insurane

Posted under News and Announcements, Personal Insurance.

Everyone wants the protection that personal insurance offers, including; home insurance, auto and motorcycle insurance, renter’s insurance, and even RV insurance. Are you, however, properly safeguarded against the most common claims you might face? Let’s look at some of the most typical home insurance claims so you can be sure your policy provides adequate coverage in the event of an accident.

So, what are the most common and expensive insurance claims? According to national data from the Insurance Information Institute, these were the incidents that prompted the most insurance claims between 2015 and 2019.

  1. Wind and Hail Claims
  2. Water Damage and freezing
  3. Fire & lightening
  4. Theft
  5. Personal injury to others

Prevention tips

Homeowners do not want loss or damage to their homes since they are costly, stressful, and inconvenient to cope with. Insurance companies likewise do not want bad things to happen since they lose money when bad things happen.

  • Having a smoke alarm that is operational.
  • The presence of a fire extinguisher.
  • Living in close proximity to a fire station.
  • Maintain your roof
  • Having a security system installed in your home.
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Keeping the plumbing and sprinkler systems in good working order.

One thing to keep in mind, though: while safety and security updates are almost always a good idea, not all of them will result in an insurance reduction. If you’re thinking of upgrading to a higher-end vehicle to save money on premiums, talk to your insurer first.

insurance

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

The big game is here. Did you know your homeowner’s insurance can cover your liability if you injure someone during a tailgate party? However, if you bought your insurance online in 7 minutes, you may not have the right personal insurance coverage. Pre-game tailgating gives us the chance to bond with fellow sports fans over the grill and cold beverages, but it also presents a few hazards that shouldn’t be overlooked. Don’t let a great day be spoiled by a lack of personal insurance. So call us today and we will gladly review your personal insurance coverage.

Tailgating Safety Tips

  • Keep food at a safe temperature while transporting from home to the game.
  • Keep foods separated in plastic bags.
  • When packing the cooler, be sure raw meat and poultry are wrapped securely and separately.
  • Don’t let food sit out for hours.
  • Even on cloudy days, you may have a need for sunscreen.
  • Drink lots of water
  • Try to monitor drinking; there is nothing worse than a drunk football fan.
  • If you use a grill, make sure you follow all manufacturers safety instructions
  • Don’t use a grill close to any vehicles.
  • Keep lighter fluid away from grill or heat.
  • Always have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand.
  • If you use charcoal briquettes, cool them down prior to storage. A good method is to place them in a bucket of water.  

Make sure your tailgate area is cleaned up, and waste is disposed of in the correct place after the fun and celebrations. Also, conduct a reconnaissance of the area surrounding your vehicle. Make sure there are no cans, bottles, or anything in the way that you could run over and damage your vehicle.

Remember that the goal is to have a fun and safe time while cheering for your team. We want everyone to get home safe. But if something were to happen, remember you want the right kind of personal insurance to protect yourself.

home insurance

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

As we move into a new season, it is important to remember to get your home prepared for the fall.  While most Californians do not have to deal with crazy winters, we do need to be prepared for high wind and some level of rainfall.

  • Keep all vegetation clear from around your home to help reduce fire damage.
  • Clean gutters.  Make sure water is not coming down from behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.
  • Check your roof for any damage.
  • Tune up your HVAC system
  • Inspect any walkways and handrails.
  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Verify that your attic is adequately ventilated.
  • Give your deck a fresh coat of stain or sealer to protect it from the winter elements.

We are ready to help you review your personal insurance program. It may be that you do not need any additional personal insurance coverage.  On the other hand, you may only need adjustments to your limits or deductibles.  Whatever the case, we can help.  Give our team a call today.

We are the smart way to buy insurance. As a leading Kansas City Independent Agency, we offer a broad selection of insurance policies, companies and financial services. We are licensed in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska and are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. By representing multiple carriers such as Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass and Progressive, we have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that can best serve your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage… and it benefits you the customer.

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State. We primarily write business in Jackson, Cass and Platt County in Missouri but again are licensed in the entire State to write business. We offer preferred coverage that qualifies for all mortgage companies and strives to be the premier Kansas City Independent Insurance Agency.

We are a designated Trusted Choice insurance agency which assures quality service.

insurance

Posted under Life Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance.

Homeowners don’t always review their policies until they have a claim. Only to discover that their coverage isn’t what they expected. That is why it is critical to understand what you are paying for. We believe it is important to understand what you are purchasing. So let’s start with this overview.

Here are a few of the coverage you need to consider. So what’s in your policy?

Are you covered for flood loss? 

Most basic homeowner’s insurance policies exclude flood coverage. A separate flood insurance policy is required, which can be acquired through the National Flood Insurance Program. Your agent can assist you.

Do you know your deductibles? 

You will be responsible for a deductible if your house and goods are harmed in a covered loss. Your agent can tell you the amount if you don’t know.

Do you have ACV or replacement cost coverage?

Actual Cash Value (ACV), which reflects depreciation, and Replacement Cost (RC), which is what it costs to replace the item today, are the two ways claims are settled. Ask your agent if you’re not sure what you have.

Have you considered a personal umbrella policy? 

Umbrella insurance is a type of personal liability insurance that covers claims in excess of regular homeowners, auto, or watercraft policy coverage. Get a quote today.

Our agents will give you great service and the products you require, whether you need to safeguard your car and home, want insurance for the contents of your apartment, or need a general umbrella policy for peace of mind. We take satisfaction in providing personal insurance coverage that safeguards your most valuable possessions. We want to make sure that your insurance coverage covers your most important people and resources.

Posted under Commercial Insurance.

]Why Professional Liability?

insurance

We live in a world where lawsuits are common. Private firms are no longer immune from litigation from employees, competitors, and even the government.  Management or professional liability insurance is not just good business; it is as necessary as heat and lighting for your office. Statutes, federal and state laws change on a regular basis, so it is vital that your company protect its assets with management or professional liability insurance.

What is Included in Professional Liability?

Usually, management liability can include Directors & Officers Insurance, Employment Practices Liability, Errors & Omissions Liability, and event Cyber Liability Insurance.

Professional Liability Issues

  • General Liability Insurance does not cover the risks of Employment Liability, Professional Liability, and Directors and Officers Liability. You need a separate insurance policy to cover these risks.
  • Defense costs are going up at a rapid rate. Insurance can provide needed defense coverage, even if you are not liable.
  • Company owners can be held personally liable for their actions as well as the actions of other managers or executives.

General Coverage Terms – Each Carrier Will Offer different Terms

  • Coverage for claims brought by partners not involved in the firm’s management
  • Mismanagement or negligence in the day-to-day business decisions
  • Punitive damages coverage (where insurable by law)
  • Coverage for subsidiaries
  • Can include all employees

The best thing you can do is call our office and allow us to provide you with a risk review including coverage options. Once you have had a chance to review coverage and pricing, then you are better equipped to make an informed decision.

Our business success depends on how effectively we serve our customers. As a designated Trusted Choice agency, we are dedicated to providing the best service in the industry. Experience the difference by giving us a call today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to assist you in any way possible.

See which companies we represent.

We are licensed in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

Posted under Uncategorized.

water

Heat stress is a signal that says the body is having difficulty maintaining its narrow temperature range. The heart pumps faster, blood is diverted from internal organs to the skin, breathing rate increases, and sweating increases, all in an attempt to transfer more heat to the outside air and cool the skin by the evaporation of sweat. If the body can’t keep up, then the person suffers effects ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and finally to heat stroke.

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.  Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Prevention Tips

  • Drink water frequently and moderately. 
  • Take breaks and rest periodically out of the sun and heat.
  • Eat lightly.
  • Do jobs that are more strenuous during the cooler morning hours.
  • Utilizing ventilation or fans in enclosed areas.
  • Remembering that it takes about 1-2 weeks for the body to adjust to the heat; this adaptation is quickly lost – so your body will need time to adjust after a vacation.
  • Avoiding alcohol consumption. Many cases have occurred the day after a “night on the town”.
  • Wear light-colored, cotton clothes, and keep your shirt on; desert nomads do not wear all those clothes for nothing.

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.

Additional sources: CNA

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

auto insurance

While different states require different types of insurance and additional options (such as gap insurance) are available. Some types of automobile insurance are mandated by California State law, while others are optional. Drivers or individuals who are willing to pay higher premiums will be better protected if they purchase additional insurance coverage. To make an informed selection about which auto insurance policy to purchase, you should first gain a basic grasp of the various types of coverage available.

The most basic auto policies include bodily injury liability, personal injury protection, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. All information is subject to your individual policy terms and conditions. 

Auto Liability Insurance

Bodily injury liability insurance covers injuries caused by you, the designated driver or policyholder, to others. When you and family members specified on the insurance drive someone else’s automobile with their permission, you are insured. It’s critical to have enough liability insurance since you could be sued for a huge quantity of money if you’re involved in a catastrophic accident. 

We recommend that you buy more than the state-required minimum liability insurance, enough to protect assets such as your home and savings.

Property Damage

This coverage covers damage to someone else’s property that you (or someone driving the automobile with your permission) may cause. This usually refers to damage to another person’s vehicle, but it can also refer to damage to light posts, telephone poles, fences, buildings, or other objects that your vehicle collided with.

Collision Insurance

If you have collision coverage (per your policy), your insurance company will pay for damage to your car or truck regardless of who is to blame in the case of an accident. This type of insurance covers standard car-to-car collisions as well as single-car accidents.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers (if you have it) theft or damage caused by something other than a collision.

Medical Expenses

Covers the cost of medical care (hospital, doctor’s services, etc.) for you and your passengers in the event of an accident

Uninsured And Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you, a member of your family, or a designated driver is hit by an uninsured driver or a motorist who does not have enough insurance to cover your whole loss, underinsured motorist coverage reimburses you, a member of your family, or the designated driver. This coverage also protects you if a covered driver is the victim of a hit-and-run or if you are struck or hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist as a pedestrian.

Other Kinds Of Auto Insurance

Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance

If your automobile is in the shop for repairs due to an insured loss, you will be reimbursed for your rental car. Tow trucks, locksmith services, and basic repairs on the side of the road are all covered under roadside assistance.

Umbrella Insurance

If you don’t believe the highest levels of bodily injury and property damage liability could be enough to safeguard and protect your assets in the event of a serious accident, you might consider purchasing an umbrella policy. In addition to your usual auto insurance liability limitations, umbrella policies provide a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage.

Auto insurance You May Not Have Thought Of

  • New Car Replacement
  • Ride-Sharing Insurance
  • Classic Car Insurance
  • Special Custom Equipment
  • Mexico Insurance

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance.

Your home will be one of the most significant investments you will ever make, both economically and emotionally. Your family will spend countless hours there, among some of your most prized possessions. In the event of any misfortune, let us give you the peace of mind knowing that you are well protected.

insurance

Replacement Cost Coverage

You can insure your home and belongings for replacement cost, which pays the actual cost of replacing your home or possessions (no deduction for depreciation) up to the limit of your policy.

Suppose, for example, a fire destroys a 10-year-old TV set in your living room. If you have a replacement cost policy for the contents of your home, the insurance company will pay to replace the TV set with a new one. If you have an actual cash value policy, it will pay only a percentage of the cost of a new TV set.

Insuring expensive items with floaters/endorsements

There may be limits on how much coverage you get for expensive items such as jewelry, silverware and furs. Generally, there is a limit on jewelry for $1,000 to $2,000. You should ask your agent or look it up in your policy.

If the limits are too low, consider buying a special personal property floater or an endorsement. These allow you to insure these items individually or as a collection.

Additional living expenses after a disaster

This is a very important feature of a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. This pays the additional costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can’t live in it due to a fire, severe storm or other insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt.

You should talk to your agent or company to make sure you know exactly how much coverage you have and how long the coverage will be in effect. In most cases, you can increase this coverage for an additional premium.

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

bigstock-Concept-or-conceptual-black-pl-47908673Summer 2016 Vacation Safety

Your family is on vacation having a great time, when you get a call from the police department telling you your home has been burglarized, and your identity may have been compromised.  Chances are your homeowner’s insurance will cover you, but a little prevention might have prevented the loss.  There are things that you can do to deter or prevent a break-in while you are on vacation.  The basic idea is to do everything you can to make it look like there are still people and signs of activity in the home.

Home Burglary facts (Source FBI, Harris Interactive Polls)

  • 23% of burglars get in through the back door.
  • Homes with security systems have a 30% less chance of being targets.
  • A majority of convicted burglars say they avoid homes with alarm systems.
  • 20% of homeowners say they leave their doors unlocked.
  • Burglars will use social media to select targets.
  • The average cost to replace stolen items is $4,200.

Follow These Homeowner’s Tips before You Go on Vacation

  • Set electric timers for interior and exterior lights.
  • Stop all mail.
  • Do not leave any spare keys hidden outside the house.
  • Tell your neighbors that you are leaving.
  • Almost no one remembers to turn down the temperature on the water heater. This can be an excellent way to save electricity as well.
  • Do not take all your credits cards on vacation, only take the one or two you may need.
  • Don’t post vacation pictures on social media sites until your return home.
  • Complete a home inventory and keep it in a safe place.

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.

Posted under Uncategorized.

boat

As summer approaches, many people are moving outdoors. This includes using ATVs, boats, RVs, golf carts, and more. All these vehicles need insurance to protect you against damage and liability. It is important to have the right insurance for your recreational vehicles. Most of these are not automatically covered under your home or auto policies.

If you don’t want to insure physical damage on your recreational vehicles, that is an option, but you still need liability insurance. If you have loans on these vehicles, you may be required to insure them.

RV Insurance

RV insurance rates differ from company to company, so it pays to have us shop for your insurance. Some markets offer better rates for trucks, RVs, and campers, while others can offer better rates for motorcycles. To properly insure your RV, you may need liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, medical payment, and towing coverage.

Boat/Watercraft Insurance

It would help if you considered watercraft/boat insurance for liability and damage to the hull and personal property. Boat insurance can include physical damage coverage, medical payments, liability, and trailer coverage.

ATV and Golf Cart Insurance

A standard auto insurance policy doesn’t cover ATVs. Even if you are not required to carry physical damage insurance on your ATV, it is still important to protect yourself from liability claims if you injure a third party.