The Insurance Center Blog

The Insurance Center Bloghttp://www.theinsurcenter.com/blog/View The Insurance Center's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.theinsurcenter.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:6e6a41fc-2da9-47f0-bebc-7e9aba0bdbe6urn:uuid:834e0105-c0cd-4f37-a549-f481f37e6f11What TO DO and What NOT TO DO after an accident……If you find yourself involved in an accident here’s what you need to do before you call your insurance company… 1. Call the police (911 in most areas). Report any injuries. 2. Write down the other car’s make, model, and plate numb...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:38:17 -0600If you find yourself involved in an accident here’s what you need to do before you call your insurance company… 1. Call the police (911 in most areas). Report any injuries. 2. Write down the other car’s make, model, and plate number. Get the driver’s name, address, and license number…get the owners name, too. Most states require drivers to have an insurance identification card in the vehicle and it will provide most of this information. 3. Write down the names and addresses of all passengers and witnesses. 4. Get the officer’s name and badge number. Ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report for your insurance claim. 5. Do not admit to guilt, do not accept money from the other driver, and do not agree to forget about a minor accident. 6. Write down what happened: include the time of day, weather conditions, hazards, road conditions, and driving speed. Make a note of any prior damage on other cars. Once you collect this information, contact your <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com">auto insurance company</a> as soon as possible. Many insurance companies have 24-hour claims service by phone. So you can call your insurer right from the scene. Your insurance ID card should provide the number. urn:uuid:52dda74b-4538-433f-9c04-b1811e893f7fWhy you should not lower your home insurance coverage when your home’s market value dropsUnderstand the difference between the replacement cost and the market value of your home so that you are always sufficiently insured. It’s a very common mistake to confuse the two and one that can cost a homeowner a lot of money in th...Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:19:25 -0600Understand the difference between the replacement cost and the market value of your home so that you are always sufficiently insured. It’s a very common mistake to confuse the two and one that can cost a homeowner a lot of money in the event of a total loss to their home. Homeowners across the country see their property values dropping and assume that it’s a good time to lower their home insurance coverage. The problem with this is that your insurance covers the replacement cost of your home NOT the market value. The replacement cost and the market value of your home are two very different things.  The market value of your home is the price it would sell for in the current real estate market and includes the value of the land that the home sits on. On the other hand, the replacement cost of your home only includes the structure of your home (no land) and is calculated based on current construction rates in your area (amongst other things). This misconception is even more dangerous now because while home values have dropped significantly over the past few years, construction costs have increased. This has many homeowners believing they are adequately insured while they are actually under-insured. For a more exact idea about how much dwelling coverage you need, you should talk to a licensed homeowners insurance agent at <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/">The Insurance Center of Decatur</a>. They will ask you about the various features of your home including building style, building materials, finished square footage, etc. to give you an estimated replacement value for your property. <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/contact.aspx">Contact us today! </a>217-428-4800urn:uuid:36732c32-75f5-4980-9b8c-98dca48d53afNew Year's Eve Safety Tips From The Insurance Center of Decatur!Are you ready to celebrate your way into the New Year? Many Americans make it a point to go out with friends and family. While this is fun, it can also be dangerous and risky without the proper precautions and protection. As your trusty Decatur, Illi...Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:08:41 -0600Are you ready to celebrate your way into the New Year? Many Americans make it a point to go out with friends and family. While this is fun, it can also be dangerous and risky without the proper precautions and protection. As your trusty <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com">Decatur, Illinois Insurance Agency</a>, we have a few tips to share before the big night. •    Plan ahead by finding a designated driver. If you absolutely cannot drive home, you are going to need a friend! •    If you are hosting a party, make sure you limit the alcohol and watch your guests. If someone is getting too inebriated, cut them off. •    Those who are going out should pack an overnight bag just in case. Those who are having people over should prepare for guests to possibly spend the night. •    Stay in groups if you are going to a club or bar. Straying from friends could lead you to trouble. •    If your children are going out, make sure you are aware of their whereabouts and ensure them that you will be able to pick them up no matter where they are. •    If you notice a friend is too drunk to drive, do not be afraid to take their keys away. Being careful this New Years Eve does not mean avoiding a drink at all costs; it means knowing your limit and being smart. If you have a feeling you will be drinking a lot, plan properly. If not, it is still important to be careful, especially if you will be on the roads. Once the bars let out, the roads will be filled with irresponsible drivers. If you are concerned about your coverage, do not hesitate to <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/contact.aspx">contac</a>t our <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/">agency</a>. We will be able to set you up with a reliable <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/framed.aspx?ref=100">auto insurance </a>policy to cover any accidents out on the roads. We offer coverage for:<a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/glossary/C/default.aspx">collision</a>, <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/glossary/C/default.aspx">comprehensive</a>, <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/glossary/L/default.aspx">property damage liability</a>, <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/glossary/M/default.aspx">medical or personal injury protection</a> and much more. Allow us to help you ring in the New Year the right way!urn:uuid:42e4ee25-b63a-492d-a4f4-dc29b3c4aa7dThinking of proposing this Holiday Season!Thinking of proposing this Holiday Season! The weeks surrounding Christmas and New Years are a popular time for marriage proposals. If you plan on getting on one knee sometime soon (or if you're waiting for someone to pop the big question) make sure...Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:33:26 -0600Thinking of proposing this Holiday Season! The weeks surrounding Christmas and New Years are a popular time for marriage proposals. If you plan on getting on one knee sometime soon (or if you're waiting for someone to pop the big question) make sure your engagement ring is protected. First question is - Do you have a <a href="http://www.theinsurcenter.com/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx" target="_blank" re_target="null">homeowners insurance</a> or <a href="http://www.theinsurcenter.com/renters/insurance_quote.aspx" target="_blank" re_target="null">renter's insurance</a> policy?  If the answer is yes, then you probably want to purchase a rider, or endorsment, as an extension of your policy to cover the ring through your insurance carrier. Homeowners policies typically provide coverage for jewelry however, there are limits. So, if someone steals your ring or it becomes lost you may not be able to collect the full value of the lost item. You will do yourself a favor purchasing seperate coverage for the ring. The cost of seperate coverage is minimal and well worth it in the event of a loss. Call your <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/" target="_blank" re_target="null">homeowners insurance agent</a> and talk to them about your situation. They'll want to know what the ring is valued at. They can give you an estimate for scheduling an endorsement, or rider, to cover the ring. If you don't have a <a href="http://www.theinsurcenter.com/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx" target="_blank" re_target="null">homeowners</a> or <a href="http://www.theinsurcenter.com/renters/insurance_quote.aspx" target="_blank" re_target="null">renters</a> insurance policy, call <a href="http://www.theinsurcenter.com" target="_blank" re_target="null">The Insurance Center of Decatur </a>today! 217-428-4800  urn:uuid:be295a23-9b18-40bf-806f-de86702b97daChristmas Fire Safety Tips: Setting Up and Decorating Your TreeChristmas Fire Safety Tips: Setting Up and Decorating Your Tree   The most joyous of times can also be deadly. Take the Christmas season. Christmas trees are involved in approximately 400 fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection...Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:34:22 -0600Christmas Fire Safety Tips: Setting Up and Decorating Your Tree   The most joyous of times can also be deadly. Take the Christmas season. Christmas trees are involved in approximately 400 fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association, typically resulting in more than a dozen deaths, dozens of injuries and more than $10 million in property loss and damage. Short-circuiting tree lights are cited as the leading cause. As the holidays approach, the State Fire Marshal's Office offers these safety tips for setting up and decorating Christmas trees that will minimize the risk of fire and injuries. · Set up the tree away from fireplaces, portable heaters, heater vents, and television sets. Place it out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Use thin guy wires to secure tall trees to walls or ceiling; the wires will be almost invisible. Because heated rooms dry out natural trees rapidly, keep the stand filled with water; check the water level daily. A six-foot tree will absorb one gallon of water every two days.   · Use only lights tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters' Laboratories. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Miniature lights are preferred, for their cool-burning bulbs. Position bulbs so that they aren't in direct contact with needles or ornaments.   · Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord (maximum of 200 miniature lights or 150 larger lights). Only one extension cord should be used per outlet.   · Be careful where you place electrical cords: Don't run electrical cords under rugs; walking traffic can weaken the insulation and the wires can overheat, increasing the chances for fire or electric shock. Be careful when placing cords behind or beneath furniture; pinched cords can fray and short. Keep animals away from cords to avoid entanglement and chewing. Keep cords and lights away from the tree's water supply.   · Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.   · Turn off all lights before going to bed or leaving the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.   · Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.   · Never use lighted candles on a tree (even an artificial tree) or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.   · Decorative lighted villages, Nativity scenes, electric trains, and other electrically powered scenery and figures should be monitored like other decorative lights. Looking for Quality insurance? Click <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx" target="_blank" re_target="_self">here</a> for more information and a free insurance quote from <a href="http://www.theinsurcenter.com/" target="_blank" re_target="_self">The Insurance Center of Decatur</a>!urn:uuid:a6bd6e8f-6f4f-4b00-920e-725e69ca2de1Why Do I Need Renter’s Insurance? Let’s explore some of the common questions and concerns renters have regarding renters insurance! Q: Why should I buy renters insurance?  I don’t own the building why do I need coverage? Doesn’t my landlord’s policy cover...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:48:16 -0600Let’s explore some of the common questions and concerns renters have regarding renters insurance! Q: Why should I buy renters insurance?  I don’t own the building why do I need coverage? Doesn’t my landlord’s policy cover me if something happened in my apartment or house? A: Every tenant needs renters insurance because landlord’s insurance policies do not cover their tenant’s belongings.  Renters insurance covers your possessions against losses from fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm, and water damage from plumbing.       Q: What would happen if I had a fire in my apartment lost a majority of my belongings and I had to move out? A: Renters insurance provides for “additional living expenses” which would pay for you to stay in a hotel until the apartment was habitable again.  A claims adjuster would contact you to go over what was lost in the fire and would explain how you are paid in order to replace what was lost.   The landlord’s policy would only pay for the reconstruction of the building and would not pay to replace your lost items.          Q: Am I covered if a person was hurt while visiting me?   A: Renters insurance provides liability coverage for 3rd party individuals. The policy can have coverage limits from $100,000 up to $1,000,000. Renters insurance also covers your responsibility to other people injured at your home or elsewhere by you, a family member or your pet and pays legal defense costs if you are taken to court.          Q: Does renters insurance cover my jewelry I wear every day or the laptop I use for school or work? A: If jewelry items are worn daily, there is a better chance of them being lost or stolen and we all know what can happen to a laptop.  Somehow they get spilled on, dropped or stolen. It is a good idea to insure jewelry and your laptop separately by adding an endorsement to your policy coverage. This is referred to as a personal article floater and is in addition to the basic renters’ policy and coverers specific items for theft, water damage, breakage and mysterious disappearance (lost).         Q: How much does a policy cost and how can I pay it?   A: Most policies cost between $100 and $300 per year and can be paid on various payment plans.   Don’t wait until a robbery or a fire occurs in your building. There is nothing worse than having one of these occur and not being insured for it. Get a free quote today and see what coverage’s fit your budget and are best for you. Looking for renters insurance? Click <a href="http://www.theinsurecenter.com/renters/insurance_quote.aspx" target="_blank" re_target="_self">here</a> for more information and a free renters insurance quote from <a href="http://www.theinsurcenter.com" target="_blank" re_target="_self">The Insurance Center of Decatur</a>!urn:uuid:b4b49e49-e364-445f-b546-0c3f4bd7e39dFull Coverage vs Liability Auto Insurance - Which Should You Choose?At opposite ends of the car insurance spectrum are full Coverage and Liability auto insurance. There are many steps between these opposites and there are many levels of full coverage and liability only. However, car insurance can best be understood b...Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:44:26 -0500At opposite ends of the car insurance spectrum are full Coverage and Liability auto insurance. There are many steps between these opposites and there are many levels of full coverage and liability only. However, car insurance can best be understood by first fully understanding the differences between the two. Liability Only Car Insurance Car insurance is regulated at the state level and each state has its own laws concerning the minimum liability car insurance coverage that is required to legally drive your vehicle. In Illinois it is 20/40/15 (20,000/40,000/15,000), but what is liability coverage?    * It is insurance that covers damage you cause to other people (outside of your car) and their property. So what does your agent mean when they say you have to have at least 20/40 coverage? <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black;">     Insurance is expressed in three parts. </li> </ul> The first number refers to the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for injuries to a single person, per accident. The second number refers to the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for all injuries in a single accident. The third number is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for property damage, per accident. <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black;">    So in Illinois that translates to $20,000 of bodily injury coverage per victim; $40,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident regardless how many victims, and $15,000 of property damage per accident.     When choosing your coverage amount keep in mind that if you were in an accident that caused $100,000 in bodily injury damage (an amount easily reachable at today's medical costs) your insurance will only cover the first $20,000 for the other $80,000 the injured person could come after you! Potentially everything you have worked for i.e. your home, your savings, all your current and future assets could be at risk. Your entire financial life could change by accidently running a stop sign. So keep that in mind when you’re looking to save that $15-$20 a month on your car insurance. Is it worth it?</li> </ul> Full Coverage Car Insurance What is known as "full coverage" is actually two forms of coverage on top of liability - comprehensive and collision coverage. You can choose to have comprehensive coverage without collision, but not collision without comprehensive. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that is caused by something other than a collision. For example: theft, weather damage, fire, etc. also covered under this is accidents that involve an animal i.e. a deer. So basically comprehensive is designed to cover things that are likely not your fault and out of your control. Collision coverage covers damage to your car in the event of accident. It is designed to "make you whole" as far as your investment in your vehicle is concerned. It will repair your vehicle to its condition before the accident or pay you for the estimated amount of damage. Keep in mind your "full coverage" will be dropped if you choose to not repair the vehicle to its condition before the accident. If you have a loan on your car you are required by the finance company to carry full coverage to protect their interest in that vehicle till it is paid off. Too many people look at insurance as an annoying expense required by the state. In reality, it is an investment that protects your hard earned money and assets.