by benpage1974 | Feb 10, 2022 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Congratulations on your recent graduation! As you embark on the next chapter of your life, you’ll likely face many new and exciting challenges involving work, money, living space, and possessions. As you strive for independence, it’s essential to consider the risks involved and the importance of insurance in protecting your assets and financial well-being. This blog post will cover the top five types of insurance you should consider as a college graduate, tips for keeping your insurance affordable, and the importance of adequate liability coverage.
Auto Insurance
As you transition into the working world, it’s likely time to move from your parent’s auto insurance policy to your own. One common mistake many young adults make when purchasing their first auto policy is opting for the state minimum requirements. While this may appear cheaper in the short term, insufficient coverage can lead to significant financial burdens in a severe accident. Work with a trusted insurance agent to select the appropriate level of coverage for your needs and budget.
Renters’ or Homeowners’ Insurance
You may underestimate the value of your personal belongings, but consider the cost of replacing everything you own. Renters’ or homeowners’ insurance can cover your possessions in case of damage or theft. For valuable items like jewelry, art, or electronics, you should “schedule” them specifically on your policy for added protection.
Additionally, these policies offer liability coverage to protect you against potential lawsuits or accidental injuries that may occur on your property. Having a minimum of 300K in personal liability limits is recommended. It’s also essential to consider an umbrella policy for even greater protection, as sometimes 300K might not be enough to protect against serious financial disaster.
Health and Disability Insurance
If you’re under 26, you may have the option to remain on your parent’s health insurance plan. However, if that’s impossible or you’re older, it’s time to secure your coverage. Alongside health insurance, consider disability insurance, which can offset your loss of income should you become unable to work due to illness or injury. Navigating health and disability insurance options can be confusing, so consult with an insurance professional to ensure you make informed decisions.
Life Insurance
As a college graduate, it’s an excellent time to consider term life insurance. This type of policy pays out a predetermined amount to your beneficiaries in the event of your death during a specified term. While more complex products like whole life insurance are available, keeping your insurance and investments separate is generally advisable. Term life insurance can provide financial security for your loved ones by helping to pay off debts or replace lost income.
Other Types of Insurance
Depending on your situation, consider additional types of insurance. For example, you’ll likely need business insurance if you run a side hustle. Pet insurance has also become increasingly popular recently and may be worth exploring if you have furry family members.
Tips to Keep Insurance Affordable
- Work with an independent agency like Page, which offers a one-stop-shop for households and businesses, providing objective advice and access to numerous companies and products.
- Prioritize coverage for significant risks first, then minor risks as your budget allows.
- Review your insurance policies at least once a year to ensure you have the appropriate coverage.
- Take the time to understand your options and shop around for the best regional companies.
As a recent college graduate, taking control of your insurance needs and being prepared for life’s uncertainties is essential. With the right coverage, you can confidently move forward, knowing you’re protected financially. Remember that adequate liability coverage, including umbrella policies, is crucial to safeguarding your future and ensuring peace of mind. By working with a trusted independent insurance agency and following the tips provided, you can secure the necessary coverage while managing your insurance costs. Embrace your newfound independence and enjoy the exciting journey ahead, knowing that you’re well-prepared for whatever life has in store.
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Ben Page, a Business Development specialist with over 20 years in the insurance industry, is an expert in Property & Casualty, Life, Health, and Disability insurance. Ben is licensed in all 50 states and dedicated to empowering clients with insider knowledge and making insurance more accessible. Passionate about client-centric service, he has helped build several successful insurance agencies. Ben enjoys Jeeps, Rock and Roll, cheese, movies, and spending time with his wife, three kids, and their golden doodle when not working.
by benpage1974 | Feb 10, 2022 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Moving is an exciting time filled with new opportunities and adventures. However, it can also be overwhelming, especially regarding insurance considerations. In this blog post, we’ll help you anticipate and answer common questions about insurance during the moving process, ensuring a smooth transition and peace of mind.
Renting a Moving Truck (e.g., U-Haul)
When renting a moving truck, don’t assume your personal auto policy will cover all the risks associated with the rental. Policies vary, so you must check your policy or consult your agent. Typically, there are significant limitations, and it’s best to purchase temporary insurance from the truck rental company.
Hiring a Moving Service
Before hiring a moving service, understand the company’s insurance coverage. If their coverage doesn’t meet your needs, consider purchasing additional insurance to protect your belongings during the move.
Moving to Another State
Each state has its own insurance regulations, so you may need to start a new policy when moving to a new state. If you move to a different city within the same state, you may only need to update your address but consider reshopping your policy to ensure you’re getting the best rates.
Moving to Another Country
When moving to another country, you must navigate international insurance regulations. Research and obtain the appropriate coverage for your new location to avoid any gaps in protection.
Moving Within the Same State
If you’re moving within the same state, update your address with your insurance provider and consider reshopping your policy to account for any rate changes based on your new location.
Buying a Home
Maintaining coverage during the transition is crucial when buying a home. If you’re converting your property into a rental, you’ll need a new policy, including landlord liability. Ensure your liability and personal property limits are adequate for your needs.
Selling a Home
While selling a home, keep your insurance coverage active until the new owners take legal ownership. Adjust your policy as needed based on your changing circumstances.
Renting a New Place
When renting a new place, obtaining renters’ insurance to cover your personal property and liability is essential. This coverage will protect you in case of damage or theft.
Leasing Out the Old Place
If you’re leasing out your old place, obtain landlord’s insurance to cover any risks associated with being a property owner. Adjust your coverage to meet the needs of a rental property.
Storing Belongings in a Storage Unit
When storing belongings in a storage unit, understand the facility’s insurance coverage and consider purchasing additional coverage to protect your items.
Other Things to Consider
Every situation is unique, so speaking with your agent about your circumstances is essential. They can help you develop a solid plan that fits your needs and ensures a smooth transition.
Moving is an exciting time, and we’re here to help make it as stress-free as possible. If you’re moving to a state where Page Insurance specializes, we’d love to hear from you and assist you in any way we can. Our knowledgeable agents can provide guidance and support throughout the moving process, ensuring you have the right coverage for your new chapter in life.
Ready to get a quote? Click here.
Ben Page, a Business Development specialist with over 20 years in the insurance industry, is an expert in Property & Casualty, Life, Health, and Disability insurance. Ben is licensed in all 50 states and dedicated to empowering clients with insider knowledge and making insurance more accessible. Passionate about client-centric service, he has helped build several successful insurance agencies. Ben enjoys Jeeps, Rock and Roll, cheese, movies, and spending time with his wife, three kids, and their golden doodle when not working.
by benpage1974 | Feb 10, 2022 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Starting a new business is both exhilarating and terrifying. As a business owner, I understand the challenges and importance of being prepared for the unexpected. In this article, I will share my top 10 insurance tips for new business owners to help you protect your investment and achieve success.
Bad things will happen.
Think it can’t happen to you? You can do everything right in your business, and disaster can still strike. Approximately 40% of small businesses will file an insurance claim within the next ten years (Source: The Hartford). Still, you can’t operate gripped by fear of uncertainty. Don’t make the rookie mistake of ignoring these realities (potential lawsuits, people getting hurt, property being damaged, etc.). You need to prepare for these business-sinking events to avoid losing it all.
Insurance is a powerful tool.
It can feel like insurance is just another empty expense. This is terrible thinking. Proper coverage frees you up to worry less and work more on building your business. You are paying to transfer certain risks onto the company — it’s a powerful thing, and it serves you well to have the coverage you need. In 2019, U.S. businesses paid over $400 billion in insurance premiums (Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners).
You’re buying a legal contract.
Insurance is not a carton of eggs. Policies are legal contracts that differ significantly, even from the same insurance company. This is especially true for commercial policies. Many are highly customizable. The key is to make sure you are getting the coverage you want.
Understand coverage limits and exclusions.
No insurance policy covers everything. This is to help control what you pay. If there were a policy that covered ‘everything,’ it would be very expensive! Know how much of what is covered. Most often, you have options. You don’t want to let a sales agent select everything for you since they might gut the policy to make it look cheap. Be careful of this! Understand your options. About 75% of businesses are underinsured by at least 40% (Source: Marshall & Swift/Boeckh).
Thousands of products.
Depending on the type of insurance, there are likely dozens and maybe hundreds of insurance companies with tons of products for you to choose from. When you look at all the products across all the companies, it can be mindboggling. A big part of what we do for clients is we help navigate through all of these options to find the best match (in terms of company and coverage) for you and your business. Nearly 60% of small businesses experienced a significant event, such as a cyberattack or property damage, that negatively impacted their operations within the past year (Source: Nationwide).
Not all agents are the same.
Some companies sell directly through websites or their ‘captive’ salespeople (agents employed to push their products exclusively). Most commercial insurance is sold differently. The vast majority is purchased through the ‘independent agency’ channel. A good indie agency for you will have the products/policies you need.
Industry-specific programs?
When you talk with a good Indie agency (like us!), ask them if they have special programs for businesses in your industry. Sometimes, insurance companies or agencies will design products and services that cater specifically to the industry you are in. This doesn’t mean it’s the best deal – but it’s worth looking at. Take inventory of the coverage offered, compare it to your needs, and see how the price comes in. Also, find out the insurance company’s reputation for paying claims and providing good service.
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Cover the big stuff first.
You can’t protect yourself from every potential financial loss. Or at least, you won’t want to. It’s appropriate to self-insure on risks that you feel comfortable taking. Some of the best risks to take are the smaller ones that won’t hurt you that badly. This frees up your budget to spend on the big things that really would hurt your business. For example, raise deductibles to free up money to allocate to higher liability limits. A study found that 60% of small businesses that experienced cyberattacks went out of business within six months (Source: National Cyber Security Alliance).
Get a comprehensive plan.
Business owners are often forced to deal with several different insurance sources to get all the necessary insurance; perhaps their auto insurance is one place, homeowners insurance another, life at yet another, and then finally, their business insurance at yet another place. This leaves more opportunities for severe gaps in coverage. For example, business owners often have excellent coverage in one or two of their commercial policies but are dangerously exposed on their personal auto. Look at everything holistically.
Don’t go it alone!
Get help. Insurance isn’t easy or fun. It’s important to find resources you can trust that care about you, are truly competent, and have the time/resources to do right by you. Get help identifying the risks in your life and the type and amount of coverage you need. From there, get help shopping to find the best place to get all of this (not only for the policy but for the ongoing service they might provide). All of us at Page work hard to be this trusted source.
Bonus! What you likely need.
Please consult with our licensed insurance experts to discuss your needs and preferences. These are just a few basic types of insurance that many business owners need:
- Package Policy or Business Owners Policy. This policy might include many of the coverages typically needed by a business in your industry. It can consist of many different things but typically excludes stuff that can be better covered in the policies I list below.
- Commercial Auto: Depending on the nature of your business, you might need to have an auto policy different from the typical personal auto policy.
- Workers Compensation: This could be required by your state or even those you get work from – even if you don’t have employees. Know what’s required of you. Work-comp helps your employees with medical bills and lost wages if injured on the job. It also serves the business owner by keeping you out of court for every workplace injury.
- Professional Liability: For many businesses, more than general liability is needed. Professional liability is often necessary to protect you from liability claims regarding your work. There are too many other types of insurance to list here (cyber, EPL, etc.), but understand you’ll likely need a few policies for comprehensive coverage that makes sense.
Running a business comes with various risks and challenges. Insurance is a powerful tool to help mitigate these risks, allowing you to focus on your business growth. Ensure you understand your coverage options and work with a reliable, independent agency to tailor a plan that best suits your needs.
Page Insurance prides itself on being a trusted source for business owners. Our team of experts can help you navigate the complex world of insurance and find the right coverage for your business. Remember, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, approximately 30% of businesses fail within the first two years. Having the right insurance coverage can play a significant role in ensuring your business stays afloat.
So, don’t wait. Reach out to our team at Page Insurance today to discuss your business insurance needs and let us help protect your investment, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business.
Ben Page, a Business Development specialist with over 20 years in the insurance industry, is an expert in Property & Casualty, Life, Health, and Disability insurance. Ben is licensed in all 50 states and dedicated to empowering clients with insider knowledge and making insurance more accessible. Passionate about client-centric service, he has helped build several successful insurance agencies. Ben enjoys Jeeps, Rock and Roll, cheese, movies, and spending time with his wife, three kids, and their golden doodle when not working.
by benpage1974 | Feb 10, 2022 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Master the essentials of insurance with these crucial insights
Insurance! Your favorite subject, right? Haha… yeah, right. Well, we feel that for sure. Here, we outline the top 10 things we wish people understood about insurance. These insights apply to all kinds of insurance, so buckle up and prepare to become an insurance expert!
Insurance is a Legal Contract: Know the Details
Insurance policies are legal contracts that differ significantly, even from the same company. Every policy has exclusions and coverage limits, so make sure you understand the specifics of your policy. Remember that insurance companies can only pay for covered claims, so choosing a policy that provides the coverage you need from a reputable company is essential.
Don’t Fall for Flashy Ads: Explore Your Options
You’ve seen those big insurance company ads everywhere. But did you know that there are hundreds of other excellent insurance providers without massive ad campaigns? Many of these companies offer their products through independent (Indie) agents, who can provide unbiased advice and help you find the best coverage at competitive prices.
Shop with a Trustworthy Independent Agent
The best independent agents (like PAGE) serve as a distribution channel for thousands of insurance companies, including some direct providers. They earn a small commission from the insurance company but can often help control costs and keep premiums low while maintaining high coverage levels. Make sure you choose an Indie agent you can trust for objective advice.
Consider Regional Insurance Companies
When shopping for insurance, don’t overlook regional companies. Many well-run regional providers offer competitive rates by catering to low-risk states or working exclusively with trusted Indie agencies. Ask your agent about the best regional options available for your needs.
Prioritize Big Risks: Cover Them First
Allocate your insurance budget to cover significant risks before smaller ones. For example, it’s more important to have adequate auto insurance coverage than to purchase extended warranties for electronics. Focus on protecting yourself from potential financial disasters, then consider insuring more minor risks as your budget allows.
Keep an Eye Out for Coverage Gaps
Regularly review your insurance protection plan to identify any coverage gaps – areas where you should have coverage but don’t. An insurance expert can help you assess your needs and adjust your policies to protect you against potential risks.
Trust an Insurance Guru for Expert Advice
Insurance can be complicated and daunting, so finding a knowledgeable, trustworthy insurance professional to guide you through the process is crucial. Look for an expert who genuinely cares about your needs and has the resources to provide the best advice and ongoing service.
Don’t Forget About Exclusions and Limits
Insurance policies don’t cover everything, and that’s intentional. Comprehensive coverage would be prohibitively expensive, so ensure you understand your policy’s limits and exclusions. Be cautious when working with sales agents, as they may attempt to reduce coverage to make a policy appear more affordable. Always know your options.
Combine Your Policies for a Comprehensive Plan
Many people have multiple insurance policies from different providers, which can create gaps in coverage. To avoid this, consider consolidating your insurance policies with a single provider or working with an Indie agent who can help you build a comprehensive plan that addresses your needs.
At Page, we strive to be your trusted source for all your insurance needs, from helping you identify risks, and determining the coverage levels you want, to shopping for the best policies and providing ongoing support. Remember these top 10 insights as you navigate the insurance world, ensuring you get the right coverage at a price you can afford.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, take control of your insurance coverage and make smart decisions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your assets. The Page team is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you enjoy life without worrying about the unexpected. Secure your financial well-being today with confidence!
Ready to rock and roll with quotes? Click here.
Ben Page, a Business Development specialist with over 20 years in the insurance industry, is an expert in Property & Casualty, Life, Health, and Disability insurance. Ben is licensed in all 50 states and dedicated to empowering clients with insider knowledge and making insurance more accessible. Passionate about client-centric service, he has helped build several successful insurance agencies. Ben enjoys Jeeps, Rock and Roll, cheese, movies, and spending time with his wife, three kids, and their golden doodle when not working.
by benpage1974 | Feb 10, 2022 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Being involved in an auto accident can be a stressful and disorienting experience. It’s crucial to know what steps to take immediately after an accident to ensure all involved’s safety and facilitate a smooth claims process.
Immediately After the Accident
- Assess Injuries: Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is severely hurt, avoid unnecessary movement and ask someone to call 911.
- Seek Safety: If your vehicle is in a dangerous spot and is drivable, move it to a safe location. If not, exit the vehicle and guide your passengers to a safe place. Turn on your hazard lights and use road flares from your emergency kit to alert other drivers.
- Call Emergency Services: Regardless of the accident’s severity, contact the police. This is legally required in many states, and the accident report can help during the claims process.
- Stay on the Scene: Do not leave the accident site until help arrives and you’ve completed all necessary steps.
- Exchange Information: Once everyone is safe, exchange information with the other driver(s), including:
- Full name and contact info
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate
- Vehicle make and model
- Accident location
- Avoid discussing fault during the information exchange.
- Document the Accident:
- Gather essential documentation for your insurance company:
- Take pictures of the scene, vehicles, and any injuries
- Record the names and contact information of all parties and witnesses
- Obtain a copy of the police report and the responding officers’ information
- Initiate the Claims Process:
Contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Ensure you have the right coverage and sufficient limits to handle potential expenses.
Pre-Accident Preparation:
Being prepared before an accident is crucial. Consider the following:
- Review and update your insurance coverage regularly
- Ensure you have life, disability, and health insurance policies in place
- Always wear your seatbelt and encourage passengers to do the same
- Keep an emergency kit in your trunk
Final Thoughts
Navigating an auto accident can be overwhelming, but by following the steps outlined above and having a trusted insurance partner like Page, you can get through it with confidence. Remember, the team at Page is always here to help you with all your insurance needs, from selecting the right coverage to guiding you through the claims process.
Consider bookmarking this article on your phone or even printing it out and keeping a copy in your glove box for easy reference in the unfortunate event of an accident. Being prepared and having a reliable insurance partner like Page can make all the difference when dealing with the unexpected. Stay safe and drive responsibly!
Ben Page, a Business Development specialist with over 20 years in the insurance industry, is an expert in Property & Casualty, Life, Health, and Disability insurance. Ben is licensed in all 50 states and dedicated to empowering clients with insider knowledge and making insurance more accessible. Passionate about client-centric service, he has helped build several successful insurance agencies. Ben enjoys Jeeps, Rock and Roll, cheese, movies, and spending time with his wife, three kids, and their golden doodle when not working.
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