Author: AgentInsure

Is there a cost applied to get a replacement title in Washington, DC?

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As your independent agent in Washington, DC, we do not just have answers about insurance. We know that sometimes you need to get a replacement title for your vehicle because your one was lost or stolen. One big question you are asking is will there be a charge for this replacement?

Sadly, the answer is Yes, but the cost applied is a reasonable one – only $26. Any DMV service location would be able to assist you with obtaining this replacement title, as long as you have the following information:

  • A signed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title. This must be signed by all owners.

  • Vehicle Identification. This can be any one of the following that can be used to identify the correct tag/title:

    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

    • Title Number

    • Tag (license plate) Number

    • Registration Card

    • Registration Renewal Notice

  • Personal Identification: For each owner, a valid and unexpired District of Columbia driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID card must be shown.

  • And of course, the payment – $26

    • As well as cash and money orders, some credit cards can be used for payment.

      • VISA

      • MasterCard

      • Discover

    • American Express is NOT accepted.

If for some reason you are unable to get to a local DMV service location, the materials above (with copies of your ID, rather than the originals), can be mailed to:

D.C. DMV

PO Box 90120

Washington, D.C. 20090

For further information, you can give one of our independent agents a call so we can give you the specific details you need for your situation.

Best approach to buy home insurance policy in Laurel, Maryland; Direct sellers, Captive agents or independent insurance agents?

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When you are thinking about buying home insurance for your Laurel, Maryland home, there are a number of different ways you can approach the task. Home insurance is offered through several different channels. You can buy it from captive agents, through an independent agent, or through a direct seller.

The best way to buy a home insurance for one person may not always be the best way to buy home insurance for another person. When you buy from direct sellers, you may realize some savings because there is no middleman or agent that needs to be paid. The disadvantage is that you may not have the same level of customer service as you would have with an independent agent or a captive agent.

Captive agents are those that only represent one insurance company. An example would be your local Laurel Maryland State Farm office. Captive agents can sell a variety of different types of insurance like auto, home and life, but you are buying from the same insurance company. Sometimes that is good if you buy several different policies because you may qualify for a multi-policy discount. Also, captive agents provide good customer service and have the backing of a large and financially stable insurance company.

An independent agent offers many benefits that may make it your best choice for your home and other insurance needs. An independent agent represents a number of different home insurers and can shop around, get quotes, and find you the lowest premium. An independent agent can also switch you from one insurer to another if one insurance company suddenly offers a lower rate than another.

When you are looking for a home policy, you should approach the selection process methodically. Consider what is most important to you. Do you only want to deal with a big-name insurer? Is price your only concern? Would you rather have an independent agent who will give you the best customer service and work hard to get you the best rates and coverage, year in and year out? It is your choice.

What kind of License Plates are issued for Disabled Veterans in Laurel, Maryland?

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If you are a disabled veteran in Laurel, Maryland and want to find out about getting a disabled veteran license plate, chances are you’ll be impressed by just how easy it is to secure your specialty plate from the motor vehicle association.

When you go into the MVA office to renew your disabled license plates or to apply for a new kind of specialty plate, you’ll need to bring your tag/title and a letter from the Veteran’s Administration. In order to be eligible for a disabled veteran’s specialty plate, you’ll need a letter stating that you are 100% disabled.

Veterans have the choice of a standard disabled plate with the handicap universal symbol or a disabled veteran’s plate with the universal symbol.

Disability plates can also be combined with other custom license plate features, like the Chesapeake Bay background, but these require a bit of extra processing time, and applicants must still supply a letter indicating their disability status.

The top advantage of a disabled veteran’s plate is more cash in your pocket! Over time, a disabled veterans plate can result in significant savings. As a thank-you for service to your country, disabled veterans license plates are issued free of charge, while most standard plates cost $20 the first time they are issued, followed by a $5 renewal fee.

If you have any issues with your application for a disabled veteran’s license plate, simply contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Association with questions. They can provide all the information you need on specialty plates and disabled veteran plates, whether you’re doing research for yourself or for a disabled veteran you know. This is a specialty plate that’s worth the time it takes to request!

Is premium calculated each year for life insurance policy in Washington, DC?

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Your chances of getting hit by lightning while standing on the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington DC are probably no greater than your chances of becoming president of the United States. However, your chances of suffering a heart attack, or being hit by a car and expiring on the scene are not as improbable as it might seem. Buying life insurance is a sensible response to the risks we all face every day.

When you buy life insurance, you may wonder how the premium is calculated and how often it is calculated. If you buy a whole life or term life insurance policy, will you have to pay a higher premium each year because you are getting older, and closer to the end, each year? The answer is no. If you have either a whole-life or term-life policy in place, the life insurance company does not calculate your premium each year.

A whole-life policy covers you from the time you first purchase the policy until the day you pass away, provided, of course, that you pay your premium. The amount that you pay each month, or each year does not change as you get older. Your premium is calculated at the time you purchase the policy and is based on your life expectancy.

If you choose to buy term-life insurance, your premium is calculated at the beginning of the term and remains the same until the term is up. If you have a clause that allows you to renew the policy for another 10 years after the policy expires, a new rate will be calculated based on your advanced age. Any time you buy a new policy, the insurance company will calculate a premium that corresponds with your life expectancy at the time the policy is issued.

For more information about the different types of life insurance available here in Washington, DC, please give us a call and allow an independent agent to help you out.

Will I get anything back if I cancel my life insurance policy in Laurel, Maryland?

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Whether you get anything back when you cancel your Laurel, Maryland life insurance policy will depend on what kind of policy you had in the first place. Some of them build cash value, while others don’t. If you have term life insurance, for example, you’re paying a very small premium for the dollar amount of coverage you’re getting. Many people like this option, because it allows them to protect their loved ones from financial risk in the event of their death. It’s affordable, and just about anyone can qualify. There are policies that don’t even ask health questions. Because of the low cost, though, there isn’t any cash value. When you cancel, you won’t get any money back.

A whole life policy has premiums that are considerably higher based on the amount of coverage you’ll receive. These policies build cash value, though. When you decide to cancel your policy, the insurance company will owe you some money. You can also borrow against your life insurance during your lifetime, subject to specific terms and conditions. By talking to an independent agent like us, you can get the information you need to make an informed choice on your life insurance.

We can help you by explaining all the different policies, how much they cost, what they offer, and how they work. Then you’ll have all the information you need to make a truly informed decision. When you’re able to do that, you can get exactly what you need to protect yourself and your family, for a price you’re comfortable with. You’ll also avoid some of the nagging questions for the future, and not have to worry about what you’ll be eligible to get back should you decide to cancel your policy in the future.

Is Homeowners Insurance a Must-Buy by Law in Laurel, Maryland?

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When you buy a new home, you may wonder if it is possible to avoid buying insurance to protect your property. Although it is a smart decision to purchase homeowners insurance in any location, the law may not require coverage. In Laurel, Maryland, the laws regarding the requirements for homeowners insurance vary.

Condo Must-Buy Laws

Although the state does not require every homeowner to purchase insurance, it does specify that a condo may require insurance if the condo association votes to have every condo owner purchase coverage. If the condo does not vote on the topic, then owners may not be required to purchase coverage.

Lender Rules

While the state laws may not require homeowners insurance in Maryland, a mortgage lender may require that homeowners purchase some form of basic coverage to protect the building until after the loan is repaid in full.

The rules and regulations set by a lender will vary, so it is important to read through the documentation before looking for any coverage for the house. Some companies may require a larger amount of protection than others based on the value of the home or the risks associated with the building.

Finding the Right Plan

When a lender requires coverage, the best way to find the right plan is working with an independent agent. An agent can provide a wide range of options based on the requirements of the lender and a personal budget so that it is possible to find appropriate coverage.

Although the laws may not require coverage on a home, it is still a good idea to purchase insurance to protect personal assets in case an accident occurs or the building is damaged. To learn more about coverage options, contact us to talk to an independent agent.

Is nil depreciation cover available for new vehicles in Washington, DC?

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Adding a nil depreciation cover to a car insurance policy is one way to ensure that you’ll receive the full amount for replacement parts if your car is damaged.

Nil depreciation covers add yet another facet to an already-complicated issue. Purchasing auto insurance has always been something of a pain, but with more and more options, it’s hard to tell what is available or recommended for car owners. Here’s what you need to know about nil depreciation covers if you live in Washington, DC.

The purpose of a nil depreciation cover is to cover the full value of replacement parts, whereas many policies only cover the parts’ depreciated value over time. Because a depreciation amount won’t be deducted from the replacement parts, you’ll get more complete coverage on your vehicle.

Nil depreciation coverage is an add-on to your existing auto insurance policy and is usually only available on new vehicles or vehicles no more than three years old. Policies including nil depreciation will cost a bit more than traditional policies, but they can cut down on your out-of-pocket costs if you’re in an accident.

The best way to check if Nil depreciation cover is available in your city/state is by talking to an independent agent today, Not only we can help you with your questions but also educate you with more options that are available on the policy and can help cut down rates.

Your agent will be able to ask questions about your situation and make a recommendation on a policy that will work best for you. Taking the time to do your research now could save you money and time later! Call Mid Atlantic group & we’ll get you in touch with an agent now!

Will my home insurance in Washington, DC, cover breakdown of electrical appliance?

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Most homeowners policies cover a lot of things, but the appliances in the home are often excluded. That’s largely because these appliances aren’t a fixed part of the home. In order to determine whether your Washington, DC insurance policy covers the breakdown of an electrical appliance, it’s important to be clear about what your policy really offers. Too many homeowners aren’t sure what their insurance documents actually say, so they don’t really know the coverage provided by the company. By talking to an independent agent like us, you can avoid all of that.

For example, there are different companies with many different types of policies. Independent agents like us work with a lot of these companies, so we can help you find a policy that works for you. You’ll have more choices for coverage and cost, and that’s always a good thing. We can find you insurance that will protect the things that matter most to you, and if you want to have your appliances covered we can look for companies that provide that type of coverage. If it’s not standard in the policies, you may be able to get a rider that will give you that coverage.

Often, adding something else onto a policy does not cost that much in premiums, unless the value of the added items is extremely high. Even top of the line appliances aren’t incredibly expensive when compared to how much your home costs, so the additional premiums wouldn’t be that much. Still, you want the best deal you can get. Come in and talk to us, and let us find you the right company, coverage, and price for your needs.

Will Replacement cost vary if I renovate/upgrade my house in Washington, DC?

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If you renovate or upgrade your house in Washington, DC, your insurance should also be upgraded. By talking to an independent agent like us, you can find out how the renovations you’ve made have changed the replacement value of your home. The money you’ve put into your house is important, and you want to make sure you can get that money back if your home becomes severely damaged and has to be reconstructed. Because of that, you’ll want to make adjustments to your insurance policy in order to make sure you’re covered for the right amount.

The value of your home can vary based on the changes you made, and the cost of your insurance premiums may also be affected. Anytime you raise the value, or replacement cost, for the home, your premiums will also be higher. However, you can’t put a price on the peace of mind you’ll have when you know your home is properly insured no matter what happens to it. You can’t always predict when something might go wrong, but you can make sure you’re financially prepared for it when it does. Insurance is the best way to do that, but it won’t really help you if you don’t have enough of it.

Keep in mind that some upgrades can actually lower your insurance cost, overall. That doesn’t mean that updating your house will make your replacement cost go down, but it can make your premiums lower based on discounts you’ll receive. Come in and talk to us about your options before you renovate, so you can be sure what will really benefit you the most from an insurance standpoint. Then you can work on your renovations with all the knowledge you need to make the right choices.

What is Motor Vehicle Act in Laurel, Maryland?

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As a driver in Laurel, Maryland there are times that you will have to renew your license, pull your motor vehicle records, renew registrations and even other minor things. To help with your auto needs Maryland has setup a website to help facilitate your needs. After all no one ever wants to stand in long lines just to prove your car insurance is still valid. Here are some details of this website and how it can help you save time.

The Motor Vehicle Act In Laurel, Maryland

  • You can now renew your registration online by following some simple steps. Provide the necessary information, pay all the fees associated with the request and wait for your registration to arrive.
  • You can even check your own driving record from this site which can be a huge benefit when you are shopping for car insurance. Once all of your items have fallen off your record you can have your agent look at the reports and start saving money right away.
  • Get the information you need about driver education programs offered by the state. Some insurance companies offer a discount for people who have completed a defensive driver course.
  • You can even register a change of address and even perform many other minor jobs on the website.

If you live in the Laurel, Maryland area and have any questions regarding your car insurance or what you need to drive legally, then you need to contact your independent agent today. As your agent, we can help give you the information that you need to protect yourself from costly accidents and trouble with the state. It is important that you give us a call so that we can give you specific details for your circumstances so you can drive knowing you are fully compliant.