Do you Have Teen Drivers? We Have Solutions

Posted under Auto Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance.

7956455-bf7

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teenagers are four times more likely to get into an auto accident than older drivers. That is why PlatinumOne Insurance Agency offers very competitive rates on auto insurance products. At PlatinumOne Insurance Agency our goal is to help you start saving money on your auto insurance today! Get started by requesting a free, no hassle quote today.

Simply put, experience on the road makes a difference. Teenagers lack experience and are often overconfident when driving. However, students enrolled in a California driver’s education courses can gain the experience and respect for the road that can make them safer drivers.

We came up with six benefits and advantages for your teen to been involved in driver’s education.

  • Provides teens with better understanding of traffic rules and laws. Teens will learn the basic rules of the road from both class time teaching and actual road driving experience. In a driver’s education course situation, your teen will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and driving skill prior to taking the driving test.
  • Some states require it. Some states now require new and/or teen drivers to take part in a driver’s education course before a driving permit or license can be issued.
  • Your Teen will have more confidence. Having more time behind the wheel combined with classroom training makes teens more confident about their abilities as a driver. Driver’s education also helps teens understand safety guidelines as well as defensive driving.
  • Save money with lower premiums. Teen drivers with documented drivers training certificates do have lower premiums.
  • Safety tips from experienced drivers. Having a trained professional educate teens on driver safety is invaluable. Trainers are kept up to date on the newest regulations and driver’s safety tips.
  • Driver’s education courses continue to be the best way for new drivers to ease into the responsibility of becoming a motorist.

We hope this has given you a chance to think about your home, auto, boat, motorcycle and business insurance needs. Please call us today and let us help you sleep better at night, knowing you are better protected.

What Violations Will Cause Your Auto Insurance Rates To Increase?

Posted under Auto Insurance.

13239297_xxl

Auto Insurance Rate Increases

There are many factors that may cause your auto insurance rates to increase. These factors might include having a number of accidents, adding teen drivers or buying a newer car. The primary factors that will contribute to increased auto insurance rates are moving violations. Also, drivers who file an auto insurance claim will see their rates climb by an average of 38% nationwide, while those who file two claims within a 12-month period can expect to pay nearly twice as much as claim-free drivers, according to a new report by Quadrant Information Systems.

The Most Expensive Auto Violations Nationwide Include:

1. DUI—93% increase in insurance premium

2. Reckless driving—82% increase

3. Speeding—30% increase for 31+ mph over the limit

28% increase for 16-30mph over the limit

21% increase for 1-15mph over the limit

4. Careless driving—27% increase

5. Failure to stop—19% increase

6. Failure to yield to pedestrians—19% increase

7. Driving in a carpool lane—18% increase

How to Keep Auto Insurance Rates Down

  1. Be a defensive driver
  2. Combine your home and auto with one insurer. If you purchase your auto, homeowners and umbrella coverage from one carrier, for example, the impact of violations on premiums may be less severe.
  3. Use an independent agent who can shop your insurance on a regular basis.

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.

Business Insurance From Allied Insurance

Posted under Commercial Insurance.

handshake

Part of every business managers planning should include an annual commercial insurance review. Your business changes, and so do your exposures. After you review some of these items, call our office and we will be happy to discuss these and more with you.

Why Complete a Business Insurance Review?

  • Your exposures may have changed.
  • Laws and regulations may have created new liabilities.
  • Your policy may have had small changes that require consideration and adjustment.
  • You may have too much coverage or to little coverage.

Allied Business Owners Policy

Allied’s Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) combines two critical business insurance coverage: business property and business liability. With one convenient policy, you’re protected against fire, theft, lawsuits and more. In addition, you can purchase optional coverage’s allowing you to tailor a policy that meets the unique needs of your business, today and as it evolves. Consider the following:

  • Business or commercial property
  • Commercial liability
  • Loss of income
  • Commercial umbrella
  • Commercial auto
  • Cyber liability

As a business owner, you can ensure that your company is protected by keeping your general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and commercial auto policies updated to reflect changes in your business. Call us today.  We can help you design the right combination of coverage and price.

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.

July 4th Safety Tips

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Safety.

file2421278870518-1024x682

Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but did you know that two out of five fires reported on that day are started by fireworks, more than for any other cause? So you think it cannot happen to you? Here are a few facts:

In 2013 over 9,000 people went to the emergency room as a result of fireworks related injuries. There was an estimated 15,500 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, and $36 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!

Injuries by Fireworks Type (US department of Health & Safety)

  • 17%: Sparklers
  • 14%: Reloadable Shells
  • 13%: Firecrackers
  •   7%: Roman Candles
  •   6%: Bottle Rockets
  •   6%: Novelties
  •   2%: Multiple Tubes
  •   1%: Fountains

Fireworks Safety Tips

  • Buy fireworks only from licensed vendors
  • Never combine fireworks
  • Obey all local laws
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting
  • Follow directions
  • Never relight a firework
  • Don’t smoke or drink while lighting fireworks
  • Soak used fireworks in water before placing in trash
  • Make sure there is parental supervision
  • Never experiment with homemade fireworks
  • Use fireworks outdoors, in a safe area away from dry grass and buildings
  • Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby
  • Light one firework at a time – then move back quickly!
  • Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket
  • Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals
  • Clean up all used fireworks including debris

“Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July and year end celebrations. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths” Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Your home 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

Enjoy the holiday; we live in a great country, happy birthday America!

Kemper Umbrella Insurance

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

17685653_xxl

You’ve worked hard to earn your lifestyle. You might consider adding additional liability protection to your Auto, Home, Renters or Condo policy. Personal Catastrophe Liability coverage added to your other Kemper policy can protect you, your spouse and any relatives living in your home for $1 million or more.

When you choose to add this coverage to your standard and preferred Auto policy, we provide you with higher limits of protection in the event of a covered accident on your property or damage to someone else’s property negligently caused by you or your family.

Umbrella Protection

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 business insurance, personal auto and home policies.

Umbrella insurance provides broad insurance beyond traditional insurance. It provides additional liability coverage above the limits of your primary insurance policies. It can also provide coverage for claims that may be excluded by the primary policies

It is true that personal umbrella insurance may not be for business or individual, but if you are a business, wanting to protect your company’s resources, building financial resources for your future, are a professional, own your home, boat or recreation vehicle, you should consider an umbrella insurance policy.  Having the added protection of an umbrella insurance policy is coverage no one should go without. Call us today, for a free review.

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.

Protect Your Identity

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance.

shutterstock_81825655

Identity Theft 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. Your identity is probably your most valuable asset. When your idnetity is damaged or destroyed, you need your claim settled by an insurance company that understands this simple fact.

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.

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.

Identity Theft Prevention tips:

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

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.

Motorcycle Safety and Insurance Tips

Posted under Auto Insurance.

People who ride motorcycles are far more likely to get into accidents and far more likely to get hurt than those who drive cars. According to The US Highway Safety Authority, in 2012, 20.2 cars out of 100,000 ended up in fatal crashes; the rate for motorcycles is 66.7 per 100,000.

Do you want motorcycle insurance for your bike with a company that knows insurance or a company that knows motorcycles AND insurance? We have access to Foremost Insurance Company, we know motorcycle insurance, we know our bikes, we sponsor racers and we employ motorcycle enthusiasts.

Don’t sell your motorcycle, just keep safety in mind. Here are a few ideas to make your riding safe and enjoyable. Before you hit the road complete a safety check:

  • Check lights and brakes
  • Check fuel levels
  • Make sure mirrors are adjusted to your level
  • Follow speed limits
  • Don’t drive impaired
  • Don’t weave through traffic
  • Brake smart

Did you know that 47% of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections? Or, that on average, three motorcyclists are killed every day in the U.S. as a result of multi-vehicle crashes at intersections? So, be very alert when approaching and driving through intersections.

A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider with a helmet. When cars and motorcycles collide, it is usually because the driver of the car never saw the motorcyclist. With more and bigger cars on the road, you need to take extra steps to become more visible.

Here are some of the special motorcycle coverage offered by Foremost Insurance Company.

Optional Equipment Coverage- $3,500 covers your optional equipment and is included with comprehensive coverage.

Safety Apparel Coverage-This provides up to $1,500 in coverage for damage to any clothing designed to minimize damage from an accident, including helmets and goggles.

Replacement Cost Total Loss Settlement- Foremost will provide Replacement cost coverage for up to two years on bikes purchased new and with a maximum MSRP of $35,000. This applies when you purchase a new motorcycle from an authorized dealer and insures it with us within 30 days. This coverage does not apply to custom or classic motorcycle.

Towing And Roadside Assistance With Trip Interruption Coverage- Foremost will  have experts that know how to take care of and tow your bike.

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.

How to Save Money on Your Auto Insurance

Posted under Auto Insurance.

We are always searching for ways to help our clients save money on their auto insurance. Saving money on your auto insurance is a relatively quick way to lower the cost of operating your auto, and can be accomplished with a quick phone call to our Agency.

Whether you are getting a new quote for auto insurance or considering changing your existing auto coverage, we would encourage you to consider the following coverage options. Whether you are getting a new quote for auto insurance or considering changing your existing auto coverage, we would encourage you to consider the following coverage options.

There are many ways to lower your auto insurance costs without eliminating needed coverage. Here are a few ideas to consider:

  • Use an independent agent to provide a quote. We are an independent and have access to many markets that provide competitive premiums on car insurance.
  • Many insurers offer discounts if you have some of the following features on your auto insurance:
    • Anti-lock brakes
    • Airbags (driver/passenger, driver/passenger/rear seat, side impact, etc.)
    • Automatic seat belts
    • Anti-theft device (active or passive)
    • Daytime running lights
  • Multi-vehicle discount (if you have more than one vehicle on the policy).
  • You can receive discounts if you combine your home and auto with the same carrier.
  • Good student discount.
  • Good driver discounts.
  • Consider raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles if your vehicles are older.
  • Customer loyalty- if you stay with a company for a period of time, you can receive discounts each year.
  • Drive safely and don’t get tickets.
  • Consider insurance when making your car purchase. Some vehicles are more expensive to insure.

(not all these are available in every state)

As your independent agent, we are here to help you find the best possible combination of price and coverage on auto insurance as well as home, RV, watercraft and business 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.

How Distracted Driving Is Like Driving Drunk

Posted under Uncategorized.

Driving distractions are an increasing occurrence due to the growing use of hand-held devices. Driving is a skill that requires your full attention to safely control your vehicle and respond to events happening on the roads around you. Any event or thing that prevents you from operating your car safely is considered a distraction. For example, driving while using a hand-held device increases the likelihood of a car accident by 400%.

While using cell phones behind the wheel is one of the most talked about driving distractions, it’s not the only one out there. There are many other things that we do behind the wheel that you may be surprised to find are considered driving distractions!

If you do need to report a claim, we are ready to help you! We offer a complete range of personal auto and home insurance products.

While the list could be endless, the main types of driving distractions are:

  • Texting
  • Reading a book
  • Using a cell phone
  • Eating or drinking
  • Smoking and dealing with lighting up
  • Grooming
  • Reading maps
  • Using a navigation system
  • Talking to passengers
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting a radio

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 three seconds prior to the vehicle crash!

When you are driving, the condition of the roadway you are on and the behavior of other drivers can change abruptly leaving you little or no time to react. When you are driving, follow these rules:

  • Stay focused.
  • Pay attention.
  • Expect the unexpected.

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.

Cyber Liability Trends for 2014

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

Cyber Liability continues to be a major issue for businesses in 2014. In today’s data-driven social media world, businesses of all sizes have had a cyber-attack or data breach. Statistics show 39% of all cyber incidents affect businesses with fewer than 100 employees. With the recent Target breach, many individuals and businesses are considering cyber or identity theft insurance. Here are a few examples:

  • Human errors and systems glitches caused nearly two-thirds of data breaches globally in 2012, while malicious or criminal attacks are the most costly everywhere at an average of $157 per compromised record.2013 Cost of a Data Breach: Global Analysis, Ponemon Institute and Symantec, June 2013considering cyber or identity theft insurance. Here are a few examples:
  • Worldwide, approximately 1.1 million identities were exposed per breach, mainly owing to the large number of identities breached through hacking attacks. More than 232.4 million identities were exposed overall during 2011. Deliberate breaches mainly targeted customer-related information, primarily because it can be used for fraud. A Chronology of Data Breaches, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 2012

Some Items to Consider for 2014

  • With more companies beginning to store information on the “cloud” there will be more universal breaches causing greater losses.
  • Cyber Liability insurance is a real option providing value added coverage and services.
  • Industries most exposed are; healthcare, medical, retail, financial institutions, technology and hospitality,
  • Cyber recovery costs are rising, even with new technology.
  • Individual states will be beefing up mandatory reporting laws and imposing fines for lack of reporting.
  • New technologies will allow cyber-attacks to come through smart phones and tablets.
  • Small businesses may be the most prone, as they have the least protection.

Cyber liability coverage (for data breaches) has evolved from just insurance for information technology companies to coverage that nearly every kind of business should have – if they don’t already. From retailers, banks, contractors, distributors, restaurants and medical offices, many businesses are unaware of the severe data breach exposure they face. In short, any business not making an effort to protect personal private information is seriously out of step with the emerging landscape of privacy law. We can provide your firm with the right combination of pricing and coverage.

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.