halloween

Halloween Safety

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

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

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

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

insurance

Things That Increase Your Homeowner’s Insurance Risk

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

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

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

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

Home Insurance

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

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

A Homeowners Insurance Policy Will Generally Cover The Following:

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

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

insurance

How Often Should I Review My Insurance Program?

Posted under Uncategorized.

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

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

Reasons to Review Your Personal Insurance

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

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

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

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

risk

We Know And Understand Insurance

Posted under Uncategorized.

The leading trends in insurance today

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

We know and understand your needs

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

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

Are You A High-Risk Driver?

Posted under Auto Insurance.

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

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

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

You have a DUI.

You have a serious violation.

Any accident that results in a fatality.

Driving without a license.

Driving without insurance.

You drive an exotic car.

For whatever reason, your auto insurance has lapsed.

How to get auto insurance if you are considered high risk

You may need non-standard insurance.

SR-22 insurance for specific situations.

Allow your agent to shop auto insurance for you.

Determine what auto insurance discounts you may be eligible for.

Improve your driving skills.

Consider a lower risk car.

Being Physically Active Has Many Health Benefits

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

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

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

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

partners in risk

Which Bad Behaviors Cause Auto Accidents?

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

Auto Insurance Update

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

Bad Driving Causes Auto Accidents

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

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

partners in risk

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

partners in risk

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.

partners in risk

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.