Common insurance myths — busted!

Throughout your life, you have most likely heard many things about how insurance works. For example, did you grow up thinking that car insurance costs more if you drive a red car?  Let’s bust these common insurance myths and uncover the truth!

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Dan Zeiler
Does Car Insurance Cover Electrical Problems?

Whether your car insurance will cover electrical issues depends on the cause of the issue and the type of car insurance coverage you have. If the electrical issues were caused by a covered accident, the repairs may be covered by the at-fault driver. If the electrical issues were the result of normal wear and tear or age, they likely won't be covered.

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Auto InsuranceDan Zeiler
Illinois Smoke Alarm Law

What is the updated smoke alarm Law? The Illinois Smoke Detector Act, 425 ILCS 60, covers the requirements for smoke alarms in Illinois, including: Number of Alarms, location, types, installation responsibility, penalties, exclusions, and more.

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Dan Zeiler
Escrow and Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners may often be confused by how escrow accounts interact with their real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. An escrow account helps make sure your insurance premiums and real estate taxes are paid on time; typically, your insurance company will do most of the heavy lifting.

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Home InsuranceDan Zeiler
Protecting Yourself After a Data Breach

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common. But just because you received this letter does not mean that you’re the victim of identity theft, it just means that your data was exposed. However, there are five main steps you can take to better ensure that you come out of the situation with your identity and finances intact.

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Dan Zeiler
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

On homeowners, renters, or condo policies, your property and belongings may be insured for either your property's actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV). You may also have the option to be insured for replacement cost value on automobile, motorcycle, and boat policies. But what do they actually mean?

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Dan Zeiler
What is an Insurance Adjuster?

An insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, is a person who investigates an insurance claim to determine if the insurer should pay for damage or injuries, and if so, how much they should pay. Adjusters may also work with you to get your vehicle inspected or set up repairs on your behalf.

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Dan Zeiler
How to Buy Homeowners Insurance for the First Time

Before closing on a new home, your lender will require you to purchase a home insurance policy. While many lenders provide insurance referrals, choosing a home insurance company is your decision. You're responsible for making sure the coverages on your policy adequately protect your residence, detached structures, and personal belongings.

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Home InsuranceDan Zeiler
Coverage For Renting Out Your Home

There are many reasons you might want to rent out your home on either a short- or long-term basis. Depending on the rental scenario, your standard homeowners policy may not cover losses incurred while your home is rented out. So, whether you own a second home that you lease to tenants or want to rent out a spare bedroom in your house periodically though Airbnb, the first step should be to give us a call.

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What is an Auto Insurance Score?

An insurance score is a score calculated from information on your credit report. Your credit information can be very predictive of future accidents or insurance claims, which is why many insurance companies use this information to develop accurate rates. .Your credit score is one of the factors that can affect your car insurance premium.

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Is Life Insurance Through Your Employer Enough?

Choosing the right type and amount of life insurance is an important financial decision that can affect your whole family. A common type of coverage that may be available as a workplace benefit for free or at a low cost is basic group life insurance offered by your employer. Although Group life insurance can be a good value, it may offer less coverage than you need.

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Outdoor Fire Safety

Did you know that sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees F and cause third-degree burns? Unintentional actions are the leading cause of outside fires. Community residents need to keep fire safety in mind when enjoying summer vacations, camping, family reunions, grilling and the Fourth of July.

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Dan Zeiler
What are home insurance inspections?

A home insurance inspection helps insurance companies assess the replacement cost and risks associated with a new homeowners insurance policy or renewal of an existing policy. Think of it as your insurance company doing their due diligence to help assess potential claims in insuring your home, and the results of the inspection can be used to determine your insurance premium.

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Dan Zeiler
What Impacts Insurance Premium Rates?

If you've purchased a home or car, you understand the feeling of wanting to protect it. Having insurance protection provides peace of mind. It’s important to understand that the cost of claims is growing due to a variety of factors including inflation, increased severe weather events, supply chain issues and more.

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Dan Zeiler
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Swimming Pools?

Coverage eligibility and insurance requirements for your swimming pool will vary by insurer and pool type. Dwelling, personal property, or other structures coverage on your homeowners insurance policy may help repair or replace your swimming pool if it's damaged or destroyed by a covered peril. Your home policy's personal liability coverage may pay for damages or injuries for which you're legally responsible.

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