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How To Prep for an Out-of-State Road Trip

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Planning a road trip is exciting but requires a lot of planning and prep. You have to figure out where you want to go, what you want to see, and how you want to get there.

This can all be a lot to think about when you’re just getting ready to leave the driveway, so it’s essential to take some time to plan out your trip and make sure you’re prepared for the road. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. is here to help the people of Westerville, OH plan to get the most out of their trip safely.

Before You Go

  • Perform a basic maintenance check of your car. Take a good look at your fluid levels, changing and topping off as necessary. This includes oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Change your engine and cabin filters if needed. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated, have a spare tire, and the equipment you need to change a flat.

Note: If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, take your car to your local mechanic.

  • Have your emergency kit ready. This includes a flashlight, a first aid kit, a cell phone, and jumper cables. If you can, have some emergency money set aside for unexpected expenses.
  • Plan your route. Make sure you know where you’re going and how to get there. Check the weather forecast, and don’t drive into weather you aren’t comfortable navigating.

On The Road

  • Always wear a seatbelt. It’s the law. Not only that, but it can save your life. If you have small children in the car, ensure they’re correctly restrained with a child or booster seat.
  • Avoid driving at night. If you must, then avoid stopping in unfamiliar areas at night. This is especially important if you’re alone.
  • Do not drive while impaired. This means no drinking and driving and also no texting while driving.

Even if you’re the safest driver you know, you can still get into an accident. Ensure your financial security is not at risk with a comprehensive car insurance policy from Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH!

Motorcycle Insurance Options in Westerville, OH

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If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that protecting your investment is essential. That’s why finding the right insurance is vital. There are a few things to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance in Westerville, OH.

What Type of Coverage Do You Need?

There are a variety of coverage options available for motorcycle insurance. The type of coverage you need will depend on several factors, including the value of your bike and your riding habits.

For example, if you only ride occasionally, you may not need the same level of coverage as someone who rides daily. Your Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. agent can help you determine the right coverage for you.

What’s Your Budget?

Your budget is another crucial factor to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance. There are various coverage options available, and the cost will vary depending on the level of coverage you choose. Also, your motorcycle’s value, riding habits, and the state in which you live will all affect your insurance premiums.

Do You Have a Vehicle Loan?

If you have a loan on your motorcycle, your lender will likely require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage. This type of coverage protects your bike is damaged in an accident. It can also help pay off your loan if your motorcycle is totaled.

What is Your Motorcycle’s Value?

The value of your motorcycle can determine your coverage needs. If you have an expensive bike, consider comprehensive and collision coverage. These types of coverage can help repair or replace your motorcycle if it’s damaged.

These are just a few things to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance in Westerville, OH. For more information, contact the Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free quote.

Is it helpful to have umbrella insurance in Ohio?

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People that live in the Westerville, OH area will want to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the unexpected. A great way that this can be done is by ensuring you have proper personal liability coverage. You can protect yourself by getting an umbrella insurance plan, which provides personal liability insurance protection. There are various reasons why this coverage can be helpful. 

Coverage on top of Base Plans

You should consider getting an umbrella insurance plan because it will provide you with coverage on top of your base insurance plans. When you have an auto or home insurance plan, it will give you some level of liability coverage. However, there is always a chance you could be involved in an accident with damages exceeding your existing coverage. An umbrella insurance plan gives coverage on top of this. 

Broad Liability Coverage

You should also have an umbrella insurance plan because it will provide broader coverage. While having a home or auto insurance plan with liability coverage is helpful, you need to mitigate other personal liability risks. A great way to receive coverage for more risks is by obtaining an umbrella insurance plan. With umbrella insurance, you will get coverage for more of these situations. 

Those in the Westerville, OH area will want to know that they have the right insurance at all times. As you are looking for a new umbrella insurance plan here, it would be wise to start your search by calling the team with Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. The professionals with Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. understand this unique type of coverage and can ensure you build a plan that offers the proper liability coverage. 

Who should have a home insurance plan in place in Ohio?

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The Westerville, OH area has continued to be a great place to own a home. If you purchase a property here, you will want it to be a place that you can enjoy for a long time. One of the ways that you can protect this asset is by getting a home insurance plan. There are various situations in which someone should have home coverage here. 

When Looking to Protect Assets

A situation when someone will want home insurance is when they want to protect their assets. A proper home insurance plan can cover your dwelling and any personal belongings up to the policy limits. This will help protect against various risks, including bad weather damage, fire, theft, or vandalism. If you own valuable collectibles, they can be separately insured by a rider to the plan. 

When Trying to Mitigate Liability Risk

Another scenario in which you should get home insurance is when you want to offset your liability risk. If you are going to own a home, there will always be a risk that an accident could occur that you will be responsible for. If you have proper insurance in place, you will be able to mitigate this coverage with liability insurance. 

Having a home insurance plan should be a top priority for anyone in Westerville, OH. As you are evaluating your options, you may find that you have questions about this type of coverage. To ensure that your questions are adequately answered, it would be a good idea for you to call Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. The team with Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. understands the value of this coverage and will help someone build a plan that is right for their situation. 

How Does My Family Claim Life Insurance When I Die?

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Once a loved one has passed away, life insurance beneficiaries will need to know the steps to take in order to collect the life insurance payout to which they are entitled. This is typically not a task that is carried out by the executor of the estate.

In cases where the beneficiaries depend on the person who has passed for financial support, filing a claim is a priority to get the money as quickly as possible to cover expenses such as mortgage payments, utility bills, etc. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. or Westerville, OH is here to help you every step of the way from purchasing the insurance policy to assisting beneficiaries in the collection of the payout.

Claiming Life Insurance Benefits

To claim the benefits from a life insurance policy, the beneficiary will need to contact the insurance company that sold the policy. Some insurance companies will require a form to be submitted by the beneficiary reporting the death of the insured. Once the form is received, a packet will be sent to the beneficiary with instructions on how to proceed. Typically, all that needs to be done is to complete the claim forms in the packet and return them to the insurance company along with a certified copy of the death certificate.

In the event that more than one beneficiary is named on the life insurance policy, each beneficiary will need to submit a claim form. Should the primary beneficiary die before the policyholder, the alternate beneficiary will be able to claim the proceeds of the policy. In this case, the alternate beneficiary will also need to submit a copy of the certified death certificate for both the primary beneficiary as well as the policyholder.

At Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. or Westerville, OH, we understand the difficulty of filing insurance claims in the wake of a loved one’s passing. We are dedicated to making the process as easy as possible during your time of grief. For more information, give us a call today.

Things You May Not Know About Auto Insurance

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You may think that you know all there is to know about auto insurance in Westerville, OH. However, there are a few lesser-known facts of which you may not be aware. If you are planning to purchase a new car, change or update your current policy, or just want all the facts, you need to learn as much as you can. The experts at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc are here to answer any questions that you may have.

Your Policy Can Be Canceled at Any Time

Many people are not aware of the fact that their insurance company can cancel their auto insurance policy at any time if you violate their guidelines. The same is true for non-renewals.

If you fail to pay your monthly premium when it is due, have your driver’s license revoked or suspended, submit too many claims where you are at fault, or misrepresent your driving or insurance history. All of these are reasons why the insurance provider may cancel your policy or deny renewal.

Small Billing Fees You May Not Be Noticing Each Month

Take the time to look over your insurance bill. If you are paying installments, you may see an additional charge for administrative fees. The more you divide your payments, the higher this convenience fee may be. In addition, there may also be charges added for the payment methods that you choose when paying your bills, such as credit card fees or pay-by-phone charges.

If you notice any additional fees on your bill, contact your provider to find out what the charges are for and how to avoid paying them. You could end up saving a considerable amount of money over time by eliminating unnecessary fees.

If you are interested in learning more facts about auto insurance in Westerville, OH, contact Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. We are here to address all of your concerns. Call us today.

Ohio Life Insurance – What You Need To Know About Life Insurance

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How can you best set up your family for their lives should you pass away?  This is a question that gets asked more than you would think.  You can save money over time in a nest egg account and pass that account on to your family, that’s certainly one way to do it.  Another way is to set up a life insurance policy that will cover you in the case of your passing.  We will cover facets of life insurance and what to look out for below.  Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH offers life insurance and other insurance needs.

How Life Insurance Works

Life Insurance works similarly to other forms of insurance in terms of how they work.  In general terms, you pay a monthly premium to your insurance agent for the policy, and the policy pays out in a coverable event.  The coverable event, in this case, would be your passing which is quite different from a fender-bender for car insurance.  This is why life insurance is a subject that’s not talked about very much due to the macabre nature of what the end result would be.  It’s beneficial not to think of life insurance in those terms as this has more to do with what you leave behind versus the fact that you’re leaving in the first place.

Term Life & Whole Life

There are two types of life insurance that you can get, term life insurance and whole life insurance.  Term life insurance covers a term or length of time which can run up to 20 or 30 years.  Monthly premiums are lower for term life insurance, but the premiums paid don’t add value to the policy.  Whole life insurance covers your entire life and premiums are paid in perpetuity until your passing.  The bonus about whole life insurance is that your premiums build more value in the policy.

To Learn More

You can get more information about life insurance by contacting Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH today!

Common Myths About Auto Insurance

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Auto insurance is what every driver in the state of Ohio needs. This type of insurance protects your car, you as a driver, other passengers, and other parties on the road. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions and myths about auto insurance that you should know about before buying a policy. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. serving clients in Westerville, OH prepared a list of the most common of them: 

Most Common Myths About Auto Insurance

Here is a list of very common misconceptions about car insurance:

  • Getting insurance for a red car costs more money. There is a belief that red cars are more expensive in terms of the insurance. However, the color of a car is not one of those factors that have an impact on the price of auto insurance. 
  • Expensive cars cost more to insure. It does not matter what is the purchase price of your car. There are many mid-priced vehicles that cost more to insure.
  • Traffic tickets automatically increase the cost of insurance. It depends on the type of violation. If your violation is minor, your car insurance will not be affected.
  • To carry a state minimum car insurance is enough. The state of Ohio requires all drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of liability insurance. However, it is important to understand that in most cases this amount will not be enough to cover a car accident. 

If you are a car owner living in Westerville, OH or any other town in Ohio, Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. will be glad to help you find insurance that you need and deserve. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our agency and talk to any of our insurance agents. 

What Motorcycle Insurance Does Ohio Require?

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Motorcycle riders all over the United States are required to have some sort of insurance. Ohio is not an exception to that rule, especially with so many motorcycle riders in the state. When everybody on the road has insurance, more people are protected.

If you live in Westerville, OH, Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. can provide more information about the coverage you need for your motorcycle.

Bodily Injury Coverage

In Ohio, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance that covers bodily injury. You must have coverage for $25,000 of damage in accidents that involve one person and $50,000 of damage for incidents involving multiple people.

Even though these are the requirements, it is often recommended that you consider increasing the value of your policy. This will mean your insurance policy may cover damage your bike causes to others, including medical bills.

Property Damage Coverage

Ohio motorcyclists must also carry $25,000 worth of coverage for property damage. Property damage liability coverage repairs damage to the property of others if you are held responsible for causing it.

Of course, you might want to increase your liability coverage beyond the minimum to ensure you are no personally responsible for property damage.

Recommendations for Motorcycle Coverage

Certain types of coverage, including collision insurance and equipment insurance, are not required by the state of Ohio. It is also a good idea to consider comprehensive insurance in case something happens to your bike when you are not riding it.

Get the Right Motorcycle Coverage Today

Do you still have questions about motorcycle insurance in Westerville, OH? Contact Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. for more information about your insurance policy and state requirements.

Demystifying Popular Umbrella Insurance Myths

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Various myths can confuse you when looking for umbrella insurance coverage in Westerville, OH, particularly if you are a newbie. For this reason, Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. highlights popular insurance myths to avoid.

Myth#1: Umbrella insurance is only for the rich and famous

This is not true at all! The truth is that an umbrella policy can be beneficial even when your net worth is low or moderate. Since anyone can be sued, umbrella insurance is ideal for anyone earning a livelihood.

Myth#2: Umbrella insurance is costly 

Another common myth. Since umbrella insurance rides on other coverages, it’s not that expensive. In fact, for the liability coverage it gives you, the amount of premium you pay is only a fraction of the price.  

Myth#3: I’m too young to need umbrella insurance 

That’s just plain misleading. Young people face unique challenges such as buying homes, participating in risky hobbies, starting families, owning dangerous pets, and starting businesses. This means that young people are exposed to the same risks as older folks, and considering umbrella insurance is a great choice.

Myth#4: I already have enough insurance, so I don’t need umbrella coverage

Most people think this way because they believe that their existing insurance policies cover everything. But there are always gaps between what we expect our current insurance to pay and what actually happens.

For instance, you may have liability coverage in your auto insurance, but it may only stretch far when involved in a severe accident. It’s in such incidences that umbrella insurance steps in to save your assets.

Myth#5: I’ll never use my umbrella policy 

How could you say something like that? An umbrella insurance policy protects you against unexpected events that exceed your primary liability limits. These include lawsuits, medical bills, property damage, and lost wages due to injury that can occur to anyone.  

Now that you know the truth regarding umbrella insurance, don’t let anyone confuse you. Reach out to Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH, for umbrella insurance coverage and other clarifications you might need.