The Traits of A Good Insurance Agent

Posted under Auto Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

1. Honesty

Selling insurance is about giving customers, businesses, and individuals solutions to their risk issues. Misrepresenting the facts, or trying to sell a policy, does more harm than good to their customers. A good agent will not try to sell anything; they will listen and become a problem solver first. Then and only then might insurance solutions or options be provided.

2. Responsive Client Service

When clients phones or emails, a timely answer is essential because they need the information to make decisions. When a client spends their money, they have a right to feel secure and content during the course of the business relationship. Through actively listening to and empathizing with our valued clients, agents can find success

3. Industry Knowledge

Selling a policy is only one aspect of what it means to be an insurance agent. Agents must be able to provide a thorough understanding of all facets of the products and services they sell, as well as how each client’s situation may be addressed. The agent should be trained in all aspects of the risk management process.

4. Community Involvement

Being a respectable member of the community is a must for running a successful insurance agency. We believe in fostering relationships and giving our neighbors access to resources because we are local leaders. To make the neighborhood a better and safer place to live, we collaborate with customers and businesses.

How To Stop Porch Pirates?

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance, Safety.

The holiday season is filled with fun, parties, food, gifts, overeating, and, unfortunately, some risk. One of the fasted growing risks for many people is stolen packages by porch pirates. More than 25 million Americans have their packages stolen right from their doorsteps by porch pirates each year, don’t be one of them.

Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible. There could be covered if you have personal property off-premises insurance..

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.

Things To Do

  • Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
  • Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
  • These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
  • You can insure your packages.
  • Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
  • Install a security camera.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

  • Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
  • Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
  • Contact the seller. Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
  • File a claim with the shipping company.
  • Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances. We are happy to help you through your claim and help you determine the best course of action.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself About Your Personal Insurance

Posted under Uncategorized.

Everyone needs some level of personal insurance. Most purchase, auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, life insurance, and maybe personal umbrella coverage. There are many choices that at times you may wonder which is best for you and your family.  We put together a list of questions you might think about as you consider your personal insurance. We always recommend you review your personal insurance annually to make sure it is still meeting your needs. 

Do Agents Offer Something Different?

We would answer that as a yes because agents have access to different kinds of insurance companies; they offer you a choice and work to provide the best possible combination of coverage price and service. Agents are a small businesses whose goal is to look out after their clients.

If I Rent, Do I Still Need Insurance?

Renters should purchase renters insurance to protect their personal property like; furniture, guns, electronics, and clothes. Your apartment owner may also require liability coverage, which can be included in renters insurance. Renters’ insurance is very affordable and can be an effective way to make sure you are covered in the event of a loss.

Does The Type Of Vehicle Affect My Auto Premiums?

Yes. The make and model of the car you drive play a factor in your car insurance rates. The cost of your vehicle also makes a big difference; the more it costs to repair or replace your vehicle, the more you will pay to insure it.

Are There Auto Insurance Discounts?

Many insurance carriers offer lower rates to good students, military personnel, and people with excellent credit. Ask your agent what discounts are available.

Will a Parking Ticket Affect My Auto Insurance Premiums?

Not usually. You can generally have one ticket on your history without it adversely affecting your premium.

When Should I Consider Life Insurance?

Life insurance is something you might consider when you get married or start having children. Some employers offer a small amount of life insurance, but these plans generally are not enough. Life insurance can provide peace of mind to loved ones in the event of an untimely death of a breadwinner. Life insurance proceeds can be used to fund college, pay for outstanding bills, to supplement lost income for a period of time.

Life insurance premiums are at all-time lows so it can be a very cost-effective financial planning tool.

Is A Personal umbrella Policy important?

Most of us engage in daily activities that put us in danger. Your danger of being sued simply increases if you own a car or an automobile. Many Americans only purchase vehicle liability insurance for $300,000 and homeowners’ liability insurance for no more than $300,000. A personal umbrella policy can give you an extra $1 million in liability protection. 

I Am Remolding My Home. Do I Need To Adjust My Insurance?

If your insurance is written on a replacement cost basis, there may be no need to make adjustments, but we always recommend you contact your agent to review this question. The answer depends on the kind of work you are doing. For example, if you are replacing your carpet with a similar product, you may not need to make any changes in your policy. But if you are adding a 500-foot addition on to your home, then this would definitely require adjustments in the value of your home.

For example, say your insurance valuation is based on a kitchen with laminate countertops and generic cabinets. But then you spend $60,000 on granite countertops, custom cabinets, and top-of-the-line appliances. Would your existing coverage be sufficient to rebuild your remodeled kitchen after a loss? Most likely, you would have an issue.

Before you enter into any renovation project, contact your agent, and they can help you identify which areas may require insurance updates.

I Have A Home-Based Business. Should I Get Additional Insurance?

Homeowners or renters’ insurance policies do not cover any business risks. If you run a business out of your home, we recommend you purchase a business insurance policy. If you have customers in your home for business purposes, your home insurance does not provide any coverage.  Depending on the type of business, coverage may be added to your existing homeowner’s policy through a rider or endorsement.

I Just Bought A Personal Watercraft. Is That Covered?

Unlike small boats, personal watercraft are not generally covered by your homeowners This would include; bodily injury to you that is caused by an uninsured watercraft operator. The legal costs if you’re sued due to an accident.  And any damage to the personal watercraft you own.

insurance

Why Are My Insurance Premiums Going Up?

Posted under Auto Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance.

It can be unpleasant to open your insurance bill to pay your premium only to discover that your premium payments have increased upon renewal.  We know that most people who carry insurance policies on their homes, cars, and businesses may be unfamiliar with how insurance policies are developed and changed.  So, we thought we might help you understand the why.

Insurers base their policy prices on several variables.  These cost components fluctuate up and down.  Premiums are currently rising in many states.  Remember, insurance companies are competing for your business, so they try to keep their rates competitive.

To help us through the process, we wanted to break it down between home and auto insurance.

Home Insurance

  • The increased cost of construction materials and labor to repair or replace the damage to your home. Even though you did not have a claim, this impacts all insurance rates.
  • Storms and other natural disasters. Hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, and other severe weather events have become more frequent, destructive, and costly. In 2021 alone, the United States sustained 20 weather events with losses exceeding $1 billion.
  • The older your home, the higher the insurance cost will be.
  • Lawsuit frequency has increased, and settlements are at an all-time high.
  • Supply chain in the production and delivery of appliances, materials, tools, and other key construction elements added to delays and cost hikes.

Auto Insurance 

  • Inflation hits the cost of buying and repairing vehicles.
  • Lawsuit frequency has increased, and settlements are at an all-time high.
  • After COVID, accident rates increased, causing insurers to pay more for claims.
  • Increased healthcare costs. Medical costs have increased for accident-related injuries.
  • Crime has caused more auto thefts and break-ins, affecting all drivers’ rates. There is a 20% increase nationally in stolen vehicles between 2020 and 2021.
  • Your driving record may be accident-free, but if you have tickets or other violations, these will impact your premiums.

Proven Ways To Help Keep Insurance Costs Down

  • Keep your home well maintained
  • Be a safe driver
  • Pay premiums annually
  • Ask about discounts offered by insurers
  • Bundle your home and auto together
  • Increase your deductibles
  • Have your agent review your insurance program and market your coverage the right insurer.
halloween

Halloween Safety

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance, Safety.

The annual appearance of frightening skeletons, broomstick-riding witches, and carved pumpkins is a strong indicator that autumn has here.  Second, only Christmas surpasses Halloween in terms of consumer spending on decorations.  Americans of all ages appear to like celebrating Halloween.  However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween can be a dangerous period with an increase in motor vehicle accidents.  The reason for this is a combination of factors such as increased foot traffic on Halloween, reduced visibility owing to costumes and masks, and the amount of alcohol ingested by partygoers.

  • Always keep a flashlight with you
  • Walk, not run
  • Only approach houses that are lit
  • Make certain that the costumes do not drag on the ground
  • Stay in known areas
  • Decorate with the flow of traffic in mind.  Place them so that they don’t fall over, blow away, or become a tripping hazard.
  • Do not overload electrical sockets when plugging in your frightening indoor decorations.
  • Avoid cutting across yards or driveways
  • Only bring flexible knives, swords, or other props
  • Follow traffic signal
  • Allow for appropriate floor and exit lighting when hosting a haunted house.  Keep exits clear to avoid tripping.
  • Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if there is no sidewalk
  • Dress in clothing that has reflective markings or tape
  • Avoid unfamiliar animals and do not pet them
  • Stay on the sidewalks

Purchase additional protection.  If the notion of having to rein in a Halloween celebration dampens your spirits, it may be time to consider obtaining supplementary insurance to cover the event.  Homeowners might contact their insurance agent to determine the cost of increasing their liability limits to cover the increased holiday exposure.

insurance

Things That Increase Your Homeowner’s Insurance Risk

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance.

Everyone is looking to reduce homeowner’s insurance premiums. Most people think the only way to reduce your homeowner’s premiums is to shop for the best price. While that is always a good idea (our agency represents many fine and stable insurers that we can select from), lowering your risk is a big factor in obtaining lower insurance rates.  By improving your homeowner’s risk you will attract better insurers and obtain the best possible price for your risk.

Here are factors that will increase your risk factors (and your premiums) in the mind of the insurance company:

  1. Pets and farm animals. Not all pets are going to increase premiums, but owning a German Shepherd, Great Dane, Siberian Husky, Doberman, Rottweiler, Pit Bull, or any other dog that could be considered aggressive, could raise insurance rates.
  2. Owning a trampoline will increase your rates. Trampolines result in approximately 92,000 hospital visits each year.
  3. Claim Frequency. Multiple claims may be seen as a larger risk and charged accordingly. On the same property, damage from a burst pipe, a tree that falls on the roof, or a kitchen fire will raise a red flag and cause insurers to take a closer look.
  4. Swimming pools (both above and in-ground) will increase your homeowner’s insurance rates.  Over 1,000 people die each year as a result of pool accidents.
  5. Condition of your home. Keep up on basic home maintenance. Keep your roof in good repair.
  6. Fire Concerns. When it comes to fire stations, location is also important. Living too far away from a fire station or hydrant may result in higher insurance costs. Of course, a neighbor’s pool, as well as a nearby pond, could be a source of water in an emergency. Or living in an area where wild fire are a regular event will increase tire premiums.
  7. Location. The location of the home, much like in real estate, is quite important. Homeowners who live in Tornado Alley, along the coast of Florida (or any coast), in a hurricane-prone state, or in a sinkhole-prone area can expect to pay extra for homeowners insurance.

Home Insurance

According to a recent research, 69 percent of homeowners are underinsured. Unfortunately, many homeowners believe they are completely insured and are surprised to learn, after a loss, that their coverage is inadequate.

Choosing the best homeowners insurance coverage for your home and belongings is dependent on a variety of factors, including local crime rates, flood risk, and wildfire threats, as well as the specific personal property coverage and deductibles that make the most sense for your household.

A Homeowners Insurance Policy Will Generally Cover The Following:

  • The structure of your home
  • Replacement cost
  • Personal possessions (up to a set limit)
  • Living expenses in case of a disaster
  • Liability
  • Renters insurance (duplex, apartment)

We also understand that you want your claims covered and you want outstanding customer service. Unlike some faceless internet company, we will always work more than “7 minutes” to find you the best possible combination of price, coverage and service for your insurance needs.

insurance

How Often Should I Review My Insurance Program?

Posted under Uncategorized.

Most Homeowners insurance companies will send out a reminder for a renewal of your home insurance policy when the end of the year is up for your insurance coverage. Many will also automatically renew your policy unless you call and let them know that you want to change or cancel that policy. This makes it easy for many homeowners to begin sending in the next set of payments for another year without reviewing the policy to make sure it adequately reflects their needs for the year.

Your life and circumstances can change on a regular basis, so you want and deserve insurance products that will respond to your changing needs. Personal insurance policies can change with your circumstances, but it is important to make updates and changes when your situation requires it.

Reasons to Review Your Personal Insurance

Changes in Your Circumstances. This can include a move, remodel of your home, marital status, or purchase of a boat or other high-value item.

New Insurers and Discounts.  Often, you make changes, and if we know about them, we can offer discounts. For example, if you install a home security system, there are discounts for that. In addition, new insurers frequently come on the market offering competitive homeowner insurance options. If we review your insurance, we can offer different options to you that may save you money.

The easiest way to guarantee you have adequate coverage is to evaluate your insurance policies on a regular basis. You may ensure that you and your home are appropriately insured by evaluating your policy.

If you have any concerns about your home insurance policy or would like a quote, please get in touch with us; our team of knowledgeable agents is always delighted to assist.

risk

We Know And Understand Insurance

Posted under Uncategorized.

The leading trends in insurance today

We live in a new age, and that means insurance professionals need to be prepared to meet the new demands of the insurance buyer.  Home and auto insurance buyers have changed the way they select insurance companies and their agents. One thing that has not changed is that everyone needs home and auto insurance, and business owners need commercial insurance.

We know and understand your needs

Here is what our clients are telling us they need from us in order to meet their changing needs.

  • We offer coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers.
  • Our home insurance products can be designed to include coverage if you rent your home to third parties, or if you own a vacation rental.
  • Our web page is constantly being updated to reflect the buying habits of all generations.
  • For the environmentally conscious buyers we offer insurance products that include premium discounts for homes that meet stringent efficiency and sustainability standards, discounts for using eco-friendly building materials, and even unique “pay as you go” auto policies so you only pay for the miles you drive.
  • Filing a claim has never been easier.  Most of our insurers have online reporting, but we are always here to help manage your claim if needed.
  • We understand how the technology of a “connected home” works and the importance of proper homeowner’s coverage.
  • There is new technology that can be added to your vehicle that monitors your driving and provides discounts for safe drivers.
  • You want, and deserve, more choices and personalization concerning your insurance program.  Our friendly team is always ready to serve you.
auto

Are You A High-Risk Driver?

Posted under Auto Insurance.

A “high-risk” driver is generally defined by the insurance companies as someone who has a higher risk of having an auto accident. Auto insurance companies often see high-risk drivers as undesirable, as they may end up costing a great deal in claims.

Why you may be defined as a high-risk driver?

You have multiple accidents or tickets during a specific period of time.

You have a DUI.

You have a serious violation.

Any accident that results in a fatality.

Driving without a license.

Driving without insurance.

You drive an exotic car.

For whatever reason, your auto insurance has lapsed.

How to get auto insurance if you are considered high risk

You may need non-standard insurance.

SR-22 insurance for specific situations.

Allow your agent to shop auto insurance for you.

Determine what auto insurance discounts you may be eligible for.

Improve your driving skills.

Consider a lower risk car.

Being Physically Active Has Many Health Benefits

There is no question that people who are physically active are healthier and happier. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of activity each week. Now is the time to start your exercise plan.  To encourage you, here are a few benefits you will receive from an active life style:

  • You will sleep better.   Working out for just twenty to thirty minutes on a daily basis will enable you to increase the amount of quality sleep you get on a nightly basis.
  • General health.  Physical activity controls, and even prevents, some risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension.
  • Brain health.  Physical activity helps maintain brain function in older adults.
  • Weight control.  Physical activity raises your metabolism and helps you lose weight more easily, especially when combined with healthy eating.
  • Reduced mortality risk.  One study showed that adults who watch more than 4 hours of television a day had a 46% increased risk of death from any cause, and an 80% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Source www.herat.org.
  • Increased strength.  Regular activity increases your stamina and ability to recover from illness.
  • Mental health.  People who are active have fewer mental health issues.

People of all ages can improve the quality of their lives and reduce the risks of heart disease, hypertension, with ongoing participation in moderate physical activity and exercise. Daily exercise will also enhance one’s mental well-being and health throughout life. 

Our clients have been choosing Sterner Insurance Agency – Apple Valley, MN to insure their cars and other vehicles because of our fair and competitive prices, but our policies Auto/Car Insurance offer so much more

partners in risk

Which Bad Behaviors Cause Auto Accidents?

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

Auto Insurance Update

In 2021, over 40,000 people died in auto accidents. Fortunately, this number is going down as a result of more vehicle safety features. Auto insurance provides protection in the event of an accident or loss. Auto insurance is an essential factor in securing yourself, your family, as well as your vehicle.

Bad Driving Causes Auto Accidents

  1. Distracted driving. This includes talking on your phone, eating, changing music, applying makeup, and even getting dressed.
  2. Careless driving. This includes driving too fast, not obeying traffic signs, improper lane changes and improper turns.
  3. Road rage.  We all know about this. Drive defensively at all times.
  4. Drunk driving.
  5. Not changing driving habits to account for a change in the weather.

Driver distractions are the leading cause of most vehicle crashes and near-crashes. According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve some form of driver distraction. The distraction occurred within only three seconds prior to the vehicle crash!