advantage insurance network

The Importance of Condo Insurance for First-Time Homebuyers

Posted on by AgentInsure

First-time homebuyers in Cincinnati, OH usually love the idea of buying a condo because they don’t need as much maintenance. As great as condos are, it leaves new homeowners unsure about insurance. Without insurance, the result can devastate homeowners, so it ensures you have the right policy in place is critical.

What Is Condo Insurance?

Like home insurance, condo insurance is made for homeowners. Condo insurance differs from homeowners insurance, so you don’t want to get them mixed up. Condos have a master policy, which is purchased by the condo association and pays for the exterior of the building. Condo insurance only covers your property inside the unit and the interior of the unit itself. It can also offer liability protection.

Why Is Condo Insurance So Important?

Unfortunately, new homeowners forget that condos still need to be insured to be protected. The right policy will protect you from property damage and offer liability coverage should something happen on your property. A good policy, like one from Advantage Insurance Network, will also include payments for temporary living expenses, referred to as loss of use coverage if the condo becomes unhabitable due to these circumstances.

Choosing the Right Condo Insurance Policy

You want to ensure you have the right amount of coverage for your personal property, so here are a few tips to help you make the best choice.

  1. Look at the master policy to know what’s covered and what’s not. That will help you figure out how much coverage you need.
  2. Consider your personal property value so you have the right amount of coverage for your belongings.
  3. Liability coverage can’t be overlooked. If someone is injured in your condo, you want to ensure your policy protects you from a lawsuit.
  4. Compare the deductibles and premiums of different policies to get the best value.
  5. Most insurance companies offer discounts, so ask them about what might be available to you.

The Bottom Line

If you don’t have condo insurance, you could be affected by unexpected financial obstacles. If there is a fire in the building, you need insurance to cover your obligations to the condo association. These can include covering the cost of rebuilding the interior of your unit, not to mention you’ll need to replace your belongings. Having insurance protects you from having to deal with that on your own.

If you’re in Cincinnati, OH, contact us at Advantage Insurance Network for more information or to ask any questions you may have. We’re happy to help!

The Future of Health Insurance: Trends and Innovations to Keep an Eye On

Posted on by AgentInsure

The health insurance industry is rapidly changing due to technological advances, regulations, and consumer demand. Here at Advantage Insurance Network, serving the Cincinnati, OH region, we believe it’s essential to keep an eye on new developments that can help us better serve our customers. So, we’ve put together this article to help you stay abreast of the ever-shifting healthcare landscape.

Telemedicine and Virtual Care: The Rise of Remote Health Services 

Telemedicine has been around for several years but is becoming more popular due to the rise of virtual health services. With telemedicine, you can still visit your doctor or specialist virtually, get advice on medications and treatments, and even receive mental health services.

Value-Based Care: Shifting the Focus from Volume to Quality 

Another innovation in the healthcare industry is value-based care (VBC). As opposed to traditional fee-for-service models, VBC focuses more on care quality than quantity. VBC encourages healthcare providers to focus on preventative care and patient experience by tying payment for services to outcomes rather than just costs.

For example, some healthcare services offer value-based treatment to cover preventive care services such as screenings, wellness visits, and vaccinations at no additional cost. This encourages members to take responsibility for their own health and proactively seek care when needed, resulting in better overall outcomes.

Final Thoughts

The health insurance industry is rapidly evolving, and staying on top of new trends and innovations is critical. At Advantage Insurance Network, serving the Cincinnati, OH area, we strive to stay up-to-date on emerging trends to provide our clients with access to cutting-edge technology and quality healthcare services. Our commitment is to provide our customers with a comprehensive, flexible health plan that meets their current and future needs. If you have questions about how technological advances affect your current plan, or you’d like to update your plan or make the switch to Advantage, feel free to reach out to us today. 

What Type of Water Damage Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Do you know what flood insurance covers in Cincinnati, OH?

Living in a high-risk area for flooding makes it all the more important to have the right insurance coverage. In this blog, we’ll look at how Advantage Insurance Network can help keep your home safe from surface water, groundwater, and sewer backup damage.

Surface Water Damage

Storms and heavy rains can lead to surface water damage, typically covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. But if your area has a higher risk of flooding, investing in a separate flood insurance policy for comprehensive protection is essential. This coverage includes protection from water that enters your home or business due to heavy rains, snow melts, and overflowing rivers and streams.

Groundwater Damage

Groundwater can also be damaging to homes. This type of water damage occurs when moisture seeps through the ground into your property – even if there hasn’t been any rain or standing water present. Unfortunately, most standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover this kind of damage, so opt for a separate flood insurance policy to ensure you’re safe.

Sewer Backup Damage

Even if your house isn’t flooded with surface water or groundwater, sewer systems can still back into homes due to clogged lines or torrential rains. Regular homeowners’ policies rarely cover sewer backup damage, so investing in flood insurance is essential to stay protected in a high-risk area. With the right coverage, you’ll be financially secure in case of a sewer backup.

If you live in Cincinnati, OH, or any other high-risk area for flooding, don’t leave yourself exposed! Contact Advantage Insurance Network today and learn more about getting the right coverage for your home with flood insurance.

Top Three Fire Risks in Your Home

Posted on by AgentInsure

A solid home insurance policy is one of the best ways to ensure you always have the resources to provide a safe place to live for you and your family. However, even more important is preventing disaster risks in the first place. At Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help clients make great choices concerning their homes and safety. Keep reading to learn about the top three fire risks to your home. 

Outdated Wiring 

Older homes with outdated wiring are at an increased risk for fires. Over time the protective coverings on wires can start to wear away. Pests and rodents can also compromise these protective coverings as well. When these protective coverings are compromised, it can lead to sparking and fires. If you have an older home, you should have the wiring evaluated by an electrician for safety. You should also have major electrical components, such as outlets and breaker boxes evaluated as well to ensure they are up to code and in safe working order. 

Unsafe Practices 

Another risk to your home would be unsafe practices or behaviors involving fire or heat. This can include flicking cigarette butts into the yard or trash, leaving candles unattended, poor fireplace safety, improper use of space heaters and electric blankets, and more. Everyone in your home must be well-versed in safe practices concerning these topics and anything involving fire or heat. 

Outdated Heating Systems, Including Fireplaces 

Another considerable fire risk is the heating system of your home. When systems are outdated, your home is put at risk. This includes fireplaces that are not built to modern codes or fireplaces that are not kept properly cleaned. If you have an older heating system, consider upgrades to keep your home safe. 

If you would like to learn about our home insurance services, please contact us at Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas. 

Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value For Your Boat Insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

Regarding shopping around for boat insurance, there are two significant distinctions to consider in potential policies. Loss settlement is the amount paid to you for a loss claim. The loss settlement types between different policies include agreed and actual cash values. There are pros and cons to each type of loss settlement, and talking to one of our agents at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH will help you determine which is best for your boat ownership lifestyle.

Agreed Value

Pros:

  • These policies pay a set amount named in your policy for a total loss claim.
  • Partial loss claims may be paid out based on replacement cost – a depreciation of lost or damaged items is usually not factored in the settlement.

Cons:

  • Generally, this policy comes at a higher premium cost.
  • Your deductible applies to loss settlement payout.
  • Some items that experience higher wear and tear may be subject to depreciation consideration when determining a payout for loss.

Actual Cash Value

Pros:

  • Generally, these policies come with more affordable premiums.

Cons:

  • Your deductible applies to the loss settlement payout amount.
  • The current market value of your vessel determines the maximum claim payout.

Our agents at Advantage Insurance Network are experts in boat insurance. They can answer any questions about boat insurance, including the difference between agreed value and actual cash value loss settlement. As a boat owner in Cincinnati, OH, you owe it to yourself to give us a call today. If you already have a boat insurance policy, we can help you evaluate your current coverage and vessel usage and help you determine whether your coverage matches your needs.

Motorcycle insurance FAQs

Posted on by AgentInsure

Here are some of the top questions people have asked about motorcycle insurance.

Motorcycle insurance FAQs

What motorcycles cost the most to insure?

A sports bike is the type of motorcycle that costs the most to insure. Like with other types of insurance, your motorcycle insurance costs depend on many factors. The kind of motorcycle that you own is one of those deciding factors. 

Why is motorcycle insurance so low?

Motorcycle insurance is cheaper because it costs less for the insurance company to cover motorcycles. Since motorcycles are significantly smaller than a car, they cause less damage and are easier and cheaper to repair.

Does motorcycle insurance cover dropping the bike?

It depends on what type of coverage you have for your policy. If you only have liability coverage, your dropped motorcycle will not be covered. It is a good idea to check the extent of the damage to decide if it is even worth filing a claim. If the damage is extensive and you file a claim, it will be filed under comprehensive and collision coverage.

Is it worth it to insure a motorcycle?

Yes, it is worth it to insure your motorcycle. Most states require you to have liability coverage. You could get a fine and lose your license if you don’t have the minimum requirements. If you use your motorcycle a lot, it is also beneficial to have comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. Without these, you would have to pay for everything out of your pocket, which could get expensive.

Contact Advantage Insurance Network

Contact us for more information about motorcycle insurance at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH.

Tips for driving in winter weather

Posted on by AgentInsure

Winter weather can be tricky to navigate, especially for inexperienced drivers in the Cincinnati, OH area. To help make your winter drives go a bit smoother, here are some tips from sat Advantage Insurance Network to consider: 

  1. Make sure your vehicle is ready. Make sure your tires are correctly inflated and filled with winter-grade anti-freeze. It’s also important to check the condition of your windshield wipers, battery power, and brakes before taking off on a cold day. 
  2. Check the forecast and plan accordingly. Winter weather can bring unexpected conditions, so it’s good to know what you’re up against before you hit the road. 
  3. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. Winter roads can be slippery, so leave earlier than usual to give yourself enough time to get there without rushing through icy patches or snow drifts. 
  4. Slow down and increase your following distance from other vehicles while driving in wintry conditions; stopping on icy roads takes more time and space than on dry pavement. 
  5. Be aware of road closures or restrictions due to extreme weather conditions that could force you into alternate routes or delays in reaching your destination. 

No matter how prepared you think you are for winter driving, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when the weather turns cold—it’s better to be safe than sorry! For more tips on driving in winter weather, or if you have any questions about your insurance coverage, call us at Advantage Insurance Network today. We proudly serve the Cincinnati, OH area and would gladly answer all your questions. 

Six Strange Things Covered by Home Insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

You probably know the basics of home insurance coverage. However, you may be surprised by some of the things your home insurance policy could cover. Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, offers home insurance policies. We can explain the top six unexpected things covered by home insurance coverage. 

1. Falling Objects

Standard home insurance policies cover falling objects. This includes asteroids and space debris. It also covers "blue ice," which is toilet water flushed from airplanes. 

2. Damage due to Religious Phenonemon 

Damage from religious phenomena is unlikely, but you are covered under your homeowner’s policy. For example, if you have a religious statue that suddenly begins releasing blood or water, and this damages your walls or floor, you are covered. 

3. Damage from Wild Animals 

If a wild animal damages your home, you are covered. For example, if a grizzly bear breaks your window looking for a snack, your policy will cover the damages. 

It’s important to note that wild animals apply to animals that are not considered domesticated and aren’t your pet. 

4. Drone Damage 

Drones have become popular in recent years. However, they can cause damage to other’s property or person.

For example, if you fly your drone into your neighbor’s car, the liability portion of your homeowner’s policy will cover the cost of repairs. 

5. Spoiled Food

If a power outage costs you the food in your fridge, your homeowner’s policy can cover the cost of replacing the food. Most policies offer up to $500 to replace spoiled food items due to a power outage. 

6. Dog Bites 

Dog bites make up about 30% of homeowner’s liability claims. If your puppy bites someone on your property, the policy will cover their medical expenses and civil liability judgments up to the coverage limit.

However, some policies exclude certain dog breeds because they are thought to have a higher risk of aggression. Before getting a dog, you should make sure that you are covered.

Home Insurance with Advantage Insurance Network

Advantage Insurance Network offers home insurance and other policies in Cincinnati, OH. If you need a home policy or would like to know exactly what is covered in your policy, contact us today. 

Why should an Ohio company obtain commercial insurance?

Posted on by AgentInsure

The Cincinnati, OH area is a populated metro area that offers a lot of chances for a business to be successful. If you want to run a business here, having insurance is necessary. There are various good reasons to obtain this coverage in Ohio. 

Reduce Business Liability Risks

A critical reason any business has a proper commercial insurance plan is to reduce liability risks. Businesses today will take on many risks when selling a product or service. If the use of a product or service leads to an illness, injury, or other challenges, the business can be held liable. However, if they are insured, they will have proper support in place to mitigate the risk. 

Protect Assets

Businesses should also have this insurance to protect their assets. Any business will need to purchase assets to run a business. If you are not insured, you could hit a financial challenge if these assets are lost or damaged. With a commercial policy, you will have coverage against many risks that could cause a loss. 

Stay in Good Standing

Having commercial coverage is also necessary to ensure you stay in good standing. Most businesses will have insurance requirements and obligations. If you carry commercial coverage, you will comply with these requirements. This can help you avoid penalization or reputational damage. 

Businesses in the Cincinnati, OH area must ensure they get the right insurance. Since this is such an important decision, it would be wise to begin your search by calling the Advantage Insurance Network. The team with Advantage Insurance Network will give any guidance that is necessary to build a plan that will meet your needs and cover your organization.

Four things you shouldn’t assume about condo insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

You need to purchase condo insurance if you live in a condo in Cincinnati, OH. We can help you meet your condo insurance needs at Advantage Insurance Network.

Unfortunately, Ohio condo owners sometimes make assumptions about condo insurance that are not accurate. The following are four things that you shouldn’t assume about condo insurance. 

You don’t need condo insurance if you have HOA insurance coverage.

HOA insurance coverage will cover the overall structure of the building in which your condo is located.

It’s essential for you to realize that your HOA insurance coverage won’t cover you for what goes on within your individual unit. That’s why you need condo insurance even if you carry HOA insurance coverage. 

A condo insurance policy will cover you for any natural disaster damage.

Condo insurance will only cover you for certain types of natural disaster damage. A standard condo insurance policy won’t usually cover you for flood damage. In many cases, a standard condo insurance policy also won’t cover you for earthquake damage. 

Condo insurance only protects you financially regarding damage to your property.

In addition to protecting your property, condo insurance protects you regarding liability expenses. It’s essential that you don’t underestimate how expensive liability costs can be if you get sued after an injury that occurs within your condo unit. 

It’scostlye to purchase condo insurance.

You shouldn’t worry that condo insurance will be unaffordably expensive. If you shop around, you should find that it’s possible to acquire condo insurance at an affordable cost. 

Contact us at Advantage Insurance Network if you’re in need of a quote on a condo insurance policy. We’re happy to help you adequately insure your condo in Cincinnati, OH.