Author: AgentInsure

My dog tore my car leather seats; can I claim the money from my auto insurance policy in Washington D.C to replace them?

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Many people treat there dogs just like a member of the family and take them everywhere they go. Normally, your dog is well behaved and just likes to look out the window as you are driving around your Washington D.C. neighborhood. But, for some reason, something got into your dog one day and he decided to tear up your expensive leather seats.

If the damage is severe enough and you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim for the money it will cost you to have those leather seats repaired or replaced. As long as the damage was not caused intentionally, you will receive money, once you have paid your deductible, to cover any additional costs to repair or replace your car seats.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is for damage that is caused by anything other than a collision. It covers many different possibilities. For instance, it will cover you if someone keys your car or if you accidentally spill a bucket of paint on your leather seats. It will not cover intentional acts that you commit that damages your car. You can not get paid for four brand new seats if you take a knife and hack them up yourself.

Your dog, no matter how well-trained he or she happens to be, is still an animal. Unless it can specifically be shown that you encouraged and commanded your dog to tear up and make a mess of your car seats, it is assumed to be, to use a technical term, an accidental chewing.

If you would like to find out more about what comprehensive coverage does and does not cover, give us a call. An independent agent will be happy to share some useful information that may come in handy in the future.

Do I get any discount on my home insurance policy if I have been their loyal customer since many years in Laurel, Maryland?

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If your Laurel, Maryland home has been insured with the same home insurance company for a number of years and you faithfully renew your policy year-after-year, there is a good chance that you can qualify for a discount on your premium. Maryland home insurance companies have their own specific rules on how and when they reward their most loyal customers.

If you have maintained home coverage with the same carrier for 10 years and never filed a claim, you may qualify for what is known as an experience rating credit. In other words, you are rewarded not simply because you have been with the same carrier for years, but because the insurance company has had a good experience with you as a customer.

Say you pay $1,000 per year for your home insurance policy and do so for 10 consecutive years. You never file even a small claim for a few loose shingles falling off your roof. Your insurance company will have received $10,000 from you and paid out zero dollars in claims.

Rewards can come in the form of a discount to your annual premium or not being hit with a surcharge for filing a claim. Loyal policy holders may have their rates held steady while a new client may be subject to higher rates that the insurer recently decided to charge.

It costs insurance companies a lot of money and time to acquire new clients. It is in their benefit to hold onto good-paying and loyal customers that they already have. Loyalty programs are a marketing tool that is an incentive for current customers to stay with their same insurance company rather than switch to another.

As your independent agent, we agree that staying with the same insurance company can be beneficial thanks to the discounts you can receive for being a loyal customer. However, that does not mean you should not consider any other insurance company. Give us a call and talk to an independent agent. They will tell you whether you can get a lower premium by staying with your present carrier, or perhaps, switching to a new home insurance carrier.

Should I by business insurance for a start up Boutique in Laurel, Maryland?

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Before you start a boutique in Laurel, Maryland, it is important to protect your business with commercial insurance. If you leave your business uninsured, you can incur burdensome costs that lead to bankruptcy. While every business is unique, you will usually need to mix and match several different types of coverage to receive adequate protection for your start-up retail operation.

Liability Insurance

If an employee or a customer is injured in your store, you may be sued and found legally liable for the accident. Legal expenses can add up fast, so it’s important to protect your business from potential lawsuits. Liability insurance affords protection by covering your legal expenses in the event that your business is sued.

Commercial Property Insurance

The most valuable items in your business will likely be stored inside of your boutique. Commercial insurance is a must because it protects the building you conduct business in and your inventory. Commercial property insurance kicks in when flooding, fires, or other types of hazards cause damage to your business.

Theft Insurance

Retailers can especially benefit from adding theft coverage to their insurance policy. If you have a retail operation, shoplifting is inevitable. Your store will have merchandise that looks good to paying customers and shoplifters alike. Prevent thefts from eating into your profits with this crucial form of coverage.

Contact an Independent Agent

The types of insurance that you will need will depend on the size and scope of your business. An independent agent can walk you through the process of selecting the right level of coverage for your start-up boutique. We can also help you compare policies between different insurance companies so that you can receive the best premiums. Contact us today to speak with an independent insurance agent about your business insurance options.

Can I be Insured on my Parents’ Auto Insurance Policy while I am in College in Washington DC?

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Most kids who are in college are on their parents’ insurance policies, because it’s cheaper that way. If you live in the same house, you won’t have a problem staying insured. If you don’t live with your parents, though, you may have more of a struggle staying on their insurance. Of course, that depends on whether the car you’re driving is yours entirely, or whether it’s a car that belongs to your parents. The best way to get information about student coverage is to talk to us.

As an independent agent, we can look at several companies that offer you coverage in the Washington DC area. That way, you can compare one company to another and see which one will provide you with the most benefit and will give you the best option for staying insured. Your age will be a factor, but most college students are still in the age bracket where they can stay on their parents’ insurance policy. Be honest about your needs and goals, and let us find you a policy that will work for everyone involved.

The easiest way to stay insured on your parents’ auto insurance is to drive a car that they own and allow them to insure that car with you as an occasional or part-time driver. If the car isn’t in your parents’ names (whether or not your name is on it), you may find that it’s much harder to insure it on their policy. That will be even more of a consideration if you’re going to school away from home and not living with them, because that means the car will be somewhere else, as well. Most insurance companies don’t care for that arrangement, and that’s something you’ll need to carefully consider.

How Do I know what to Look For When Purchasing an Individual Life Insurance Policy in Maryland?

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When you’re going to be purchasing a life insurance policy, there are plenty of questions to ask yourself. How much you need, what kind of policy you want, and who will receive the benefits when you pass away are all considerations. You also have to focus on the cost of premiums, because you’ll be paying that amount for years and you don’t want to overextend yourself. An independent agent like us can help you find the right individual policy to meet all your coverage needs. That’s the best way to ensure your family is covered financially in the event of your passing.

Life in Laurel, Maryland can be very beautiful, and protecting it doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. Your basic choice will be between a whole life policy and a term life policy, both of which have their own pros and cons. A term policy is usually for 10 or 20 years, and it requires the person to pay a premium each month. If the person dies during the life insurance term, the amount of the insurance is paid to the beneficiary. If the term expires before the person dies, there is no benefit.

In whole life, there is an accrual of cash value. Yes, the premiums are higher, but there is a benefit to the insurance if the person does not pass away. That is where the advantage comes in over term insurance. Some people like whole life policies because of that benefit, but others don’t feel that the extra cost of premiums is worth it. They prefer the term life policy because the cost is very minimal and the insurance will protect their family during the term of the insurance. For many people, that’s enough and it keeps their premiums low.

Is a Renter’s Insurance Policy still Required if my Landlord Carries Insurance in Maryland?

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Before you sign a lease to rent a Laurel, Maryland apartment, you better take a close look at all of the clauses. A landlord can require renter’s insurance as a condition before allowing you to move in as a tenant. He or she is not breaking any fair housing laws or Maryland statutes as long as he has the same policy for all tenants.

The landlord’s insurance does not cover your personal property like furniture or clothes that may be damaged, destroyed or stolen. Even though you may balk at the idea of being required to obtain renter’s insurance before you move in, it really is a good idea. Renter’s insurance only costs a few hundred dollars and it will cover all named perils like theft, fire, smoke and water damage. Should disaster strike, you could easily be out $5,000 or $10,000 if you have to buy all new things.

You do not have to buy a renter’s policy unless if your landlord does not specifically list it as a requirement of the lease. However, without this inexpensive coverage, anything that happens inside of your home, could be your responsibility. If a child throws a baseball through your big screen TV, your landlord is not going to pay to have it replaced.

Speaking candidly, as your independent agent, the main reason that many landlords want their tenants to carry such insurance is not because they care about you and want to make sure your property is protected. Landlords in Maryland are mostly looking out for their own interests. If a fire breaks out, a pipe bursts or something else happens to damage your property, you are more likely to sue the landlord if you do not have insurance of your own to cover the loss.

Are there any Additional Coverages I should know about being a New Homeowner in Laurel, Maryland?

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When you’re a brand new Laurel, Maryland homeowner, you might be at a little bit of a loss when it comes to what kinds of coverage you really need. That’s understandable, but we can help you get the right insurance policy. As an independent agent, we work with a lot of different companies. That’s good news for you, because it provides you with options that you wouldn’t have if you just picked one company, got a quote, and purchased a policy. It’s not just about money, either. It’s about choices and getting value for your dollar.

You might also need more than just a traditional home policy, depending on where in Laurel or the surrounding areas you live. Even though Maryland is far up the East Coast, it’s not immune to problems like hurricanes. There are also flooding concerns, and the possibility of severe winter storms. Talk to us about these issues, and let us take a look at the exact location of your home. We can advise you as to whether you’re going to need something beyond the standard coverage, or whether it’s not required but would be recommended.

If you have a mortgage on your new home, your mortgage company will let you know what kind of coverage (and in what amounts) you need. Of course, you can always purchase more than the minimum if you feel like you need more protection from perils. That’s the value of talking to an independent agent. You’ll get more information about your options and you’ll be able to see how one company compares to others. It may be possible for you to get a lot more insurance than you expected to be able to afford. That’s always good news when it comes to your budget and to protecting your valuable property.

Am I covered if I Borrow or Rent a Vehicle in Washington DC?

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Sometimes you find yourself in a difficult situation, where you need to rent a vehicle on short notice. You may also need to borrow a vehicle that belongs to a friend or family member at some point. In either scenario, you may wonder if you’re covered under your insurance policy. Most policies that are issued for people in Washington DC won’t cover them when they drive other people’s cars, and not all policies cover them in rental cars, either. It often depends on the extent of the policy.

In order to determine if your coverage will protect you, come see us or give us a call. As an independent agent we work with a lot of companies, and we can find one that will provide you with the kind of coverage you need. We can also help you if you already have a policy with us and just have a question about it. No matter whose car you’re thinking of using, that person’s insurance will often cover what’s called an "occasional driver." That would be someone like you, who only borrowed the car for a little bit and doesn’t really drive it often.

Despite the fact that the other person’s auto policy will probably protect you, and that you can get insurance through the rental car company for a high price, it’s much better to know specifically what your policy covers. That way you don’t have to worry at all about whether you’ll be protected in the event of an accident. Even something as simple as getting pulled over for a minor traffic infraction can turn into a big deal if you don’t have insurance or you aren’t covered on the car you’re driving. Don’t take the chance. Just get in touch with us and make sure what kind of coverage you have so you can enjoy your drive.

Commercial Insurance Coverage Options in Maryland

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When you live in Maryland and want to open a business, one of the things you want to be sure about is your commercial insurance coverage options. We can help you with that. As an independent agent, we work with a lot of different companies. That lets us compare prices and show you different policy options. Price matters, of course, but there’s more to the issue of insuring your business than just how much it costs. You also have to focus on the value that you’re getting for the money, and you need to make sure the coverage you’re getting is right for you.

When you open a business in or around Laurel, the type of business you’re getting into will affect what policy you need. Some home-based businesses, for example, don’t really need anything beyond the regular homeowners insurance. Other businesses that are operated in a person’s home will need a business policy because of customer liability. All businesses that are not run from home have to have commercial policies that protect the business from liability and that also protect the building if the company owner also owns that building. Many businesses rent their spaces, though, and don’t need to insure the structure itself.

Liability is the most important part of business insurance. If someone is injured by your product, or if a person is hurt on your property, you’ll have to make sure your insurance will pay for the damages. You could still be sued, but having good insurance is one of the best ways to avoid lawsuits and to avoid the loss of your business through financial problems. You can’t plan for everything when you own and run a business, but by talking to an independent agent like us you can focus on protecting yourself from many of the financial problems that come from a lack of insurance coverage.

What you need to know about Property Damage Coverage in Laurel, Maryland?

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When you have property that’s your own, like a home or a car, you obviously want to protect it so you don’t have to worry about damage. Unfortunately, you can’t always keep damage from occuring – and that’s why you have insurance. Your Maryland property can be repaired or replaced, but only if you have the financial ability to do so. If you protect your Laurel home and your auto with a good insurance policy, you’ll be able to get back what you’ve lost if something should happen to the material things you hold dear.

The best way to get the right property damage coverage is to come see us. As an independent agent, we can work with a lot of different companies to get you the best rates for the most comprehensive coverage available to you. You can link your home and auto policies together and get a discount, and if you have other specific property needs we can talk about how best to insure them, as well. You need to know that property damage coverage isn’t always going to protect everything, and that there are some kinds of disasters that won’t be covered under a standard policy.

There are riders and additional policies available for things like hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Whether you need additional policies, and whether you need riders for specific types of property, are things we can help you determine. If you have a grand piano or expensive jewelry, for example, you may want to have additional coverage specifically for those kinds of items, to make sure you have enough coverage to protect you in a property disaster. The same is true with your car policy. Collision and comprehensive insurance are good choices, because they provide you with more protection and peace of mind than just the minimum liability.