Monthly Memo- June: The Claims Process, Dog Bites

The Claims Process (homeowners) An adjuster will inspect the damage to your home and offer you a certain sum of money for repairs. The first check you get from your insurance company is often an advance against the total settlement amount. It is not the final payment. If you're offered an on-the-spot settlement, you can accept the check right away. Later on, if you find other damage, you can "reopen" the claim and file for an additional amount. Most policies require claims to be filed within one year from the date of disaster. Check with your state insurance department. When both the structure of your home and personal belongings are damaged, you generally receive two separate checks from your insurance company, one for each category of damage. You should also receive a separate check for additional living expenses that you incur while your home is being renovated. Full … Read more...

Monthly Memo- May: Poor Service, Not Price Drives Auto Insurance Customers to Shop

Poor Service, Not Price Drives Auto Insurance Customers to Shop While a poor experience with their insurer is the leading reason customers shop for, and ultimately switch to a new auto insurance company, declining new price satisfaction is the primary reason customers are less satisfied when they do switch insurers, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Insurance Shopping StudySM released April 2014. The study finds that 30 percent of auto customers shopped for a new insurance provider in 2013, among whom 36 percent ultimately switched insurers. Increases in premiums do not drive shopping as much as poor experience. Customers who experience a premium increase shop at a rate of 13 percent—less than half the rate of shopping among those who have a poor experience (28%). Price, however, is still important in the selection process—eight in 10 customers continue to select the … Read more...

Monthly Memo- February: National Pistachio Day, Home Based Business and more

Monthly Memo- February: National Pistachio Day, Home Based Business and more

 Stop by either office on Wednesday February 26 for some pistachios, in honor of NATIONAL PISTACHIO DAY!   HOME BASED BUSINESS A home based business (Pampered Chef, Gold Canyon Candles, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, a beauty salon in a spare room, work from home typing, to name just a few) creates exposure from clients/customers entering your premise, your business operation and even the products that you carry/store to conduct your business. If you have one of these types of business, please contact us to review your specific needs. Most standard homeowner policies do not extend adequate coverage for a home based business located in a person’s home whether it be liability or business personal property. The simplest way to address a home business’ liability exposure is through an Incidental Business Endorsement. The IBE covers 50 different types of business’, mostly small … Read more...