» chesterton http://nwiquotes.com Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:56:29 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Renters Protect Yourself for the cost of a Pizza http://nwiquotes.com/2010/03/renters-protect-yourself-for-the-cost-of-a-pizza/ http://nwiquotes.com/2010/03/renters-protect-yourself-for-the-cost-of-a-pizza/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:33:51 +0000 Administrator http://nwiquotes.com/?p=207 Why do renters avoid renters insurance?

1.Most feel what’s the chance something could happen? Unfortunately the chances are pretty good.

The dept of justice claims that renters are 50% more likely to be the victim of a break in robbery than a homeowner.

2. Doesn’t the landlord have insurance? Most landlords have insurance on their property, not yours.

Your personal property is not covered by a landlords policy.

3.I’m broke or I’m saving for a home,car or whatever. Most people are surprised at how affordable renters insurance is. About the cost of a pizza in a lot of cases.

We see policies written as low as $10 a month depending on location and coverage.

Many times combining your renters and auto policy will lead to a discount. Almost a buy one get one free in some cases. The savings on your auto policy can be pretty close to the cost of the renters policy.

4. I would guess that most people don’t have a policy because they don’t understand how it works. A renters policy can include personal liability coverage and legal representation.

If your dwelling becomes unlivable do to a covered peril your policy may pay for another place to live.

As with any policy ask questions. Some policies have coverage limits for jewelry or firearms. If you have more than your policy covers you can add an inexpensive rider to cover those possessions.

What do I need to do before I buy?

1. Assess what you have I know that seems overwhelming but you’ll be glad if you have a claim. Some agents have little booklets that are broken down room by room. Also excel has an inventory template. Documentation is even better. Pictures or videos of each room will help in the event of a claim. Model #’s serial #’s and receipts are also helpful.

2. Before you talk to an agent have a list of questions ready to ask.

Do I qualify for any discounts?

Are my legal costs covered?

How about medical expenses?

Do I need to choose replacement or cash value?

Do I need separate coverage for a roommate?

Getting a quote is fairly easy, call your agent or search online.

If you’re in NWI it’s even easier. Multiple quotes are available right here.

Lake County renters insurance quotes

Porter County renters insurance quotes

]]> http://nwiquotes.com/2010/03/renters-protect-yourself-for-the-cost-of-a-pizza/feed/ 0 What insurance deductible should I have on my home? http://nwiquotes.com/2010/02/what-insurance-deductible-should-i-have-on-my-home/ http://nwiquotes.com/2010/02/what-insurance-deductible-should-i-have-on-my-home/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:54:07 +0000 Administrator http://nwiquotes.com/?p=154 The deductible is the part of a covered claim that is the responsibility of the insured.  In other words, lets assume you have a $500 deductible on your home. In general, if you would have a fire that costs $10,000 to repair, you would be responsible for the first $500.  The question today is, what is the right deductible for me?  A few things to keep in mind when deciding are…

1.  If I have a claim, will I be able to pay for the deductible?

2.  What is the savings on a higher deductible and how long will it take to recoup the cost if I have a claim.  For example, if going from a $500 deductible to a $1000 deductible saves $100 per year on your insurance, then it would take 5 claim free years to recoup the cost of having to pay a higher deductible.  However, there are other costs to consider when filing a claim…

3.  If you file a claim with your insurance company will they raise your rates (surcharge)?  Or worse, cancel your policy for claim activity?

4.  Excessively filing claims may (and probably will) cause your rates to go up and eventually get your insurance policy cancelled.

You will probably make the best decision on deductibles when you consider that you are buying insurance not a warranty.  Insurance is designed to help you recover/pay for unexpected events/damage and not maintenance issues.  A warranty is more designed for maintenance issues.  It may seem like symantics, but its important to the insurance company and therefore important to you because your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company.  A home requires regular maintenance like fixing leaky faucets, replacing the screen on the screen door, and replacing a worn out roof.  These are not insurance claim items, but maintenance items.  However, if a tree is blown over by the wind and damages the roof, then that is an insurance item.

Finally, considering the above insurance claim situation, should you file the claim.  If a tree falls on your roof and causes $1200 worth of damage.  Assuming you have a $1000 deductible, should you file a claim?  If its a covered loss, the insurance company is obligated by contract (policy) to pay the $200 over the deductible… so should you turn in the claim?  You may want to review items 3 and 4 above.  Yes, the insurance company will pay you the $200, but it may cost you more in the long run if the insurance company surcharges your policy.  Even five “small” claims are still claims and looked at closely by insurance companies.

]]> http://nwiquotes.com/2010/02/what-insurance-deductible-should-i-have-on-my-home/feed/ 0 How I saved hundreds of dollars on car insurance. http://nwiquotes.com/2010/02/how-i-saved-hundreds-of-dollars-on-car-insurance/ http://nwiquotes.com/2010/02/how-i-saved-hundreds-of-dollars-on-car-insurance/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:48:53 +0000 Administrator http://nwiquotes.com/?p=152 “Get Rich Slowly“, a great personal finance web site, offers regular readers a chance to share their money saving successes and tips. I could help smiling when a reader relayed how he saved hundred per year on his auto and rental dwelling insurance.

In the end, I switched to an insurance provider that quoted me $1,345, saving me $2,305 on my rental property each year! While I was at it, I asked this same insurance provider to give me an auto quote. With my previous insurer, I had been paying $1,811 for two cars in northern California. With the new insurer, it came to $1,277. That’s another savings of $534 on annual auto insurance premiums. If you’re keeping track, that’s $2,839 in annual savings on my insurance needs

Can’t promise you $2,839 in savings but it is worth a few minutes to find out.

Lake County auto insurance quotes

Porter County auto insurance quotes

Homeowners insurance quote

]]> http://nwiquotes.com/2010/02/how-i-saved-hundreds-of-dollars-on-car-insurance/feed/ 0 Ways to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium http://nwiquotes.com/2009/12/ways-to-reduce-your-auto-insurance-premium/ http://nwiquotes.com/2009/12/ways-to-reduce-your-auto-insurance-premium/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:03:00 +0000 Administrator http://nwiquotes.com/?p=55 Ways to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium
By
State Farm® agent
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a smart way to save money. Sometimes, saving money can come in the most unlikely place – such as your insurance.
There are several ways you may be able to cut your auto insurance costs. Higher deductibles can lower your premium as will selecting only the coverage you feel you need. Many insurance companies offer different discounts. When shopping for auto insurance, be sure to ask about the availability of these discounts and whether the insurer offers them.
New business discount: May offer you a discount as a new policyholder if you have been accident-free for a specific period of time.
Accident-free: Policyholders who have been accident-free while being insured with the same insurance company for several years may be eligible for reduced premiums.
Discounts for other insurance lines: Premiums may be reduced if you insure your home, life or health with the same company that covers your car.
Multiple cars: Premiums may be reduced if there are two or more private passenger cars in the household insured by the same company.
Air bag/passive restraint: Cars that are 1993 or older and are equipped with air bags or automatic seat belts may receive this discount. Certain makes and models of newer vehicles may receive the Vehicle Safety Discount because of the lower medical payments associated with them. The Vehicle Safety Discount is for autos 1994 or newer. Certain makes and models may have a decrease in their premiums because of lower medical payments associated with those specific makes/models.
Antitheft devices: Some insurance companies offer discounts on comprehensive coverage premiums when certain antitheft devices are installed or built into a vehicle.
Defensive driving course: Premium discounts sometimes are offered for the voluntary completion of specified driver improvement courses.
Good student: Full-time students (high school or higher level) maintaining at least a “B” average may qualify for reduced premiums with many companies.
These are just a few of the common discounts offered by insurance companies. For more details contact your insurance company or agent. Above all, drive safely.
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a smart way to save money. Sometimes, saving money can come in the most unlikely place – such as your insurance.
There are several ways you may be able to cut your auto insurance costs. Higher deductibles can lower your premium as will selecting only the coverage you feel you need. Many insurance companies offer different discounts. When shopping for auto insurance, be sure to ask about the availability of these discounts and whether the insurer offers them.
New business discount: May offer you a discount as a new policyholder if you have been accident-free for a specific period of time.
Accident-free: Policyholders who have been accident-free while being insured with the same insurance company for several years may be eligible for reduced premiums.
Discounts for other insurance lines: Premiums may be reduced if you insure your home, life or health with the same company that covers your car.
Multiple cars: Premiums may be reduced if there are two or more private passenger cars in the household insured by the same company.
Air bag/passive restraint: Cars that are 1993 or older and are equipped with air bags or automatic seat belts may receive this discount. Certain makes and models of newer vehicles may receive the Vehicle Safety Discount because of the lower medical payments associated with them. The Vehicle Safety Discount is for autos 1994 or newer. Certain makes and models may have a decrease in their premiums because of lower medical payments associated with those specific makes/models.
Antitheft devices: Some insurance companies offer discounts on comprehensive coverage premiums when certain antitheft devices are installed or built into a vehicle.
Defensive driving course: Premium discounts sometimes are offered for the voluntary completion of specified driver improvement courses.
Good student: Full-time students (high school or higher level) maintaining at least a “B” average may qualify for reduced premiums with many companies.
These are just a few of the common discounts offered by insurance companies. For more details contact your insurance company or agent. Compare your current rate with a new auto quote.  Above all, drive safely.
]]> http://nwiquotes.com/2009/12/ways-to-reduce-your-auto-insurance-premium/feed/ 5 Potholes can be costly http://nwiquotes.com/2009/12/potholes-can-be-costly/ http://nwiquotes.com/2009/12/potholes-can-be-costly/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:03:30 +0000 Administrator http://nwiquotes.com/?p=53 Potholes can be costly
By
State Farm® agent
Winter brings a number of driving hazards, but one of the most hated is the pothole. An encounter with one can leave damaged tires, wheels and suspension components in its wake.
Potholes can occur in any region or climate, but at this time of year, they’re especially prominent in areas known for ice, snow and below-freezing temperatures. The freezing and thawing cycles allow moisture to seep into the road surface which causes the road to crumble.
There’s not much that can be done to prevent the deterioration of the driving surface, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself:
Try to limit your travel to roads you know very well. That knowledge could keep you from hitting a pothole and seriously damaging your car.
When driving at night, try to drive on well-lit roads so you can see the road surface.
Slow down and give yourself a chance to see the pothole and avoid it.
If you hit a pothole, carefully inspect your tires and wheels for possible damage. Note how your car handles in the aftermath. If it pulls to one side or if you feel a wobble in the steering, you may need to have your car checked by a mechanic.
If you must hit a pothole, do your braking before impact. There’s less damage when a tire is rolling than when it is skidding over a hole during braking.
While damage caused to a car by a pothole may be covered under the collision portion of your auto policy, there are some things to remember. If the damage is to the tire only, it might not be covered. Damage to the vehicle is subject to the collision deductible. For more safe driving tips, visit statefarm.com
Porter County winters bring a number of driving hazards, but one of the most hated is the pothole. An encounter with one can leave damaged tires, wheels and suspension components in its wake.
Potholes can occur in any region or climate, but at this time of year, they’re especially prominent in areas known for ice, snow and below-freezing temperatures. The freezing and thawing cycles allow moisture to seep into the road surface which causes the road to crumble.
There’s not much that can be done to prevent the deterioration of the driving surface, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself:
Try to limit your travel to roads you know very well. That knowledge could keep you from hitting a pothole and seriously damaging your car.
When driving at night, try to drive on well-lit roads so you can see the road surface.
Slow down and give yourself a chance to see the pothole and avoid it.
If you hit a pothole, carefully inspect your tires and wheels for possible damage. Note how your car handles in the aftermath. If it pulls to one side or if you feel a wobble in the steering, you may need to have your car checked by a mechanic.
If you must hit a pothole, do your braking before impact. There’s less damage when a tire is rolling than when it is skidding over a hole during braking.
While damage caused to a car by a pothole may be covered under the collision portion of your auto policy, there are some things to remember. If the damage is to the tire only, it might not be covered. Damage to the vehicle is subject to the collision deductible.
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