partners in risk

Insurance Buying Tips For 2022

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

Everyone is looking for good personal insurance. Some want low-cost home insurance; others want the best coverage for a reasonable price. Yet savvy personal insurance buyers look for the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service. Here are a few tips to help you get started. Don’t forget to use an agent who can offer professional advice.

Always review your coverage annually – It is important to read and review your insurance annually. It may not be easy to understand but you can always call your agent to help you understand the terms and conditions.

Don’t skimp on coverage thinking you don’t need it – discovering you don’t have enough coverage after a loss is the worst time. Buying that low-cost insurance at a discount may have tasted sweet at the time, but the unpleasant aftertaste may remain if you realize you don’t have the correct coverage or adequate coverage in the case of a loss.

Insure your home to full replacement cost– Insurance is, in comparison, a reasonably modest buy. The reason for this is that insurance firms base their premiums on the law of large numbers. As a result, considering the relative cost of insurance, it is prudent to insure anything of great worth. You will not be sorry.

Look for discounts – After you’ve determined your coverage needs, think about your budget and ways to cut costs. Consult your insurance agent to check whether you are eligible for any discounts on your policy. Carriers frequently provide discounts for things like paying your premiums on time, being accident-free, or getting good grades in school. You can also save money if you purchase numerous policies from the same company, such as home and auto insurance.

Adjust your personal insurance coverage as your life stage changes – for example, when you have a young family with small children at home, your need for life insurance is greatest. When you’re in your twilight years and don’t have any dependents, it’s the last thing you need. Make the necessary changes to your coverage. If your adult children have been covered under your auto policy, consider switching them to their own policy. Make changes to your coverage to fit your current lifestyle and stage of life.

Don’t forget to update your insurance with life changes – did you purchase a new car, boat, or motorcycle? Most plans enable you to add additional items for a 30-day grace period. You’re on your own after that because coverage won’t kick in until the unit is added to the policy.

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. We are always searching for ways to help our clients save money on their auto insurance. Saving money on auto insurance is a relatively quick way to lower the cost of operating your car, and can be accomplished with a quick phone call to PlatinumOne Insurance. There are many ways to lower your insurance costs without eliminating needed coverage. Here are a few ideas to consider:

insurance

Important Things To Consider Before Your Next Business Insurance Renewal

Posted under Benefits of Being Independent, Commercial Insurance, Cyber Liability, News and Announcements, Workers Compensation.

The day-to-day operations and challenges of running a business can often overshadow the importance of reviewing your insurance coverage. Updating your insurance may not be at the top of your priority list, what with work, home, and personal obligations. Have you ever wondered when you should update your insurance policy? We recommend your take the time to review your business insurance program before each renewal.

The length of time it takes to renew your policy is determined by the size of your company, the complexity of your risk, and the insurance carriers you use. However, starting conversations two to four months ahead of time has a significant advantage. We have discovered that it allows you to communicate with your insurance broker about various difficulties and ideas. You can talk about potential company developments as well as the various insurance options.

A good market strategy can be condensed to five simple criteria regardless of an organization’s size, complexity, or risk profile.

  1. Evaluate Your Agent Choices, knowledge of your industry, their ability to develop a relationship or partnership with you and reference checks.
  2. Start the process 90 days in advance.
  3. Review your risks in relation to your coverage. Are there any gaps in coverage that need to be addressed?
  4. Recognize that a low price may not be the best option.
  5. Be prepared to negotiate.

Evaluate Your Agent Choices

To begin with, how responsive is your insurance agent? Is it common for you to be left hanging or suffering in the dark for weeks while waiting for a response to your insurance details? Of course, top-tier brokers are also quite busy. A little common sense goes a long way. People who want your business, on the other hand, are more likely to work hard for it.

Consider the following items when selecting your agent

  • How many insurers do they represent?
  • Are they experienced?
  • Look for an agent with whom you can develop a good rapport. If you have an effective working relationship with your provider, you will likely have a better experience purchasing comprehensive coverage.
  • Do they have experienced staff?
  • Look for a partner not just a vendor.

Start The Process Early

Some agent like to start 120 out from the renewal date, and other say 90 days is ok. We think the more time you have, the better. This gives you plenty of time to plan your strategy and goals, gather data, create attractive underwriting submissions, engage underwriters to consider your options, and get post-binding papers like ID cards, certificates of insurance, and invoices. The idea is never to give an insurer a reason to deny participation because “there isn’t enough time.

Review Your Risks In Relations To Your Coverage

The process of risk and coverage review can be important to ensure your proposed coverage meets your goals. If you have an uncured loss due to a lack of understanding of your risk is never acceptable. This gives you and your agent an opportunity to thoroughly review your risks and design a program to meet your needs.

Recognize That Low Price May Not Be The Best Option

Often businesses will look to the lowest cost as the main factor in considering which program to select. This may not be in your best interest. Low-cost insurance can mean that there are coverages missing, restrictive terms, or exclusion you may not want to be included in the quote.

There are cost-saving options when purchasing or renewing company insurance coverage to help you save a large amount of money. If you can persuade your insurance that your risk exposure is modest, for example, your premium can be lowered.

Be Prepared To Negotiate

While a small business doesn’t have the same bargaining power as a firm that pays a six-figure premium, there are a few things you can ask for, including:

  • Multi-year policies. These are helpful from a budgeting standpoint.
  • Can the carrier assist with loss control? Identifying dangers in the workplace, advocating better controls, giving staff training materials, and developing best practices for a safer work environment are just a few examples. Mock Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) inspections help ensure the business is OSHA compliant.
  • Deductibles. As a result, assuming more significant risk in the form of a higher deductible should lower your premium. Determine how much your company can afford to pay if you need to file a claim while contemplating this choice.

Yes, the renewal procedure can be time-consuming and complicated, with many loose ends. That does not have to be the case. Not if you follow the correct procedures and have a well-defined strategy. A qualified insurance broker specializing in commercial insurance plans may make things a lot easier and more cost-effective.

Commercial business insurance is an important aspect of any business that cannot be ignored, especially if the business premises are leased or rented and even otherwise. Whatever your commercial insurance needs, we can design a protection program that’s right for you.

We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. Our Overland Park, Kansas insurance agency has 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.

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 insurance companies we represent.

We are licensed in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

partners in risk

How To Keep Your Home Safe This Winter

Posted under Uncategorized.

The weather in the winter can be crazy. That is why having the appropriate homeowner’s insurance is crucial. Ice, snow, and wind can do serious damage to your home. Fortunately, there are steps you may take to protect yourself from winter harm.

Suggestions for Keeping Your Home Safe

  • Keep snow and ice off roofs and gutters, and clear walkways of snow.
  • During storms, power wires are susceptible. Lightning strikes can easily shatter power lines, and fallen branches can blow up transformers, resulting in major power outages. Consider getting a home generator to keep your power on in the event of long-term power outages due to harsher weather patterns.
  • Trim the trees around your house, as well as any trees that are close to your neighbor’s house.
  • Identify the location of your main water shutoff valve.
  • Cover exterior water faucets with coverings.
  • Inspect the attic for signs of water intrusion.
  • If you live in a region where high winds are common or where hurricanes are common, storm shutters can keep your windows from breaking and protect you from flying debris.
  • To keep inside water faucets from freezing, you may need to turn them on.
  • Check to see if your heating system is up to par.
  • Close the fireplace flue if you aren’t using your fireplace.
  • If you’re going away, set your thermostat to no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most types of damage caused by a freeze are covered by standard homeowner’s policy. If your property has been damaged by water, it is critical to ensure that it is completely dried and repaired to avoid the growth of mold. For more information, give us a call right now.

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. We are always searching for ways to help our clients save money on their auto insurance. Saving money on auto insurance is a relatively quick way to lower the cost of operating your car, and can be accomplished with a quick phone call to PlatinumOne Insurance. There are many ways to lower your insurance costs without eliminating needed coverage. Here are a few ideas to consider:

partners in risk

Home Inspection – Prepare Your Home

Posted under Uncategorized.

It is football season, time to shop for new skis, and it is also time to consider how to protect your home from the winter conditions that are fast approaching. With temperatures falling and meteorologists predicting a colder than normal winter, the easiest and most cost-efficient way to keep your home’s heat inside, while keeping your heating bill respectable, is to add fresh insulation to your attic, ceilings, basement, and walls.  Mark Wolf (of the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association) states that “these do-it-yourself home upgrades could cause instant energy savings between 10 and 20%”.

Winter storm damage can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Let PlatinumOne Insurance Agency provide you with an insurance check-up to make sure you have the best possible coverage. Inspecting your home now can save you thousands down the road.

Here are a few home inspection tips to help prevent property damage, and help keep your Kansas home insurance costs down:

  • Check and clean your heating system to make sure it is in good working condition for the winter months.
  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. This prevents lint from accumulating and reduces the risk of fire
  • Keep gutters clean and roof drains open. Inspect washing machine hoses periodically, and replace hoses that show signs of wear or leakage.
  • Make sure attic insulation doesn’t cover ventilation vents in the eaves. This helps prevent winter ice dams.
  • Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint the exposed wood.
  • Make sure attic insulation is at least R30.
  • Make sure all stairwell drains are clear of debris. Consider building a permanent roof over an exterior stairwell to prevent debris and rain from getting into the stairwell.
  • Inspect the home exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes and seal them.
  • Insulate pipes that pass through unheated areas. Your home’s crawlspace and attic are two such areas.
  • Use weather stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
  • If the chimney hasn’t been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
  • Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
  • Vacuum under and behind the freezer and refrigerator to greatly improve efficiency of the units.
  • Check the mortar between bricks.
  • Check the condition of the putty around the windowpanes. If chunks are falling off, it’s time to have fresh putty installed.
  • Make sure all smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm near the furnace and any fireplaces that get used.

insurance

Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season

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. According to proopertycasualtiy360, over 26 million packages are stolen during the holiday season. Need more bad news?

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. Also, for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc.

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.

We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. Our Overland Park, Kansas insurance agency has 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.

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 insurance companies we represent.

We are licensed in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

insurane

What Are The Most Common Home Insurance Claims?

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

Tailgate Safety Tips

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

Fall Home Safety Tips

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

What’s In Your Policy?

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.

What Is Professional Liability?

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.