Check Your Ohio Homeowners Insurance Deductible

Posted on by Lewis Smith

As spring storms make way for the sunshine of summer, some Cincinnati homeowners are finding damage that these storms have left behind. High winds and hailstorm damage is being found on homes across the area. Some homeowners are surprised to find out they have a homeowner’s insurance deductible that is higher than it was when they signed up for their insurance policy. How could that be?

Over the past several years, some home insurers in the state of Ohio rolled something called a wind/hail percentage deductible on their policy renewals. This means that a policy’s deductible on a wind/hail claim is no longer the $1,000 deductible you signed up with two years ago, but now it is 1% of your Coverage A (Dwelling) amount. Some insurers will allow you to buy back your lower deductible, but oftentimes homeowners do not realize it has been changed until it is too late.

For example: Joe signed a policy with Nationwide five years ago. His house is insured at $275,000 and his deductible at the time he signed up was a flat $1,000. Two years ago, at renewal, his deductible was raised to 1% for wind/hail. His roof sustained damage from a storm that came through this Spring. His wind/hail deductible is now $2,750.

Even worse – the largest writer of homeowners insurance in the state – State Farm has implemented a percentage deductible for all perils to many of their policyholders. Customers that have had $500 or $1,000 deductibles for many years are now finding they have a 1% or even 2% deductible of their Coverage A dwelling amount for any loss sustained.

It is always a good practice to review your insurance documents carefully at each renewal. If you have any questions or would like help finding a policy with a flat deductible, give us a call at Advantage Insurance Network.

Is A Sinking Foundation Something That Could Happen In Cincinnati?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Cincinnati, Ohio is a bustling metropolitan with a lot to offer. Homes can be located within the city or on the outskirts. While some of the homes are older, there has been some new construction as well. Residents can look forward to the ballet, theatre, and a variety of other entertainment options throughout the city.

When you are ready to buy homeowners insurance, you have to know what kind of coverage to be on the lookout for. The standard insurance will protect you against the most common things, such as fire, flood, and burglary.

However, there is the possibility of a sinking foundation. This is when the land around your home gives too much and your foundation starts to collapse. This can affect your porch, the structure of your home, and even create cracks along the walls.

The reason that a sinking foundation occurs varies. Most common reasons include:

– Poor site preparation

– Too much moisture on the land

– Lack of good drainage

Whatever the reason, it is possible to experience such a problem with your home in Cincinnati. This is why it’s recommended that you look for this kind of coverage on a homeowner’s insurance policy. If something like this does happen, you can call the insurance company and file a claim. They will have someone come out to identify what’s going on and get to work on fixing it. All you have to pay is the deductible attached to your policy.

You have to prepare for the unexpected and that’s why homeowner’s insurance is a necessity. You have options and we have agents that will guide you through the process. All you have to do is place the call and we will work to find you the needed coverage in Cincinnati.

Will Homeowner’s Insurance Protect Against Roof Damage?

Posted on by AgentInsure

When you live in Ohio, you’re considered a buckeye. There are many sports teams out of the state, including NFL, NBA, and MLB teams. In addition to sports, there’s a lot of theater, dance, and other forms of entertainment. Fairs and festivals take place year round. With so much to do, it’s no surprise that residents often choose to stay in the state for life.

Having homeowners insurance is a must. You want to protect your home and insurance allows you to do that more effectively. It’s required if you have a mortgage, but even if you own your home free and clear, an insurance policy makes a lot of sense.

If you experience roof damage because of a storm, you’re going to turn to your homeowner’s insurance to pay the claim. The last thing you want to hear is that they are rejecting it because you don’t have that kind of coverage.

Just because you have insurance does not mean they are going to cover everything. Every insurance company is different in terms of what they cover. That means it is up to you to add the coverage that is needed to protect your home to the fullest.

The best thing to do is work with an agent. You want storm protection so that if there’s roof damage, the insurance company pays. We will work to get you that kind of coverage – and get quotes from the multiple insurance companies that work within Ohio.

With multiple quotes comes the ability to see all of your options in a plain and simple way. You can find out who has the best prices and who is going to provide you with the highest level of coverage.

Call us today and let us make sure you have the storm coverage need on your policy in Ohio.

Important Considerations for your Next Homeowners Policy

Posted on by Lewis Smith

Whether you live in Cincinnati, Florence, or Lawrenceburg, there are many to factors to consider when purchasing a homeowners policy.   You need to understand what is covered, what is excluded, what endorsements are available, and how claims will be settled. An independent insurance agent can help navigate all the choices. Here are some important factors:

Replacement Cost versus Actual Cash Value Loss Settlement – Replacement cost and Actual Cash Value are the two main loss settlement options for your home and personal property. It is important to identify which option is included in your policy. Replacement cost coverage is the best option for most homeowners. This option will pay the cost to replace your damaged home or personal property up to your policy limits. The other option is actual cash value. Actual cash value is defined as replacement cost less depreciation.   For example, if your roof was damaged in a hail storm and you had an ACV policy, if the roof cost $5,000 to replace but your roof was 15 years old, then you may only get $2,500 less your deductible.   However, on a replacement cost policy in the same example, you would be paid $5,000 less your deductible.

Common Exclusions that can be Covered by Endorsement – Most homeowners insurance policies have three common exclusions that can be covered by endorsement for an additional premium. These exclusions are: water backup, flood and earthquake. Even though these coverages are typically excluded from your base policy, coverage can be added. You should discuss these options with your insurance agent.

Important Optional Coverages – In addition to your base policy, many companies offer additional coverages that can be purchased. Here are some of the options:

  • Identity Theft Coverage – With all of the data breaches occurring today with major companies like Target and Home Depot, it is important to consider having coverage in place to offer additional protection. Many homeowners insurance companies offer some form of identity theft protection.
  • Schedule Jewelry Coverage or other valuables –Many homeowners insurance policies limit the amount of coverage for valuable items. The best way to cover your valuables, such as wedding rings, is by specifically scheduling them on your homeowners insurance policy. Scheduling the items provided the broadest form of coverage available.
  • Equipment Breakdown Coverage – Some insurance companies offer equipment breakdown coverage for mechanical breakdown of major household items such as furnaces, air conditioners, refrigerators, stoves, ranges, dish washers, and more. This is an affordable way to protect big ticket items in your home.

These factors should be discussed with your local insurance agent to be sure you have everything covered properly. The professional insurance agents at Advantage Insurance Network will ask you all of the relevant questions to help identify your needs and customize an insurance package to meet them.   Call us today to discuss your homeowners insurance or visit our website 24/7 at www.myadvantageinsurance.com.

What Happens If I’m Hit In A Parking Lot In Delhi?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Delhi, Ohio is a township located on the west side of Cincinnati. The population is around 30,000, though many people choose to live here because of affordable home prices. In 2014, Delhi was named the 18th safest neighborhood in Ohio.  Further, there is not as much traffic. Plenty of people make the commute and that’s because most of the attractions are within the metropolitan area.

If you get hit in a parking lot in Delhi or anywhere else, you want to know that you are protected. You may or may not find out about the car who actually hit you. Car insurance should be able to take care of the claim, but only if you have the right kind of coverage.

Anytime you buy automobile insurance in Ohio, you want to look at your options. This is why it can be advantageous to work with agents. Our goal is to help you get the best possible coverage in Delhi so you are protected while your car is in a parking lot, on the roads, or even parked in your driveway.

Comprehensive insurance is the additional coverage that you can get on your policy to protect when you’re not behind the wheel. The state of Ohio requires you to have liability insurance, but this is only good for when you’re on the roads. If you’re hit in the parking lot while you’re doing your grocery shopping or a shopping cart hits your side mirror, you will want to file a claim with the automobile insurance and know you’re not going to have to pay.

Make the call today and talk to one of our independent agents. We will help you to get a policy in Delhi so you have peace of mind that you have protection regardless of whether you’re on the road or in a parking lot.

Bundling Your Auto, Home, and Toys with Progressive Insurance Can Save You Money

Posted on by Lewis Smith

Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH is a Snapshot Certified agent representing Progressive and their partner, Progressive Home Advantage (underwritten by ASI). By now, I’m sure you have seen a Progressive commercial with everyone’s favorite spokeswoman, Flo, talking about the perks of bundling your auto and home insurance. By having all of your policies with Progressive, it helps reduce the potential for gaps in coverage. But, most importantly, it saves you money. In fact, Progressive gives a discount based on the number of policies you have with them. Do you know all the different types of policies that Progressive can write?

  • Auto
  • Homeowners/Renters/Condo
  • Mobile Home
  • Motorcycle
  • Boat
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Recreational Vehicle
  • Snowmobile
  • Travel Trailer
  • ATV
  • Golf Cart
  • Segway
  • Classic Car
  • Umbrella
  • Commercial Auto

Bundling your Progressive policies with an independent agent like Advantage Insurance Network gives you the extra benefit of having someone local to help with questions and concerns. Call us today or visit our website 24×7 at www.myadvantageinsurance.com to get started on your Progressive auto and home insurance bundle with Advantage Insurance Network.

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Home Insurance

Posted on by Lewis Smith

Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH is an independent insurance agency that works with homeowners to make sure they get the home insurance coverage they need at the best price possible. Below are the top five ways you can look at right now to save money on your home insurance.

  1. Multi-policy – Bundling your homeowners insurance with your auto insurance is a no brainer. With discounts averaging 20% on both policies, packaging your insurance needs is the easiest way to save money. It also allows your insurance agent to make sure you are avoiding any potential gaps in coverage.
  2. Call your agent when you update – So you got a new roof last year? Did you call your insurance agent? Discounts for updating things around your home like your roof, electric, plumbing and heating can top 15%. A two minute phone call to let your agent know about an update could save you hundreds.
  3. Consider taking a higher deductible – Most people know not to use their homeowners insurance as a maintenance policy. Filing a large number of claims can have a negative impact regardless of the size of the claim. It is important to have a deductible that is realistic should anything happen, but also to make sure you are not overpaying for a low deductible you do not need.
  4. Ask if your carrier offers a paperless discount – Most people today have an email address they check regularly. Heck, you probably checked it before you read this blog. Having policy documents delivered via email instead of through USPS can save on average 5%.
  5. Buy your policy from an Independent Agent who can shop around for you – Independent Agencies like Advantage Insurance Network can take the hassle out of shopping around for your homeowners insurance. With one phone call – or one visit to our website www.myadvantageinsurance.com – you can get dozens of quotes from nationally recognized, top rated carriers.

Questions on any of the above? Call us today at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati OH to make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy is up to date and that you are getting the most out of your insurance. We can review your homeowners insurance with you and make sure you are taking advantage of all of your potential discounts.

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Auto Insurance in Cincinnati, Ohio

Posted on by Lewis Smith

Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH is an independent agency that prides itself on helping its customers get the auto insurance coverage they need at the price they deserve. Below are the top five ways you can look at today to help save money on your car insurance.

  1. Multi-policy – Bundling your auto insurance with a homeowners or renters insurance policy can save up to 20% on your premium on both policies. Having both policies with the same insurance company can also help prevent dangerous gaps in coverage.
  2. Shop in advance – Many companies offer “Advance Purchase” or “Advance Quote” discounts for new customers. Thinking about and shopping your insurance around in advance of your renewal date shows a responsibility level companies like to reward. Companies can offer discounts anywhere from 3 days to 21 days in advance of your policy start date. This discount can be up to 10%.
  3.  Consider Installing a Monitoring Device – Many companies are now offering a discount for installing a monitoring device in your car. Most track mileage, time of driving and hard braking. Think you’re a good driver? This is the easiest way to get the discount you think you deserve.   This discount can be up to 30%.
  4. Ask if your company offers an e-policy or paperless discount – If you are reading this blog, chances are you have an email address you check regularly. Many companies now offer discounts for customers choosing to receive policy documents via email instead of through the USPS. Typically this discount is 5%.
  5. Buy your policy from an Independent Agent who can shop your insurance for you – Nobody wants to spend hours on the phone, repeating the same information over and over to get quotes from different companies. Advantage Insurance Network represents over a dozen companies. Just call us or visit our website (www.myadvantageinsurance.com) and give your information one time. That’s all it takes to get multiple quotes from top rated companies.

If you think you could benefit from any of these discounts, give Advantage Insurance Network a call. We can help you review your auto insurance policy to make sure you are not leaving any potential discounts on the table.

5 Reasons You Should Buy from an Independent Insurance Agent in Cincinnati, Ohio

Posted on by Lewis Smith

Today, there are many choices when buying insurance. You can buy direct from companies like Progressive or GEICO. You can buy from captive agents like State Farm, Allstate, or Nationwide. But buying from an independent insurance agent, like Advantage Insurance Network, offers many distinct advantages. Here are some of them:

  1. Choice – Unlike direct or captive companies, independent insurance agencies sell for multiple insurance companies. When you call State Farm, you will only get one insurance quote. When you call an independent agent, they will shop your insurance with multiple companies and find you the best combination of price and coverage. Independent agents work for you and are not obligated to present policies from one insurance company. Discounts vary from company to company, so having an independent agent will ensure that you get all the discounts you deserve.
  2. Channel – Many companies have offer products through more than one channel. For instance with Progressive, you can either buy direct or through an independent agent. While buying direct may seem appealing, why not let an independent agent shop your insurance through Progressive and many other companies at the same time? Agencies like Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, Ohio offer instant quotes directly on their website much like many of the direct writers. Another example is Allstate. Allstate now offers their products through captive agents and independent agents. Is there any benefit to calling an Allstate captive agent versus an independent agent representing Allstate?
  3. One Stop Shopping – Many independent agencies offer a full line of insurance products. While Progressive can write your auto, home and toys, they do not offer life and health products. So while Progressive may have the best rates on your auto insurance, they may not on your home and they don’t even write life. An independent agent could be your agent on all of your insurance needs even if they are with multiple companies. This can help reduce the risk of gaps in your coverage among different companies.
  4.  Personalized Customer Service – Independent agents can help you with your policies and offer you advice. Independent agents can help you with anything from billing questions to help filing a claim. A good independent agency will review your policy on a regular basis. And as your situation and life changes, they will be sure that your current company still represents your interests best. This eliminates the need for you to do this yourself.
  5. Local Knowledge – Independent insurance agencies are local businesses in your community.   They live and work near you and understand the community. When you call a large company like Progressive or GEICO, you will be just another number. When you call a local agent like Advantage Insurance Network, they want to get to know you and understand where you live.

Insurance is complicated but it doesn’t have to be. Working with an independent insurance agency, offers many advantages that can’t be achieved direct or through captive agents. Let the professionals at Advantage Insurance Network, handle all your insurance needs. To experience the difference, visit www.myadvantageinsurance.com.

4 Things To Ask Agents About When Getting Quotes In Cincinnati

Posted on by AgentInsure

Many people flock to Cincinnati, Ohio because of the many opportunities for homes as well as small businesses.  When you want to purchase automobile insurance for you and your family, there are some things you need to ask agents when you get quotes.

1. What coverage do I need?

You must meet minimum standards in the state of Ohio, though there are other options that you need to consider as well. You want to look at increasing the liability standards and obtaining comprehensive and collision insurance, too.

2. Is the company reputable?

The insurance company you go with needs to be reputable. They should be known in the state and have a good track record of paying claims in a timely manner. This ensures you never have to wait too long for repairs to be made.

3. What’s the best price?

Ensure you get quotes to get the best price. Comparison shopping is a must so you know what the various premium prices are from the many companies.

4. Am I getting all discounts?

Discounts can be obtained for being a homeowner, a good student, for commuting less than 10 miles, and for being a member of different organizations.

Once you have talked with an agent about automobile insurance in Cincinnati, you can be confident that you are getting the most affordable and most comprehensive policy for your money. As you drive, it’s easy to have peace of mind.

Our agency will help you to get quotes. Call today and let one of our agents guide you through the simple process of buying good automobile insurance.