How to Sort Your Medicare Mail

Is it Junk Mail or Not?

Condensed from a National Council of Aging article

Important mail will come your way from Medicare, beginning sometime this summer, including an Annual Notice of Change from your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.  Other mail and ads touting free benefits are marketing materials from plans themselves – learn to tell the difference!

Be skeptical about ads touting “free” Medicare benefits

You may have seen ads on TV or received mailings and emails that tout free Medicare advice or benefits that appear too good to be true.  These marketing campaigns are designed to prompt you to call a phone number, enter an email address, or register for an event to learn more about an advertised plan and ultimately sign up for that plan.   It is important to be skeptical of these claims and to know what questions to ask when looking at plan choices.

The Medicare program is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  Be sure to open any information that comes from the CMS, DHHS, and the Social Security Administration.

How to identify marketing mail

Here are some tips to help identify materials that are promotional and do not require your attention:

  • The material usually asks you to call, email, send a post card or attend a seminar to learn more about a Medicare plan.
  • The material may use language filled with superlatives such as the best, the most, the least expensive or sometimes the word free which is prohibited and an inaccurate description for Medicare plans.
  • The material often includes large colorful graphics to grab your attention.
  • The postage area may be imprinted with “PRESORTED” or “PRSRT STD” which is commonly used for mailing a large quantity of business or advertising mail.

Open mail from your current health or drug plan(s)

Even if you are looking to change plans for the coming year, it is still important to continue to read the information sent by the plan(s) in which you are currently enrolled.  Know the name of your current Medicare plans(s) and be sure to open any mail sent by the plan(s).

Important reminder:  Never provide your Medicare number, Social Security number or credit card information or any personally identifiable information in response to any solicitation.

Seek help before choosing a plan

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An update on auto & home insurance rates in 2023

Inflation Continues to Impact Insurance Policy Premiums in 2023

An Update On Auto & Home Insurance Rates in 2023We all feel the impact of inflation. Whether it is at the gas station, grocery store and your insurance policies at renewal. Unfortunately, the insurance industry continues to be impacted as insurance carriers are forced to adjust their risk based on inflation and claims.

We know it is frustrating to see your premiums increase even though you may not have experienced any activity such as an insurance claim. Inflation is the main reason insurance premium rates continue to increase across the country.

Another strike against policyholders is the rise in insurance claims across the country. Not only are insurance carriers receiving more insurance claims than before, but it is also costing insurance carriers more with settling claims.

Anytime insurance carriers see an increase in claims and the cost to settle these claims, they will raise their premiums to all customers around the country. Some insurance carriers have even dropped offering specific policies in certain states which experience a high severity.

Summary on why your insurance policy went up even though you didn’t file a claim or receive a vehicle infraction:

  • Building materials for homes have increased (some materials are 20% to 50% higher now).
  • There are less skilled workers available to work. This means companies are now paying higher wages to those who are available to work.
  • Car parts and equipment are more expensive (some over 22% higher now).
  • It costs more to maintain and repair vehicles.
  • Used cars prices increased over 37% since 2020. New car prices have increased over 20%.
  • Medical bills for insurance claims have increased.
  • Most companies are now using underwriting holding periods by asking for proof of ownership, photos of interior and exterior of home, proof of when roofs, plumbing and HVAC systems were updated. I.e. Requiring receipts for the work, etc. This may delay or help insurance carriers avoid writing any new policies until their rate increases are approved, which may be 20% to 50% higher.
  • Some carriers are no longer offering insurance to high risk areas or on specific vehicles (wildfire areas, specific cars that are prone to theft, etc.) The insurance carriers who continue to offer insurance coverage have to take on additional risk, which makes insurance premiums more expensive.

If your insurance policy has increased significantly, reach out to us. We can re-quote you with other insurance carriers we represent to see if we can find you a more affordable policy. This is one of the best benefits of working with an independent insurance agency. We advocate for you!

Here are some ways we have helped customers save on their insurance premium. Each of our insurance carriers offer unique discounts so reach out to us to review your current policy.

  • Bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.
  • Install and maintain a burglar alarm system on your home and receive a protective device discount.
  • Discounts for your teenager – good student or distant student (for college students who attend school more than 100 miles away)
  • If you recently built a home or significantly renovated it, you may qualify for a discount.
  • If you have been accident-free for at least three years, you can be eligible for a discount.
  • Earn a claims-free check too! Eligible customers who remain claims free for 6 months can receive a check in the mail from some insurance carriers. Score another check if you remain claims-free for the rest of the year on your policy.

Bonus Coverages Offered

With the rise in insurance premiums, some insurance carriers have added additional coverage to their policies.

Water backup, service line and personal property replacement for claims are the three most common coverage upgrades.

Contact your agent if you have any questions regarding your current insurance policy. We are here to help.

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Proper insurance coverage for your summer activities

Insurance for your summer activitiesSummer is near! With the start of a new season, you may be looking forward to the activities that are typically enjoyed during the summer season. Whether you plan to take road trips, use your dirt bike or ATV, swim at your home or spending time on your boat, you may wait all year to enjoy these activities to the max.

Before summer season officially kicks off, it may be a nice time to discuss your insurance coverage for the most common summer activities.

Road Trips

If you plan to rent a car, it is important to understand what your personal auto insurance covers and what it doesn’t cover. If you aren’t sure, speak with an agent in our office. If your personal auto insurance policy contains comprehensive and collision coverage you can typically transfer that coverage to a temporary replacement like a rental vehicle.

One coverage you would be missing is loss of use coverage. If you get into an accident in the rental car, the rental car agency can charge you for loss of use while their vehicle is being repaired. You can purchase coverage for this through the rental agency.

If you only carry a liability policy on your personal auto insurance policy, you may have to purchase additional coverage to simply rent the car from the rental agency. Collision and comprehensive coverage will cover damages to the rental vehicle and are required to rent a car. If your policy doesn’t contain these coverages, you’ll need to purchase them from the rental agency.

Dirt Bikes, ATV, Boats, Electric Bikes and More

Some people wait all year to use these summer toys. These vehicles should have their own insurance policy and we can help you find affordable coverage.

Protecting yourself with an insurance policy that is specific to the vehicle you’re driving is important as you cannot rely on your insurance coverage from your home insurance, renters insurance or auto insurance policy if you get into an accident or injure someone while operating one of these vehicles.

Other Summer Activities

If you like to host parties at your home, are throwing a large event this summer like a wedding or your kids like to have their friends over to swim, you should know these activities can increase your risk for a liability claim.

Talk to an agent in our office about special event insurance policies for things like baby showers, bah mitzvahs, birthday parties and weddings. This is also a great time to discuss our next topic: Umbrella Insurance.

Umbrella Insurance

Purchasing an umbrella insurance policy offers you above and beyond insurance protection on your vehicle and homeowners policies all at an affordable price. Accidents happen and the total damage can add up quickly, exhausting your limits on your vehicle or home insurance policy.

Umbrella insurance offers another layer of protection if this happens. Talk to us about your insurance options. There are countless scenarios where this coverage can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Contact Our Agency for an Insurance Review

It’s our job to help ensure you have the best insurance coverage for your needs. Give us a call if it is time to review your auto, home, umbrella or specialty vehicle insurance.

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Homeowner’s insurance discounts

Home Insurance DiscountsWhether you are looking to purchase a new home or if you find your current home insurance premium is too high, our local, independent insurance agency can help. We represent the top home insurance carriers in the country. In one click, we can provide you with quotes from all of our carriers at once!

Here are the most common home insurance discounts you can receive:

Bundle your auto insurance with your home insurance: Bundling your auto and home insurance policies together with the same insurance carrier is our first discount we search for. If you have an existing auto insurance policy already, we can quote your home insurance with the same carrier. We can also provide you with a new quote for auto & home insurance with our other carriers.

Pay in Full: if you opt to pay your home insurance once a year, many insurance carriers will lower your premium. This also is the same for your auto insurance policy.

Longevity: Stay with the Same Insurance Carrier Year after Year: Many insurance carriers give a loyalty discount. If you have been with the same insurance carrier for years, you may be able to receive a lower home insurance premium. Talk to an agent in our office to see if you are qualify for a loyalty discount.

No Claims? Get Rewarded: You may see insurance carrier commercials promoting claims-free discounts. This is true! Each insurance carrier has their own set of criteria for rewarding their customers with discounts for being claims-free. Many times this means receiving a check in the mail throughout the year.

Military or Retired Discount: If you are in the military or recently retired, talk to an agent in our office to see if your insurance carrier can provide you with a discount.

Invest in Smart Home Devices: Many insurance carriers like it when homeowners invest in the safety of their home. This could include sensors for leaks or being able to lock your home when you’re off your property. Talk to us to see what your insurance carrier may provide.

Go Green: Many homeowners are investing in solar panels and it is earning them a home insurance discount. Other ways to earn a discount – upgrading your windows or appliances to being more energy efficient such as your windows, heat pumps or other appliances in your home.

Other ways to lower your premium:

Adjust your deductible: The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly or yearly home insurance premium. Yes, you would have to pay more out of pocket if you experienced a home insurance claim. However, if you see yourself as lower risk, it may be better for you to earn a monthly discount on your premium instead to save more money in the long run.

Keep your Credit Score High: Insurance carriers can view a good credit score as less risk. This can earn you a lower home insurance premium.

If you Live in an Old Home, Upgrades Can Lower Your Premium: some old homes have knob and tube wiring, which can increase your risk for a home fire. If you’ve upgraded your home electrical system, be sure your agent knows this was completed. It can lower your premium.

Call Our Agency for a Home Insurance Quote or Re-Quote

We want to make sure you are getting the best rate and coverage on your home insurance. Contact us to shop our home insurance rates.

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Should You Insure A Golf Cart?

Golf Cart InsuranceGolf carts aren’t just used for the golf course. Many people use as an easy transportation around their neighborhood.

Depending what state you live in, insurance for your golf cart is either required or optional. Golf cart insurance is going to provide you with the best coverage versus simply relying on your home insurance policy for coverage. Home insurance can also deny coverage if you get into an accident or injure someone away from your property.

What protection does golf cart insurance provide you?

Similar to car insurance, golf cart insurance can provide you with a wide variety of protection.

Property damage liability – if you damage someone’s property with your golf cart, this can pay for the damage.

Bodily injury liability – if you injure someone who is not a passenger with your golf cart, this can pay for the medical bills.

Guest Passenger liability – if you injure your guest passenger who is riding with you, this may pay for medical expenses.

Collision insurance – this coverage can pay for any damage you cause to your golf cart if you get into a collision with another object.

Comprehensive insurance – this can provide coverage if something happens to your golf cart such as fire damage, theft or any other event that causes damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage – this coverage helps pay for damage on accidents where you are not at fault. If you get into an accident with someone else who is at fault, but that person doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damage, uninsured motorist coverage may kick in.

Medical payments – this can provide coverage for medical bills related to you and your guest passengers regardless who is at fault for the accident.

Talk to an agent in our office about golf cart coverage options

We’ll provide you with a detailed description for your particular situation with your insurance provider.

Owned Golf Carts

  • Licensed for road use
    • These may be added to the Personal Auto policy
      • Same coverage as a personal auto…
        • However, not available are the following endorsements…
        • Optional Limits Transportation Exp \   Gap \ Broad form collision & glass \ Replacement Cost Coverage \ Excess Elec Equip \ Trip interruption
    • Not eligible for Homeowner policy
  • Not Licensed for road use
    • These may be added to the homeowner policy
      • Physical Damage = Owned Motorized Golf Cart endorsement HO 05 28
        • $500 deductible
          • Eligibility
            • designed to carry up to four people
            • shall not have been built, modified after manufacture, to exceed a speed of 25 mph on level ground.
      • Liability = Recreational Vehicle off premise liability endorsement CP 164
        • Policy liability limit applies
      • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury = available when CP 164 is purchased
        • Policy liability limit applies

Non-Owned Golf Carts

  • Licensed for road use
    • There is No automatic coverage afforded by the Personal Auto policy
      • Definition of a Non-Owned Auto does not include Golf Cart
        • Insured may elect to purchase coverage from the Rental Agency; or
        • The unit may be scheduled on our Auto Policy for the time period of the rental  (contact Home Office)
    • Not eligible for the Homeowner Policy
  • Not licensed for road use
    • Homeowner liability coverage could apply, subject to circumstances at the time of the loss and policy wording

Frequently Asked Questions about Golf Cart Insurance –

I have a home and auto insurance policy, if I choose not to buy a golf cart insurance policy, am I covered by my other insurance policies?

Auto insurance rarely provides coverage for golf carts. Your home insurance may provide some coverage for your golf cart, but only if you have a claim that occurs on your property. We don’t recommend relying on this coverage because it can be minimal. Talk to an agent in our office about what your home insurance could cover. If you get into an accident away from your property, most likely your home insurance will deny any coverage.

Is golf cart insurance affordable?

Definitely! Insurance premiums vary based off of what coverage you want to purchase. If you want to purchase all the coverage options above, your cost will be more versus just purchasing liability insurance.

Other factors that play a role in your premium – your driving history, your vehicle, if you wish to pay yearly or monthly or taking a safety course.

Call our agency for a free insurance quote! If you have other policies, we can bundle with your current insurance carrier to provide you with additional discounts.

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My Home was Burglarized and Valuables were Stolen, Am I Covered By My Home Insurance?

Home Theft Protection in Loudonville, OHLike car theft, many cities and communities throughout the United States have seen an increase in home burglaries. If your home is ever burglarized, it is important to understand your home or renter’s insurance coverage.

Home insurance can provide you with coverage for replacement if you have valuables stolen from your home. In insurance terms, this is known as personal property coverage. Coverage varies depending on your policy limits and your deductible.

A Claim is Processed on Actual Cash Value or Replacement Value for Stolen Valuables

It is important to note that covered claims are processed based off your policy verbiage. Often policy holders believe valuables that were stolen from their home will be reimbursed at the same price as what they paid for it. This is not always the case.

Actual Cash Value – Actual cash value is the amount you paid for the item, minus depreciation at the time of your insurance claim. The insurance carrier reimburses you simply off what this specific item costs today. In most situations, insurance adjusters will determine the price of reimbursement is less than what you originally paid. Depreciation is broken down by wear and tear or the age of the item. 

Replacement Value – Replacement value is the amount you paid for the item. It does not factor in depreciation. In a covered claim, an insurance adjuster will reimburse or replace an item similar to what was stolen at today’s price.

Choosing what coverage, you prefer for your policy is up to you. Actual cash value coverage tends to offer a more affordable insurance premium but does offer a little less coverage. Replacement value offers more coverage but increases your insurance premium.

Are all items in your home covered under personal property coverage?

Certain high price items should be covered under a policy rider.

This is separate from personal property coverage. Items such as wedding or engagement rings, other valuable jewelry, fine art, as well as equipment such as high price cameras, bicycles, musical instruments, firearms, or any other valuables you consider high price.

Contact an agent in our office to discuss if you need specific items in your home on a policy rider. It’s important to have separate coverage for these items because home insurance policies do have policy limits. If a high price valuable was stolen from your home, you may be underinsured. Therefore, your home or renters insurance policy could not provide you with proper replacement for your valuable.

Have Questions about Your Home or Renters Insurance Policy?

Our agents are here to answer your questions and ensure you understand your insurance coverage. Contact us for a home or renters insurance policy review.

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Car Theft – Am I Covered?

Auto Insurance & Car Theft in Loudonville, OHWhen a person thinks about car theft, there are a few scenarios to imagine such as personal property items stolen out of your vehicle, car parts stolen from your vehicle, or your car was physically stolen and couldn’t be recovered.

So, the question is, are you covered if you experience any of the following theft scenarios? The answer varies based on what type of auto insurance coverage you purchased.

Comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy typically provides coverage if your car was stolen (and was never recovered) or if you had car parts stolen out of your vehicle. If you do not have this coverage on your auto insurance policy, your insurance carrier cannot offer you any assistance.

Common Car Parts Targeted in Vehicles Recently

The past few years, thieves have been targeting catalytic converters in vehicles. This car part not only has precious metals that makes it valuable to re-sell, but catalytic converters can be easy to steal due to its location in a vehicle. Also, some vehicles tend to be easier to target this parts than others along with some being more valuable parts than others. The best tip here would be to park your car in a well-lit area.

If you had your catalytic converter stolen from your vehicle and you had comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you should be covered by your insurance policy.

My Car was Stolen – But It Has Been Recovered Vandalized

Vandalism is included with comprehensive coverage and should pay for the damages up to your policy limits, less your deductible.

I had personal valuables stolen out of my vehicle – am I covered?

Your auto insurance policy does not offer coverage for stolen personal property items that were taken from inside your car. However, you could file a claim under your home or renters insurance policy.

Thinking of investing in a car alarm system? Talk to your insurance agent to see if you qualify for a discount. Not only do car alarms offer some peace of mind, but you could be rewarded with an insurance discount too.

How to Prevent Car Break-ins

There is only one way to prevent personal property theft out of your vehicle – never leave anything in your vehicle!

Sometimes this is easier said than done.

If you do have to store valuables inside your vehicle, be sure they are out of sight. Investing a car alarm can also bring some peace of mind. It’s also important to know the area where you are parking your vehicle. If it is known for break-ins, always plan on bring your valuables along with you.

Looking to Add Comprehensive Coverage to Your Current Auto Insurance Policy?

Call our agency for a free quote. We can review your current auto insurance coverage or provide you with a new quote that includes comprehensive coverage. We’ll quote our top carriers and help you find the best policy for your needs.

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Insurance Options for Boat Owners + Theft Prevention Tips

Boat Insurance Agent Loudonville, OHIf you’re a boat owner, you wait all year for boating season. Whether you take your boat out for a joy ride, take it out every weekend with friends or enjoy fishing trip, boats bring a lot of joy.

If you are a new boat owner, you may be wondering what insurance coverage you may need for your boat.

It’s also important to note that people who have owned a boat for years should still review their insurance policy every few years. Our agency can help determine if your coverage is still sufficient for your needs or if you need to make any changes to your existing policy. An insurance review is free, so take work with your agent to ensure you are still properly protected.

Boat insurance isn’t required in every state, but we still feel it is important to have it as there are risks to being a boat owner. Boat insurance is affordable, so we feel it is imperative to have the extra layer of protection. Your home insurance policy may provide you with some coverage, but it will be limited.

Liability insurance:

All boat insurance polices include liability coverage. Liability coverage protects you if you cause damage to something or someone while driving your boat up to your policy limits. We can explain your options for policy limits.

Comprehensive insurance: if you are worried about your boat ever being stolen, you will want to add comprehensive insurance to your boat insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage may also pay for damage to your boat from weather related storms or vandalism. If you are financing your boat, you most likely will need this coverage.

Precautions to Take to Avoid Your Boat from Being Stolen

  • Like any vehicle you own, you will want to ensure your boat is being stored in a secured location.
  • Invest in an alarm system. Motion detector spotlights can also scare off a thief.
  • Install a GPS tracking device. If your boat is stolen, this can help track it down.
  • Always lock everything valuable up. This could mean locking your boat up to something stationary or ensuring all valuables inside the boat are properly stored and locked.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage: if you get into an accident with another boater who doesn’t have insurance, this coverage can help pay for your passengers injuries or damages to your boat.

Collision insurance: offers coverage if you hit another boat or object.

Does boat insurance cover maintenance? Not typically. You are responsible for maintaining your boat.

Equipment – if you use special equipment on your boat, talk to us about insurance coverage. This could include fishing gear or other property.

Save money on your boat insurance policy

Our agents can help you find insurance discounts for your boat insurance policy. We always shop for all discounts available to you as well as explain your coverage details. Contact us for a free boat insurance quote.

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Spring Season is Here – Insurance Updates to Know

Auto and Home Insurance Discounts in Loudonville, OHHere are some updates on insurance or common questions we hear from customers.

Do I Need to Purchase Insurance When Renting a Car?

If you are planning on taking a trip this spring break, you may be renting a car. At the time of checking in or even during the process of getting a rental car reservation, every rental car company will ask if you want to purchase insurance.

Your personal auto insurance policy does provide you with coverage for a rental car, but it is always important to understand what your personal auto insurance policy covers. Even if you have full auto insurance coverage, your rental car is still not 100% covered.

If you get into a car accident in your rental car and the car needs to be repaired, the rental car agency will charge you for downtime since they cannot rent the car out again until it is fixed. It is also possible that the rental agency may claim diminished value if you damage the car. Purchasing this specific coverage from the rental agency would help cover the cost of these claims.

How Inflation is Impacting Insurance Policy Premiums

You may have noticed your home or auto insurance policy increased at renewal, but you didn’t have any tickets or claims. Inflation has caused rates to increase across the country. Not only are insurance carriers receiving more insurance claims than before, but it is also costing insurance carriers more with settling claims.

Anytime insurance carriers see an increase in claims, they will raise their premiums to all customers.

Inflation is also impacting your insurance coverage. For instance, if you have a homeowners loss, the cost to repair your home has increased substantially since inflation began. The cost of materials and labor is up.

If your insurance policy has increased significantly, reach out to us. We can re-quote you with other insurance carriers we represent to see if we can find you a more affordable policy.

Best insurance discounts

One of the best insurance discounts you can receive is bundling your auto and home/renters insurance together with the same insurance carrier. Paying your insurance policy in full or participating in a driver’s safety course/telematics program through your insurance carrier also provides you with additional discounts.

If you are looking for additional discounts, reach out to our agency.

Update Your Insurance Policy Every Few Years

Since inflation has increased, it may be time to review your current home insurance policy, specifically your replacement cost. If your home has increased in value over the past few years or if you have done major renovations that improved your home value, it is important your home insurance policy reflects those changes.

If your home value increased, but you didn’t make any changes to your policy & had to settle a claim, it is possible your home has become underinsured.

If you have expensive jewelry insured, it is advised to get it appraised every few years to ensure it is properly insured. If it has, be sure to let us know of the new value.

Insurance Coverage for Boats, RVs, ATVs, Motorcycles and more.

It’s that time of year when we start thinking about our powersport vehicles. Whether you are shopping for a new toy or need to review your current existing policy, our agents are here to help. We can explain your coverage options or provide you with a new insurance quote.

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Is Water Damaged Covered By My Standard Home Insurance Policy?

Water damage and home insurance coverage in Loudonville, OHWater damage can occur in many ways in your home. Whether it is a burst pipe, a leak from your refrigerator or freezer, your house is flooded due to weather conditions, and more. It is important to understand what type of water damage is covered under your standard home insurance policy. Not all water damage would be covered in the event of a flood claim for a standard home insurance policy.

What type of water damage is most likely covered under your standard home insurance policy?

Most home insurance policies address water damage the same way as many claims and that is “sudden and accidental.” For instance, if freezing temperatures burst a pipe in your home and water leaks into the wall and causes damage or your water heater fails and contacts the surrounding drywall. Another example would be if your supply line on your toilet suddenly burst and caused damage to your bathroom.

What type of water damage is not covered under your standard home insurance policy?

If water damage occurs to your home over time, for instance, a leaky faucet or supply line that had clearly been ignored, this would not be covered by insurance as this is a maintenance issue.

When do you need flood insurance?

Water that enters your home from outside due to severe weather conditions would be considered flood damage and is not covered by a standard home insurance policy. For flood damage to be covered, you would need to carry a flood insurance policy. A flood insurance policy can be obtained possibly through your existing insurance company, or by calling our office. The cost of flood insurance will vary depending on your elevation risk. Quotes are simple and take just minutes.

Water Sewer Backup

Another water damage type of coverage that is not included in your standard home insurance policy is “Water Sewer Backup” coverage. This coverage is for when your drain lines get water forced back up them and into the home. This can occur from several different scenarios including municipal water drainage being overrun or a blocked pipe. When this occurs, you need a specific type of insurance policy to cover the damages.

If you have a question about your home insurance policy, please feel free to reach out to a licensed agent in our office. While each claims scenario is unique, prevention can oftentimes be the best course of action.

Protect your home from water damage with new technologies. Water leak alarms are a great way to ensure you don’t have water damaging your home. These small devices can be installed under sinks, near water heaters, and behind toilets easily. It is an inexpensive way to keep an eye on things in your home.

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