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

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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!

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Auto Insurance Myths

Posted under Uncategorized.

It seems like you can’t get through a TV show or read a magazine without seeing an auto insurance ad. Big insurance companies spend billions to get your business. But are they giving you the best coverage designed specifically for you?

Here are a few auto insurance myths we have seen that you need to know about:

Myth – Buying online is better. Would you go to a web page to diagnose your illness and then select from a drop-down list for your treatment? That is what on-line insurance buying is like. Call an independent agent so we can help design the right combination of coverage and price. We have access to multiple markets, not just one. Cheap insurance seems great until you have a loss.

Myth – Bright-colored cars cost more to insure. Wrong. Premiums are based on the type of vehicle you have, its value, where you live, and other factors.

Myth – One ticket or accident will cause my company to cancel my insurance. Most insurance companies do not penalize you this way. They are more concerned with patterns of driving.

Myth – Older drivers pay more. This is not true. Many of our companies give discounts to older drivers.

Myth – The TV commercial said it was covered. All claims are subject to your individual policy terms and conditions. That is why an independent agent is important. We can provide information about what is covered and what is not.

Myth – Mexico? No problem. If you travel to Mexico, we recommend special Mexico coverage.Myth – If I get hit by someone else, the other party will pay. That is true if they have insurance. Even though many states have mandatory auto insurance requirements, almost one-fifth of all drivers don’t

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Recreation Vehicles Insurance

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

If you own a Recreational vehicle, motorcycle or other toys, insurance coverage should be part of your thinking. Remember, they are not automatically covered under your current insurance program.

Many State laws require you to maintain liability coverage on your vehicle. Here is a schedule of insurance coverage you might consider:

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage, also known as “property damage/bodily injury”, can help cover expenses from damaging a vehicle or injuring a person in an accident. 

Collision coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you hit another vehicle, another vehicle hits you, or your vehicle rolls over. Collision coverage can be required if your vehicle is financed or leased.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive insurance helps pay for damage to your vehicle not caused by collision. Examples include damage or loss due to theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, storms, and flood.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

This coverage helps pay for repairs if your RV is damaged in an accident by an underinsured, uninsured, or unidentified driver. It also helps pay medical costs.

Medical payments coverage

Medical payments coverage helps pay medical costs for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Rental reimbursement coverage

This coverage helps pay for your rental car or other transportation if the RV cannot be driven due to an at-fault accident or comprehensive claim. This is really important especially if you are out of town.

Towing and labor coverage

Towing and labor coverage reimburse you for towing charges if an insured vehicle is disabled. It also covers on-site assistance, such as battery jump-start, tire change, and locksmith services. We recommend this on all recreation vehicles. Contact us today for more information. We offer competitive pricing for all your RV, Boat, and Motorcycle needs.

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July 4th Safety Tips

Posted under Safety.

We are approaching our nation’s birthday, July 4th, and we hope everyone has a great day of celebration with friends and family. In 2021 over 5,800 people went to the emergency room as a result of fireworks-related injuries. There were an estimated 13,750 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, and $40 million in direct property damage. This is why it is a good idea to have a free home insurance review and quote, call us today!

Homeowner’s Insurance

If you over-celebrate and do have a loss or damage, please call our office. It is very likely that the claim would be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.

General 4th of July safety

Be a safe swimmer. Water sports and fireworks are two of the biggest pastimes for the Fourth of July celebrations, and these are both linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. Never swim alone, and make sure that kids’ water play is adequately supervised at all times.

Be a safe boater. Never consume alcohol while driving a boat. Set water safety rules for your family and passengers.

Use alcohol responsibly. Alcohol and fireworks can be a hazardous and dangerous combination.

Use sunscreen. At the start of summer, skin is especially tender, so use a high SPF.

Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.

Remember your pet. They are not used to all the fireworks, so keep them inside.

Grill safely. Before you use your grill, make sure all hoses are secure and leak-free. Never grill inside. Keep grill away for al structures.

Fireworks Safety

  • Never try to make your own fireworks.
  • Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
  • Only use legal store-bought fireworks.
  • Don’t point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others.
  • Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Always keep matches and lighter fluid far away from fireworks.
  • Read labels and carefully follow directions.
  • Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire-resistant.
  • Don’t attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
  • Teach children to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch fire.
  • Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also, keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.
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What Factors Impact Your Home Insurance Costs?

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

If you’re looking for homeowner’s insurance, you’re undoubtedly curious about how the insurer calculates your premium. Some consumers have the misconception that home insurance is a fixed cost. In truth, home insurance prices are tailored to the individual needs of each homeowner.

Unlike auto insurance, homeowner insurance requires a great deal of data! You’ll need your house’s measurements, construction specifications, and information on any extras like separate buildings, swimming pools, or trampolines.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the national average yearly homeowner’s insurance price is $1,249. Earthquakes. Wildfires. Floods. California has its share of natural disasters, which means it’s important to find the best homeowners insurance to cover your home.

We recommend having your agent shop around with various insurers because the lowest cost may not be the best for your coverage needs. Here are some of the many factors that go into making up your home insurance premiums, not in any order of importance.

Your Deductibles

The amount you pay toward a claim before your insurance company settles a claim is known as a deductible. Choosing the appropriate deductible amount is a significant choice. The larger the deductible, the lower your premium will be.

The Replacement Cost of Your Home

The cost of replacing your home with construction materials of equivalent type and quality is referred to as replacement cost. The replacement cost, also known as rebuild value, of your property is determined by characteristics such as its age, square footage, architectural style, number of rooms, and local rebuild costs per square foot. Market value, which includes the land value as well as the home’s rebuild cost, is not the same as the replacement cost.

Claims History

Patterns of behavior are frequently used by insurance firms to make choices. When a homeowner files a claim, the insurance company anticipates what is the likelihood of having a claim in the future. A frequent history of filing claims could imply that the insurance company faces an even more considerable risk.

Age and Condition of Your Home

Insurance premiums for older, run-down properties are typically higher than for newer, well-maintained ones. Some insurance companies even provide discounts for newly constructed homes.

Location

The amount you pay in premiums is influenced by where you live. If your zip code is near a location with a history of risks like vandalism, theft, or weather-related disasters, the cost of your coverage may rise. However, if you live near a fire station, for example, your location may have a lower rate.

Added Coverage For Unique Exposures

If you have a pool, trampoline, or other unique risks, you will typically pay more. You may also pay more if you own uncertain dog breeds.

The Type of Coverage You select

There are various sorts of homeowner’s insurance policies, and the one you choose will have an impact on your rate. Because most home insurance policies contain liability coverage, the main distinction is the level of coverage provided for your home and personal items.

Condition of Your Roof

The condition of a home’s roof will affect the cost of the homeowner’s insurance. The state of your roof has an impact on your homeowner’s insurance. Houses with newer roofs will generally pay less, while those with older roofs may pay more. Any time you make a home modification, particularly replacing or repairing a roof, you should check with your insurance agent to make sure you’re protected and to take advantage of any potential discounts.

Safety or Security Features

Home security systems, fire sprinklers, impact-resistant garage doors and windows, water-leak sensors, and other preventative features can result in insurance cost reductions.

Call us today and let us help protect what is important to you. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

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How To Lower Your Auto insurance Now?

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

An Auto Insurance Update

Not sure how to save money on auto insurance? Many auto insurance companies provide discounts and advantages to help you save money on your auto insurance plans. Consult your insurer’s agent to see how you might save.

Your auto insurance provides financial security and comfort of mind. Choose a firm that offers competitive rates while still providing dependable coverage: request suggestions and personal experiences from friends and family. Having an agent help, you will reduce much of the time and stress involved in finding the right auto insurance for you.

Bundle Your Insurance

Bundle your insurance if you have multiple automobiles or different types of insurance. You can combine your policy with other plans such as homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, boat insurance, motorcycle insurance, and even umbrella insurance. If you buy more than one policy from the same company, you’ll get a bundle or multi-line discount.

Be A Safe Driver

Customers having a history of accidents and movement offenses (including speeding tickets) typically pay a higher premium since they pose a greater risk of driving. According to Insurance.com, even a single traffic ticket can raise your auto insurance price by 19%.

Change Your Deductibles

If you are a safe driver, you’ll almost certainly never have to make an insurance claim or pay a deductible. If you’re unfamiliar with the term “deductible,” it refers to the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays the rest of your claim. The deductible for most insurance is around $500. Increasing it to $1,000 or more could result in lower monthly premiums.

Low Millage Plans

Low-mileage discounts may be available if you drive less than the average amount of miles in your area. You might also choose for a “pay-as-you-go” plan, which charges you based on the number of miles you drive. If you work from home or have a short commute, these are extremely beneficial.

Pay Your Premium In Full

If you pay your insurance premium in full instead of monthly, your rate for car insurance can go down.

Consider The Car

Your insurance prices are influenced by the type of car you drive. Because of the heightened danger of injury and the increased demand for collision coverage, premiums for expensive sports cars are frequently excessive. Furthermore, larger SUVs are more expensive to insure than smaller (safe) cars. Premiums for new autos are also greater than for old or used vehicles.

Location

You can expect your auto insurance costs to rise if you move to a larger city with greater crime rates.

Have Your Agent Shop For You

Companies charge different premiums for the same coverage. Without utilizing an agent, you may not know this. Your agent can offer a number of options based on your individual needs. Check to see if the company is licensed to operate in our state.

Ask For Discounts

Here are some of the discounts you should inquire about

  • Good student
  • Safe driver
  • Loyalty
  • Bundled policies
  • Multi-car
  • Low mileage
  • Driver training
  • New car
  • Pay in full
  • Hybrid
  • Safety equipment

Do you need a homeowner’s insurance quote?  Talk to us today about keeping your home and family protected. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

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Insurance Can Offer Peace of Mind

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

Every one of us has certain things that occasionally prevent us from getting a good night’s sleep. These concerns might be a job, kids, an illness, or other problems in life. Our goal is to make sure that protecting your family with the right insurance is one thing that does not keep you up at night.

Here is how we help you get a good night’s sleep:

  1. We never sell you a policy. We ask questions and educate you so that the coverage you select is the right fit for you.
  2. Insurance is a complex transaction, so we work hard to make sure you understand how insurance works before you make a decision.
  3. Our team is licensed, and we have years of experience, which helps us better educate and guide you in your insurance needs.
  4. We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance decisions.

According to an Insurance Journal article, here are the ssues that keep people up at night:

  • Floods and other natural disasters
  • Identity theft
  • Lack of money to cover accidents or emergencies
  • Building a new home
  • End of life issues
  • Eldercare

We can provide valuable information regarding each of these concerns so that you can make the right decision for yourself and your family. Our team will never push you into a hasty decision. That is because we will only offer you an insurance solution after we fully understand your needs. Connect with us, and let us show you how we do it and help you get a good night’s sleep.

Call us today and let us help protect what is important to you. We are a full-service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

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The Nuts and Bolts of Contractor’s Insurance

Posted under Commercial Insurance, News and Announcements, Workers Compensation.

A Contractors Insurance Update

The success of your business depends on the quality of your business insurance.  Business insurance is designed to protect your business in the event of an unexpected claim.  We can create a contractor’s insurance program that is designed for your unique operation.  Here are a few of the kinds of contractor insurance you need.

  • The basic contractor insurance program should include property, commercial liability, auto, equipment coverage, and excess liability.
  • Contractor’s bonds.  A contractor’s license bond is a license and permits bond that is designed to assist all types of contractors.  In many states, contractor bonds are required and help ensure that the contractor will operate in compliance with the local statutes as well as laws.
  • As an independent contractor, you may need to have worker’s compensation insurance.  Worker’s comp regulations are mandated state by state.  If you are in business for yourself and you do not have employees, you are most likely not required to buy worker’s compensation insurance.
  • Contractor tool/equipment coverage.  Your tools are part of your business; make sure they are insured to full replacement cost.
  • Contractors Errors and Omissions coverage.  Every contractor has this exposure.  If you provide any advice on your job, you have professional liability risk.
  • Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) coverage.  An EPLI policy covers claims made against directors, officers, employees, the company, and its subsidiaries.  The policy can cover a long list of claims, including wrongful dismissal/termination, sexual/racial/disability harassment, sexual/racial/disability/religious discrimination, employment-related libel, slander, defamation, invasion of privacy, wrongful failure to employ or promote, and retaliation.
  • Workers’ Compensation.  Workers’ compensation insurance is insurance that provides lost income, medical benefits, disability benefits, and rehabilitative services for workers injured on the job or while performing work-related duties.

Your business needs protection provided by a company and insurance advisor that you can trust.

Call us today and let us help protect what is important to you. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

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Planning a Safe Vacation

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

Ah, travel is bliss; or we’d like to think so!   We want our vacations to be perfect, and ticket mishaps, delays, and schedule changes are all problems none of us like to have to happen. We want you to have a great vacation and return home safe. Whether you are planning a trip across the state, or across the world, we have some tips to keep you safe:

  • Create an itinerary and give it to a family member or close friend.
  • Put all emergency numbers in everyone’s cell phone.
  • Don’t carry a lot of cash.
  • Advise your credit card companies of your travel. They will see purchases outside your normal area and may place a hold on the cards.
  • To avoid problems when passing through security, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.
  • Put your name, address, and telephone numbers outside, and inside, of each piece of luggage.
  • You don’t need all your credit cards and ID; leave those you will not be using at home.
  • Never wear anything that projects affluence; no gold chains, expensive watches, rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia.  It is best to leave your expensive jewelry at home.
  • Do not wear name tags in public.
  • At the hotel discuss basic emergency procedures with your children, such as what to do in case of a fire.
  • Park only in well-lit and well-traveled areas.
  • Let your neighbors know your plans.
  • If your plans include travel out of the country, check your health insurance, as there may be some limitations. Call the PlatinumOne Insurance for a review.
  • Purchase timers for lights in your home and place them in two or three rooms.

Enjoy your vacation and be safe!