It’s Not Just a Quote, It’s a Relationship

Shopping for insurance? You may think you’re simply looking for an insurance policy. But, perhaps, what you’re really looking for isn’t a “what” but a “who” - someone you can trust to guide you through all of the insurance choices, rather than trying to make sense of all the options yourself online.

That someone is an insurance agent, but there are countless agents out there – not to mention different types. So, how do you choose? Use these four steps to select the type of agent that’s right for you and find one you want to work with to purchase, review and manage your policies on an ongoing basis.

1. Know the Types of Insurance Agents

Some insurance agents represent only one insurance company. These are known as direct, or captive, agents, and they are direct employees of the company whose policies they sell. Any policy he or she sells will be from that company, and that company only.

An independent insurance agent, on the other hand, represents a number of different carriers, oftentimes as an employee of a local agency in your community. An independent agent isn’t restricted by what any one carrier offers, so he or she has more flexibility to help you explore a broader range of options.

2. Get Recommendations

The best way to predict what kind of service you can expect from an agent is to find out what kind of service he or she has provided in the past. Ask for recommendations from family, friends and neighbors, and then ask for more details.

• What does your friend or co-worker like about that agent?
• Have there been any problems or complications?
• Was the agent helpful, attentive and friendly?
• Was the agent knowledgeable, answering all questions satisfactorily?
• Most importantly, were the agent and the company he or she represents dependable, timely and supportive through the process of resolving a claim?

3. Research the Agency and Agent
Once you have a few recommendations in hand, it’s time to research your prospective agents, the agencies where they work and the companies they represent. Here are a few places to check:

• The website of your state’s Department of Insurance. Here you can likely see any complaints, investigations or disciplinary actions against agents, as well as ensure they have an active license. You can likely look up information about various carriers, as well.
• Local chambers of commerce or the Better Business Bureau.
• The agency’s own website, which should outline their services, the types of insurance they offer and the carriers they represent. • Online reviews for the agency.

4. Interview the Agent

Your research paid off, leading you to an agent in your area who seems like a good match for you. Now’s the time to ask some tough questions to be sure.

Tell the agent what you’d like to insure, and ask how he or she would be able to help. If you or a friend has gone through difficult insurance experiences before, ask how he or she would deal with a similar situation.

Ask if they get involved in the claims process, or ask any of those other questions you’ve always wondered about insurance. Pay attention to whether the agent offers specific examples or speaks in generalities, as well as to whether he or she is talking about insurance in a way that makes sense to you. You can also ask for references.

A prospective agent may be able to give you a quote at this point. But, what you really want is a sense of how well you could work with this person. Is this someone with whom you can communicate easily and in whom you can place your trust?

Because, when you’re shopping for an insurance agent, you’re not just looking for an attractive quote. You’re looking for a good working relationship that can endure through new cars or homes, fender benders, storm damage and much more.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Safeco

If your secondary home or vacation home has a mortgage, your lender may require homeowners insurance just as it would for your primary residence. However, there may be additional stipulations in the policy because you only reside in the home for part of the year. Like with your primary homeowners insurance, it is important to review the policy for your secondary home every year and keep an up-to-date home inventory in case you would need to file a claim following a loss.

Even if you do not plan to spend time at your vacation home, you might consider maintaining coverage for the structure, contents and your liability in the event that someone gets injured on your property while you're not there.

When reviewing your vacation home insurance policy, remember the insurance requirements in another area may be different than where your primary home is located. Talk with an insurance agent if you think you might need flood insurance or additional coverage against wind, hurricanes or earthquakes.

"Named Perils" Coverage

Homeowners insurance for a secondary home can have significantly different terms than your primary home's insurance policy. How a secondary property is used and how often it is occupied during the year determines the type of coverage. Insurance for these properties is typically written on a "named perils" basis.

A "named perils" policy covers losses for events specifically outlined in the policy, such as lightning, explosion, theft or smoke damage.

Homeowners policies also typically provide liability coverage in case a guest is injured on your property or if you are responsible for damage to another's property. Your homeowners policy might also include medical payments coverage that would pay an injured person's medical bills to a stated limit, regardless of negligence.

Additional Options for Secondary Home Policies

There are several ways to further protect a vacation home that you may want to consider. They include:

• General contents coverage for loss or damage to belongings permanently kept at the vacation home.
• Sewer back-up coverage or flood insurance because water damage can be even more extensive in a home when you aren't there to either stop the flow of water or quickly remove water-damaged property. Be aware that flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period.
• Out buildings might have a limited amount of coverage in a secondary homeowners policy. Review your insurance policy to make sure you are protected against damage to detached buildings - such as garages, sheds and boathouses - and their contents.
• Insurance companies might require homes with swimming pools to have special safety measures. These could include the installation of fencing, a pool cover or a locked gate. An insurance company could deny coverage or cancel your policy if you do not follow the policy safety guidelines or do not inform the company that you have a pool.

Umbrella Policies

If you have an umbrella policy in place to provide excess liability coverage, the policy should automatically extend to any new property you purchase or rent. To be sure the umbrella meets your liability expectations and that there are no exclusions in the policy that might be triggered by the new property, read your policy before making your down payment.

Waterfront Vacation Homes

The personal property coverage of your primary or secondary homeowners policy might cover a small boat for $1,500 or less in physical damage. However, coverage for your liability risk is limited. Insurers generally provide liability insurance on small sailboats (26 feet or less) and powerboats with small motors (50 hp for inboard and inboard/outboard and 25 hp for outboard motors). However, a boat of any significant size will be excluded from your homeowners policy for both property and liability coverage. Read your homeowners policy carefully before you put your boat in the water.

Personal watercraft will likely require a separate boat insurance policy. You might be able to purchase this policy from your homeowners insurer or you might choose to use an insurer that specializes in boat insurance. Get quotes and compare policies from several different places to get the best deal.

Some important questions to answer before you head out on the water:

• Are you insured if someone other than yourself is operating your boat or personal watercraft?
• Are there legal age restrictions on who may operate the boat or personal watercraft?
• Is towing skiers or inner tubes covered by your policy?

Renting Your Vacation Home to Others

If you hope to make a little extra cash this summer renting your vacation home when you aren't there, first review your insurance policy. It may be wise to purchase additional liability, bodily injury and medical payment insurance to cover your risk when you or your family is not in the home.

Also be aware that your homeowners coverage might not extend to damage caused by a renter and/or their guests. Read the policy closely to ensure your coverage meets your expectation.

For more information on insuring your vacation home or boat this summer, contact Lallis & Higgins.

naic.org

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as boating: the wind in your hair, the thrum of the wake against the hull, the snap of the mainsail and the buzz of an outbound fishing line.

In the U.S. 75 million people participate in recreational boating.

A wide range of property and casualty companies offer boat insurance. It's easy to feel over your head when it comes to obtaining the right insurance for your boat. That's because boats are a bit of an odd duck in the insurance world: Insuring a runabout has much in common with buying auto insurance while insuring a million-dollar yacht more closely resembles buying home insurance for a small house.

Here are the answer to six important questions about boat insurance.

Why do I need boat insurance?

If you're new to boating, you may be under the impression that your homeowners insurance will magically stretch to cover your boat. Sadly, in most cases it won't.

Many homeowners policies will have a minimal amount of coverage for really small boats with either no engine or a very small engine, like a sailboat. But if you're buying a $10,000 or $20,000 boat, your homeowners policy is not going to cover you for what you need.

Boats are unique and require their own policy.

Your boat has nothing to do with your home, any more than your car can be covered under your homeowners insurance. Your home isn't mobile. Your boat, like your car, can go anywhere, so it requires a separate policy.

That said, you may save money by bundling your boat policy with your home or auto insurance.

There's often a cross-sell discount.

How does it differ from home or auto insurance?

In some ways, boat insurance is a mash-up of home and auto insurance.

Like home insurance, a boat policy covers you for liability if someone is injured on your craft and gives you the choice between replacement cost or cash value in a total loss.

Like auto insurance, boat coverage typically includes coverage for bodily injury that your boat inflicts on others, property damage your boat inflicts on docks and other boats, and physical damage to your boat should you hit something or run aground. You can also purchase comprehensive coverage against theft, vandalism, fire and flood, personal property coverage for your fishing gear, uninsured boater insurance and even roadside assistance in the event you need a tow.

Unlike home and auto, a boat policy may allow you to "lay up" or suspend coverage for specified periods when you're not using the boat.

Sometimes boaters aren't aware of that and (on) some nice day in November, they take the boat out for the day and have an unfortunate incident, only to find out that their boat was to be out of the water from Oct. 15 to April 1.

How do 'agreed value' and 'market value' policies differ?

A boat is a lot like a car. The moment you drive it off the lot, it starts depreciating.

To help boaters save money on insuring older vessels, insurers offer the option of "agreed value" (think sticker price) versus "market value" (think depreciation) in the case of a total loss.

With agreed value, the insured and insurer agree on the value of the boat upfront. If something happens to the boat, you're going to get paid up to the agreed value.

With market value, the boat depreciates; so if the boat is destroyed, you're going to get enough money to replace the boat's (current) value. If you bought the boat in 2005, you're not going to get enough money to buy a 2011 model; you're going to get enough to buy a 2005 model.

Most insurers, offer a steep discount (25 percent) with market value policies.

Owners of newer boats typically go with agreed value. As the boat ages and the value depreciates, and they don't have a loan on the boat, you'll see them switch to cash value.

Is my boat covered when it's out of the water?

Strangely enough, yes -- but not by your boat policy.

When the boat is attached to your car or truck, you are covered by your auto policy should you back into somebody. Anytime you're trailering something, the car policy overrides.

The bad news is it's covered solely by your auto policy, and only to the limits contained therein.

A yacht policy will not pay for loss of life, bodily injury or property damage that occurs when the insured property is being transported on land.

Your homeowners insurance may provide limited coverage if the boat is damaged while parked on your property, but it may not stretch to cover stolen contents or vandalism.

To protect your boat (and your assets) from terrestrial liability choose an umbrella policy.

If someone gets injured, the umbrella policy would come on top of your auto and homeowners and cover you to the additional limits. If you have a boat, it's not only one more asset but it's another opportunity for risk. You want to make sure you're covered.

Is my boat covered everywhere?

Novice boaters may be unaware of the navigational limits on their boat insurance policy.

Most policies contain a navigational warranty. It's usually the inland waters of the U.S. and Canada or the coastal waters of the U.S. and Canada for smaller boats up to 26 feet. For larger craft, there are 22 territories that are defined by geographical points.

Be sure your policy provides coverage where you want to roam. It may exclude certain areas for political or security reasons (think Somali pirates).

If you want to do a one-time trip, we provide the ability for the one-time trip, but you need to check in with your agent to make sure you have the coverage provided.

Some policies offer an optional endorsement that helps pay to move your boat out of harm's way when a named storm approaches. Travelers pays 50 percent of the cost to move or haul your boat up to $1,000 per occurrence and $2,000 per policy term.

How can I save money on boat insurance?

Now that you know the basics of boat insurance, let's dig for some savings.

Get specific. Don't buy a yacht policy if you own a dinghy. BoatInsurance.org lists 15 varieties of boat insurance, including powerboat, sailboat, houseboat, bass boat, wooden boat, fishing boat, pontoon boat, personal watercraft and so on, each with its own price structure and set of features. Shop around.

Go all-in on safety features. Many boat insurance underwriters offer policy discounts for gadgets that protect their investment, such as wireless auto tethers that act as an engine kill switch should the skipper or any of the passengers fall overboard.

Take a boating class. A trained boater is a safer boater. Contact your agent for discount-qualifying classes in your area. One class can save you 5 percent or more on your policy, year after boating year.

Extend your lay-up period. Insurers are willing to cut your premium during those days or months when you're not using your boat.

For more information on boat insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

bankrate.com

There is still time to get the kids out and hunt for eggs - here is a list of a few Easter Egg Hunts we came across that are going on this weekend:

• Maggie’s Farm Middleboro 1pm. Enjoy an egg hunt with their animals on the farm!! Everyone will have an opportunity to find eggs
• The Fruth Center in Brockton 1-2pm. Suitable for kids under 12. Arts and crafts, egg and spoon race, hunt for eggs, then take a free photo with the Easter Bunny and go home with a Bunny Bag of sweet treats. Hosted by Keith Park Neighborhood Association.
• Marshfield recreation at Coast Guard Hill Easter Egg Hunt 10am Join Marshfield Rec for their annual Easter egg hunt and meet the Easter Bunny.
• Grace Presbyterian Church Hanover Easter Egg Hunt 10am Join Grace Presbyterian Church for their annual Easter Egg Hunt.
• Sunday April 16th (Easter Sunday) Easter Egg Dash at Paragon Carousel Hull 12:30pm sharp

Looking to keep the kids busy April vacation? Here are a couple events that are great for all ages:

• Weymouth April Vacation Spring Carnival. The carnival will be from Wednesday April 19 to Sunday April 23rd at Weymouth High School, 1 Wildcat Way, South Weymouth 02190. The carnival will feature rides, games and food. There will also be a petting zoo daily. The carnival will open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 2pm, Saturday and Sunday will open at 1pm.
• Touch-A-Truck Wednesday April 19th the 9:30 – 11:30am at the Hingham Library 66 Leavitt St. Hingham. The trucks will be parked along the side of the library near the Children's entrance. Trucks to touch include a Bucket truck, a Crane, a Chipper, a Stump Grinder and a Loader.

There are a few events that are Can’t miss this Spring, and here they are:

• Rhode Island Air Show – May 20th & 21st. GPS address is 210 Airport Street, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Get up close and personal with air crafts of all shapes and sizes. Many performances to watch. This is an event we never miss. Here is the website for the full details. https://www.rhodeislandairshow.com/
• Tall Ships Boston June 17th – 22nd. Sail Boston® will entertain its younger audience with educational programs focusing on US and international maritime history. Cadets and crewmembers will be available to educate children of all ages of their personal experiences at sea, home countries and more. See website for details. http://www.sailboston.com/
• Mud Fest 2017 Halifax comes June 18th. This event is fun for all ages. Our kids love to watch the modified trucks race through the mud, and ATV Crawlers climb. Event is held at139 Hemlock Ln, Halifax, MA. https://www.facebook.com/mudfesthalifaxma/

We are excited to announce that our very own Anthony Lallis will be running for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Man of the Year. Anthony is a survivor of childhood leukemia. He has seen firsthand the toll it takes (mentally, physically and financially) on a family when a child goes through Cancer. Treatment for blood Cancer has come a long way since Anthony was diagnosed in 1980 due to programs like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Money raised through this campaign goes directly to finding a cure for leukemia, and assisting families financial that need help. Families need to adjust their life – most times it means a parent will need to stop working so they can be available for their child that is going through treatment while the other Parent works (often times picking up a second job). LLS not only provides funding towards medical studies helping cure cancer, they also help pay for transportation, parking, food, and hotel stays while their child is going through treatment.

We will be updating you all through this ten-week campaign about events that Anthony will be hosting, and hope you can donate to this great cause. Every dime helps, and no amount is too small. We thank you in advance, and let’s work together to end this awful disease!

Donations can be made directly at my personal page http://www.mwoy.org/pages/ma/ma17/alallis

Do you feel like you pay too much for home insurance? You might be a risky insurance customer and not even know it. Here are a few types of customers who may raise red flags for home insurance providers.

Insuring a house has as much to do with you as it does the actual building. Home insurance providers set your premium by evaluating the risks posed by you and your house. Homes in Tornado Alley, for example, cost more to insure because of the risk of wind damage. As for you, if you pose certain risks as a policyholder, your premium could shoot through the roof.

The dog lover

When it comes to risk, you may not think your cuddly pooch poses a threat, but some insurance providers believe differently. Carriers often won’t provide coverage for certain breeds because, statistically, they pose more of a liability risk. Pit bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers and Akitas are just a few breeds that could cause your insurer to elevate your risk as a policyholder.

As for dogs outside those breeds? It depends. If your canine has a history of biting, you could face higher premiums or be denied liability coverage for the animal. Sure, every dog is different, but insurers don’t mess around when it comes to dog bites. The average payout for a dog bite claim in 2013 was nearly $28,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

The pool owner

Your pool may have seemed like a big plus when you purchased your home, but chances are your insurer isn’t as enthralled with it. Swimming pools pose a big liability risk to insurers. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 5,100 pool- or spa-related injuries in children younger than 15 were treated in hospital emergency departments for 2010 through 2012. During the same time period, 390 pool- or spa-related deaths were reported.

The bottom line: Pools are dangerous, and insurance providers know they increase the odds of a lawsuit.

The procrastinator

Are you bad about getting around to repairs in your home? The longer you put off getting that new roof or fixing that leaky pipe, you could be costing yourself some serious dough. Procrastinating on home repairs not only makes you vulnerable to claims, but the more you wait, the longer you could be stuck paying a high premium.

For example, change out the supply hoses on your water heater and washing machine; you can upgrade to braided steel hoses for about $100. An appliance failure could cost you (and your insurance provider) thousands of dollars.

The unlucky homeowner

You may be the most responsible homeowner who ever lived and simply be unlucky when it comes to claims. You can’t help it if a storm caused a tree to crash through your window or if hail pummeled your roof. However, having claims on your history may cause you to look riskier to an insurance provider. To avoid more claims, do some things to boost safety on your property such as cutting dead branches off trees or checking your roof for loose/missing shingles. Prevention can go a long way in avoiding future claims.

Paying high home insurance premiums or getting denied coverage can be a frustrating experience. However, there are other ways to reduce your premium or find coverage. Comparison shopping is a surefire way to either find the lowest premium or find a provider who will offer you coverage. Each carrier has a different algorithm for determining risk — just because it doesn’t work out with one doesn’t mean you can’t find coverage elsewhere.

To compare insurance quotes, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Zillow

In today's unsettled economy, many people are looking for ways to stretch their money—but sometimes this includes altering insurance coverages to dangerously low levels or eliminating coverage entirely. If you’re thinking about changing your coverage to save money, consider these key issues below — and give Lallis & Higgins Insurance a call. We can help make sure you’ve got the right protection at a price you can afford.

• Make sure you’re getting the appropriate discounts and credits: Most insurers offer a variety of policy credits and account discounts that can translate into significant savings — without endangering the level of protection you need for your home, autos and other valuable property. And often, if you purchase multiple insurance policies through the same insurance company, you’ll receive further discounts. People who own motorcycles or boats and who complete approved safety courses can qualify for discounts, and families with teen drivers who earn good grades in school may qualify for auto policy discounts.
• Increase deductibles for cost savings: Only a small percentage of homeowners have claims in any given year, so you might consider increasing your deductible.
• Specialty lines coverage options: Own a classic car or RV? If their use is seasonal, you can typically reduce your coverage to liability only during the off-season, then add full coverage only when you are actually using the vehicle.
• Full payment on policy: Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be able to make lump-sum payments instead of partial premium payments, such as monthly or quarterly. Partial payments often include small transaction fees, so paying the full amount can eliminate those extra costs.

Some decisions to avoid

It is just as important to understand what not to do as you look for cost savings. Here are some scenarios you should avoid:

• It may be unwise to carry only the minimum state-required amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on auto policies, or to cancel it entirely if it is not required in your state: According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC)*, the correlation between the percentage of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate is high — when the economy is struggling, more people go without insurance. You want to make sure you’re protected in this instance.
• Ignoring renters insurance: This coverage is often overlooked no matter what shape the economy is in. Landlords’ policies generally only cover the structure, not the individual renters’ contents. Imagine having to replace furniture, clothing and other personal property out of pocket because you excluded this essential, affordable coverage and then suffered a devastating loss from a burglary or other covered event.

Saving money is important, but so is making sure that what you’ve got is protected. If you’re looking for ways to save, or want to review your coverages, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

*Insurance Research Council, January 21, 2009

Is a motorcycle right for you?

As springtime approaches, you probably notice something in addition to the warmer weather and blooming flowers: more motorcycles on the roads of Quincy and Weymouth, MA.

Riding looks like a lot of fun, doesn’t it? Just imagine heading down with the sun shining and the road stretching out to the horizon. There are other benefits motorcycle riders enjoy as well, such as lower fuel costs and easier parking; but riding a motorcycle safely requires different skills than driving a car.

If you’re thinking that this is the year you’re going to buy your very own bike, let us at help you determine if a motorcycle is right for you. We’ve provided some questions below that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends you honestly answer before becoming a bike owner.

Are you a risk-taker? Or are you safety-minded?

Think about how you drive your car. If you have aggressive tendencies or do things like talk on your phone while driving, a motorcycle probably isn’t for you. Motorcycles lack the protection that cars can provide in an accident, so driver focus and caution are extremely important.

How is your vision? What about your balance and coordination?

It’s extremely important that you see well – peripherally and in general – when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are not as visible as other vehicles on the road, so riders need to be alert and aware at all times. And, of course, riding requires balance and coordination, much like a bicycle. If you’re not great on non-motorized two-wheelers, you might want to think again about motorcycling.

Do you respect dangerous machinery?

When you use a chainsaw or other equipment that can cause harm, do you always follow the instructions and wear the proper safety gear? If not, a motorcycle probably isn’t right for you. Maintenance and protective equipment is vital to riding safely. What you might be able to get away with when driving a car or using power tools could lead to a tragic outcome on a motorcycle.

Are you willing to invest in riding safely?

The best way to stay safe on a motorcycle is to invest some time before you get on the bike. Take a safety course and learn how to ride the right way. Purchase the right gear, including approved helmets and padded clothing. And learn about properly maintaining your motorcycle.

If you’re prepared and commit to safe riding, motorcycling can be a great way to get around. The freedom you’ll feel on the road is different than driving any car, which is just one reason millions of people find riding to be incredibly rewarding.

And when you’re ready, we are too! Feel free to give Lallis & Higgins Insurance a call at to discuss your motorcycle insurance options as well as safety tips! For more information, contact us.

Despite our spring-like weather last week, winter is back with a vengeance and Winter Storm Stella is set to hit early Tuesday morning. With blizzard conditions, strong winds and more than a foot of snow expected across much of New England, here are some reminders about staying safe during the storm.

For your Home

• Keep your pipes toasty - As the temperature drops outside on Monday night, make sure to set your thermostat inside to a warm temperature to avoid freezing pipes. Read more about preventing frozen pipes
• Charge up - Stock up on flashlights and batteries in case you lose power from the powerful winds that are expected

On the Road

• Know before you go - Know the road conditions and try to avoid driving during the storm and wait until roads have been cleared if possible
• Dig out and clean - Clear your car of all snow, including your windows, lights, mirrors, exhaust pipe and roof before driving
• Don't rush it - Drive slowly and make sure to leave enough space for stopping. Remember, it takes more time and distance to stop in wintry conditions

We are here to help during and after the storm. Contact us for more information.

Stay safe and warm this week!

Plymouth Rock and Bunker Hill

Adulting (verb) - acting like an adult or engaging in activities usually associated with adulthood, often responsible or boring tasks.

If you’re a millennial, you know this definition all too well. You’ve reached the age where you may be taking out student loans, buying or renting a place to live, having kids and, ultimately, purchasing insurance. These major life events for millennials make it extremely important to have a financial security net. And that’s exactly what insurance is: a financial security net. So it’s troubling that a survey from Princeton Survey Research Associates International named millennials the most underinsured generation.

There are many reasons why people of all generations avoid purchasing insurance. It‘s often seen as a big investment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s an expensive one. In fact, insurance probably costs less than you think. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), millennials overestimated the cost of renters insurance by more than five times its actual cost per year.

Also, the complicated terms can make finding a policy a puzzling experience and the subject matter can be tough to digest. No one wants to think about being in a car accident, experiencing a break-in, losing everything in an apartment fire or any other sort of bad, unexpected event. But these things can happen, so you’ll want to be prepared.

And don’t let any initial confusion or preconceived notions drive you away.

Insurance provides essential financial protection for your future, so now’s the time to start “adulting” and take that first step.

Here are some tips for buying insurance:

1. Shop smart. When looking for insurance, your No. 1 priority should be to find the right coverage. Price is important, but you’ll want to determine what kind of coverage you need first. Then you can fit that coverage into your budget and determine which carrier can provide you with the most comprehensive policy for your situation. You may be tempted to choose insurance with the lowest price tag, but if you don’t have enough coverage (or the right kind of coverage), you will see less financial benefit when it comes time to file a claim.
2. Look for discounts. Once you evaluate your coverage needs, factor in your budget and find ways to save. Ask your insurance agent if there are any discounts on your coverage. Often, carriers offer discounts for things like paying your policy in full, staying auto accident-free or, if you’re in school, getting good grades. You also can save money by “bundling” multiple policies, such as purchasing a home and auto policy from the same carrier.
3. Fill in the gaps. An average policy will cover the basics, but you may need to add extra coverage to meet your unique needs. For instance, you may have items like electronics or a nice piece of jewelry that would be financially difficult to replace, even with the assistance of your average renters or homeowners policy. You may want to add additional coverage for these items.
4. Purchase life insurance—you aren’t too young. Life insurance is essential, no matter how young or old you are. And for millennials, buying now may be a smart move because it’s cheaper to buy a life insurance policy when you’re young and healthy. This kind of insurance can help your family cover unexpected costs in your absence, including student loan debt or a mortgage, in addition to end-of-life costs. And if you have kids, a life insurance policy can also support their education or childcare expenses.
5. Talk to an independent agent. An independent insurance agent is an essential resource when purchasing insurance—especially if this is your first time. An independent agent works with multiple different carriers, which is different from captive agents who can only sell insurance from the carrier they work for. Working with an independent agent can help make sure that you are getting the best coverage, for the best price. You’ll also benefit from independent agents’ insurance knowledge; they know how to talk you through your options and actually explain what each policy includes. An independent agent will make sure all of your assets are covered, help you find discounts or other ways to save, and be a valuable resource as your life changes and your insurance needs change, too.

For more information on all your insurance needs, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

grangeinsurance.com