Personal Insurance

Why have auto insurance?

• Required by law
• Protection for medical expenses for YOU and the people in YOUR vehicle
• Protection for damage to YOUR vehicle
• Protection for damage to other’s property in an “at fault” accident
• Protection against lawsuits from other people after an accident
• Required by the loan on your vehicle

What are some things I should look for on my auto policy?

• Adequate “Bodily Injury” and “Property Damage” liability limits to protect you in  accidents for which you’re at fault
• Deductibles on “Comprehensive” and “Collision” that fit your budget
• “Uninsured/Underinsured” coverage to protect YOU and the people in YOUR vehicle if someone without insurance hits you
• “Medical Payments” to cover costs/gaps from what your health insurance will pay.

How do I lower my auto insurance rate?

• Shop local
• Keep policies updated with correct information
• Report your job/education
• Bundle your policies with one carrier
• Have good credit
• Be a good driver

What does your Home Insurance policy do for you?

• Protects not just your home, but its contents as well, including all the stuff you own
• Provides liability insurance if someone injures themselves on your property and sues you
• Provides living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
• Provides medical expenses if someone is inured on your property

What specifics should I look for on my home policy?

• Dwelling – is there enough coverage to rebuild the structure?
• Personal Property – If I had to replace everything I own (clothes, furniture, electronics, kitchen wares, etc.) with new items, would this amount be enough?
• Replacement Cost – Will I be able to buy new items or does my policy only give me the depreciated value?
• Loss of Use – Will this amount be adequate if I’m displaced for up to a year?
• Personal Liability – How much protection do I want if someone sues me?
• Do I have jewelry or art that needs to be listed specifically to make sure it’s properly covered?

What is an Umbrella?

• An umbrella policy provides excess liability coverage above and beyond what is provided by your homeowners and auto insurance policies
• Covers legal expenses if you are sued

How does an Umbrella benefit me?

• Helps protect your assets that you’ve worked so hard to keep by providing additional liability coverage above the limits of your auto, homeowners and boat policies
• Helps protect assets from unforeseen events, such as an at-fault car accident, or your dog bites someone
• Increases the amount of coverage for less cost than having as high of a limit on homeowners and auto policies individually