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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!

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Insurance For Summer Fun

Posted under Auto Insurance, Benefits of Being Independent, Homeowner’s Insurance, Life Insurance, Personal Insurance.

A Personal Insurance Update

We generally have great weather all year here, but when spring and summer arrive, it seems like to get out more and spend time in the great outdoors. That means getting your toys insured. That is where we can help. We offer insurance coverage options and competitive prices on all kinds of toys, including boats, personal watercraft, RVs, motorcycles, ATV, and more.

All of these vehicles require insurance to protect you from damage and liability. It is critical to have the right kind of insurance coverage for your recreational vehicles. The majority of these are not automatically covered by your home or auto insurance policies.

You can choose not to insure physical damage to your recreational vehicles, but you must still have liability insurance. You may be required to insure these vehicles if you have loans on them.

Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance should be an important part of your insurance planning. Having insurance will help you replace any damaged property and cover medical bills in the event of a serious accident. Depending on the bike, motorcycle insurance is less expensive than car insurance and will provide you with peace of mind while riding. Most types of motorcycles are covered by our insurance policies, including sport bikes, cruisers, standard bikes, touring bikes, custom motorcycles, scooters, and classic motorcycles. Our policies can also include liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, medical coverage, custom equipment, medical payments, towing, and labor. Check your current motorcycle insurance policy to ensure that each piece of special equipment is listed.

ATV Insurance

Your ATV is a significant recreational investment. The last thing you want to be concerned about while riding is whether you have adequate insurance coverage. You can ride your bike with confidence knowing that you’re properly insured with a customized All-Terrain Vehicle insurance policy

Whether you ride a 4-wheeler, a dune buggy, or even a golf cart, you can get the ATV insurance you want and the insurance protection you deserve with coverage options such as:

  • Collision coverage protects your ATV from damage caused by rocks, trees, and other obstacles or debris.
  • Bodily Injury this pays for the medical expenses of others if you are found to be at fault in an accident.
  • Uninsured Motorist protects you against loss or damage caused by uninsured or underinsured riders.
  • Comprehensive coverage is an added layer of protection against loss or damage caused by theft, fire, or vandalism.
  • Property Damage covers expenses incurred due to damage to another person’s property for which you are liable.

RV Insurance

RV insurance rates vary from one company to the next. It is critical that we shop your insurance to ensure that you get the best coverage possible. A one-size-fits-all insurance policy does not exist. Some insurers provide better rates for trucks, RVs, and campers, whereas others provide better rates for expensive motorhomes. We can cover vehicles in classes A, B, and C.

• Liability Coverage for RVs

• Collision and comprehensive insurance

• Around-the-clock roadside assistance

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

• Money for unexpected expenses

• Contents coverage

• Towing protection

• Medical payments insurance

Classic Car Insurance

A classic, collectible or antique car is no ordinary car, and regular auto insurance is not sufficient to protect such a vehicle against damage or loss. Many of the same coverages are provided by a classic car insurance policy as they are by a standard auto insurance policy. A classic car policy may include liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and medical coverages such as personal injury protection, liability, or medical payments coverage. You can also get reimbursement for towing and roadside assistance.

Watercraft Insurance

Whether you own a sailboat, a luxury yacht, or something in between, our comprehensive watercraft policy is tailored and designed to your specific needs and includes broad navigational limits to protect you in both domestic and international waters.

We will search the market for the boat insurance program that best fits your individual needs.

  • Hull protection
  • Liability coverage
  • Trailer coverage
  • Replacement cost
  • Waterski liability
  • Coverage for special boat equipment
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Pollution liability
  • On-water towing
  • And more

Golf Cart insurance

Accidents involving golf carts can occur at any time and in any location. While on the golf course, you may cause damage to someone’s property or be involved in an accident. Golf cart insurance is essential because it protects you from these types of risks. Coverage can include; liability, physical damage, collision, and comprehensive coverages.

Personal Watercraft Insurance

In the event of a loss, accident, damage, or theft, personal watercraft insurance should cover your PWC/jet ski. PWC insurance can cover physical damage, bodily injury, medical payments, towing, and roadside assistance, among other things, depending on the specifics of your policy. We will collaborate with you or your agent to design a coverage plan tailored to your specific requirements.

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Does Bundling My Personal Insurance Make Sense?

Posted under Auto Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance.

Take a look at these insurance buying tips for bundling your home and auto insurance policies to ensure you get the best deal!

When you have multiple types of insurance plans with the same insurance company, you have a “bundle” of policies. When you get a discount for bundling your policies with one insurance provider, it’s called an insurance bundle discount.

Policies You Might Bundle

  • Home
  • Auto
  • Motorcycle
  • Boat
  • Personal Umbrella

Things To Consider When Bundling

Bundling your insurance could provide several advantages. Although these advantages will likely fluctuate by the carrier, the money you save on your policies and the time you save managing your policies are two of the most typical perks of bundling.

Getting numerous separate policies from the same insurer can save you a lot of money. While particular savings are dependent on the insurer as well as the types and number of insurance purchased,

Purchasing multiple policies (home, auto, or motorcycle) from the same insurer can be more convenient than purchasing multiple policies from other companies. Multiple policies can often be handled or obtained from the same insurance agent using the same online account.

How To Get Started

Contacting your insurance agent is an excellent place to start if you’re interested in bundling your coverage. Your agent should be able to assist you in finding the ideal policy combination to meet your coverage and financial requirements.

While saving money on insurance premiums is a desirable thing, the ultimate goal should be to find an insurer that delivers on that promise