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

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

file1721278009158Home 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.

 

 

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

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

handshake

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.

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.

 

Protect Your Identity

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

bf-56vf444

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:

  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.

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.

 

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.