Your Personal Insurance and COVID-19

Posted under Auto Insurance, Cyber Liability, Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

As our country continues to manage through the COVID-19 crises, we thought it might be useful to take some time to remind you of the importance of your personal insurance during this time. The coronavirus pandemic won’t affect your auto or homeowner’s insurance too much, but there are a few coverages that could be impacted because of the temporary lifestyle change.

  • Do not cancel your auto insurance just because you are temporarily not driving.  Auto insurance is required by law.  If you are looking for ways to save money on your auto insurance, give us a call.
  • If you are working remotely via computer, there should be no issues with your homeowners or renter’s insurance.  However, this is true as long as there are no customers coming to your home.  If you are running a business from your home, you will need business insurance.  We are happy to help you with this. 
  • If you have a claim, we are open, as are the insurers.  Give us a call, and we will be ready to help you. Your policy has toll-free claim numbers to help you get the process going.
  • Many insurance companies are offering relaxed payment terms. We suggest you contact them directly if you feel you may miss a payment. Of course, you can always contact our office to assist you.
  • Be aware of credit card and cyber scams. Unfortunately, criminals have ramped up their efforts during this crisis.  The fraud ranges from false claims of cures and treatments for the coronavirus to fake charities attempting to soliciting money to help those suffering.
  • As we all have so much time at home, now is a good time to complete a home inventory of your personal property.  Creating and updating an inventory of your personal possessions is one of the best ways to make the most of your homeowners or renters insurance, and it makes filing a claim easier and more efficient.  If your home is damaged or totally lost due to a fire or other event, having a home inventory will help you recover all your personal property with the least amount of time and stress.
  • Life insurance should not be affected because of COVID-19.  If you already have life insurance, you are covered, and a company cannot make changes to a policy that is already active.  If you do not currently have coverage, however, your application may be affected.  Keep in mind that each life insurance company is handling the pandemic differently. It is important to have us shop your life insurance to make sure the company you choose meets your needs.

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:

The Importance of Having a Home Inventory

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements.

Included in most homeowners, condo-owners, and renters insurance policies is coverage for the contents of your home.  However, do you know how much coverage you would need if you had to replace everything in your house?  Would you know what you had in each room of your home in the event of a claim?  Would you be able to remember every item you have accumulated over the years if they were all gone?  Recent survey results show 65 percent of homeowners have not made a list or inventory of their possessions. 

Creating and updating an inventory of your personal possessions is one of the best ways to make the most of your homeowners or renters insurance, and it makes filing a claim easier and more efficient.  If your home is damaged or totally lost due to a fire or other event, having a home inventory will help you recover all your personal property with the least amount of time and stress.

Creating a personal home inventory helps in calculating how much your personal property is worth.  Knowing this ensures that you have an accurate value to insure.  If you have too little coverage, you would not have enough funds to replace lost property, and if you have too much coverage, you are paying higher premiums than you need to pay.

How to Create a Home Inventory

Creating a home inventory is actually simple these days thanks to technology.  Here are a few tips.

  • Create a digital record of every room. While you are videoing, describe each item and identify a replacement cost.
  • It may be useful to categorize clothing. For example, 10 pairs of men’s pants, 12 tee-shirts, 6 pairs of Nike shoes, etc.
  • Make sure you focus on high end items like jewelry, guns, computers and art work.
  • If you have expensive art or other items, it would be good to have it appraised.
  • Update the inventory from time to time.
  • Keep the inventory in a safe or at a secondary location. It can even be stored in the cloud.

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:

Avoid Identity Theft During COVID-19

Posted under Cyber Liability, Personal Insurance, Safety.

Unlocked smartphone lock Internet phone hand Businesspeople press the phone to communicate in the Internet. Cyber security concept hand protection network with lock icon and virtual screens Space put message Blue tone

The credit card industry is growing at an unprecedented rate.  According to a recent survey, the average American household has 2.6 credit cards. People should take note that one of the most prevalent credit card scams in society today is identity theft. In fact, $16 billion was stolen from 12.7 million U.S. consumers through identity theft in 2014. What people do not realize is that having numerous credit cards can also put them at risk for identity theft.  Fraudulent activities are very prevalent in the industry and the best targets of the culprits are those who have numerous credit cards.  Becoming a victim of identity theft can be costly, time consuming, and wreak havoc on your life.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Never give out any personal data or information over the phone; even if the caller says he is from the bank that issued your credit card and that the information gathering is just some sort of verification.

If you are offered a promotion requiring you to give some personal information, then, it would be better not to enter the promotion at all.

Do not carry all of your credit cards with you; take only the one or two that you will need. You will never know what will happen while you are in a public place, where identity theft could just be lurking around, waiting for its next victim.

Home Insurance

Your home and identity is probably your most valuable asset, both as an investment and as your sanctuary in a hectic world. When your home is damaged or destroyed, you need your claim settled by an insurance company that understands this simple fact. Coverage availability and prices may vary by company. We can help you determine which of several companies we represent will best meet your needs and provide the most valuable combination of tailored coverage, quality service and fair pricing.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

Identity Theft

Posted under Cyber Liability, Personal Insurance, Safety.

Unlocked smartphone lock Internet phone hand Businesspeople press the phone to communicate in the Internet. Cyber security concept hand protection network with lock icon and virtual screens Space put message Blue tone

The credit card industry is growing at an unprecedented rate.  According to a recent survey, the average American household has 2.6 credit cards. People should take note that one of the most prevalent credit card scams in society today is identity theft. In fact, $16 billion was stolen from 12.7 million U.S. consumers through identity theft in 2014. What people do not realize is that having numerous credit cards can also put them at risk for identity theft.  Fraudulent activities are very prevalent in the industry and the best targets of the culprits are those who have numerous credit cards.  Becoming a victim of identity theft can be costly, time consuming, and wreak havoc on your life.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Never give out any personal data or information over the phone; even if the caller says he is from the bank that issued your credit card and that the information gathering is just some sort of verification.

If you are offered a promotion requiring you to give some personal information, then, it would be better not to enter the promotion at all.

Do not carry all of your credit cards with you; take only the one or two that you will need. You will never know what will happen while you are in a public place, where identity theft could just be lurking around, waiting for its next victim.

Home Insurance

Your home and identity is probably your most valuable asset, both as an investment and as your sanctuary in a hectic world. When your home is damaged or destroyed, you need your claim settled by an insurance company that understands this simple fact. Coverage availability and prices may vary by company. We can help you determine which of several companies we represent will best meet your needs and provide the most valuable combination of tailored coverage, quality service and fair pricing.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

Are Electric Scooters Covered Under My Insurance Policy?

Posted under Auto Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance, Safety.

Scooters are popping up all over cities across the country.  They have been popular in Europe for years.  We are at the beginning of this new form of personal transportation, which creates a few questions regarding risk, liability, and insurance coverage.

Scooter usage Facts (Forbes)

  • 4.4 % of rider wear helmets
  • 80% of accidents are results of falling
  • Head trauma is the most common type of injury

Most cities don’t have regulation or rules because they don’t qualify as a motor vehicle. Some cities require a driver’s license and helmet, but these are mostly on the honor system.  Users can rent the scooter then leave it anywhere they want, (in your front yard or in front of your business).

Insurance companies are busy trying to figure out who is liable in the event a scooter injury someone.  What if the scooter rider injures someone while on the job, will the injuries be covered under workers’ compensation and any liability be the responsibility of the employer insurer?  Business insurance policies may not address scooters specifically. Depending on the circumstances, some electric scooter-related injuries may be covered while others may not.

Right now, most insurers will not cover scooters crashes; auto insurers also will not cover them as they are not defined as an automobile.

Scooter companies have strict waivers that are included in the rental agreement limiting any liability to the rental companies.  One company offers a $1,000,000 liability policy, but all claims would be subject to extensive investigations.

Most legal experts agree that rider will bear the legal liability arising from accidents because of the terms to which the rider agrees to when downloading the app.  The laws, the courts, and the insurance industry are often slow to respond to new technology, and this may be the case with electric scooters. Relatively few laws specific to e-scooters have been passed

We recommend you contact your insurance agent to discuss if your personal insurance provides any coverage or if you need to add coverage to your program.

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:

Fifteen minutes could save you time, but a thorough review of your auto history will allow us to bring you the best value for your money. 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. 

Tell us more about the kind of vehicles you want to insure, and we’ll be in touch soon. Get a quote now.

Coronavirus Will Have An Impact The United States

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

The Centers for Disease Control recently stated that the Coronavirus will have an impact in the United States.  People who contracted the Wuhan virus have reported symptoms that include fever, chills, headaches, difficulty breathing, and a sore throat.  Now is a good time to start thinking about how you might protect yourself and your family from contracting this virus.

The World Health Organization and the CDC recommend that you take the usual precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are not clean.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
  • Clean surfaces you often touch.
  • Stay home from work, school, and public areas if you are sick.
  • Check with your doctor if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and tell your doctor about any recent travels.
  • Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs.
  • If you are visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.

Traveling

If you do get sick while traveling, it is important to know the signs of coronavirus and seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have contracted the virus.

Symptoms like illness include fever, cough and shortness of breath. It is important to note, however, that the coronavirus symptoms are common to a number of viruses.

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.

Good Reasons To Call Your Insurance Agent

Posted under Auto Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Cyber Liability, Homeowner’s Insurance, Life Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance.

Home and Auto Insurance Update

Let’s face it, you buy home and auto insurance to protect you when and or if an accident happens. And when you have an accident, you want your personal insurance to respond.  If it has been a while since you updated your personal insurance coverage, you may want to call us today.

When to Call Your Agent

  • When you buy or sell a car
  • If you started a home based business
  • If you are thinking about putting in a pool
  • When you purchased any high end jewelry, guns or other items
  • If you home replacement value has gone up
  • Did you get a company car?
  • If you have remolded any part of your home
  • When you install a security system in your home
  • If you get married or divorced
  • If your commute distance has changed
  • When your children go away to college

Having the right auto coverage is not as easy as it sounds, and choosing the wrong coverages and limits could lead to financial disaster.  Our team is prepared to help you find the right combination of coverage, price and service.

A New Year… Let’s Get Your Insurance Right

Posted under Auto Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Cyber Liability, Homeowner’s Insurance, Life Insurance, News and Announcements.

Multiple incandescent light bulbs on a reflective surface and dark background. One hero bulb illuminated standing out from the rest. Great for conveying a big idea or unique business thoughts. 3D illustration.

As we move into a new year, I hope that every insurance agent and insurance buyer thinks about how they view their relationships.  Let us get away from the clever insurance advertisement’s attempts to bring our products and services down to the lowest common denominator, price, and commodity.  Insurance products and services are used to build our local economies, we allow people to dream, and we help rebuild in the event of a disaster.

Therefore, here are my resolutions for 2020; I hope other agents and insurance buyers will embrace these as well.

Agents

  • I will always put the needs of my client above mine.
  • I will strive to educate rather than sell.
  • It will be valuable to provide my clients with options.
  • Insurance is a complex transaction, and I need to help my clients understand what they are buying.
  • Risk management should always be part of every conversation.  Identify risk, assess the risk, manage the risk, and review again.

Insurance buyers

  • I will select an agent who values relationships.
  • Price is not an indicator of quality.
  • Buying local is like the “farm to table” of insurance.
  • I will seek an agent who is qualified to manage my risks.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

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.

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.

Is Your Business Ready For 2020?

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

Strategic Thinking and Planning for Marketing Success 3D Render

The world is changing, and we understand the issues your business faces every day. There is constant competition for your customers, there are challenges in attracting and retaining top employees, and your cost of goods keeps going up. Part of your planning should include an annual commercial insurance review. Your business changes, and so do your exposures. Here are some of the major kinds of coverage found in most commercial insurance programs.

Commercial Insurance for Businesses

Liability Insurance– Covers your business against claims of negligence that resulted in loss or injury to a customer or visitor to your business.

Worker’s Compensation– Protects your business when an employee becomes injured on the job. It is required by law.

Commercial Auto– Covers against loss for your business vehicles and any liability your business incurs as a result of an accident.

Property– Insures against loss for your buildings and equipment.

Employment Liability– Covers your business and managers from claims of harassment, discrimination and other civil rights as afforded under state and federal laws.

Cyber Liability– Protects your liability interests when data or sensitive client information is stolen or accidentally lost by your business.

Professional Liability-Protects your business when a third party accuses your business of being negligent or making a mistake in providing professional services.

An Independent Agent Who Understands Commercial Insurance

When you purchase business insurance through an independent agent you are working with a licensed professional who specializes in the products and services you need. We have access to many insurance companies and know which ones are designed just for your business. Independent agents are local business owners who employee your neighbors to serve your needs.

Umbrella Insurance From PlatinumOne Insurance Agency

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance.

 

Many people are unsure what an Umbrella policy is or what it covers. PlatinumOne Insurance Agency is here to help. We will explain the basics of Umbrella Insurance and the benefits to you. When you are outside and there is a light rain or breeze you generally don’t need or want an umbrella. However, if it is pouring down rain with high winds, you take your umbrella. An Umbrella Insurance policy works much the same way.

There are generally two kinds of insurance terms used relating to this kind of coverage:

  • The first is typically called an excess liability policy. This policy does nothing to change the terms of your other insurance policies – it simply raises the limit of liability you have available for a claim. Think of this policy as dollars held in reserve if a claim exceeds the limits you currently have available. This is the most common coverage offered.
  • A second option is an umbrella policy. Most umbrella policies function as an excess liability policy. However, in addition to acting as a reserve, the umbrella provides additional coverage for types of losses that otherwise would not be paid under the primary coverage.

Umbrella Insurance provides extra protection or limits above the liability insurance you currently have. Just as an umbrella protects you from heavy rain, an Umbrella Insurance policy protects you from losing the entirety of your wealth and assets in the event of a claim. Umbrella Insurance can provide limits above your personal auto and home policies.

Here is an example: John Doe falls asleep while driving and hits a van with a family inside. The accident results in $600,000 of medical bills, but John Doe’s auto policy has a $500,000 limit. Fortunately, John Doe also has a $500,000 umbrella policy, and the additional $100,000 would be covered under the Umbrella.

It is true that Umbrella Insurance may not be for everyone, but if you are building financial resources for your future, are a professional, own your home, boat or recreation vehicle, you should consider an Umbrella Insurance policy. PlatinumOne Insurance Agency  offers Umbrella Insurance with very competitive rates. Having the added protection of an Umbrella Insurance policy is coverage no one should go without.

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.