Why choose and Independent Insurance Agent?

Independent agents generally have a wide variety of products and companies. This variety is good for the client and the agent. The client has a better chance to find a company that can fit exactly what they need, the client can shop for the best price, the best company rating, and the best product without having to go or call company after company. The independent agent truly works for the client and not the company.

How much homeowners insurance do I need?

You need enough insurance to cover the following:

• The structure of your home.
• Your personal possessions.
• The cost of additional living expenses if your home is damaged and you have to live elsewhere during repairs.
• Your liability to others.

What is Replacement Cost?

A replacement cost policy pays for the repair or replacement of damaged property with materials of similar kind and quality. There is no deduction for depreciation--the decrease in value due to age, wear and tear, and other factors.

Why would I need an Umbrella Policy?

Perhaps you've loaded up on insurance: High limits on your car insurance, home and flood insurance, and ample life insurance. But even these coverages can't account for every disaster in life. To further protect your assets, there's umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance kicks in when the limits of your auto or home insurance have been exhausted and there are still damages to pay. How could that happen? Say, for example, someone falls on your sidewalk and sues you for an ungodly amount. Or say you cause a six-car pile-up on the highway. When you buy a personal liability umbrella policy, you're getting more than just higher liability limits. You're also buying broader coverage in case you're sued. The umbrella policy covers you if you cause bodily injury, property damage or personal injury.

What does my credit rating have to do with purchasing insurance?

Credit scores are based on an analysis of an individual's credit history. These scores are used for many purposes such as securing a loan, finding a place to live, getting a telephone and buying insurance. Insurers often generate a numerical ranking based on a person's credit history, known as an "insurance score," when underwriting and setting the rates for insurance policies. Actuarial studies show that how a person manages his or her financial affairs, which is what an insurance score indicates, is a good predictor of insurance claims. Insurance scores are used to help insurers differentiate between lower and higher insurance risks and thus charge a premium equal to the risk they are assuming. Statistically, people who have a poor insurance score are more likely to file a claim. As a result, establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need, and keep the balances on your credit cards as low as possible-ideally, try to pay off the bill in full each month.

What determines the price of my policy?

There are many factors that influence the price you pay for auto insurance. The average American driver spends about $850 a year. Your premium may be higher or lower, depending on:

Your driving record. The better your record, the lower your premium. If you've had accidents or serious traffic violations, you will pay more than if you have a clean driving record. You may also pay more if you haven't been insured for a number of years.

The number of miles you drive each year. The more miles you drive, the more chance for accidents. If you drive a lower than average number of miles per year, less than 10,000, you will pay less. For instance, some companies will give discounts to policyholders who carpool.

Where you live. Insurance companies look at local trends, such as the number of accidents, car thefts and lawsuits, as well as the cost of medical care and car repair.

Your age. In general, mature drivers have fewer accidents than less experienced drivers, particularly teenagers. So insurers generally charge more if teenagers or young people below age 25 drive your car.

The car you drive. Some cars cost more to insure than others. Variables include the likelihood of theft, the cost of the car, the cost of repairs, and the overall safety record of the car. The amount of coverage. Of course, like anything else, the more coverage you have, the more you pay. However, you may qualify for discounts.