Should I get specific coverage for jewelry or art? Or would that be covered under my homeowners insurance policy?

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Many homeowners make a common mistake when deciding on the amount of homeowners insurance they really need. They consider the cost of the house, forgetting that to insure their contents on top of the house itself, they need to increase the amount of their homeowners insurance to include the cost of those contents. When you are talking about the type of coverage your need for your home, ask your independent agent to explain how the dwelling coverage part of your policy works. Most companies put a cap of 75 percent of the total dollar amount of your home insurance policy so you couldn’t receive any more than that amount for your jewelry or art work – regardless of their appraised value.

Kiplinger explains that although these possessions may be included in your standard home insurance, the amount the company is likely to pay you for certain items like jewelry may only be $2,000 or $3,000 at the most, unless you insure each of your valuables separately. What’s more, while you may be protected against theft, you probably won’t have that coverage for breakage.

USA Today urges homeowners not to assume that their homeowners policies will cover them for valuables like art and jewelry, or even an ATV. A more likely scenario is that IF you were even covered, the amount of your reimbursement would be far less than the value of the piece or pieces, and wouldn’t factor in appreciation from the time you bought or received those items.

The best way to protect your valuables, is by asking your insurance agent to show you options for adding endorsements or riders to your existing homeowners insurance policy. By insuring valuables separately and having a floater – or policy that buffers your standard homeowners coverage, you also don’t have to pay a deductible if you had to replace them. You may be able to get broader riders, floaters or endorsements to cover your jewelry in bulk so you don’t have to insure every item individually. The same goes for artwork.

To be sure you have adequate coverage for these valuables, make a point of having yearly reappraisals on valuables you insure with an endorsement to increase your coverage. You don’t want to be under insured for valuables you couldn’t afford to replace, if the insured value is lower than the appraised value. Also insist on insuring art work, jewelry and other valuables for replacement cost, because any other coverage subtracts depreciation– even on valuables that appreciate

How does an insurance company determine the value of my new motorcycle?

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When you make a claim on your motorcycle insurance, your insurer must determine the value of your motorcycle before providing funds. That helps the company determine if it is better to pay for the repairs or if it is more cost effective to declare the motorcycle a total loss.

Cost After Depreciation

A method that may be used to determine the value of the motorcycle is subtracting the depreciation rates from the purchase price of the motorcycle. This type of method is appropriate when the bike is relatively new because the market value for the motorcycle may not provide enough information to determine a fair price.

Depreciation rates can vary between brands and the duration of time since you purchased the motorcycle, so the insurance provider may adjust the calculations over time to reflect changes to the market.

Market Value Guides

Some companies may use a market value guide, such as the Kelley Blue Book, to determine an estimated value of a motorcycle. The downside of using a guide is that it may not consider any extra work that has gone into the motorcycle.

If your company uses a market value guide, then you need to inform the claims adjuster or the company about any adjustments or changes that have gone into the motorcycle. The work can add value to your motorcycle that is overlooked with the average estimates that are provided in a guide book.

There are several different ways that an insurance provider may determine the value of your motorcycle. Depending on your motorcycle insurance policy and the details of your situation, it may or may not be appropriate for your goals and concerns. Contact us to speak to an agent to learn more about the way that insurance providers handle your claims.

I have a sailboat, what kind of coverage should I choose to add to my policy?

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Buying a sailboat can be exciting, but it also raises questions regarding your coverage and the options that are available for your situation. Depending on your concerns, you may need to purchase a separate policy that is designed to specifically address the potential problems that can arise when you take your sailboat out on the water.

Adding to a Current Plan

In some cases, you may add coverage for your sailboat to your auto or home policy, but the amount of coverage that you can expect may be limited. For example, an auto policy may provide protection while you are hauling the boat to the lake, but it will not cover any damages that take place on the water. The same is true of a home policy. It might cover damages while the boat is in the house or protect against theft from your garage, but it will not provide coverage while you are on the water.

Buying a New Plan

Generally, it is best to purchase a sailboat insurance policy when you own a boat so that you can avoid any complications.

A sailboat insurance policy will usually protect against liability concerns when you are on the boat and it may provide comprehensive coverage to protect against theft, damage while the boat is in storage or other concerns associated with owning a boat. The coverage is designed to address the needs of a sailboat, so it is appropriate when you are not sure about the coverage that you need.

There are a variety of problems that can arise when you purchase the wrong type of insurance to protect your boat. Call us today to speak to an agent to learn more about protecting your boat.

What should I consider when purchasing commercial policy?

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Purchasing commercial insurance policy for your business can be a challenging process, especially if you are not sure about the coverage that you need. By taking time to consider specific factors and concerns, it is easier to make the final decision regarding the coverage that you need for your company.

Company Assets

A key factor to consider before you purchase any policy is the assets that your business owns. For example, if you own an office space, then you may need to purchase property insurance. On the other hand, if you are renting a space, then your business may need coverage for rental spaces instead.

Identify all of the assets that the company owns so that you can purchase appropriate coverage for the assets. You may also want to note the rental spaces so that you can obtain the appropriate policy for your situation.

Liability

Every company has liability concerns, but the type of liability coverage that you will need to purchase can vary. Evaluate the situations that may arise and consider if you need to purchase a liability plan to protect your company from losses. Your needs may vary based on the type of services that you provide.

Employee Concerns

You need to consider your employees when you are purchasing any policy. Depending on the number of employees and the work that they provide, you may need a worker’s compensation policy and benefits that you can offer to your employees when they start working.

There are several considerations that you need to evaluate before you make a decision about the policies that are most appropriate for your company. Regardless of the policies that you purchase, the coverage is designed to protect your business. Contact us to speak to an agent to learn more about business insurance options.

Can I add or remove specific coverage in the middle of my commercial insurance policy?

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There are times when unexpected situations arise and you no longer need the same coverage that you purchased earlier. Furthermore, you may want to add to a policy if there are changes in the company that require additional coverage in Albertville, MN. You may want to remove commercial insurance policy details and add new changes to the plan, even in the middle of the insured period.

Identify Your Concerns

The first step of adding or removing different parts of your policy is recognizing what you need and what is unnecessary. Make a list if you are not sure about the changes that you want to make so that you know what you need. You can adjust the plan based on the details that you identify as a necessity in your policy.

Talk to Your Insurer

Contact your insurance provider and talk to a representative to find out what options are available. Every insurance company is different, so the ability to remove commercial insurance policy details can vary.

In some cases, you may be able to make changes if you provide proof of the situation and the reason for the changes. For example, you may want to add coverage if your company has purchased new property or you may want to remove coverage from the plan when you sell property. Providing proof that the changes are appropriate can allow you to make adjustments to your policy. Some insurers may also allow you to make adjustments to the plan without major life changes, but the options can vary.

It can be necessary to make changes to your insurance policy, but the details about when and how you can make changes can vary. Contact us to talk to an agent for more details.

Will my auto insurance premiums increase if I file a claim?

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"Will my auto insurance premiums increase if I file a claim?" This question is on the lips of nearly anyone who has recently had to file a claim. You may have even been scared to file a necessary claim because you were worried about the potential raise in your auto insurance rates. The good news: Not every claim will result in a raise in your car insurance rates. ‘

Whether or not your car insurance rates go up following a claim depends upon several different factors. Rest assured that your insurance company does not just arbitrarily raise rates, and they raise rates only when it is necessary given the situation. These are the things that might impact your insurance rate after a claim.

How Serious the Accident Was: A major accident that costs the insurance company many thousands or tens of thousands of dollars is more likely to result in a raised rate than a minor claim that involved, for example, a few hundred dollars in damage.

Your Driving History: What is your driving record like? Is this your first claim in years, or do you get into trouble with tickets and claims regularly? The fewer the claims you have and the less traffic violations you have, the less likely you are to experience a hike in rates.

Who Has Liability: Who was liable for the accident? If you have no liability in the accident, or only minor liability, it is unlikely your rates will be impacted. Conversely, if you are completely liable for a major accident it could certainly cause a change in rates.

Every policy is unique, and your insurance provider may offer special things like "accident forgiveness," so that rates are not impacted after a claim. Our agents are here to help you get a policy that will work for you, both in times of claims and in times of smooth driving. Check out our free live quote comparison tool online today!

If a pipe accidentally bursts inside the wall in my house, what factors affect if I can make a claim on my home insurance policy?

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Plumbing problems can be a nightmare for a homeowner, and a burst pipe inside a wall is a particularly troublesome and damaging problem. The first question you’re likely to have is "Will my home insurance policy cover this?" The answers in the insurance industry are rarely simple, and this one is no exception.

The key to answering the question of whether or not insurance pays for a burst pipe is to understand the nature of insurance. Home insurance is designed to protect your home from catastrophic events, such as fires, tornados or even burglaries. What home insurance is not designed to do is to pay for regular wear and tear or negligence.

So basically, pipe bursts in your home may be paid for, but only if there’s some defining event that causes it. The good news is that in Albertville, MN, you can bet that when your pipe bursts there is some kind of winter storm or severe weather event behind it. Still, your claim will go much more smoothly if you have plumbing records to prove that your pipes are well-maintained and you have some pictures or other documents to show the effects of the storm on your property. If your pipe damage is covered, your insurance will likely pay for the plumbing repair as well as any water damage caused by the leaking pipe.

Understanding what’s covered by your home insurance policy is tricky, and every policy is different, so you would be wise to talk to an agent. As your independent agent in Minnesota, we are here to answer all of your insurance questions, so call us today!

What coverage limits can I expect in a standard homeowners policy?

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When you purchase a standard homeowners policy for your property, you may discover that there are certain coverage limits that may apply to your plan. Although there is some variation between insurance providers and the details of the policy that you purchased can depend on several factors, there are some limits to the coverage that you purchase.

Limits on Expensive Belongings

In many cases, insurance providers will offer a certain amount of coverage for your personal belongings. Most policies will protect against theft, fires and other unexpected disasters that can damage your property.

Although there is usually coverage for your personal belongings, companies may put limits on your coverage for items that are traditionally expensive, such as jewelry or family heirlooms. The limits are designed to protect the company because the items can be very expensive. You may need to purchase additional coverage for certain items.

Limited Coverage for Other Structures

A standard homeowners policy will usually offer some coverage for other structures that are on the property, such as a shed or a detached garage, but the amount of coverage can be limited. You may have a percentage of the policy that will apply to the structures and your yard when the structure is damaged, but it may or may not be enough to pay for all of the repairs. The coverage limits can vary based on the value of your house, so the exact limits will differ between plans.

Insurance for your home will often have set limitations on what is covered and what is not covered. Even when items are covered, the amount of coverage that is available in the policy may not always be appropriate for the item. Contact us to speak to an agent for more details.

How long does a speeding ticket affect my auto insurance policy rates?

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A speeding ticket will affect auto insurance premiums in Albertville, MN, even if you have never been involved in an accident. The reason is related to the risk. If you are speeding, then you have a higher risk of getting into an accident. The impact of the ticket will last for some time, but the exact duration will vary based on the company.

Short-Term Surcharges

Some insurance providers handle a ticket by adding a surcharge to your current policy. The impact is an increased rate on your policy that will reduce after a set amount of time as long as you do not get into an accident or obtain a new ticket for speeding within the set period of time.

The short-term surcharges are usually added to your policy for one year. After that period, your rates will usually reduce.

Long-Term Changes

Even though companies may offer short-term options, some insurers will extend the period of time. Insurance providers have different methods of handling the situation based on the problems that you can expect to face.

It is not unusual for a company to charge a higher rate for coverage for three years or more due to the increased risk associated with a speeding ticket. If the company does not offer a short-term option, then you can expect to pay a slightly higher rate for a few years. Most companies will reduce your rate after three years if you have not gotten a new ticket or been in an accident.

A ticket will affect auto insurance rates by increasing the amount that you pay for your premium, but the duration of the change can vary. Call us today to speak to an agent for more details about your auto policy.

Auto Insurance Coverage When Out of the U.S.

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Among the questions we are asked as independent insurance agents in Albertville, MN is what policy holders should do with their auto insurance while they are out of the country for an extended period of time.

In most cases, no matter how long you plan to be out of the country, it is a good idea to retain auto insurance. Even though you will not be driving your car while you’re away, life can still happen. Imagine if your car is stolen from a parking lot or garage, a tree falls on it, or the structure in which it is parked burns to the ground. You have zero coverage on that automobile if you have canceled insurance prior to leaving.

The thing about accidents is that we never seem to believe they are going to happen to us. Maybe that is a human’s way of remaining optimistic. It is the odd circumstance though, like kids breaking into your car while you are gone, that come as the biggest surprise. And let’s face it; surprises are why insurance exists in the first place.

When you are planning to be out of the US, give us a call. We can tell you more about your options, like insurance that fully covers a car that is going to be parked for months at a time. Insurers know that some cars will simply be in a garage and have developed policies to cover anything that can happen to them under those circumstance.

It is important not to ignore the issue, believing that it is something you can deal with upon your return to the country. A lapse in insurance coverage can result in the suspension of your vehicle registration, making it that much more difficult to get back on the road.