Archive for February, 2010
Shopping for Insurance
February 23rd, 2010. Published under Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Claims, Renters Insurance. No Comments.
You may already have heard the news. Allstate Insurance is terminating about 20% of their agency force.
News such as this causes consumers to shop their insurance. (When AIG took bailout $$, many consumers made a change) There is a fear of the unknown. Who should they call? Will their new agent be responsive? What if they need to make changes before they have been transferred?
When shopping for insurance, price should not be the main consideration. Yes, I know you’re shaking your head. Many consumers look at the bottom line, and want a low price on their auto, home, renters, condo, boat, etc policy. But, what is your cost when you have a claim?
If you choose higher deductibles to save $50 and then have a claim a week later with a deductible $500 higher, did you save any money? Of course not. If you decline physical damage coverage on your truck and an uninsured motorist hits you, you pay for the cost of repairs.
When shopping for insurance, be prepared to give information about your home/auto/motorcycle, etc. to the agent and or call center. They will ask about your driving record, coverages needed, mortgage and lienholder info, etc.
WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A FLOOD-Part 2
February 12th, 2010. Published under Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Claims, Mitigation, blog. No Comments.
First, please contact your insurance agent.
Many homeowners try and clean up the water themselves and then end up filing a claim anyway. They didn’t save any $$, because their deductible still applies. In fact, the claim may be more expensive because the damage is greater. The longer water sits, the more damage.
Ask your agent if they have a preferred vendor or if they have a recommendation.
Most restoration companies today can remediate the damage quickly and prevent mold growth.
Most importantly, they can get your life back to normal.
WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A FLOOD- Part 1
February 1st, 2010. Published under Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Claims, Mitigation. No Comments.
Do not try and clean up the water yourself!!
Do not hire a carpet cleaner to vacuum up the water.
Do not clean up the water and place an ordinary house fan out to dry out the carpet.
This is a recipe for mold.
Yes, black mold.
Insurance policies now exclude mold damage and it is very expensive to eradicate.
Stay tuned for Part 2.
