Buying a new home can be a satisfying adventure. When you finally find the one that you have been looking for, you’ll want to feel safe. Purchasing a security system is the first step in making sure your family is protected from outside dangers, such as burglaries, fires, or even carbon monoxide poisoning. The Advantage Insurance Network independent agents in Cincinnati, OH can help you decide which security systems is right for you and which will help lower your insurance rates.

Types of Home Security Systems

The most basic type of alarm system is called a local alarm. It is not monitored. If someone breaks into your home, there is no monitoring system that will notify the authorities. The second type of system is a wired system. This type includes a monitoring company who continuously monitors your system. When one of the alarms are tripped, the company will contact you and then emergency personnel if you need help.

Upgrading to a Smart Home

If you decide to upgrade to smart home security, you will need to find a home security company that offers options for smart home security. A smart home system can be local or unmonitored as well as monitored. The system that you choose will depend on your home’s needs. Security systems usually include a security panel and sensors for your doors and windows. If you’re adding smart security to your home security solutions it can come with live security feeds through your smartphone, smoke, and carbon monoxide detection, and keyless entry for your house and garage doors. You can also include smart lights in your plan.

Stop by Advantage Insurance Network where the independent insurance agents in Cincinnati, OH can offer you information about securing homeowners insurance.

Buying flood insurance may be required based on where you live in Ohio. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy won’t protect you if there’s a flood. By conducting a home inventory, you value all of your belongings properly. There are various riders that can be obtained on a flood policy, providing you with the higher value protection that you need in Cincinnati, OH.

At Advantage Insurance Network, we can guide you through a home inventory. This way, you can identify all of the furniture, paintings, and other valuables, room by room.

Include Everything

You may not realize just how much you have in your home until you complete an inventory. If your home is by a flood, you want the insurance company to pay to replace as much as possible. If you forget to add the value of the furniture that you have in the basement or the art hanging on the wall in the bedroom, you may not get enough from the claim.

Establish Values

One of the hardest things in a home inventory is to attach values to everything. Consider what the replacement value on things would be. If you have original invoices from furniture or appraisals on high-value items, it can make it easier. Our insurance agents can also help you with valuations. If you have higher valued items than what a traditional policy would credit you for, we can show you what the options are to include more coverage. This way, if something ever does happen, you know that everything is covered.

Many homeowners don’t take the time to conduct a home inventory, putting themselves at risk. When you get a policy for the first time, we recommend an inventory to be done so that you are better protected.

Contact us at Fuhriman Insurance Agency today for help with obtaining a flood insurance policy in Cincinnati, OH. Once you have completed a home inventory, it makes it easier to get a more comprehensive quote on flood insurance.

 

If you own a building, you may be required to carry dwelling fire insurance. Here at Advantage Insurance Network, serving the greater Cincinnati, OH area, we are often asked how dwelling fire insurance differs from homeowners or condo insurance policies. Here is what you need to know about the differences between them.

How Does Dwelling Fire Insurance Differ From Homeowners or Condo Insurance Policies?

If you own a dwelling building, such as a condo building or an apartment building, dwelling fire insurance is ideal for you. Dwelling fire insurance covers the structure of the entire building. On the flip side, homeowners or condo insurance policies are designed to cover a single structure and the belongings inside. 

A dwelling fire insurance policy does not cover any belongings inside. All of the tenants or residents that live inside of your building should have their own condo, homeowners or renters insurance policy to protect their belongings in the event of a fire. Your dwelling fire insurance policy does not cover their belongings, nor does it cover your belongings if you own a unit in the building. It simply covers the building itself. 

If you own a building with dwellings in it, and you want to protect the investment you made in the building, dwelling fire insurance can protect you in the event a fire breaks out. There are many factors that affect the price of a dwelling insurance policy, and as such, you should always take the time to get multiple quotes before settling on a dwelling fire insurance policy. If you are located in the greater Cincinnati, OH area, and are looking to obtain quotes for dwelling fire insurance, contact Advantage Insurance Network. They can help you find the right policy for your building at an affordable price. 

Do you love to spend time on your boat in the waterways, lakes and ponds of Cincinnati, OH? If so, there’s no question that you also need to put time and effort into protecting the boat you have invested in. One of the best ways for you to do this is by purchasing a boaters insurance policy with the help of Advantage Insurance Network. If you are ready to make this purchase, be sure to use the tips found here.

Compare Quotes

When it is time to purchase boaters insurance, be sure you take some time to compare quotes. In most cases, an agency will provide a quote to you at no charge. This means that you can get several quotes and compare them to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Bundle

Another important step in the process of purchasing boaters insurance is to consider bundling the policies. The fact is, if you already use an insurance company for homeowners insurance or car insurance, they can also provide you with this new policy. When you bundle your policies, you will be able to save a significant amount of money on premiums.

Work with a Reputable Agent

Another important step is to find and use the services of a reputable insurance agent when purchasing boaters insurance. They will be able to help you get a policy that meets your needs and your budget. In the long run, you will be glad that you used the services of a professional.

When it comes to buying boater’s insurance in Cincinnati, OH, there are more than a few factors that you have to consider. If you need help or guidance along the way, then consider using the services of Advantage Insurance Network serving the Cincinnati area and who can help you find the policy that best suits your needs.

Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH wants you to fully understand your motorcycle insurance so you don’t experience any surprises if damage occurs to your bike. Many people don’t realize that insurance doesn’t cover customizations made after you obtain the insurance policy unless you specifically update the policy.

Modifying a Motorcycle Policy

When you buy insurance, you’re buying a policy to cover the motorcycle as it is at the time of purchase. Your agent bases your policy premiums on the value of your motorcycle at that time. So, any changes you make to the bike after obtaining the coverage you need to add to the policy or they won’t receive coverage.

Chopper Insurance

Some customizations completely alter the bike. A motorcycle that has undergone so many modifications that its design and shape have been altered receives the name “chopper.” A chopper generally features a long front fork and a low rear end. It may lack rear suspension. If you chopped your bike after purchasing motorcycle insurance, you need a different policy altogether. Ask us about chopper insurance. These bikes have their own policy type.

How the Policy Types Differ

Motorcycle insurance bases its premiums on factory standard models. An agent can consult a blue book to determine repair or replacement value.

Choppers require a custom policy because they’re custom bikes, sometimes altered from a factory model, sometimes built from a kit. No factory standard exists for a chopper. The agent cannot consult a blue book for a value for a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Choppers require an independent appraisal to determine actual value. The chopper policy provides custom coverage for a custom bike.

Before you can insure it, you’ll need to have the bike pass inspection by your state’s Department of Transportation or Motor Vehicles Bureau. Some states also require an annual safety test.

Contact Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH to learn whether your bike needs a standard motorcycle policy or a chopper policy. We can help you obtain reliable coverage for your ride.

This blog looks at how installing a home security system can lower home insurance premiums while keeping the home owner safer. Insurance companies like Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH favor ways of mitigating loss, a fancy way of saying preventing it. That leads them to offer discounts to those who take steps to prevent loss at their home.

You probably know that a smoke detector and fire extinguisher lower your home insurance costs. You can also lower your costs by installing a security system. Whether wired or wireless, a monitored home security system can produce a significant discount in home insurance premiums.

Add a home security system can also mean adding home automation. This also contributes to lower premiums. The installed sensors don’t just control the lights or temperature. They detect leaks of water or natural gas. This early detection adds a layer of protection by sending alerts to the homeowner’s mobile device when any home aspect veers from normal settings. This allows the homeowner to identify problems before they become claims. Leak detection sensors let them phone a plumber after remotely shutting down the water at the home.

It also adds to the home’s safety by offering safety aspects like being able to turn on the porch lights before you enter the driveway or having them automatically turn on at a specified time. You can unlock doors remotely, as well, which reduces your family’s vulnerability time.

If you live in a gated community, adding the security system saves you even more. The gate access adds an extra barrier of protection.

Join your neighborhood homeowners’ association (HOA). Its neighborhood watch adds to the security aspect of your home.

Call or come by Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to learn more home improvements that can save you money. We can help you have a safer and more affordable home.

Owning a home is a dream for many people. One of the most devastating things that could happen to a home would be if it is damaged by a fire. While most people have home insurance, many should also consider getting a fire insurance policy on top of the home insurance policy. For those that are in the Cincinnati, OH area, there are several advantages of investing in a larger fire insurance policy.

Ensures Full Coverage for Fire

One of the main reasons to get fire insurance in addition to your home insurance policy is that it will ensure that you get full coverage for fire damage on your policy. If you live in an area that is prone to fires or has a higher risk of fire hazards, you may not be covered for certain fires that could affect your home. However, if you invest in a fire insurance policy, this could end up being covered in included in your full policy.

Miscellaneous Costs

Another advantage of getting a fire insurance policy is that it can provide you with miscellaneous coverage as well. If your home is damaged by a fire, there are a number of other costs that you can incur. The costs of finding replacement housing and moving expenses can add up quickly. When you get a fire insurance policy in place, these costs could be included in your policy. 

If you own a home in the Cincinnati, OH area and are curious about whether or not you should get fire insurance, contacting the Advantage Insurance Network would be a great option. When you meet with the Advantage Insurance Network you will receive more insight into your fire insurance needs and will be able to get into a policy that properly protects you and your home. 

Riding a motorcycle in Cincinnati, OH is a fun experience but can be costly because of Ohio’s lack of mandatory helmet use. These types of laws have been found to increase and decrease your insurance in a variety of ways, which is why we at Advantage Insurance Network wanted to examine them right now.

Studies Show That Helmets Decrease Medical Costs

The Centers for Disease Control or CDC did a study that took a look at multiple motorcycle accidents with and without helmets. They found that people who wore a helmet suffered fewer injuries and, therefore, paid less medical bills. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration agreed and stated that riders wearing helmets would naturally have higher healthcare costs.

As A Result, Premiums Go Down

Motorcycle insurance companies took those recommendations to heart and started decreasing premiums in states where motorcycle helmets were mandatory. Conversely, they increased them in states where helmets were not required. These steps are designed to protect themselves while offering benefits to those who do wear helmets. Unfortunately, states have repealed these laws in the past and left their motorcycle riders with higher premiums.

Repealed Laws Can Increase Premiums

Michigan motorcycle riders were overjoyed when their state repealed their mandatory helmet laws and then angry when their premiums went up. They blamed the insurance companies, but the truth is, increasing these premiums is mandatory because it protects them from serious loss. Likewise, a decrease is also mandatory when helmet laws are signed into effect. You can’t have it both ways, it seems.

Learning More About Your Motorcycle Insurance

So if you live in Cincinnati, OH and want the lowest possible motorcycle insurance premiums, please contact us at Advantage Insurance Network today. We will work hard to decrease your motorcycle insurance premiums as much as possible and help you stay fully covered.

When it comes to protecting your investment, boat insurance is a necessary tool. Some boats can cost as much as a home, which is why coverage will give you peace of mind in case of an unforeseen event. When it comes to storms, however, coverage isn’t cut and dry. Make sure you know exactly what circumstances afford your insurance coverage. Not all policies will cover you during a storm or a hurricane. 

Know Your Policy

You make have to do some research before you find the type of boat coverage you need. Not all policies cover the same events, which is why you need to work with an insurance provider who will explain exactly what each product covers. Some may offer protection from storms and storm-related damage but don’t assume that every policy will cover those occurrences. Education is the key to being protected and avoiding a loss as a result of gaps in coverage. 

Working With A Great Provider

Finding an insurance provider who values their customers is the first step towards getting the protection you need. A reputable company such as Advantage Insurance Network will help you discover boat insurance products that will protect you and give you peace of mind. The serve the residents in and around the Cincinnati, OH area and would love to assist you with your boat insurance coverage need.

If you are a resident in or around Cincinnati, OH and would like more information about boat insurance coverage options, call or stop by Advantage Insurance Network. They have knowledgeable insurance agents who can answer your questions and get you started on your way to finding boat insurance coverage.