Insurance Center News

What do you Need to do to Plan for Your Retirement?

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:41:47 GMT

When you think about the years that you are going to spend in retirement, what do you imagine? Are you spending time playing golf? Travelling to see family? Travelling to see foreign lands? No matter what you are doing, you are going to need money to ensure that you can support yourself. When you are planning for retirement you will want to address these questions.

How much money will I need?
How will I fund your retirement?
When can I start saving for retirement?
What options does my employer offer for retirement?

When you are determining how you are going to save and how much you are going to save, you will want to ensure that you have enough money to live comfortably. Living comfortably and living a healthy lifestyle will be important for your health and happiness. After you have decided how much money you will need, you can then start talking with a financial planner to figure out the best strategy to planning your retirement funds.

Working with a professional can help you use all of the different sources that are available to you. You may be able to utilize your work place retirement packages to be able to start saving for your retirement. This way, you can do everything that you dream of doing when you do not have to work anymore.

Insurance: 16 Things to do Before You Die

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:31:22 GMT

One of the most important things that you can do in life is prepare for your death. While this may not be an entirely cheery proposition to consider, there is a lot to life which people need to take care of, in order to make sure that their loved ones that they leave behind are able to get through the experience in the easiest way possible.

Here is a list of things to take care of, in order to make the transition better for everyone:

1- Take an inventory of your physical items worth more than 100 dollars.

2- Take an inventory of your non-physical assets, such as your bank accounts and stocks and retirement funds and anything else of value.

3- Create a list of your credit cards and of your debts.

4- Make a list of the organizations which you belong.

5- Get a copy of your assets list to your estate administrator.

6- Comprehensively review your retirement accounts.

7- Update your life insurance policy.

8- Create a Transfer on Death arrangement to simplify the distribution of your assets.

9- Name an Estate Administrator.

10- Create a current will.

11- Review and update all important documents.

12- Get copies of your current will to your estate administrator.

13- Get an Estate Attorney

14- Create an Estate Plan documents.

15- Simplify your life in any way possible.

16- Take advantage of college funding accounts in order to help out your children with their education.

By attending to these things and getting your life in order well ahead of time, you can be assured that those you leave behind will be protected and cared for. This is an investment of your time and effort, but it is well worth it to take charge of as soon as possible!

Safety Tips for Your Boat Trailer

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:05:53 GMT

When purchasing a trailer in or elsewhere, stay within recommended capacity guidelines. When determining capacity, remember to include the weight of fuel and accessories in addition to the weight of the craft.

Trailers come with closed or open frames. Closed frames help protect the wiring, but problems can be more difficult to locate and repair. Open frames leave the wiring exposed, but make it easier to spot and repair potential problems. Open frames also drain water more easily and efficiently, so keep in mind that when you dip that trailer into lakes, or elsewhere.

Consider the method of personal watercraft (PWC) support, the frame strength and construction, whether lights and wiring are approved for marine use, whether rollers and bunks are properly positioned and attached to the main frame for proper suspension, and the durability of the finish. (Powder-coated or galvanized finishes are more durable than baked-on enamel.)

Purchase good quality tie-downs with the right hooks to attach to your trailer. Before each use of your trailer, check:

Tires for wear and inflation
Hitch and safety chain for signs of wear or stress
Braking system to make sure you can stop with a load
Electrical system for improper connections, corroded terminals, damaged wires, burned out bulbs, etc.
Wheel bearings are properly packed with a good bearing grease
Lug nuts and main nuts are tight
Stops, rollers and bunks for wear or cracks
Coupler and ball are compatible in size and are properly secured. Check for wear or stress
Both bow and stern of your PWC are secured to the trailer. Use extra tie-downs in case one should fail
Emergency supplies; carry basic tools, spare bulbs, bearings, grease, mounted tire and highway flares

Drive carefully. Give other drivers plenty of warning for any maneuvers. Allow for the extra length of the car and trailer when turning and passing, and allow extra time for stopping.

Pull off the road periodically to check the rig. Examine the tires and wheel bearings for signs of overheating, check the lights and test the tie-downs.

Before Leaving Shore

At the Launch Ramp:

It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern.
Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don’t rush, but don’t linger longer than necessary.
Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other boats, debris, etc.
Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.

Contact Us!

Service How and When you Want

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:07:52 GMT

We strive to provide service how and when you want it. We love servicing your needs, so we’re open extended hours, Saturdays till noon, and evenings by appointment. But there’s more

Website – Check out our updated website (www.inscenter.com) for great information including:

Mobile site

Our Mobile site works on any data enabled phone with NO APP!
It’s packed with great info on what you need when you’re on the go.
- What to do in case of an accident,
- Links & #’s for Claim & Payments
- FAQ’s, Initiate on-line chat & more!
Simply bookmark the site to your phone’s home screen or browser for easy access!
It is NOT an app so does not take up your valuable space!

Of course we are also available via phone, e-mail, fax, and we always enjoy seeing you in person at one of two locations!

We’ve even made it easier to do business with us via a new e-signature process, where you can e-sign your application via e-mail or your smart phone!

We plan to send out a short e-mail each quarter with some useful information and tips. And of course, be sure to check out our blog, and facebook pages. We have a lot of great useful information.

Common Misconceptions About Business Insurance

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:43:47 GMT

There are a lot of people out there who do not believe that business insurance is mandatory or important enough to warrant getting. In a lot of cases, these people are influenced by what they believe to be the truth about the matter. Unfortunately, some of these conceptions are not entirely accurate.

Here are some common misconceptions about business insurance:

1- Corporate structuring will protect against people being sued. Corporations are set up to allow the “entity” to take the heat for most legal action. However, this veil of protection can be lifted at any time, leaving individuals within fully exposed.

2- Having small profit margins does not mean immunity. Some people think that if their business is small and does not make a lot of money, that no one will sue them, as there is supposedly nothing to gain. However, any company can be sued, and there is always something to find with worth, whether it is financial information or physical goods.

3- Just because people are family does not mean that they will work with each other. It is commonly assumed that when a business owner dies, then their family will unite to work out their estate and then move forward with the company. In actuality, it is rare for a family business to survive a generation, and family members rarely unite to progress.

By understanding the reality of the situation at hand, it is easy to see how getting business insurance is a smart move on your part. Being protected against the unknown gives you the edge and allows your interests to be a lot safer.

Save 10-15% on Your Insurance and Get a Free Dodger Jersey at the Same Time!

Mike Randles — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:51:45 GMT

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Dodger Stadium, and the beginning of a new magic era full of excitement and hope, we’re giving away an official MLB Dodger Jersey ($100 value!) if you purchase a new policy from us in the next two months, so don’t delay – save money and get a free jersey!

You may already know you can often save 10%-15% by “packaging” your policies with us. These multi-policy discounts often apply to each policy, and that can add up to a big savings on your insurance bill.

Don’t worry, you don’t have combine your payments (unless you want to), so if you pay one monthly and the other yearly or via your mortgage payment, that’s just fine.

We’ll make the process easy and will even provide notification to your current carrier for you. If you’ve been procrastinating / waiting to move your auto, home, or condo, there is no better time than now!

Get a free quote for auto, home, condo, renters, and more to find out how much you could save!

Not only will you save on each policy, but you can get a great Dodger Jersey for yourself or for that special baseball fan in your life. But hurry! This offer is only valid for a limited time.

View the official rules for this offer

Why Your Business Might Need Special Events Insurance

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:16:24 GMT

When your business is going to host an event, special events insurance may be a great option. Event insurance is a great way to have the liability coverage that is needed for legal defense in case any claims of negligence are brought forward on the basis of mismanagement, improper security, misleading representations or failure to maintain equipment/fixtures.

Whether you are hosting the event or even organizing the event, your company may face potential liability suits from spectators, contractors and even customers. You may think that the suit is completely unjustified, but even in this situation the cost of the defense can be significant.

The premium costs of a Special Events Insurance program are going to be determined based on a multiple factors.

The anticipated number of participants
The nature of the vent
The length of the event

Giving quotes without detailed information about the event is not possible. It is important that all customers talk with a company representative to figure out the premium that they will be required to pay for their special events insurance.

Special events insurance has been purchased to cover…

Concerts
Exhibitions
Dances
Festivals
Political rallies
Cattle shows
Recreational events
Sporting events
Parades
Conventions
And many other events that have posed a liability threat

If you do not know whether your event will pose a liability threat or not, it is important to talk with a representative as soon as possible. This way, you can be sure that your company has the special event insurance that is necessary.

Be Safe on Your Motorcycle

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:01:15 GMT

To stay safe on streets, you need the right skills to control your ride, and the best safety equipment for just-in-case. Insurance Center cares about your safety – so keep these helpful tips in mind when you ride:

When You Ride, Be Prepared and Protected

Update your Policy when You Update Your Equipment
Make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your motorcycle insurance policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, contact us and let our team make sure your coverage is current before you head out on the streets.
Training Saves Lives
Smart riders are safe riders – that’s why many states encourage riders to take classes and improve their riding skills. Riders who attend safe riding courses may also qualify for insurance discounts – contact us to find out more!
Helmets Are For Every Rider
A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider without a helmet.* Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots. Want to know what safety equipment is required in ? Contact us today!
Be Visible – In a Crash, the SUV Wins
When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car never saw the motorcyclist. With more and bigger cars on the road, you need to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps – both night and day – and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility when out on the streets.
Ride sober!
Driving impaired is more deadly for cyclists than other drivers. In fact, more than half of all motorcycle deaths occur when the rider has been drinking.*

* Source: NHSA's Traffic Safety report on Motorcycles.

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For further questions and assistance, please contact us or call us at .

Which Cars Get Stolen the Most?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:31:16 GMT

One of the factors which everyone who has a car occasionally worries about is how likely their car is to get stolen. Every year, there are thousands upon thousands of thefts reported around the US. Car thieves have gotten better, in order to keep up with the constantly evolving security measures car companies implement.

At this moment, the vehicle which tops the lists is the Cadillac Escalade. This luxury SUV has a high presence in affluent suburbs and in the city, and is often a mark of prestige. Car thieves seem to favor this model quite a lot, because different makes and models of the Escalade top the lists several times over.

When it comes to normal sedans, cars with a lot of pickup and power and nice looking lines all are commonly stolen. The power available for these models makes them a tempting target to be prized for its abilities. Dodge Chargers and Nissan Maximas are commonly targeted in this group.

Last of all, trucks have a very high rate of being stolen. Large and powerful trucks such as F-250s and F-350s are often sought out, due to both their size and power and aesthetic.

Generally speaking, the most frequently stolen cars are going to be the flashiest ones with a lot of power, while still being commonly seen. Thieves avoid the more exotic high end vehicles due to the difficulties in stealing and unloading them, but the high end of the cars the general public will drive makes for tempting.

Are you getting married? Why wedding insurance is a must!

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:58:11 GMT

When you get engaged and you start planning a wedding, you want to be sure that you think about purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can be a great investment and you want to make sure that you understand if this investment will be right for you and your loved one. Here are some facts about wedding insurance that may help you make the right decision.

If you end up having to postpone the wedding because of bad weather, the insurance will cover the cost of rescheduling your ceremony and celebration
If you or your significant other should fall ill or get injured due to certain unavoidable circumstances, the policy will cover the cost of postponing the wedding.
Should someone lose the wedding rings, the insurance will cover the cost of the rings.
If the bride’s gown should be damaged or ruined, the insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
If the wedding gifts are damaged, the insurance policy will cover the cost of replacement.
The venue is insured in case someone causes any serious damage.
If a vendor does not show up the day of the event, and you have to pay to get a replacement the insurance will cover this cost

Wedding insurance will protect your big day if something should go wrong. Wedding insurance can be a great way to make sure that your big day is a success and is uninterrupted by any crisis or problems. If you have the budget for it, wedding insurance may be the best financial decision you could make!