Auto Insurance: Know Your Coverage

You probably hear it all the time, "know your coverage." How many of us actually know what we're paying for when it comes to our auto insurance at the Lake of the Ozarks? If you were to get into an auto accident tomorrow, what would you have to pay out of pocket? It's important that you talk to your Lake of the Ozarks insurance agent to understand your coverage. While you may have the minimum coverage required by the state, you may not have adequate coverage for your needs. Keep reading to learn about the different types of auto insurance coverage.

Common Types of Auto Insurance

No auto insurance policy is created equal. Below is a list of common coverages you can get, but each is subject to the limits, terms and conditions of your specific policy.

1. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage - In the event you're at fault in an accident, bodily injury liability generally pays for injuries to the driver and passengers of the other vehicle. In addition, it can provide coverage to defend you if you are being sued as a result of the accident.

2. Property Damage Liability Coverage - In the event you're at fault in an accident, property damage liability generally pays for damages to the other person's vehicle. This coverage can also defend you during a lawsuit resulting from the accident.

3. Personal Injury Protection - The costs associated with an auto accident can easily add up, especially if you are severely injured. Personal injury protection will help cover your medical bills, along with those of your passengers, no matter who is determined at fault.

4. Collision Coverage - Collision coverage will pay for the repairs to your vehicle in the event of a covered accident. If the car is totaled, the coverage will pay the value of your car. Depending on the value of your car, collision insurance can be vital. If you have a loan on your vehicle that is not yet paid off, you will be required to purchase this insurance.

5. Comprehensive Coverage - Often times, things happen to your car that are unrelated to an auto accident. Comprehensive coverage is important in the event of weather damage, hitting a deer or if your car is stolen. Your liability and collision insurance won't cover these other situations. This coverage can be great if it fits in your budget, as it can get costly. Again, if you have a loan on your vehicle, this coverage will be required.

6. Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Protection - While state laws mandate all drivers should carry insurance, this isn't always the case. In addition, the state limits can be relatively low, and therefore, not cover the expenses of an accident. In the event that other person is responsible for the accident, you wouldn't receive payment. This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage comes in handy.

Limits and Options 

In addition to knowing the type of coverage you have and/or need, it's important to know your limits. A common question asked of Lake of the Ozarks insurance agents is, "How much liability coverage do I need?" The answer depends on the person and their assets. It's important to understand that if you don't have enough coverage, you could be sued, resulting in the jeopardy of your current assets and future earnings. Another factor to consider is your deductible. While having a higher deductible to keep your premiums down is great, you need to make sure the deductible is something you can reasonably afford.

Auto coverage is critical to have, and even more important is working with someone you can trust should you ever have an accident and need to make a claim. This is just one of the reasons using a local insurance agent is important! If you have questions about your current auto insurance policy at the Lake of the Ozarks or are looking for a new quote, give Insure the Lake a call at 573-348-2794.

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook 
Twitter
LinkedIn
Google+ 
Pinterest

Dry Christmas Trees and Other Holiday Dangers

Christmas is just a few days away and many people are preparing to host family and friends for dinner and entertaining. You’ve got the tree decorated, the lights hung and now it’s time to start thinking about preparing food. Along with the holidays comes an increased risk of fires, injury and more. Your Lake of the Ozarks insurance agent wants to help you stay safe this holiday season by warning about a few common dangers.

1. Dry Christmas Trees.

Did you opt for a real Christmas tree this year? While they may be pretty and smell delightful, they increase the risk of a house fire. (Be aware that artificial trees can catch fire as well.) From 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 210 home structure fires per year that began with Christmas trees. Avoid a Christmas tree fire this holiday season by watering your tree regularly. In addition, be sure to keep your tree at least 3 feet away from candles, fireplaces, space heaters and other possible "fire starters" / heat sources.

2. Leaving Your House Unlocked. 

While it may seem obvious to keep your house locked, it's especially important during the holidays. You may have guests arriving that don't have a house key, so you leave it open for them. This can increase your risk of burglary and theft. Don't leave anything valuable in plain sight, especially a place that's visible from the windows. Keep in mind that the first place an intruder will look for valuables is the master bedroom. In addition, be sure to set a security alarm if you have one, and leave some lights on while you're away to make it seem like someone is home.

3. Being Careless While Christmas Shopping. 

The holiday season is one of the worst times of year for identity theft. You're trying to quickly get all your shopping done and you might not be as cautious as you normally would. Approximately 7% of all United States adults have their personal identities stolen or otherwise misused and the average financial loss per person is around $3,500. Pay attention to how you carry your wallet or purse to avoid it being stolen. When shopping online, be cautious that you're entering your credit card number on secured websites only. (If you have cyber security insurance, that's great!) Make sure you have strong passwords and keep your antivirus software up-to-date. Be sure to check your bank and credit card statements regularly for any discrepancies and also shred any mail with sensitive information before throwing it away. 

4. Not Being Cautious in the Kitchen.

The holidays just wouldn't be the same without the delicious food and extravagant feasts. Along with all that food comes an increased risk of food-borne illnesses. Reduce your risk of food poisoning this holiday season by washing your hands frequently when handling food. Be sure to refrigerate food within 2 hours; don't leave it sitting out all day for people to munch on. When it comes to preparing meat, do not rinse raw meat or poultry before cooking, and use a food thermometer to ensure the meat reaches the proper temperature. When reheating sauces, soups and gravies, bring them to a rolling boil. In addition, be careful to keep flammable items away from stove tops and never leave cooking food unattended. Like Christmas tree fires, kitchen fires are also a common hazard during the holiday season. 

Happy Holidays from the best insurance company at the Lake of the Ozarks! For all your insurance needs, you can trust Insure the Lake! We've got you covered with everything from homeowners insurance to life insurance. To get a free quote and find out how we might be able to save you money on your monthly premiums, give us a call at 573-348-2794.    

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook 
Twitter
LinkedIn
Google+ 
Pinterest

Why Should I Consider a Personal Umbrella Policy?

People purchase homeowners insurance and auto insurance to protect themselves and their family. What happens when those policies reach their limits though? Who pays for the damages above those limits of your standard homeowners and auto insurance policies? You do. That's why it's important to have an umbrella policy to protect you from situations that aren't fully covered by your standard insurance policies. Keep reading to learn more about personal umbrella insurance from your favorite independent insurance agent in Osage Beach.

Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy 

Personal umbrella insurance provides "extra" liability insurance. This type of coverage kicks in after the limits of your standard homeowners insurance or auto insurance policy have been reached. It was designed to protect you from major claims and lawsuits. In addition, an umbrella policy also covers situations that standard policies don't cover, such as false arrest, libel and slander.

Reasons to Have A Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy 

A personal umbrella insurance policy can cover a variety of situations. Below are a few reasons why it would be important to have this type of insurance: 

1. To Cover the Cost of Damages to Another Person's Body. 

In the event of a major auto accident where you're at fault, it's possible your auto insurance limits wouldn't be enough to cover the medical bills of the other party involved. In addition, the other party could choose to sue you. Your personal umbrella insurance can help take away some of that financial burden by covering those expenses up to your umbrella policy's limit. Other situations where umbrella insurance may be needed include harm caused to others as a result of your dog, injuries sustained by a guest in your home or injuries sustained by a neighbor's child on your property.

2. To Cover the Cost of Damage or Loss of Another Person's Property. 

Personal umbrella insurance policies also cover the cost of damage or loss to another person's tangible property. This could include damage to vehicles as a result of an auto accident where you're at fault, damage claims incurred when your pet damages another person's property or accidental damage to school property caused by your child. The list goes on, but all of these situations could lead to expenses above the limits of your standard policies and an umbrella insurance could be your financial life saver. 

3. To Protect Your Assets When Being Sued. 

In the event you are sued for more money than your underlying policies provide, your umbrella insurance policy may kick in and provide extra financial protection up to its limit. This will help protect your assets and your future. Whether you're sued for slander, libel, false arrest, malicious prosecution, shock/mental anguish or other personal liability situations, your personal umbrella insurance policy is there to provide that extra coverage you need to have peace of mind.

Talk to your Lake of the Ozarks insurance agent about purchasing a personal umbrella insurance policy today! At Insure the Lake, we take care of all your insurance needs. From home and auto to life and business insurance, we're here to answer your questions, provide personal service and find you the best policy at a great value. Give us a call today at 573-348-2794 to see what we can do for you!

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook 
Twitter
LinkedIn
Google+ 
Pinterest

5 Tips for Keeping Your Car on the Road This Holiday Season

With Christmas and New Years just around the corner, many of you will be traveling across the country to visit family and friends. In today's blog, your Lake of the Ozarks insurance agent offers a few tips for keeping your car on the road this holiday season, and ultimately reducing the risk of needing to file an auto insurance claim.

1. Get an Oil Change. 

One of the easiest things you can do to prevent the need for costly car repairs is to have your oil changed regularly. Failing to change your oil regularly can cause debris and oil to build-up and can cause your engine to fail. Therefore, its recommended that you have your oil changed at least every 3,000 miles. In addition, its important that you check your oil levels before you head out on a long road trip. Running your vehicle with low oil can cause engine issues, and could even leave you stranded on the side of the road this holiday season. 

2. Check Your Tire Pressure. 

Tire problems are one of the most common auto issues you can come across when traveling. As the temperature drops outside, so does the air pressure in your tires. Before heading out on a long trip, be sure to check your tire pressure and fill them to the recommended pressure, which can usually be found on the door frame of your vehicle or in your owners manual. Low tire pressure can lead to a flat-tire or a blow-out, neither of which you want while traveling this holiday season. Aside from preventing bigger problems, proper inflated tires will ensure a smoother ride and better gas mileage.

3. Get a Tire Rotation.

Going long distances (or even short ones for that matter) on worn out tires can also lead to a blow out. The front tires tend to wear faster on the outside edges as a car leans into turns. A poor alignment or unbalanced tires can also cause uneven wear. About every 6-8 months, you want to have your tires rotated to promote even wear, and therefore a longer life for your tires. Easily check the wear on your tires by placing a penny in the thread; if you can see Lincoln's head, your tires are worn out.

4. Inspect Your Brake Pads. 

Aggressive driving can really put some major wear and tear on your brakes, especially if you live in an area with heavy traffic. Depending on your mileage, its a good idea to have your brake pads inspected every 3-6 months. If you haven't had them looked at in awhile, its particularly important to do so before heading out on a long trip with a car packed full of holiday items and family. Not checking for wear and tear, often and early, can lead to exorbitant rotor and disc repairs and replacements.

5. Check all your fluids. 

While this may seem like an easy one, its important that you remember to check all your fluid regularly, especially before heading out on a long road trip. This includes engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid. Also be sure to check for any fluid leaks that may be the cause of low fluids. When you check the oil, not only should you check for proper levels, but also see how dirty it is. Chances are it might be time for that oil change from point #1.

Insure the Lake hopes you stay safe on the roads this holiday season! In addition to preparing your vehicle before you hit the road, be sure to drive defensively and use extra caution when driving in holiday traffic. Make sure your Lake of the Ozarks auto insurance policy is up-to-date by giving us a call at 573-348-2794.

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook 
Twitter
LinkedIn
Google+ 
Pinterest

5 Things First-Time Homebuyers Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance

The market is great for purchasing a new home right now. If you're purchasing your first home, chances are this will be your first time looking into homeowners insurance at the Lake of the Ozarks. In today's blog, your Osage Beach independent insurance agent offers a few important things you should know about homeowners insurance.

1. The Cost of Homeowners Insurance Differs from that of Renters Insurance. 

When you purchase renters insurance, you're buying coverage for the contents inside your home or apartment. Homeowners insurance on the other hand, covers not only the contents of your home, but also the structure itself. However, those values aren't the only factors determining the cost of your insurance premiums. Geographic location, as well as proximity to fire departments, water pressure and security, can affect your homeowners insurance premiums. In general, a renters policy only costs roughly 10-20% of what a homeowners policy will cost.

2. A High Deductible Can Really Pay Off.

One thing to pay close attention to is the price of your deductible. Not only will a higher deductible save you money on your monthly premiums, but it could really pay off in the long run. Unlike with health insurance, where you probably don't want to be stuck with a high deductible, you can choose a higher deductible with homeowners insurance without as much risk. Most people only file a homeowners insurance claim every 8-10 years. For this reason, many people opt for the highest deductible that they could afford in the event of a loss. A higher deductible saves money year after year and keeps monthly costs affordable to you.

3. There's a Difference Between Cash Value and Replacement Costs. 

The dollar value of everything in your home from appliances to furniture differs from the amount of money it would cost to replace everything. Due to depreciation, your home's contents aren't worth what they were when you first bought them. For this reason, it's important that you insure your home based on what it would cost to replace everything in the event of a total loss. In addition, the price you paid for your home is irrelevant in the event you have to rebuild the entire thing. Building material costs and labor costs have likely increased and you want to ensure the cost to rebuild it exactly as it was is covered under your policy. While your premiums may be a little higher than if you just base it on cash or market value, you'll avoid having to foot half the bill in replacing your property in the event of a loss. Talk to your agent about the type of coverage your receiving and how you'll be reimbursed in the event of damage to or loss of your home.

4. Your Home's Claim History Matters. 

Did you know that the claim history of your home can affect your insurance premiums, whether you had anything to do with that claim or not? Think of your homes claim history as a "credit report" for your home, that contains all the records of insurance claims on the house. A claim filed on your property in the last 5 years, whether you lived there then or not, can affect your insurance premiums. Not all claims are negative though; if your roof was recently replaced, your premiums could actually decrease because the need for a new roof in the near future is unlikely. If you're looking at buying a home, try to get a copy of the home's claim history to see how it could affect your insurance if you were to purchase it.

5. Flooding Isn't Covered Under Your Standard Homeowners Policy.

Make sure you know what's covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy. There are a number of perils that typically aren't covered, such as earthquakes and floods. Keep in mind that 30% of flood losses in the United States happen to homes that are not in flood zones. Even a small amount of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, which may not be covered if you don't add a flood policy on top of your standard homeowners insurance. Talk to your Lake of the Ozarks insurance agent about other risks you may be subject to as well.

For all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs, trust Insure the Lake! As an independent insurance agency that has direct contracts with over 50 insurance companies and access to even more, we can shop the marketplace in order to give you the most comprehensive coverage at a competitive price. Give us a call at 573-348-2794 to discuss your homeowners insurance, or any other insurance, needs today!

Request a Free Quote Online! Contact Insure the Lake today for all your Lake of the Ozarks insurance needs! 

About the Author: Steve is a double back-flip insurance ninja. He was named Young Insurance Agent of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 2010 and is a Certified Insurance Counselor. When he is not helping customers, he enjoys community service, Latin dancing with his beautiful wife and going on adventures with his two awesome sons.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794

F: 573-348-0191

stnaught@naught-naught.com


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook 
Twitter
LinkedIn
Google+ 
Pinterest