What are my Ohio life insurance options?

For people in the Westerville, OH area, having proper personal insurance is crucial. While this includes having a good home and auto insurance policy, you also need to make sure that you carefully consider your life insurance needs and options. For those that think they need life insurance, several different insurance options should be considered. 

Whole Life Insurance

Getting whole life insurance is a good option for people that want insurance coverage but are also looking for an investment option. When you get whole life insurance, you will receive coverage for the rest of your life as long as you keep making premium payments. A significant advantage of this type of insurance is that your part of the premium payments will build and add up and can be liquidated in the future, which makes it a great investment option as well. 

Term Life

For those looking for the most coverage at the most affordable rate possible, term life insurance is a good option. When you get this life insurance, you will receive coverage for the full policy amount and the pre-determined term of the policy. Typically, this type of life insurance will also provide a lot more coverage with a lower premium, but you will not be able to liquidate the policy in the future. 

One of the most significant decisions that someone in the Westerville, OH area will make is when they purchase a new life insurance policy. Since this is such a big choice, you need to make sure that you are adequately represented. One of the best ways to do this is by hiring Associated Insurance Agencies, Inc. for your life insurance needs. The team at Associated Insurance Agencies, Inc. can help you to pick the right life insurance policy for your situation. Contact our office for a quote.

3 Ways to Prepare Your Car For an Ohio WInter

As the winter temperatures start to creep into Westerville, OH with the holidays, it is time to have your car prepared for an Ohio winter. Below are some tips we offer our clients at Associated Insurance Agencies, Inc. to get them prepared and keep them safe through the frigid temperatures. 

How are your windshield wipers?

Designed to keep your windshield clear of weather and debris, windshield wipers are essential for clearing ice, snow, and sleet out of the way. Give them a test and determine if they have enough padding on the wiper blade. If it is below half or scraping your windshield, visit your local service center to have a new set installed. For vehicles with rear wipers, check them, as well. 

How is your battery? 

While you are at the service center, have them inspect your battery life and determine if it is operating at full power. If it is operating less than 75 percent of its potential, go ahead and have it replaced. The cold weather in Ohio has the ability to weaken batteries substantially that is already gradually on the decline. 

Have your oil changed soon

Unless you had your oil changed in the last three months, it is a good preventative practice to go ahead and have the oil changed in your car. Having strong and fresh oil going into the winter will give your engine maximum performance and the ability to stand up to cold temperatures and a winter environment.

Have the auto insurance you need

At Associated Insurance Agencies, Inc., we offer our clients in the Westerville, OH area auto insurance that will meet all of their insurance needs. Feel free to use our online rating tool for your personal quote or give us a call today.

Homeowners Insurance – How Much Do You Need

Your home is where you feel safest, and if anything devastating were to happen, you’d want your insurance to cover the damage quickly. So, don’t make the mistake of getting too little insurance when buying your home. If you’re in Westerville, OH, the friendly staff at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. will help you decide what type of insurance would help cover your home.

How To Determine What You Need

Homeowners insurance is for protection for you just in case the worst happens. You’ll need to get enough insurance to cover the cost to replace your home if your home is destroyed. Several factors determine the replacement cost. The first is the cost that you paid versus how much your home is worth. If you’ve remodeled your home, the insurance company will take that into consideration. If you’ve added rooms or built a deck, this will be taken into account. You will also need to take a look around and determine how much your personal belongings are worth. 

Additional Things to Consider

You may also need to get additional living expenses if your house is unlivable after a disaster. If you run a business from your home or had renters, homeowners’ insurance may reimburse you for your lost income.

Liability coverage can range from $100,000 to $300,000, but lawsuits can quickly rise above that cost. If you have a pool, dog, or children, you may want to add extra liability coverage to protect you if someone is injured due to any of these items.

How to Prepare for Insurance

First, take photos of your items and videotape any new or remodeled spaces. Next, stop in the offices at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH. The independent agents will help you with your homeowners’ insurance policy and find you a quote.

3 Tips for Buying Umbrella Insurance in Ohio

Umbrella insurance is extra insurance that kicks in once you’ve exhausted your primary policy. This insurance is good to have for those unexpected events such as someone who gets injured on your property, resulting in expensive litigation. However, umbrella insurance is affordable and adds peace of mind by knowing that no matter what happens, you, your family, and your assets are protected. Read on to learn about three ways you can save money on your umbrella policy while getting the insurance you need.

1. Compare Several Quotes

Your insurance agent can help you compare several umbrella insurance policy quotes. Expect to go over the fine detail, including what is covered, what is not, and how much the policy costs. This a great time to get all of your questions answered.

2. Bundle your Policies

To save money on your insurance, consider bundling your policies under one insurance company. Your insurance agent can help you do this. Either stay with the company you currently have your policies under or find a new company that offers additional savings. 

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

To make sure you get the best policy for the best price, work with a trusted and reputable agent. Insurance agents make it their job to understand umbrella insurance and pass that understanding, along with savings, on to you. They will answer all your questions and concerns and take their time going over different policies. 

The agents at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH are standing by to help you find the best umbrella policy for your particular needs. The team at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. can be reached by phone or you can visit our office in Westerville, OH. Give you and your family peace of mind knowing that no matter what happens, you and your assets are protected. 

Benefits of Health Insurance

No one plans to get hurt or sick but many people will need medical care in Westerville, OH at some point in their lives. Healthcare can quickly add up but health insurance can cover some of the costs and also offers many benefits. With so many health plans available, an agent at Associated Inurance Agencies Inc. can help you find the right plan for your needs.

Essential Health Benefits: Health insurance will cover essential health benefits that are important to maintaining your health, as well as treating accidents and illnesses. Some of the essential benefits that are covered under a health insurance plan include emergency services, ambulatory patient services, pregnancy, and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorders, prescription drugs, and preventative care.

Protect Financial Interests: Health insurance will provide protection in the event of a serious sickness or accident. It can be easy to underestimate the cost of medical care. This can lead people without coverage to go into deep debt or bankruptcy. Plans will have lower costs after you meet your deductible and there usually will be the maximum amount you can spend, which is the total amount you will pay no matter how much covered care you get. You may also pay less for covered in-network healthcare even before you meet your deductible, further saving you money.

Preventative Care: Preventative care, such as screening tests and vaccines, will be available to you at no cost, even before you meet your deductible in Westerville, OH. Free preventative services are broken down into three sets, which can include preventative care for adults, women, and children. Each category will cover various things. You may even get certain check-ups for free before you meet your deductible.

Contact Associated Inurance Agencies Inc. to get a quote on health insurance. 

Marital Status Change? = A Change To Your Life Insurance

We don’t have to tell you that your life is about to change.

When you get married or divorced it is a major life event. The personal effects not withstanding, your financial status is going to change dramatically.  We don’t just mean who your life insurance beneficiary is currently. Due to the nature of the marital union, your financial responsibilities will be affected enormously. The agents at Associated Inurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH are well acquainted with navigating the changes that will occur in your financial life. 

 You may want to change the type of life insurance you currently possess. Savings will be more important as your marital status changes. Whether you’re getting married or divorced, you may have children that you have to provide for, you may have to provide for a different domicile as well as your own domicile. You may have to provide support payments. Life insurance can be used as a financial product that builds cash value and that you can take loans out against. Conversely, your financial obligations may be diminishing and you may decide to change your life insurance from a more comprehensive, whole life policy to a simpler, term life insurance policy. Let us help you understand how to best take care of your financial responsibilities with your major life event.

Speaking with one of our agents at Associated Inurance Agencies Inc. with offices throughout Ohio including Westerville, OH will give you better options and help you understand how your life will be affected by your new status. Contact us today so that we can begin discussing your new insurance responsibilities.  Servicing the great state of Ohio you can give us a call today at 800-935–2335. In addition to life insurance, we also offer home insurance, commercial insurance, condo, and health insurance products. 

How to Design a Condo Insurance Policy

If you live in Manchester, NH and own a condo, you’re required to have a minimum level of coverage. However, the minimum may not be enough to cover the costs of every event. If you want to design a policy that will really protect you, Associated American Insurance may be able to help. Learn more about what it takes to review and finalize a policy that will give you the peace of mind you need. 

Personal Possessions 

There is a common problem for all property homeowners: they believe their insurance covers their belongings regardless of their policy. But this is not always the case (and often owners don’t find out about this until it’s too late). Your policy may only cover physical damage to the unit, as opposed to items that are lost, stolen, or destroyed. Your policy will also have limits imposed for each policy owner, and may only cover a small portion of everything lost. For more coverage, you’ll need a more comprehensive condo insurance policy. 

Liability 

Liability coverage will protect you in case of mistakes or neglect. For example, if a friend falls over a toy that was left in the living room, you may be responsible for their medical injuries. Similar to the property limits, your insurance policy will also impose liability limits. If you can’t cover everything via your insurance, you’ll be expected to pay for the costs out-of-pocket. 

Ask Us 

From pet damage to identity theft insurance, there are a number of ways to customize your insurance policy based on your preferences. If you want to learn more about how to insulate yourself from unexpected catastrophes, call Associated American Insurance today. We’re here to help the Manchester, NH keep their condos and their belongings in one piece.  

Roadside Auto Coverage with My Auto Insurance Policy in Westerville, OH

Associated Inurance Agencies Inc. serves the Westerville, OH area and wants to make sure that all of your options are available to you. When you are purchasing an auto insurance policy, it’s important to know the requirements as well as the add-ons and whether they are worth it or not. The real question for us is, "How much is roadside insurance worth to you?"

Third Parties vs. Your Current Auto Insurance Carrier

It’s important to educate yourself on the differences. One of the main differences with adding on roadside insurance assistance to your current auto policy is that you get what you pay for. Generally, your auto insurance roadside insurance will offer more perks and be less expensive including:

  • Towing
  • Battery charging and services
  • Flat tire assistance
  • Winching
  • Extrication
  • Fuel delivery

The state of Ohio has a very minimum bare bones requirement on automobile policies: Bodily Injury Liability Coverage as well as Property Damage Liability Coverage. Rarely does a car owner just go with this type of insurance. In order to demonstrate financial responsibility, most people up to their bodily injury and property damage from $25,000 to $50,000. If your minimum insurance doesn’t cover all property damage in case of an accident, your assets may be seized. 

What do You Want to Pay for?

Because the minimum amount of insurance is more of a risk, most people choose to protect their assets. In fact, some car loan companies may require you to carry full coverage and coverage on any other drivers if you are getting a car loan. This is one reason that many people also choose to add on roadside assistance. 

Roadside assistance coverage is an option on almost every insurance policy. For most people, using your roadside assistance coverage does not lead to an increase in your rate. 

Please stop by one of our six locations serving the Westerville, OH area. Associated Inurance Agencies Inc. wants to make sure that you have a policy that fits your exact needs. Current customers are also encouraged to stop by on an annual basis to keep their policy updated. 

 

Why You Might Need Commercial Insurance for a Home-Based Business

Associated Inurance Agencies Inc.

Technological improvements have made it easier for people to start home-based businesses. However, this ease of entry can make owners think they can take shortcuts. Many believe it unnecessary to have commercial insurance, for example. Then, when calamity strikes, as it so often does, these entrepreneurs realize their mistake. Some even lose everything.

To better increase, the odds of your business succeeding, discuss the merits of commercial insurance with the helpful staff of Associated Insurance Agencies Inc., which serves the Westerville, OH region. But, first, keep reading to find out just why home-based businesses often need commercial insurance.

Clients or Employees in the Home

If your clients visit your home, then you really should have commercial insurance. Likewise, if you have others present working for you, be sure to get coverage. Without this protection, you could wind up paying out-of-pocket for harm to clients or employees.

You never know when someone might slip and fall. You never know when they might blame you for something stolen while on the premises. Without sufficient insurance, when something bad happens, you will have to handle all the costs of defending your reputation. If found liable, all the costs of damage done could fall upon you.

Errors and Omissions

Everyone makes mistakes. Professionals should have errors and omissions commercial insurance to ensure they have adequate protection when they fail to live up to recognized standards.

Never assume that you will always do the right thing. Even if you have done your best, a customer or the court may find your performance lacking.

Business Property

Running a business from home means you will have expensive equipment, from computers to fax machines, sitting around. This property can be damaged or stolen. Without insurance, you will have to replace it with money from your operating account, reducing profits. Commercial insurance could help in this regard.

Get Started Protecting Your Future

For more information, contact Associated Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the Westerville, OH region and beyond. The professional staff can help you find the optimal amount of commercial insurance for your particular home-based business. Get a free quote today.

 

What Affects Home Insurance Premiums?

What Affects my Home?

Several things can affect your home insurance premiums in Westerville, OH, and an agent at Associated Insurance Agencies, Inc. can help you make sure you are getting adequate coverage for your home.

  • Age of Home and Materials: As your home and roof age, the structure is more susceptible to damage. This causes the replacement costs to go up over time, which can increase your premium.
  • Trampolines and Pools: These and other attractive nuisances, as they are called, are fun things to have, but they can also cause premiums to increase. You are liable for injuries people have while using them, whether or not you permitted them to do so.
  • Certain Dogs: Certain dog breeds will raise premiums or make it even more challenging to get insurance. Dog bites can account for one-third of all insurance claims.
  • Previous Claims: If you have more claims made over time, then you are considered more of a risk, and it can lead to higher premiums. With too many claims, you run the risk of not having your policy renewed.
  • Home Security: A home security system can reduce your premium because it adds an extra layer of protection for the home and your belongings. Another thing that adds additional security is by replacing old locks with deadbolts.
  • Credit History: Insurance companies can use your credit history to determine your insurance score, which can affect your premium. Some of the items they look at include outstanding debt, credit history length, payment history, and credit mix.
  • Home Remodeling: Remodeling, whether it’s a bathroom or kitchen, is likely to raise the value of your home, which means this should be reflected in the policy. Materials and construction costs need to be taken into consideration, which could increase premiums.

Contact Associated Insurance Agencies, Inc. serving Westerville, OH, to get a quote on home insurance.