Should I have Gap Insurance?

Vehicles depreciate the minute they leave the car lot.  Most vehicles lose about 20% of their value in the first year.  When there is a loss to your car, the insurance company pays the current market value or the depreciated value.  It is common to see the amount of the loan exceed the market value of the car.  Gap insurance covers this deficiency or "gap" between what you owe and what the car is worth.  Dealers may offer gap insurance and that can be an affordable way to go.  Some car insurance companies will offer it as well.  It is important to discuss this with your agent as the insurance company may have conditions such as only writing gap on brand new vehicles and limiting coverage to 25% of the vehicle's market value.  

Why does my home insurance premium go up every year?

You may notice that your home insurance increases a little bit at each policy renewal.  Most insurance companies build an inflation guard into their policy.  This is in place to assist your policy in keeping up with increasing labor and material costs.  It is good to review your Dwelling amount with your agent to ensure that your home is insured at its replacement value.  If you upgrade or renovate your home, advise your insurance agent. 

Also, advise your agent on any safety or special equipment such as central alarm, water detection, humidity detection etc.  Many companies offer a discount for protective and preventative measures taken.

 

Swimming Pools and Your Home Insurance

The maintenance or wear and tear of a swimming pool is not covered by a typical homeowners policy.  However the liability coverage of your policy needs to be reviewed.  Thousands of people per year visit the emergency room for pool-related injuries.  If a guest is hurt on your property, you may be responsible for the medical or legal expense.  A base homeowners policy provides $100,000 of liability coverage- we recommend increasing the coverage to at least $300,000 or possibly $500,000.  The cost is usually minimal, around $20-40 more per year.  If additional liability protection is needed, consider a personal umbrella policy.  

We do recommend a self-closing and self-latching gate around the pool.  Children should always be supervised and they should be taught safety skills.  

Look at a home warranty policy for assistance with covering the breakdown of pool equipment.  

How are After Market Parts Covered on my Car Insurance?

Most auto insurance policies do not cover after market parts on a vehicle.  These are additions to a vehicle that did not originally come from the factory such as wheels, rims, paint, stereo system etc.  It is important to advise your agent of any parts, accessories and equipment that are added onto the vehicle.  We also recommend keeping pictures and receipts.  

Are you an Uber driver?

If you are using your car for Uber, Lyft or other service please check with your insurance agent.  These companies cover liability while you are on the app, however they do not cover physical damage for your car.  It is important to discuss your coverage options with an agent so your claim is not denied. 

Are You Using Your Car for Business?

Realtors, delivery drivers, Uber drivers, sales people make sure to discuss how your coverage protects you when using your car for business.  Some personal auto policies have exclusions and limitations for when a vehicle is used for business purposes.  If you are on  the clock and using your car, that could be considered business use. 

Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage

Don't forget to ask your agent about Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage.  This pays a certain amount per day if you have to rent a car while your vehicle is being repaired.  

When adding Rental Car Reimbursement talk to you agent about your options. Many companies will pay $20, $30, $40 or even $50 per day towards the rental. There usually isn't much price difference between the higher coverage amounts. Think about what type of car you want to drive around while your car is being repaired.

Discounts on Your Car Insurance

We are always looking for ways to help you save more on your car insurance.  Here are some of the discounts you can receive on your policy:  homeowner, multi-policy, billing plan, multi-car, advance quote, coverage, anti-theft, low mileage, accident free, violation free, good student, distant student driver and drivers training

 

 

3 Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Car Crash

Spring is right around the corner, and the warmer weather often prompts people in Las Vegas to hop in their cars for weekend (or longer) road trips.

Unfortunately, too many of those trips will end up being memorable for the wrong reasons, due to crashes and other risks that drivers face anytime they hit the road.

You can take control of your next trip, whether it’s across the state or across town, by following these simple rules:

  1. Pay attention. Do you know how many drivers around the country are using cell phones or other electronic devices right now? If it’s daytime, the answer is approximately 660,000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says. Anything that takes your eyes off the road or distracts you increases your risk of a crash. Here’s another reason to avoid distractions: If you’re completely alert, you have a better chance of steering clear of that guy who is shaving on his way to work.

  2. Stay sober. One bad decision can change lives forever, and driving under the influence is an extraordinarily bad decision. Nearly 15,000 died in 2012 in crashes involving impaired drivers, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). So get a designated driver — or better yet, be a designated driver. Best of all, have the party at your house and let everyone sleep over.

  3. Slow down. They say “speed kills,” and, as depressing as it sounds, it’s true. Crashes caused by excessive speed cause more than 10,000 deaths a year on average, the NSC says. Surprisingly, you are most at risk on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or below. Remember, the posted speed limit isn’t always the best speed to travel. Depending on conditions, going slower might be the safest option.

Improving safety on the roads isn’t rocket science. Just a little common sense can make a big difference for you, your passengers and your fellow drivers. So be alert and be safe out there on the roads in Las Vegas.