If you’re struggling to meet the costs of owning a home, finding an affordable insurance policy may seem daunting. So we did the research for you. Read on to learn what affects the price of homeowners insurance and how you can save.
The average life policy is underinsured by over $300,000. What’s really scary is that many people completely opt out of life insurance because of the perceived costs and confusion involved. Still others have found that they couldn't be without their life policy Life insurance can make your family’s future dreams, plans, and goals achievable. We're happy to say that finding the right policy doesn't have to be an impossible task.
Driving uninsured is treading on dangerous ground. But for many, cost is the primary concern. So what determines the price of auto insurance and how can you save? Read on to get the inside scoop.
Some say that experience is the best teacher. Others might argue that it depends on the nature of the lesson. Yet, when it comes to new drivers, there’s little controversy: learning from others’ experience is critical for both parents and teens. Happily, we can help with some of that—at least the insurance part. So how about a little back-to-class peace of mind?
It may not seem true, but your baby is now an adult. As your child flies away to college and all it brings, be sure a wide, strong safety net is at the ready. And as you traverse new pathways, trust that you can lean on our experience. Here are a couple of questions that will likely surface: Since my child is now an “adult” and will be away from home most of the year, should I still list him or her on my auto policy? My child will be attending college out of state. How can I be sure our policy will cover any accidents that occur while my child is away at school?
From social to secular, your favorite college student is headed for a learning curve. While they’re busy hitting books and hanging out, take some time and do a little learning of your own. Here’s an auto insurance question we know you’re asking: I know that the risk posed by a young driver is high and our premiums still reflect that. Are there any discounts I can look into?
Part of the college experience is for a student to experience living ‘on their own.’ But all that extra elbow room could leave serious coverage gaps. Mom and Dad, make sure you’re asking these questions: Since my child will be living on campus, how can I protect all the things taken to school or bought there? Does insurance coverage differ when a student lives in off-campus, rented housing?
In any discussion about insuring teens and college students, the topic isn’t complete without delving into distraction. That’s because distracted driving takes a heavy toll on both age groups—society’s youngest drivers. Available resources can help you to stop distracted driving before it starts, and your family insurance agent is totally behind that. In fact, your agent is a key player in the fight against distracted driving. Get in touch and learn how you can have plenty of rewards without taking risks.
Experience is the best teacher, whether it’s yours or ours. So if you’re new to the world of teen driving, lean on this accumulated knowledge. Here’s a question you’ve likely pondered: Now that my teenager is driving, do I have to list them on my auto insurance policy, or should I take out a separate policy just for them?
New drivers (and their parents) do well to draw on others’ experience. Embarking on this new journey can be scary—we completely understand. So check in for a reliable answer to a commonly asked question: What level of coverage should we carry, now that our son/daughter is listed on our policy?
Do you have a new driver at home? That can be stressful—we totally get it. Feel free to pull from our accumulated knowledge, and see what you can learn. For instance, have you ever asked: It’s expensive to have my son/daughter on my policy; are there any discounts I can take advantage of to lighten the load?
Yards are teeming with spring blossoms, and torrential rain showers are just a normal part of the year’s cycle. But our modern, non-porous living spaces—think cemented or paved driveways, walkways and patios—can’t handle the downpours. When these and other factors collide, we can see flash floods, sewer drain backup, or sump pump overflow.
Wild, unpredictable weather patterns call for preparation and forethought. Especially now, as abundant spring showers spur on summer growth, damage from hail—rain’s favorite cousin—crops up as a real threat. In fact, flooding and hail are the top two of five common dangers that regularly damage homes nationwide.
You’re a savvy homeowner—you likely realize the serious flood threat that spring rains can pose. And you may even be aware of hail’s sneaky tricks. Since those two are the top annual sources of damage to homes across the U.S., we’d say you’re up on things. Clearly, there’s a lot at stake. So let’s shift from possible dangers to ways you can prevent damage to your home should flooding or hail storms strike. As always, protection and prevention go hand in hand.
You may simply view life insurance as your final act—putting the necessary assets in place to offer your family needed protection. But it takes imagination to see people showing appreciation for such foresight after you’re gone. Spoiler alert: that does happen. The downside is you’re not there to enjoy it. So is there a way to enjoy the life insurance process now, while you’re still kicking? Yes! And if done right, you can build in your family a special brand of confidence.
Usage-Based Insurance takes personalization to new heights. If you’re a grade A driver, congrats! But if you’re still working at it, telematics are your ticket to self-growth and (hopefully) a little extra spending cash.
We have to admit: even though we inherently sense the risk, distracted driving can all too easily become common practice. Since we’re always looking to make our community a better, safer place, April—being Distracted Driving Awareness Month—is the perfect time to raise awareness and implement new habits.
“If you’re texting, you’re not driving.” Distraction.gov minces no words in their latest advertising campaign. April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, social media and news outlets are rife with tragic stories of lives lost or forever changed. In “2014 alone, 3,129 were killed in distracted driving crashes”— the mind boggles at how preventable those deaths were.
No one enjoys worry. But someone of your insurance-savvy ilk knows that informed concern leads to sound decisions, especially when safety and security are in view. So let's broaden that vista—and our understanding—with a plunge into the wide world of the aptly named "umbrella" insurance. We’ll learn the ins and outs, and come to see both how umbrella coverage reaches further, protects more, and why that’s so very necessary for each one of us.
Crisp, cool mornings mean fall is on its way, and students are back in class. But with this year's projects and papers already looming, your favorite students probably aren't thinking about protecting what's theirs. So let's talk it out and see how back-to-college can mean taking a fresh look at your insurance.
Whether a distant memory or yesterday's ordeal, ultimately, buying your home was worth it. You have a place that's truly your own. And while, over the years, your home's intrinsic value compounds, you can't always say the same for its market value. So when your homeowner's policy comes time to renew, and your provider's valuation outstrips your home's current market value, questions could surface—and then linger. Why doesn't my insurance provider have it right? Where's the discrepancy? Am I getting a fair shake? Good questions -- Let's get those answered.
Not just for businesses. In the event of natural disaster, fire or theft, a comprehensive accounting of personal property is priceless. Yet who of us can itemize by rote what's stashed in the living room, let alone the attic, hall closets, basement, etc.? Especially when it comes to determining replacement value on damaged, destroyed or "irreplaceable" items, your annually-updated inventory could save you.
Somewhere along the way though, insurance has become a must-have, must-hate. How did a beneficial commodity become a misunderstood nuisance? Let’s investigate prevailing perceptions about the insurance industry: What it should be, isn’t, and can be at its best.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is gearing to launch. As the smoke billows—trepidation abounds, feelings are strong, opinions entrenched. So what’s a healthcare-dependent populous to do? Predictably, Zinc has ideas. Ones rooted in pragmatism and bent on finding the road to higher ground.
Many of our customers have described reading their homeowner’s policy as equivalent to having a tooth pulled! We agree that it can be a challenge and would like to help. Thus, we give you a collection of explanations and suggestions to streamline the process.
