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Posted January 21st, 2015 under Homeowner’s Insurance.

Winter home fire safety

Every homeowner will need to find the most efficient way to keep their home warm this winter. Whether your heat source is a woodstove, fireplace or furnace; accidents can happen. During the winter months, we all have a greater chance of having a home fire or fire related accident from heating, cooking, candles and more. We can help you determine which of several companies we represent will best meet your needs and provide the most valuable combination of tailored home insurance coverage, quality service and fair pricing.

As a reminder to keep yourself and your family safe this winter, we wanted to provide you with a few home fire safety tips.

Fireplace Safety

Clean your chimney once a year. Check out the National Fire Protection Association for more information.
Do not burn wet wood.
Use a fireplace screen.

Woodstove safety

Use only factory venting systems.
Have a buffer zone around the woodstove for trip and fall safety.
Place a pot of water on your stove to prevent your home from getting too dry.
Clean the woodstove regularly.
Use proper fuel; hardwoods, such as maple, beech, ash, hickory, or oak, are the best fuel for a wood stove.

Candles

Never leave burning candles unattended; always keep burning candles in sight.
Never leave candles lit overnight or while gone.
Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use.

Have a charged fire extinguisher close at hand at all times. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers free safety tip sheets on a variety of fire and life safety topics. Download, print and share these tip sheets to spread the word about fire safety.

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.

Posted January 12th, 2015 under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

Auto Insurance Facts

For some people, a car is the essence of their being. To others, it’s an object to get from point A to point B. We offer a variety of auto coverage and companies to choose from, based on your specific need

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are five leading factors involved in auto accidents.

Drunk Driving: Crashes caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol (DUI) accounted for 18 percent of the total economic loss due to motor vehicle crashes. DUI crashes also cost the nation $49 billion dollars, an average cost of $158 dollars for every person in the U.S. Including lost quality of life, these crashes were responsible for $199 billion dollars, or 23 percent of the overall societal harm caused by motor vehicle crashes.
Speeding: Crashes involving a speeding vehicle traveling over the posted speed limit, or too fast for conditions, accounted for 21 percent of the total economic loss and cost the nation $59 billion dollars in 2013. This is an average cost of $191 dollars for every person in the U.S.
Distraction: Crashes involving a distracted driver accounted for 17 percent of the total economic loss and cost the nation $46 billion dollars in 2013.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 7 percent of the total economic loss and cost the nation $19 billion dollars in 2013.
Seatbelts: Seatbelt use prevented $69 billion dollars in medical care, lost productivity, and other injury related costs. Conversely, preventable fatalities and injuries to unbelted occupants accounted for 5 percent of the total economic loss and cost the nation $14 billion dollars in 2013.

Auto Insurance Coverage

Having the right kind of auto insurance can protect you from serious financial loss.

Auto liability
Auto physical damage & collision
Uninsured motorist
Personal injury protection
Auto medical payments

With over 30 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, Nationwide, Encompass and many others.

Posted December 23rd, 2014 under Uncategorized.

Why You Need Auto Insurance

Ok, we all know driving can be dangerous, but here are the latest statistics from the auto insurance carriers.

Motorcycle accidents have increased over the past five years.
Auto fatalities are up 3.3%.
Distracted drivers cause 1 in 4 accidents.
Every day 1,000 people are injured by distracted drivers.
900 people a year die, and nearly 2,000 are injured, as a result of vehicles running red lights.
Cell phone usage caused 21% of all fatal accidents.
Medical costs have risen over 4% in the last year.
The average auto liability claim for property damage was $3,073.
The average auto liability claim for bodily injury was $14,653.

Auto Insurance

Your auto insurance program should have the following:

Auto Liability – Bodily Injury Liability Coverage pays for medical damages and funeral expenses for any people injured or killed in an accident for which you were responsible.

Auto Property Damage – Covers damage you do to a third party.

Auto Physical Damage — Covers comprehensive and collision. Collision is designed to get your car repaired if you hit an object. Comprehensive Coverage covers your vehicle in the event of damage or loss from something other than a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, nature, animals.

Uninsured Motorist – This insurance pays in the event you are hit and injured by an uninsured motorist. Even though auto insurance is required, one in four drives does not carry any insurance.

Person Injury Protection – This coverage provides no fault coverage for passengers who are injured in your vehicles.

Posted December 5th, 2014 under Homeowner’s Insurance.

We are getting closer to the peak holiday shopping season. We would like to provide all clients with a few reminders about how to be safe and to prevent your gifts and other purchases from being stolen. Shopping during the holiday season can present unique dangers, but following a few prevention measures can help keep your holiday season joyous. If you are planning any major purchases you might consider adjusting your homeowners insurance. 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.

Please keep these safety tips in mind, so that you can enjoy the season without incident:

Shopping Safety Tips

Always be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t leave purchased merchandise in your parked car where it can be seen. If you take purchases to your car and then continue shopping, always put your purchases in the trunk.
Police advise you to remove the GPS unit and if necessary, take it with you. That includes even the suction cup, if that can be removed.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with checks, credit or debit cards. Carry your cash and wallet in a front pocket to reduce your chances of having your pocket picked.
NEVER leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
ALWAYS park in lighted areas. Do NOT park in remote areas.
Shop with a friend.
Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
As you return to your car, be sure to keep your car keys in your hand.
If you make expensive purchases like jewelry or guns, call our office as we may need to add these to your policy.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

We hope you never have a loss or claim, but if you do, call our office as soon as possible. Remember your deductible will apply to all losses. 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.

Posted November 26th, 2014 under Uncategorized.

Winter is fast approaching and the potential damage to your auto, RV, motorcycle and even ATV can be serious. Most of us are getting our homes prepared for winter, but don’t forget about your vehicles. Many kinds of winter damage can be insured under the auto comprehensive coverage on your policy. However, it is better to do a little preparation to avoid auto claims all together. With over 30 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, Safeco and many others.

Winter Vehicle Preparation

Keep your car well maintained.
Put snow tries or studs on when legally allowed.
Check the battery. Cold weather makes the vehicle’s battery work much harder and getting stranded in the cold is no fun!
Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
For best results in clearing the cold, heavy grime off your windshield, select a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution. But be aware that some washer fluids can be harsh and damage your car’s paint.
Keep a small tube of lock deicer around in case you have a frozen lock.
Keep the gas tank as full as possible. Running out of gas in freezing conditions would not be good.
Pack a safety kit that includes a flashlight, water, jumper cables, blanket, flares, boots, paper towels, gloves, radio, and shovel.

Time for a Personal Insurance Review

Now is also a good time to have us review all of your personal insurance needs. We have access to many competitive markets that can offer you personal insurance discounts.

Posted November 10th, 2014 under Personal Insurance.

The majority of home burglaries do not involve violence or the use of a weapon. The average dollar loss from a burglary in the United States is just over $2,000, and there are over 2 million burglaries in the US every year. The good news is about 80% of home burglaries are considered preventable. As you plan your holiday travel, here are a few things to remember.

Your house is more than just an investment, it is a place where memories are made and dreams are built. Whether you are a first time home owner or celebrating many happy years in your dream home, PlatinumOne Insurance Agency is here to help you protect the home you love and the life you’ve built.

Ten Things Burglars Hope You Will Do

Most burglars are afraid of getting caught, and will only go through unlocked doors and windows.
Thieves love to see piled up newspapers on your lawn. It lets them know you aren’t home.
If a burglar sees that no lights are on, chances are no one is home.
Attractive ornaments or pricey “kids’ things” outside your home can indicate to a potential intruder that your house is full of valuables.
Cyber thieves hope you put your old financial records in the trash without shredding them, because they want to collect your personal information.
Leaving your cars unlocked and valuables inside is an invitation to a burglar—even if it is in your own driveway.
If you post your vacation pictures on Facebook while you are away, it lets burglars know that your home is unoccupied.
People who fail to lock their guns in a gun safe are more likely to get them stolen. Lock all guns in a cabinet and use trigger locks as well.
If do don’t tell your neighbor you will be gone, it is just one less person for the burglar to worry about.
If you have a security system, use it 100% of the time. Burglars will generally not enter a home with a security system.

Create and maintain a detailed household inventory, and call our office today. We can provide information that may help you determine if you have adequate insurance coverage on your home and belongings if, despite your good planning, the worst case scenario occurs.

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.

Posted October 8th, 2014 under Auto Insurance.

Don’t Let an Auto Accident be a Pain

Automobile accidents happen every day. Although no one wants to experience an auto accident, knowing what to do in case one happens to you could soften the impact on your life in the days and weeks to follow. You purchase auto insurance from PlatinumOne Insurance Agency to help you through accidents when, or if, they happen. If you have an auto accident, PlatinumOne Insurance Agency is here to help you. You may always call us to help you through the process.

At the Scene

If you are involved in an accident, think about your safety and those around you before thinking about insurance. The first priority is to check for injuries at the scene. Call 911 for medical help if anyone at the scene is injured. Notify the police as soon as possible.
Try to protect the scene; don’t move vehicles unless the police instruct you to.
Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons involved, including passengers and witnesses. It is a good idea to look at drivers licenses. Record the license plate numbers of all cars involved. Get complete Insurance information, including policy numbers. Having the agents name and number is also beneficial.
Never admit an accident was your fault, even if you think it was. An apology can be construed as an admission of fault. Let the authorities determine who was responsible. Auto accidents can be disorienting even if you are not physically injured. You may not be aware of all factors leading up to the crash.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, even if damages are minor.
In some cases you also must report the accident to the DVM.
You have the right to take your car to the repair shop of your choice. It can be beneficial to get two quotes as pricing and quality vary.
Use your smart phone to take pictures before vehicles are moved. It provides documentation.

Worthington Insurance is here to help you with your auto insurance needs. We have access to many insurance products and can provide you with competitive premiums. PlatinumOne Insurance Agency offers auto liability, auto collision and auto comprehensive coverage. Call us today.

Posted September 24th, 2014 under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

Home Insurance

Everyone here at PlatinumOne Insurance Agency endeavors to find ways to keep our clients homeowners insurance as low as possible. We understand how important having the right kind of homeowner’s insurance is. 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 home insurance needs. Here are a few things you can do right now to lower your homeowner’s premiums.

Ways to Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums

Consider increasing your deductibles.
Assess the value of the possessions in your home. Do you have too much coverage?
Pay your premiums in full. Some carriers offer a discount for this.
Are you over the age of 65? There are senior discounts available.
Most insurers offer discounts for alarms, sprinklers and deadbolt locks.
Combine home and auto together. Many insurers offer discounts for consolidating policies.
Use an independent agent like us to shop your insurance on a regular basis. We will search the market and find the best options.
Many insurance companies reward homeowners with discounts ranging from long-term customer loyalty rewards to having claim-free histories with the company.
Upgrade basic house systems such as electrical, heating, plumbing and roofing.

We use many reputable companies including: Progressive, Allied, Travelers, the Hartford and more.

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 September 10th, 2014 under Auto Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements.

Everyone has seen insurance advertisements that feature a lizard, a man who creates trouble and a woman in white trying to sell you insurance. These ads may be entertaining, but how in the world can you really tell these companies apart? What are the differences? Is one company really better than any other? Will the coverage, price, and service meet my needs?

There are two distinct kinds of agents in the United States; Independent agents/brokers and direct writers. Let’s define these for you.

Independent Agents – Like PlatinumOne Insurance Agency

An independent agent is a business that is owned and operated by local business professionals. Some larger agents may have a board of directors and many partners, but usually the ownership is local and independent. These agents offer many different insurance products through many different insurance companies. Independent agents sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law.

The goal of the independent agent is to provide the best possible combination of coverage, price and service. For example, independent agents have experience in understanding what services insurance companies provide and are able to match unique services with client needs. Not all insurance companies are alike.

PlatinumOne Insurance Agency will work much longer than ‘7 minutes” to find you the best possible combination of coverage and price.

Direct Writers

A direct writer is an agent who distributes policies for only one insurance company. Direct writers are agents paid by the insurance company and cannot utilize the entire insurance market.

If your roof needed replacement would you go to just one roofer for a quote? Would you hire a roofer because their ads are funny? Wouldn’t it make good financial sense to go to more than one roofer to get options and pricing comparisons?

The value of the insurance you buy truly is established when and if you have a claim. Independent agents advise and help clients through the claim process. Direct writer’s are working for the insurance company and may not always have your best interests in mind.

Posted August 27th, 2014 under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

With all the recent cyber breaches (Target, Michaels, Neiman Marcus etc.), we are all becoming more interested in protecting our identity. We want to provide a few tips to help you protect yourself against identity theft.

According to Identity Theft Info.com, Approximately 15 million United States residents have their identities used fraudulently each year, with financial losses totaling upwards of $50 billion. On a case-by-case basis, that means approximately 7% of all adults have their identities misused, with each instance resulting in approximately $3,500 in losses.

Identity Theft Insurance

PlatinumOne Insurance Agency can help you better understand your risks and provide the right personal insurance options for you.

If your identity is stolen, on average you will spend over 40 hours and over $1,500 to recover and restore your information.

Some clues that your identity has been stolen:

Errors or charges that are not yours on credit card statements.
Billing statements are missing or don’t show up.
New accounts are opened in your name.
Debt collectors call about debts that are not yours.
Calls or mail about accounts in your minor child’s name.

Prevention tips:

Order a credit report annually.
Some credit cards now offer credit information on every statement.
Carefully read all statements.
Pay your bills online using a secure site if that service is available.
Check and verify all charges on credit card statements.
Don’t put outgoing mail, especially bill payments, in personal curbside mail boxes.
Keep important documents in a safe.
Don’t travel with all your credit cards, only take what you need.
Buy a shredder and use it.
Create passwords or PIN numbers out of a random mix of letters and numbers.
Limit information on social media.
Don’t give out your financial or personal information over the phone or Internet
Don’t open emails from people you don’t know.
Keep your computer’s operating system, browser, and security up to date.
Use anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall.

Call us today for a free identity theft insurance quote. Identity theft insurance can provide valuable coverage and resources when you need the most. 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.

Keep Your Home Warm AND Safe This Winter

Why You Need The Right Kind Of Auto Insurance

The Latest Trends In Auto Liability

Tis the Season for Shopping… And For Stolen Gifts

Protect Your Vehicle from Winter’s Wrath

Is Your Home Safe?

What To Do After An Auto Accident

Do You Want to Reduce Your Home Insurance Premiums Right Now?

What Is The Difference Between An Independent Agent And A Direct Writer?

Protect Your Identity

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