Renee Darata

Apartment Fires Cause Grief to Renters Without Renters Insurance

July 26th, 2010. Published under Insurance Claims, Renters Insurance. No Comments.

Midvale Apartment Fire Video
In Salt Lake County there have been several apartment fires which have left families homeless. In some cases, the tenants may have been without renters insurance.

Renters Insurance can cost as little as $9.00 per month, about the same as a large pizza, or 2 lunches at a fast food restaurant. Unfortunately, those who can least afford to lose all their possessions are the very ones who don’t buy insurance.

Friends don’t let friends go without insurance.

How Can I Insure My Ring?

July 14th, 2010. Published under Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Agents, Insurance Claims, Jewelry Floater, Renters Insurance. No Comments.

If you recently became engaged or received a very nice gift of jewelry, you will want to know if your insurance covers your jewelry.

Insuring your ring, requires an appraisal or bill of sale. Your insurance agent will usually add a “jewelry floater” to your renters, condo or homeowners policy. Your jewelry piece will have its own deductible which could range from $0 on up.

Insurance companies use the appraisal as the basis of what they will pay in the event of a claim. Auto insurance policies are ACV or actual cash value. When you suffer a loss you are paid the value of the vehicle at that moment in time.

A jewelry floater establishes the value of the jewelry. You will be paid that dollar amount minus your deductible when you have a claim.

Does your policy cover “mysterious disappearance”? Some policies will, ask your agent.

Insure your ring, and get peace of mind. Priceless!

How do I buy Flood Insurance?

June 8th, 2010. Published under Flood Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Claims, Restoration. No Comments.

Homeowners and Businesses in Utah have been affected by the weather. Homes with flooded basements, businesses with flooded parking lots have been hard hit. We have an alert for more flooding due to the sudden increase in temperatures causing the snowpack to melt rapidly and add to already swollen creeks.

Only flood insurance can cover damage due to flood. There is a 30 day waiting period for flood insurance.

Contact my agency for further information @ 801.748.0500

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.

Why Should I Buy Landlord Insurance?

December 14th, 2009. Published under Business, Landlord Insurance, Renters Insurance, Small Business Owner, blogs. No Comments.

Whether  you own a single family home or a duplex, you need to insure the property differently than you would an owner occupied home.

A Landlord policy insures the structure, usually includes a minimal amount of personal property coverage, (covering a lawn mower, ladder, or maybe a  snow blower you may leave for the tenant to use), and liability coverage.  As the owner of the home/duplex/triplex,etc. you may be sued for negligence . 

Personal Liability coverage pays for legal services in case you are sued.

To protect your assets, liability insurance is very important.

Make sure your insurance carrier is aware of a vacant home as that can affect how your policy is written.  Liability coverage may be difficult to obtain or be priced higher.

Landlord Insurance is fairly easy to purchase.  If you have a property with frequent claims, you will need to buy coverage on the standard market.  Call your personal insurance agent for information.

RENEE DARATA