So we’re in the dog days of summer. It’s warm, the sun sets late, and everyone wants to be outside.  What are we all doing outside? Well see, that’s another fun thing about summer. Boats, jet skis, atv’s, dirt bikes and everything in between. But whether we’re entertaining friends at the lake or dirt biking down that country road, we probably aren’t thinking too hard about the risks we face while operating these items. Unlike a motor vehicle, there isn’t anyone telling you that you must carry insurance on those items. In fact, many people insure the items themselves for physical … Continue reading

Now that the cost of the average smart phone rivals the cost of your monthly mortgage payment, it is becoming a more common item of concern on peoples personal balance sheets. Have you been the person to lose your smart phone and feel like all connection to the world is gone? Over 300 million cell phones are active in the US and a surprising number of those phones are lost on a yearly basis. It is partially because of our extreme reliance on these devices that I am often asked about insurance options on them. People want to know that these high dollar items are … Continue reading

When parents call in to add teen drivers to their auto policies, the first thing they think about is the effect it will have on their rates.  Often, it is a pretty significant impact.  Is this fair?  We always assume that teen drivers pose a higher risk while driving a vehicle due to their lack of experience.  Recently, I came across some interesting information regarding teen drivers and it gave me a better grasp on just how much of a risk there is.  Here are five mind-blowing statistics on teens and driving: Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen … Continue reading

You probably wouldn’t compare your agency company to a dating website, but there is a lot of similarity! Let me tell you how: Building a profile – no we don’t ask you to create a funny or descriptive username like “lovemachine” or “2HOT4U.” But we will get to know each other.  Questions will be asked about your current stage in life, what your goals for the future are and how we can design an asset protection plan that works for you in the long run. We help you find your perfect match – match.com has a lot of options for … Continue reading

Most people who purchase collision coverage on their vehicles do so to protect their out-of-pocket costs if in an accident. But what many people don’t know is that their out-of-pocket costs can change depending on how the vehicle is damaged. In the state of Michigan, there are three type of collision coverage to choose from. Below I will describe each of them in simple terms. 1. Broadform – it sounds the best, because it is the best. If you are the not at fault party in an accident, you don’t pay your deductible. Not a dime. This is important to … Continue reading

When it comes to giving clients advice on how to properly cover their vehicles, the first discussion point is this: if you got in your car, left the driveway, and got in an accident would you want your vehicle repaired? Most people say yes. This is always funny to me because usually that same person has told me two seconds earlier that they want the cheapest coverage available. It is always at this point where I transition into a little insurance education on the topic. The Three Layers of Coverage 1. Liability – aka “crash and burn” or “plpd.” In many states where insurance is … Continue reading

So I’m in Minnesota visiting with some friends and the insurance discussion comes up.  It usually does because my husband and I both work in the industry and our friends think we must have a lot of interesting table conversation.  Our friends live in a beautiful home – circa 1932, stucco on the outside, sprawling lawn and gardens, antique fixtures, lighting, and hardwood floors on the inside….you get the idea.  And when you step outside, every home in their neighborhood looks more beautiful than the next. When the home was purchased three years ago, it was a foreclosure – therefore, … Continue reading

Teen drivers continue to be an important topic for our clients.  Lately, we’ve had many questions regarding different ways for parents to protect their teen drivers once they’re on their own.  Letting go is the hardest part, so here are four ways you can make that easier. There’s an app for that In the era of the smartphone, there is an interesting spin on this.  How about an app to help protect your teen driver?   There are many options out there including Protector which is an in-car tracking system that does some cool things like impair your child’s smartphone once the … Continue reading

To continue in my explanation of life insurance concepts, I am defining the difference between the two most basic types of life insurance you can purchase – temporary and permanent.  This is one of the most common questions I am asked.   Temporary Insurance – only lasts for the period of time you select.  When that period of time is up, it goes away.  Many companies offer a way to convert this into another product before it expires.  Typically this type of product does not have any cash value buildup.  An example of temporary insurance is Term Life Insurance, with … Continue reading

One of the most difficult discussions to have with a client is one about their life insurance program. Many people call in thinking they know what they want and some people don’t have a clue where to start.  The next series of blogs will focus on life insurance, some of the common types and the reasons to purchase.  Here are ten of the most common reasons people purchase life insurance.  Buying a Home College Expenses Family Living Expenses Business Loan Coverage Key Person Insurance Buy/Sell Arrangements Child Care Expenses Charitable Giving Final Expenses Estate Planning If you see yourself in … Continue reading