coverage. You may not have this on your policy since it’s not one of the coverages most states require you to carry. That means you’ll be on your own to pay for your vehicle repairs, especially if you’re at-fault for an accident.
     
     
   • No medical coverage for your own passengers. Some states require a form of this coverage, such as Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection. In other states, it may be optional. Without it, you may be looking at some significant out-of-pocket costs for the medical needs of the three carolers injured in your vehicle.
   
   
   
3. A Total Loss Leaves You Paying for a Car You Can No Longer Drive
   It’s perhaps the most exciting holiday season ever: You got a new car. A brand new car that, unfortunately, was stolen and totaled just a week later. Now your car is gone, but your payments aren’t. There’s an $11,000 gap between what your insurance carrier pays you for the total loss ($14,500) and what you still owe on the vehicle ($25,500). That’s because your carrier covers the actual value of the car, not the financed value. So, when insuring a new car, be sure to ask about closing the gap with an option sometimes known as Loan and Lease Coverage. It can help make those remaining payments disappear, depending on the specifics of your coverage.
   
   
4. A Thief Makes off With Your Diamond Ring and Earrings
   A holiday burglary is a most unwelcome surprise when you return home from celebrating with relatives. But, you have Personal Property Coverage on your homeowners or renters policy, so where’s the gap? It’s here: Your stolen jewelry is worth $13,900, but your policy has a $5,000 cap on how much it will pay toward jewelry in a single incident. You’re short $8,900 of coverage. It’s a gap you can help to close by “scheduling” high-value items on your policy. Scheduling allows for dedicated coverage for individual items under a policy that otherwise would not cover the full value of your belongings. Be sure to have a current appraisal of the item to share with your independent agent.

Insurance gaps can make a bad situation worse, which is why it’s so important to understand your policy and address any coverage gaps that seem particularly concerning. Your independent agent, as always, can help. What else can help? An umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage on top of what an auto or home policy provides. It may just save the day if the damages keep adding up – and adding up – following a severe accident.

​Here’s the perfect present for the apartment dweller on your gift list, whether it’s your child, your neighbor (particularly the one who forgets to return things) or maybe even yourself: Apartment repair tools, or perhaps an entire toolkit.
We’re talking about the basics. Tools that will make quick work of hanging pictures, assembling furniture and handling minor repairs. You can buy them new, either individually or in a preassembled kit. Or, take a look at secondhand stores or even through your own overflowing supply. Before gifting, clean off any rust with a penetrating lubricant and a scrubber. Just don’t “economize” by giving cheap, fragile or broken-down tools. They won’t last.
Here are 10 tools that are perfect for a starter toolkit:

1. Hammer: Choose one that will fit the recipient’s hand – not too light, not too heavy. Get one with a claw head to pry out nails.
   
   
2. Screwdrivers: You need both a Phillips-head screwdriver for screws with the x-slot in the head, and a standard flat-blade for screws with a straight slot. The #2 is the most common Phillips size used in the home. 
   
   
3. Pliers: Handy for all sorts of gripping, bending and turning, pliers can prevent a whole lot of anguish – and even finger pain. Needle-nose pliers can fit into tight spaces. Slip-joint or adjustable pliers can hold objects of varying sizes. Both are nice to have.
   
   
4. Tape measure: For hanging pictures, sizing furniture or measuring for curtains. A metal, self-retracting tape measure of 15 to 25 feet allows one person to measure accurately without a helper.
   
   
5. Flashlight: It doesn’t have to be kept in the toolbox, but everyone should have at least one flashlight in the house, fully-charged or with new batteries. Multi-LED lights provide bright, long-lasting illumination. A small flashlight fits in a pocket or purse, a large one shines over a wide area, and a headlamp will free both hands for difficult tasks.
   
   
6. Utility knife: A great all-around cutting tool. Many have replaceable blades that can be retracted or folded for storage. A segmented blade has a tip that can be snapped off when it grows dull, exposing the next sharp segment for use.
   
   
7. Pencil: Better than marking up walls with a ballpoint pen.
   
   
8. Duct tape: Repairs just about anything, and it’s available in many decorative colors and prints.
   
   
9. Multitool: This can be a great single tool for a variety of emergencies, especially when kept handy in a pocket, purse or glove box. Depending on the tool, it may have knife blades, screwdrivers, pliers, bottle openers, files and more. Don’t settle for a cheap one that will break on the first use.
   
   
10. Toolbox: Even an empty toolbox makes a great gift for the renter with screwdrivers and nails rolling around in various drawers. Or, get the box and fill it with everything above. A compact size makes it easy to store in a location that’s convenient and accessible.

Still have room in the box? Add a level, wire cutters, putty knife, adjustable wrenches or wrench set, nail and screw assortments, electric drill with bit set – there’s no end to the number of tools the do-it-yourselfer can find a use for.
Happy gifting!

​A home-cooked holiday meal is a time-honored tradition that millions of people enjoy each year. Unfortunately, though, the act of cooking those meals can lead to something much less joyous: a holiday kitchen fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the top cause of both home fires and injuries in the home. And, the most likely time of year for them to happen? You guessed it: the holidays.
In 2013 (the most recent year in the organization’s statistics), Thanksgiving Day was the worst day for cooking fires. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve were second and third on the list, respectively.
How to Help Keep Your Kitchen Safe Here are four safety tips from the NFPA and the American Red Cross to keep in mind when you’re preparing that holiday feast — or any meal, for that matter — along with some advice on how to respond if (despite your best efforts) a kitchen fire breaks out.

1. Stay alert while cooking. That means staying there while you’re cooking, too. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. More than 40 percent of people in one survey admitted that they leave the kitchen to talk or text on the phone. Many others skip out to check email, etc. Use timers and stick around, so you don’t burn your food or your house.
   
   
2. Take particular care when frying. Heat oil slowly to the right temperature, and if you see or smell smoke, turn off the burner and remove the pan immediately — your oil is too hot. Avoid splattering by adding your food to the pot or pan carefully. And, always keep a lid close by while you cook, so you can slide it on if the oil catches fire. Frying that bird? Get turkey deep fryer safety tips.
   
   
3. Keep your environment clean and safe. Keep flammable materials, including paper and plastic items, pot holders, oven mitts, towels and curtains, away from all cooking appliances. Make sure you don’t wear clothing that dangles over your cooking area, and keep kids away as well. Also stay on top of cleaning up grease buildup, which can pose a fire risk. Finally, a smoke alarm should be installed in or near the kitchen, and a fire extinguisher should be readily available.
   
   
4. Make sure everything’s cool. Before you go to bed or leave the house, check to see that all appliances are turned off and that everything, including your pots and pans, has cooled down.

What if There’s a Fire?If a kitchen fire starts and you cannot control it, the NFPA recommends that you leave immediately. If your kitchen has a door, close it behind you to help prevent the fire from spreading. Call 911 from outside the house.
With a little common sense and a lot of caution, you can help make sure your holidays are warm and cozy — and that the only fire in your home is the one blazing in your fireplace. Here’s to a happy and safe season!


Home Insurance and Fires Cooking equipment, fireplaces, lightning – the causes of home fires are numerous, and so are the outcomes. While some result in minor surface and smoke damage, others burn a home completely to the ground. It’s important to know how your home insurance would help in such situations. In particular, you want enough coverage to be able to completely rebuild your home to what it was in case it’s destroyed. Talk to us at Carolina Insurance Alliance  about whether you have the coverage you want – and enough of it.

You’ve heard all the talk about driver-less cars. Yet we’re still years away from living in a world where you can just tell your car where to go, kick back and relax with a good book or a game on your smartphone.
Even still, technology already plays a big role in the way we drive. Nowhere is that more apparent than with the new features that make today’s cars safer than ever. That’s especially good news considering that drivers aren’t necessarily safer these days. In fact, 2015 came with the largest increase in traffic fatalities since 1966 – 7.2 percent more in 2015 than 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
So, when you’re shopping for a new (or new-to-you) car, look for one that has some or all of these vehicle safety features. They might even help you save on car insurance!

1. Forward collision warning: Sensors in the front of the vehicle will warn you of an impending collision, giving you a chance to brake or steer clear.
   
   
2. Automatic emergency braking: Working with forward collision warning sensors, this will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
   
   
3. Lane-departure warning: This uses cameras to keep track of your car’s position on the roadway. If you begin to drift from your lane unintentionally, an alarm notifies you.
   
   
4. Lane-keeping support: Steers your vehicle back into the lane if you do begin to drift.
   
   
5. Backup camera: Allows you to see behind the vehicle. These cameras, which are becoming more and more common, automatically activate when the car shifts into reverse. 
   
   
6. Electronic stability control: Helps you keep control in slippery conditions and on curves. According to the NHTSA, it reduces the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about 50 percent and a fatal rollover by 80 percent. 
   
   
7. Blind-spot detection: Illuminates when another vehicle is in either blind spot.
   
   
8. Adaptive headlights: Shift as you take curves to help you see better.
   
   
9. Pedestrian automatic emergency braking: Alerts you if someone is in your path and automatically applies the brakes.
   
   
10. Automatic crash notification: Notifies emergency responders in the event of a crash.

Finally, don’t forget the now-commonplace features, such as air bags and anti-lock brakes, as well as things that have little to do with technology but still have a big impact on safety. This can include size and weight, structure and restraint systems, and NHTSA car safety ratings. Compare cars you’re considering online with the help of NHTSA.
And, no matter how many bells and whistles your car has, remember they’re no substitute for good driving habits. You still need to buckle up, stay alert, mind the speed limit, avoid distractions, drive for the weather conditions, etc.
Happy car shopping!

Of all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your independent agent to get started.all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your independent agent to get started.
Of all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your independent agent to get started.
Of all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your agent today!

The side of the road can be a lonely – and dangerous – place. All manner of vehicles are zipping by at top speed, and you’re just sitting there with a flat tire, an empty gas tank or worse.
Roadside assistance coverage via your auto insurance policy may help get you going again. Just be sure to understand what your plan covers, and what it doesn’t, before you find yourself frustrated and stranded on the side of the road.
Here are five important things to know about roadside assistance to help you better understand the coverage:

1. It’s a policy add-on: Your auto insurance likely doesn’t include roadside assistance coverage unless you added it to your policy for an extra but oftentimes nominal charge. It’s such a commonplace option nowadays that many independent agents recommend it, and many customers ask about it. However, it’s still possible to come away with a new car insurance policy that does not include roadside assistance. Sometimes it just gets overlooked, so be sure to check your policy and add the coverage, if you like.
   
   
2. What you get depends on whom you get it from: Different carriers or auto clubs will offer different coverages with their roadside assistance plans. Oftentimes you’ll have assistance for:
   • Fuel delivery.
   • Battery jumpstart or boost.
   • Lockouts.
   • Flat tires.
   • Mechanical breakdowns, including towing, if needed.
   
   Know what your plan covers so you know what to expect when trouble strikes. For example, with most plans, you pay for the services upfront, as part of your car insurance premium. That typically means you won’t incur any additional charges at the time you use the services, but that could depend on your individual policy terms and on the situation at hand.
   
   
3. Towing restrictions may apply: Your roadside assistance plan likely puts a cap on how far – and maybe even how often – you’ll be towed before incurring additional fees. If you break down in a remote area and require a lengthy tow, you may have to chip in for some of the cost. Check your policy for details.
   
   
4. It’s not just for cars: All shapes and sizes of vehicles are typically eligible for roadside assistance plans. But, did you know that RVs, classic cars, motorcycles and even boats typically are, too? With classic car coverage, check whether your roadside assistance plan offers flatbed towing. For boats, coverage is typically available for your trailer and towing vehicle. Plus, your carrier may offer on-water assistance for such things as fuel delivery, towing and more for your watercraft. If so, this would be a separate option to add to your boat insurance policy.
   
   
5. Supersize it: Standard roadside assistance oftentimes includes the coverages discussed above. But, what if you break down and have to spend a night or longer in a hotel while your car undergoes repairs? All of a sudden you have unexpected lodging expenses to cover, not to mention the cost of food and other necessities while you’re delayed. Standard roadside assistance likely won’t help you with these expenses, but an emergency assistance package or trip interruption coverage in addition to your roadside assistance plan may. Ask your independent agent about this enhanced coverage if you feel it’s right for you, whether for your car, RV, motorcycle or something else.

No one wants to end up on the side of the road – what a pain. But, as you’re sitting there wondering what to do next, it’s a relief knowing you added roadside assistance to your car insurance policy. Just grab your phone and dial your roadside assistance number, and help is on the way.


Stay Safe While Waiting for Roadside AssistanceIf you experience any type of car trouble, turn on your hazard lights at once and do your best to pull all the way off the road and onto the shoulder, safely out of traffic’s way. Do this before calling for roadside assistance. Your vehicle emergency kit may help keep you comfortable and safe while you wait for help to arrive. 

No one likes to experience home damage – it can be traumatic and costly, and it can even disrupt your entire life. But, when you do, isn’t it nice to know you have home insurance to help with the covered expenses and repairs?
Now, when it comes to taking advantage of your insurance benefits and filing a home insurance claim, are there certain things you can do to help things go more smoothly? There certainly are. Here are my five suggested dos and don’ts for filing a homeowners insurance claim:

1. Do call your insurance agent or insurance carrier right away.
   Of course, you’ll want to make sure you and your family are in a safe place first. And, do what you safely and reasonably can to minimize more damage. But, always call your insurance company to report the damage as soon as possible. Call your insurer before you call a contractor to start repairs.
   
   
2. Do take pictures.
   Be careful here. While you want to document the damage to your home, from different angles if possible, you don’t want to expose yourself to harm. So, only if it’s safe to do so, take several pictures of the damage, as well as the root cause. You can share these photos with your claims adjuster.
   
   
3. Don’t assign your benefits to a contractor.
   Contractors may ask you to sign a form called Assignment of Benefits (AOB). It gives them full authority over the claims process, including ownership of any payments from your carrier. Here’s the danger: Disreputable contractors have been known to collect payment without actually finishing the job. So, how do you find a reputable contractor? Most carriers have agreements in place with contractors, such as water restoration companies, building contractors, roofers, painters, etc., that have proven to be trustworthy and efficient. Ask for a recommendation in your area.
   
   
4. Don’t throw out receipts.
   Need to spend the night in a hotel because you’re not sure if your home is safe? Need to pick up a few things at the home improvement store to help keep the damage from spreading? Save the receipts for any expenses related to the incident that damaged your home. Your policy may provide coverage for them.
   
   
5. Do have an updated home inventory on hand.
   Theft, fires, fallen trees – many covered incidents impact both your home and your belongings. When it happens, be ready to tell your insurer what items were impacted and how much they were worth. If you had previously invested some time in creating a home inventory, an itemized list of your belongings and their value, you can simply provide those details to your carrier. Otherwise, you may be relying on guesswork.

Of course, you never know when you may find yourself facing home damage that falls outside the scope of your policy. In these cases, you’ll likely be footing the bill rather than filing a claim. Examples of such situations can include losses that cost less than your deductible, as well as incidents that your policy just doesn’t cover, such as flooding and earthquakes.
My suggestion is to have a self-insurance fund set aside for just such occasions. It will also come in handy if you need to cover any expenses, such as temporary repairs, before receiving the check from your insurer.
As an independent insurance agent, I always want the most efficient claims process possible for my clients. And, my clients want that, too. By following my suggested dos and don’ts above, you can help set yourself up for a smooth claims experience, as well.
Some claims are bound to be more complicated than others, and there’s no guarantee everything will go off without a hitch. But, it never hurts to be proactive. Though, if at any time you feel these suggestions just don’t make sense for you, please do what you feel is best for the situation, your family and your property. Your own independent agent can help guide you.