You May Need to Add Additional Insurance for Specific Personal Property

Your West Hartford, Connecticut homeowner’s insurance covers your home and possessions from losses due to fire, theft and storm damages. Individual insurance policies are issued to cover a set amount for the value of the home and a different amount for your personal belongings. The amount of personal insurance provided may not meet your unique needs.

Homeowners or renters should have an inventory list of their personal property for insurance purposes. However, when you purchase insurance to cover your items, you do not necessarily need to have an exact dollar figure. Policies are normally written to include a percent value for your goods. For example, a $100,000 home policy might include $60,000 worth of personal property. The same applies to a detached structure including garages or sheds.

High Value Goods and Collections

You should consider the need for additional insurance for specific items or collections. Your insurance will normally have a limit set for certain goods including jewelry, artwork or coin collections. Limits on jewelry may be $1,000 per piece with a $3,000 total limit. If you have an $8,000 ring, you need to have additional insurance added to cover your ring.

Artwork, coins and stamp collections may also exceed the limits in regular property policies. You will want to talk to an agent about Scheduled Personal Property or Optional coverage for unique and high-value possessions.

You should also understand the difference between market value and replacement cost for personal property. The first pays you the value of the item based on its age, minus your deductible. The second pays the cost of a new purchase after your deductible. As your independent agent, we want to make sure you and your West Hartford, Connecticut home are properly covered by your insurance.

Why Do I Need Commercial Coverage in West Hartford, CT?

Commercial insurance in West Hartford, CT provides businesses with protection from risks. Those risks may affect the business’s assets, such as equipment, buildings, and employees. It can also help to reduce the risks associated with liability claims that others make against the organization. The need for commercial coverage is evident in virtually all types of businesses.

Commercial coverage needs range significantly from one business to another. Work with an independent agent to learn about policies right for your business.

In West Hartford, Connecticut, asset coverage is important. Commercial property insurance, commercial auto insurance and commercial equipment coverage are important for most businesses. Having proper protection for these items may help prevent losses from theft, vandalism, or other risks from costing your business too much.

Workers compensation is another type of commercial coverage many businesses need. It helps to protect your business (and employees) from losses related to on the job injuries. Employees hurt on the job often face lost time at work, medical bills, and long term care needs that the business may be responsible for paying if it does not have appropriate workers compensation coverage.

Liability insurance is another type of necessary commercial insurance coverage. This type of insurance may help protect a business from lawsuits filed against it. This might include lawsuits related to customer’s falling, defective products, poor service, or other losses suffered by your customers due to your business’s potential negligence.

To find out what types of insurance your commercial establishment needs, talk to an independent agent in West Hartford, Connecticut. You’ll be able to not only find the policies right for your business, but also get the most affordable coverage available. This could help you to save money in the long term while also providing coverage for your business’s biggest risks.

Am I covered for natural disasters or “Acts of God” in West Hartford, CT?

Insurance is a product that is designed to cover people from the cost associated with losses do to natural disasters. A loss can happen at anytime and just about in any place. If you are not prepared from it when it comes, then you could be facing repair bills that are beyond your financial ability. To help you find an insurance product that can cover your risk exposure here are some acts of God that you are covered for.

Types of Perils that You can Expect to be Covered For

  • Hail is one peril that you can expect coverage against. Hail is a result of strong thunderstorms that can develop without much warning.
  • Vandalism is one thing that some people never have to deal with as a homeowner.When it does happen you will need to have insurance coverage in order to have help paying for the damages.
  • If some one is hurt on your property you will need to have liability attached to your insurance policy. If someone if hurt on your property and can prove it is your fault, then your policy will cover the damages.
  • Fire is a common cause of a lot of damage. Your policy will help pay for the cleanup, water damage, smoke damage and other related secondary damages.

Acts of God can strike at any time in West Hartford , Connecticut. If you have any questions about your home insurance policy and what it covers, then you need to contact your independent agent today. You need to call your agent to find out the truth about your policy. It is what you do not understand that can really cause trouble to your financial standings.

If my Son Rents an Apartment in West Hartford, CT, Will my Home Insurance Cover his Liability and Property?

When your son moves out of your home in West Hartford, Connecticut, you may worry about his personal property and the possible liability concerns that may arise. Depending on the situation, he may still be covered under your homeowners insurance policy, but it usually will not apply if he is renting an apartment.

Apartments vs. a Dorm

During college, some young adults are still covered by their parent’s home policy. The reason is because the young adults live in a college dorm rather than an apartment. When your son rents an apartment, he is no longer covered under your current plan because he is saying that he is independent by renting on his own.

A dorm room is not the same. Your policy may cover a young adult who is staying in a college dorm because the dorm is considered a temporary living area.

Renter’s Insurance

If your son is renting an apartment, then he will need to purchase a renter’s insurance policy. A renter’s policy is designed to address all of his concerns when he rents a property. For example, it will protect his personal belongings and offer some liability protection, but it will not protect the building from fires. It is the responsibility of his landlord to pay for damages to the property if a fire occurs. Furthermore, it may offer some protection in case the rental property is damaged and he cannot live there, such as paying for hotel costs until he can find a new apartment.

Although your son may be your child, he is responsible for his own insurance if he is renting an apartment. To learn more about the different rental insurance options, contact us to talk to an independent agent today.

If a Cellular Phone is Stolen from your Car in West Hartford, CT, is the Phone Covered by your Auto Insurance?

When personal belongings are stolen from a car in West Hartford, Connecticut, you may worry about the replacement cost. That is particularly true if it was your expensive cellular phone or if you are missing important documents, like the details of a term life policy. Although every insurer will have a different policy and plan for auto insurance, many policies will offer some coverage for belongings that are stolen from the car.

Review Your Policy

Never assume that you are covered under a current policy. Take the time to read through the document and find out how much coverage is available and what is covered.

If you only have a basic liability and state-minimum plan, then you may not be covered for the theft of personal belongings. Insurers may refuse to cover belongings in the car when you obtain the minimum requirements, so take the time to find out what is covered under a policy.

Obtaining Additional Coverage

If you determine that the current policy is not appropriate for your needs or goals, then it may be time to obtain a new policy or add to the current coverage. Ideally, it is best to review your policy at least once per year to determine if it is appropriate for your current needs so that you can make appropriate changes if it is necessary.

Working with an independent agent will help you find the right policy to address all of your concerns. If you are worried about items being stolen, then you will want a policy that protects the vehicle and any other object in the vehicle from theft. Contact us to talk to an independent agent about your options or for more details today.

I Live in an Apartment With Three Roommates in West Hartford, CT. Do we Each Need a Policy?

Living with roommates in West Hartford, Connecticut may help reduce your living expenses, but it can also be difficult when you are looking for homeowners insurance. Roommates are not usually covered under a basic homeowners policy, especially if you have more than one person living in the apartment, so it is usually best for every individual to obtain their own personal renter’s policy.

What is Renter’s Insurance?

Renter’s insurance is designed to address the needs of individuals who are renting a space rather than buying the property. It is appropriate when you have several roommates in the home and need your own protection plan because it helps protect your personal property. It also offers liability coverage in case an accident takes place in your personal space or a guest is injured in the apartment.

The insured individual has protection, but other individuals living in the apartment will not have coverage in most cases.

Policies for All Individuals

Every individual living in the apartment may need insurance to protect their personal assets and ensure that they are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Depending on the property and the amount of personal property that your roommates own, the coverage that they may require can vary.

It is usually best to seek insurance personally rather than trying to obtain a policy with any of your roommates. It will simplify the process of finding an appropriate policy and it will reduce the risk of being denied when your application is processed.

It may seem bothersome or challenging when you are first looking for an appropriate policy to cover your belongings, but an independent agent can help you find the best option for your goals and needs. Contact us to talk to an agent for more details today.

Auto Insurance Coverage Is Crucial For West Hartford Drivers

In 2013, West Hartford received many accolades, including making it on Family Circle’s list of “10 Best Towns for Families.” The city also gets top billing for another statistic: It’s one of the most auto accident-prone cities in the United States. You need to make sure you have enough auto insurance coverage if you drive in the city.

State Minimums

If you cause an accident, your liability insurance coverage pays for the other person’s expenses. In Connecticut, you need at least $20,000 for each person that’s hurt and $40,000 if more than one person is hurt. You need the same for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, and at least $10,000 for property damage.

A Word about Minimums

You can avoid fines and other hassles with the department of motor vehicles if you meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirement. However, the minimum coverage might not be enough protection. The other driver can sue you, and your personal assets might be at risk, if you don’t have enough insurance coverage.

What to Consider

You’ll need to make sure you can shoulder the financial cost if you cause an accident, because you’re responsible for financial losses the other person suffers. For example, if you damage the other person’s car, you’ll need to repair or replace it. If the accident results in injuries, you’re responsible for the medical bills. Also, if the person can’t work, she can sue you for loss wages.

The value of cars in the 21st century is a good bit more than $10,000, and medical care can easily surpass $20,000. If you have personal assets, including a home and savings accounts, you might find additional coverage well worth the higher premium.

Call us today. As your independent agent, we can help you avoid fines and set up an insurance policy that gives you the coverage you need.

Is It Possible to Get Cheap Auto Insurance Premiums in West Hartford, Connecticut?

No one likes to pay too much for auto insurance. Making that monthly or annual payment can be difficult especially if you have never had a need to use the insurance for accidents or recovery of losses. However, there are too many risks involved in driving for you to simply not carry insurance. The good news is there are ways to get reduced premiums on many policies.

To get cheap auto insurance, it is best to start the search by working with an independent agent. This agent is not working for a specific insurance provider. Rather, he or she is working for you and has the goal of helping you to get the policy you need at the lowest rate. An independent agent can also help you to quickly and easily compare numerous companies to each other until you find the most affordable option.

To further lower your costs, consider discounts available to you in West Hartford, Connecticut. If you have more than one vehicle or policy, a multi-policy discount can often shave a significant amount of money off the costs. You may qualify for discounts if you are a good driver or, if you are a student, if you get good grades. If your vehicle has anti lock brakes and an anti theft system, these can help to reduce your costs.

Also consider the type of insurance you have. If your vehicle is not worth much and is easily replaced, carrying just state required liability coverage may be all the insurance you need. You may not need expensive comprehensive policies. Take the time to discuss all of your options with your auto insurance independent agent. Find out which options are available to reduce your costs to a more affordable level. Be sure to compare numerous companies, policies, and discounts.

I am a Renter, Not a Homeowner. Do I Need Insurance in West Hartford, CT?

Renting a home or property does not necessarily mean that you do not need insurance to protect your personal belongings in West Hartford, Connecticut. In many cases, you may still want to obtain a basic renter’s insurance policy to keep your belongings and assets safe from possible theft, damage or replacement costs.

Renter’s Coverage

Unlike a homeowner policy, which is designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing a property, a renter’s policy is designed to address your concerns someone who is renting the property.

The coverage will provide basic liability protection and will help keep your personal belongings safe. In some cases, you may also have options available to pay for hotel costs or similar expenses if the property is damaged and you can no longer live in the building.

When it is Helpful

Although you may not need the same amount of coverage as a homeowner, it is helpful to obtain a basic renter’s policy if you have expensive personal belongings or if you are worried about potential expenses associated with staying in a hotel if the property is damaged in a fire and you cannot live in the building.

It may not be necessary if the replacement cost of your personal belongings is limited or if you only have one or two items that you want to protect. In the case of a couple items, it may be more appropriate to insure the specific items rather than the entire rental space.

When you are not sure about the appropriate insurance policy to address your concerns, talking to an independent agent can help you narrow down your choices and find the most appropriate solution. An agent will offer advice, clarify terminology and help you identify the best options for your goals.

What Factors Can Affect the Cost of My Automobile Insurance in CT?

The cost of automobile insurance varies for many reasons. It is never a good idea to go without insurance. However, there are times when you may be overpaying. If you believe you are, it may be time to discuss your options with an independent agent in West Hartford, Connecticut. There are often ways to get lower rates while still maintaining quality insurance.

What factors affect your cost? To start with, the vehicle you own plays a role in the cost differences. Vehicles that are worth more or those that are often driven fast, such as sports cars, are a higher risk to insurance companies. As a result, they tend to be more costly to insure.

You, as the driver, are also a factor in the costs you pay. If you have any moving violations on your drivers license, this will increase your costs because you are a higher risk to the insurance company. If you are younger and inexperienced, you will pay more than those with more experience. Younger men tend to pay significantly more than women, too, simply because statistics indicate they are a bigger risk to insurance companies.

Where you live plays a role in the costs you pay as well. If you live in an area that is higher risk, you’ll pay more. The more you drive your vehicle each year, the higher your costs will be. And, the more types of protection you place on your vehicle, the more expensive the policy will be for you as well.

To get the lowest rate on your auto insurance, contact an independent agent in the West Hartford, Connecticut area. You’ll get significant savings with discounts and rewards for having a good driver’s record. You can also qualify for discounts for having more than one policy. It’s always worth discussing your options with your agent.