Renee Darata

Get an Auto Insurance Quote

Renee Darata — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:06:06 +0000

If you are shopping for auto insurance and google these key words, “auto insurance quote” you will likely pull a list of corporate insurance sites and aggregator web sites. The aggregator web sites will have screens where you provide your personal information and then they will be forwarded to dozens of insurance agents who will then contact you. A better choice may be scrolling down the page and choosing a local agent’s web sites where you will be dealing with a local agent. You will receive personal attention and get the right coverage in place with a local agent.

Preventing Homeowners Insurance Theft Claims

Renee Darata — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:44:30 +0000

1.Set your alarm when you leave the house 2. Don’t announce your vacation on Facebook-it’s easy to find your address. 3. Don’t leave flyers on your door or newspapers piled up-it’s an invitation.

For an easy alarm system, leave your car key on the nightstand. If you hear suspicious noises at night, press the panic button. The horn will begin sounding and will continue until the barttery dies. There’s no installation or expensive monthly fees. Odds are the neighbors will investigate and the police will be called. No burgler will stick around.

Insuring Teen Drivers

Renee Darata — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:43:22 +0000

Getting a Drivers License is no longer a rite of passage on the way to adulthood. Many teens and young adults are shunning the automobile due to the high cost of gas, environmental concerns, and the way social media allows them to hang out with friends remotely.

The Federal Highway Administration shows auto usage fell 23% in drivers age 16-34 in the decade 2001-2009 and mass transit usage rose substantially.

Interesting repercussions for auto manufacturers, auto repair shops and auto insurance companies like Geico (which focuses on auto insurance).

Do I need to buy Insurance at the Rental Car Counter?

Renee Darata — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:48:30 +0000

Do you plan on traveling this summer? Renting a car?

I frequently receive phone calls from clients asking if they are covered if they rent a car.

Your auto liability insurance extends to the rental vehicle. If you are involved in an accident your policy limits would be the same. (A few carriers in Utah drop the liability limits down to the minimum limits of the state you are driving in.) If you carry material damage on at least one vehicle, then the same comprehensive and collision deductibles on your auto insurance policy apply.

If your rental car is in an accident and spends time in a body shop, the rental car company can charge the rental fees they have lost to you. Your auto insurance policy doesn’t cover this.

Call today for a review of your auto insurance program

Is your auto insurance enough?

Renee Darata — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:59:55 +0000

Frequently, I get asked if someone has enough auto insurance.

We buy auto insurance for several reasons: the state requires it under the financial responsibility statutes, we want to insure our own vehicle, and we want to protect our assets.

I just read an ad today for the Audi R8 Spyder, with an MSRP of 170K. They say the car isn’t for everyone, and they are probably right!

If you were involved in an accident with the Audi R8 Spyder, you’re going to need an umbrella policy to protect you. Most consumers would not have enough insurance to pay for a new Audi R8 Spyder. ( if there was a total loss)

There are certainly other high value vehicles on the road and that is why you need to periodically update your auto insurance.

Who Needs Life Insurance?

Renee Darata — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:46:48 +0000

At what stage does a family need life insurance? As soon as someone is dependant on another for their financial needs. The best time to buy life insurance is when you are young. The price is low and you are insurable.

AUTO INSURANCE-Are You Driving an Older Car?

Renee Darata — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:38:29 +0000

Consumers who drive older vehicles with high mileage, may want to think twice before sinking money into auto repairs. Auto Insurance offers comprehensive and collision coverage at ACV. ACV stands for Actual Cash Value. If you are involved in a collision and file a claim with your auto insurance carrier, they will settle the claim with actual cash value. You may find your vehicle is a total loss, and you won’t recover the money you just put into repairs. The Auto Insurance Carrier will look at wear and tear of the interior, tire tread, paint, mileage, engine compartment and assign factors for each. But, you will never get the full amount you just spent on repairs.

2011 a catastrophic year for insurance companies

Renee Darata — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:06:16 +0000

2011 had more catastrophes than any year in decades. Due to the number of events in 2011, many insurance companies saw a decline in reserves. (that money they hold onto so they can pay claims after a catastrophic event)

State Farm, one of the largest insurers in the country, is down 400 million dollars in their reserves. (Since 2010)

When you purchase a policy, the financial strength of a company is very important.

Insurance is a promise that the insurance company will pay a claim when you need them.

A question to ask your agent, “Is this company financially strong?”

Home Insurance-is your jewelry covered?

Renee Darata — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:48:35 +0000

Insurance carriers have special limits on their policies for jewelry. Typically it is $1K per item with a policy limit of $2500-$5000. Homeowners who have jewelry above this limit need to add a jewelry floater. Most companies will want an appraisal to establish the value. Many jewelry stores will provide an appraisal if you purchased the jewelry there.

Homeowners Insurance policies will only pay out the policy limits. So, if you inform your agent that “you’re good” with the limits and decline additional coverage, you will find out during the claim process that your jewelry loss isn’t covered.

Dentists Are Small Business Owners

Renee Darata — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:59:16 +0000

Dentists graduate from Dental School and frequently open up a private practice. They hire staff and may have their office manager handle their insurance needs.

Dentists should have regular reviews of their policy and as their business expands, they may need to increase policy limits and eventually, may need an umbrella policy to protect their increasing assets.

Dentists can have longevity with staff when they provide Employee Benefits: Group Life, Group Health and Supplemental Insurance.

We can provide additional information on these insurance products.