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Get the Best Auto Insurance at the Lowest Cost

Get the Best Auto Insurance at the Lowest Cost

When shopping around for car insurance, understanding the factors that influence the cost of premiums can help you negotiate the best price. Here’s what auto insurance companies look at when giving you a quote.

Your Driving History, Habits, and Usage

Your insurer will check your driving record to understand risk levels. They will look at the number of accidents you’ve been in, the tickets you’ve received, DUI incidents, or claims made by you. At times, these factors might make it tough to get car insurance. Working on improving your record is a good practice.

Agents also look at car usage patterns such as distances driven and whether you can park in a secure location. Longer distances and unsafe parking zones can increase costs.

Type of Car and Its Condition

Factors like the safety rating, size, and sturdiness of the car, year of manufacturing, etc. affect the cost of the premium. The most effective way to lower your auto insurance rates is by maintaining your vehicle and driving responsibly.

Another factor is the attractiveness of the car, like a sports car, it is more likely to get stolen, resulting in a higher premium.

Your Demographic Group

Your age, gender, marital status, and the neighborhood you live in influence your car insurance premiums. Statistically, research indicates that teenage girls meet with fewer accidents than male teens, while married people tend to be in fewer accidents than single people.

Your Credit Score and Profession

Typically, lower credit scores and certain types of professions attract higher premiums. Law enforcement officers and sedentary workers attract lower auto insurance rates, while delivery drivers may attract higher premiums.

Also, the higher your credit rating is, the more you stand to save on insurance. Working to improve your credit score can lower your auto insurance costs over time.

These are some essential factors that can influence your auto insurance rates. If you are looking for a comprehensive policy for your car, contact the experts at James Page Insurance. Our dedicated team is ready to help you with all your coverage needs today.

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Term Life Insurance Riders: What You Need to Know

Term Life Insurance Riders What You Need to Know

Term life insurance is where a sum is paid to beneficiaries in case the insured person passes away within the term. The payoff is known as a death benefit. However, you can get life insurance riders on your policy by paying a bit extra.

Should I Buy Riders with Term Insurance?

Riders for term insurance give you additional coverage options apart from the death benefit. While it isn’t mandatory to get them, you would be missing out on some key add-ons for extra security.

Here are some top insurance riders you can get:

Guaranteed Insurability Rider

With these life insurance riders, you can increase your sum assured without having to undergo a medical exam. You are eligible for the guaranteed insurability option when certain landmark events occur like a new baby, marriage, and home improvement.

Waiver of Premium Rider

The insured may be unable to pay regular premiums due to an illness or injury. If the term insurance policy has a waiver of premium rider, the insured will be exempt from paying the premium until they return to work.

Accidental Death Life Insurance Riders

Also known as “double indemnity rider,” your beneficiaries will be entitled to an increased payout if you die due to an accident. This increased benefit can be as much as double the basic sum assured.

Accelerated Death Rider

Under the accelerated death riders for term insurance, you can get death benefits if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. Treatment of such conditions is shockingly expensive, and you can save your family from huge debts after your demise with this rider.

Disability Waiver Rider

Under this rider, you can get coverage if you were to become disabled and unable to earn an income for your family.

Return of Premium Rider

This rider guarantees you the return of the total amount of premiums paid at the end of the term. If you pass away, your beneficiaries will receive the total amount of premiums paid in addition to the death benefit.

These are a few term insurance riders that you can add to your policy. To learn more about the terms and conditions of riders, contact our experts at James Page Insurance today. We are happy to answer all your insurance questions.

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Useful Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Summer

Useful Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Summer

With the onset of the summer, there’s nothing more pleasant than to dive into your home swimming pool to cool down. However, you need to follow certain precautions to avoid any unprecedented events.

Let’s take a look at some of the safety tips for your home swimming pool this summer.

Enclose the Pool Area

One of the essential safety tips for your swimming pool is to ensure that the pool area is enclosed to prevent people or animals from accidentally falling into the pool. Install an active alarm system as well to detect any motion in the pool area.

Supervising Children

Never leave small children alone without supervision. If you are in a group, you can take turns to keep an eye on the children.

Keep Adequate Life Saving Gear at Hand

Place ropes, lifebuoys, and life jackets along the poolside in case you run into emergencies. A great safety tip for your home swimming pool is to invest in proper flotation devices for new swimmers. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the best way to prevent accidents is to get proper swimming lessons for children (and adults).

Mark the Depths

Ensure that the deep water is clearly marked by a floating buoy line. That way, only those who are confident swimmers will venture into the deep end. Enforcing diving restrictions is also an important safety tip for your home swimming pool. Only allow diving at designated areas, if at all.

Get Proper Drain Covers

Pool drains have powerful suction that can lead to fatal entrapment accidents. Use VGB-compliant drain covers and inspect them periodically for any damage. A useful swimming pool safety tip this summer would be to tell your children not to play around the drains at all.

Make sure to follow these pool safety tips for a safe swimming experience. If you are not covered, you may want to check the possibility of getting your home swimming pool covered. For assistance with all your home insurance needs, contact the experts at James Page Insurance today.

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Guard Your Gems with Jewelry Insurance in the Best Possible Way

Guard Your Gems with Jewelry Insurance in the Best Possible Way

Having jewelry is nice, but what if your precious gems get lost or stolen? Although jewelry insurance is part of your homeowner’s policy, it is advisable to learn more about protecting your gems.

Here’s how you can guard your gems with jewelry insurance:

Make a List

Identify the jewels that you would like to get insured by making a list of all the valuable gems in your house. Many companies have a lower limit to compensate for the value of a particular gem. Start with those of the highest value, and then move downwards.

Get an Appraisal

A certified gem expert will be able to put a value to all your jewels. You will need to provide your insurer with a copy of each gem’s valuation certificate in case of a claim. Get an appraisal done every two or three years to keep the value up-to-date.

Locate Your Receipts

If you have the original receipts and certificates of your gems, keep them in a safe place. They will help verify the price, location, and other important details in the claim process.

Check Your Coverage

If you want to guard your gems with jewelry insurance, study your homeowners insurance carefully. However, if you don’t have a homeowner’s policy, you can get standalone plans on jewelry, especially for engagement and wedding rings. You can get jewelry insurance by adding a rider to your existing renters insurance.

Cost of Jewelry Insurance

The general rule of thumb is to fix jewelry insurance premiums at 1-2% of the jewelry value. It is usually added as a “floater” to your existing homeowner’s insurance policy. The cost will depend on the frequency of use and security setups like burglar alarms and safe deposit boxes.

You can also avail of extra jewelry insurance coverage for sentimental and high-value gems. In such a case, you will pay higher premiums. Hence, depending on the circumstances, jewelry insurance can cost from $5.00 to hundreds of dollars per month.

These are some effective tips about jewelry insurance that you can use to protect your prized possessions. If you are looking to get the right coverage for your belongings, contact the experts at James Page Insurance today. We are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.

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Mental Health and Social Distancing Tips During the Coronavirus

Mental Health and Social Distancing Tips During the Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has changed our routine life. Practicing social distancing, even in the company of your close friends and family, can make you feel lonely. The lack of connection can impact your mental well-being.

Here are some social distancing and mental health tips that can help you during this public health emergency.

Avoid Emotional Distancing

We need the company of our loved ones, especially in these difficult times. Contact your best friend or any of your family members if you feel lonely. It will help you get rid of loneliness that may lead to depression or anxiety.

Establish a Routine

Create a routine and stick to it. This can help you balance your mental health and social distancing. However, do not stress yourself with back-to-back activities. Stay relaxed and comfortable while doing your routine tasks.

Workout and Meditate

Exercising 30 minutes every day can relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. You can also do meditation to build self-awareness and keep the stress at bay.

Begin a Hobby

The best way to balance social distancing and mental health is to begin a hobby. It could be reading, painting, gardening, or knitting. Hobbies can help you get rid of negative emotions and make you happy and relaxed.

Listen to Music

Listening to soothing music can relax your mind. Wear headphones and listen to your favorite music or songs that can keep you rejuvenated and relaxed. However, make sure to keep the volume of your headphones low.

Go for a Short Walk

Walking is the best way to stay fit and relaxed. You can walk around your home or in your garden.

Follow these social distancing and mental health tips during COVID- 19. Looking for another way to protect you and your family? Contact the experts at James Page Insurance for all your insurance needs.

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Reasons Why Life Insurance is a Good Idea

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Reasons Why Life Insurance is a Good Idea

Ways that you can benefit from having life insurance.

While most adults accept that life insurance is a necessity, they often overlook the fact that securing this coverage can actually come with major benefits.  Not convinced?  Then consider these reasons why life insurance is such a good idea for you.

  • It Can Protect Your Loved Ones’ Financial Future

In a recent study, it was revealed that four in 10 households without life insurance coverage would experience immediate trouble paying for living expenses if the primary breadwinner were to pass away.  If you do not want your loved ones to suffer as part of this statistic, it’s important that you secure adequate life insurance coverage.  By securing a policy, you can continue supporting your loved ones and ensure that they can maintain a sense of financial stability in the wake of your death.

  • It Can Act as a Source of Emergency Funds

Permanent life insurance policies have a special cash value component.  As you continue to pay premiums on these policies, they accumulate a dollar value that you can borrow against.  The cash value component of your life insurance can be used as an easy way to secure quick money to cover things like a down payment on a home, college tuition, or emergency situations.  Unlike traditional loans, when you borrow against your life insurance policy, you are subject to lower interest rates and do not need to go through the lengthy loan application and credit check processes.

  • It Can Provide Retirement Income

If you have a permanent life insurance policy, then your coverage can actually help you once you enter retirement.  When structured properly, your life insurance policy can actually provide a supplemental form of income via policy loans and withdrawals.  Additionally, if you and your spouse rely on your pension for financial stability, then your life insurance benefits can replace your pension income if you were to pass away before your spouse.

These are some of the reasons why having life insurance is good for you.  Are you looking for help with your life insurance coverage?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to assist you with all your life insurance coverage needs today.

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Home Security Upgrades That Can Unlock Insurance Discounts

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Home Security Upgrades That Can Unlock Insurance Discounts

Making these home updates can help you save on your insurance.

Just because you have homeowners insurance doesn’t mean that you need to pay an arm and a leg for it.  While there are many ways that homeowners can lower their insurance rates, one money-saving method is making home upgrades that increase your safety and security.  But which upgrades can help you lower your home insurance rates?  Here are some of your options.

  • Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems are great options for homeowners who want to protect against their fire risks.  These systems respond to fires inside the home and quickly release water or other flame retardants to contain the damage caused by heat, smoke, and flames.  Having a sprinkler system can save your home for total ruin, especially if your local fire station is slow to respond or is located far away.  Oftentimes, home insurance providers will issue discounts to homeowners who install these systems in their homes.

  • Deadbolts

Having deadbolts installed on all your home’s points of entry is a great way to slow down even the savviest of home invaders.  This is why many home insurers offer discounts to homeowners who install deadbolts.  However, the types of deadbolts that you choose does matter.  When selecting deadbolts for your home, look for options that are labeled Grade 1 or Grade 2.  Avoid Grade 3 deadbolts as they are the weakest.  When installing deadbolts, make sure they extend at least an inch into the door jam and have a reinforced strike plate with three-inch-long screws.  These factors will make it much harder for an intruder to kick in your doors and ransack your home.

  • Storm Shutters

Storm shutters are protective coverings installed over a home’s windows to protect them from high winds and flying debris during a storm.  If you live in a part of the country that suffers from extreme storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes, then you should install storm shutters over all of your exterior-facing windows.  Because these shutters will lower your home’s chance of sustaining damage during a storm event, your home insurer may offer you a home safety discount.

These are some of the home upgrades that can help you save on your homeowners’ insurance.  Do you have additional questions about your home coverage?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to assist you with all your homeowners’ insurance needs today.

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Avoid These Major Life Insurance Missteps

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Avoid These Major Life Insurance Missteps

Don’t make these mistakes when it comes to your life insurance.

As you settle down and get ready to start a family, one of the things that you need to do is secure the right life insurance coverage.  Unfortunately, many people do not know the first thing about life insurance, and they end up making bad coverage decisions.  To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, here are some of the common life insurance mistakes you need to avoid.

  • Buying the Wrong Amount of Coverage

One of the most common life insurance missteps is buying too much or not enough coverage.  If you do not have anyone else depending on your income, then you probably don’t need very much coverage at all.  However, if you have a family and are the main breadwinner, then you will need a considerable amount of coverage—at least seven times your annual salary.  If you are a stay-at-home parent, you do not need as much coverage as your family’s breadwinner, but you do need to carry enough coverage to pay for childcare, housekeeping, and other services that you normally handle.

  • Delaying Life Insurance

Most people put off getting life insurance when they are young and healthy.  However, this is obviously risky because it leaves your loved ones in a financially vulnerable state.  Delaying life insurance is also a mistake because you will have access to the cheapest rates when you are young and healthy.  So, if you have young children or are about to become a parent, then don’t wait to secure your life insurance policy.

  • Relying on Life Insurance Through Work

Today, many employers include life insurance coverage as part of their employee benefits package.  However, if you have a family relying on your income, then the life insurance benefits your work offers probably isn’t enough.  This is because most employer-offer life insurance policies only offer coverage for one to two times your annual salary.  As breadwinners should carry life insurance adding up to at least seven-times their salary, this employer-offered life insurance simply isn’t enough.  This is why you should secure a personal life insurance policy and treat your work policy as an additional benefit.

These are some of the major life insurance mistakes that you should avoid.  Do you need help securing the right life insurance policy to protect your loved ones?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to get you the coverage that you need today.

 

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What You Need to Know About Insurance for Unlicensed Drivers

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What You Need to Know About Insurance for Unlicensed Drivers

What unlicensed drivers need to know about auto insurance.

If you don’t currently have a driver’s license, then you may assume that auto insurance is out of the questions for you.  However, this isn’t actually the case.  You do have some options when it comes to securing the car coverage that you need.  Here’s what you need to know about securing auto insurance as an unlicensed driver.

Why Unlicensed Drivers Need Insurance

First, it’s important to understand that there are several reasons that someone without a driver’s license might want auto insurance.  Here are some of the most common reasons why unlicensed drivers need to secure car coverage:

  • You own a vehicle and want to protect it because other people are driving it.
  • You want to protect others as they drive you around.
  • You own a vintage or classic car that you don’t drive but want to protect.
  • Your license was suspended as a result of DUI charges, at-fault accidents, or other issues. So, while you can’t currently drive, you do not want a gap in your car coverage.
  • Your license expired, and you didn’t renew it.
  • You never went through driver’s training or received a driver’s license.
  • You are learning to drive and have a provisional license or learner’s permit.

Applying for Auto Insurance Without a Valid License

When you go to apply for auto insurance, you will find that many auto insurance providers ask you for your driver’s license number.  Even if they don’t ask for your license directly, auto insurance providers will go to the DMV to request a copy of your driving records.  When the DMV cannot find your record because you are not registered with a license, then the auto insurer might deny your application.

However, you still have ways to get the coverage you need.  Here are some of your options:

  • Secure a policy with someone else listed as the primary driver– This is the easiest way to secure auto insurance without a driver’s license. This option is the best avenue for people who do not intend to drive but want to protect the vehicle they own and the people who chauffeur them around.  When choosing this option, make sure you list the address of where the car is normally stored rather than the primary driver’s address (if they are different).
  • List yourself as an excluded driver– Another way to secure car insurance is by listing yourself as an excluded driver on an auto policy. When you list yourself as an excluded driver, you are waiving your right to coverage.  This means that if you operate the vehicle and get into an accident or experience another claims event, then you are responsible for covering the claim, not your insurer.
  • Secure SR-22 insurance– If you have a license, but it is suspended due to several DUI charges, at-fault accidents, or other incidents, then you can secure SR-22 insurance (FR-44 in Florida and Virginia). SR-22 insurance is a form of high-risk auto insurance that is actually required to have your license reinstated.  Please note that insurance providers will turn you down if you are unable to prove that you are officially licensed.
  • Insurance for novice drivers– If you have a learner’s permit, but have not been officially licensed, then you can still get an auto insurance policy. Some insurance providers will offer this option, so long as you receive your license in a short period of time, usually 30-45 days.  Additionally, you may have to have a driver with a valid license co-sign the policy with you.

This is what you need to know about securing auto insurance without a valid driver’s license.  Do you have additional questions about your car coverage?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to assist you with all your car insurance needs today.

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How Your BMI Affects the Cost of Your Life Insurance

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How Your BMI Affects the Cost of Your Life Insurance

How your weight can affect your life insurance rates.

When you apply for life insurance, you will have to answer a series of health questions and undergo a medical examination.  As part of your examination, your body mass index, or BMI will be measured.  But why are life insurance providers so concerned with this measurement?  Here’s how your BMI will affect the cost of your life insurance.

  • What is BMI?

BMI is a measurement that factors in your weight respective to your weight.  To calculate your BMI, your weight in kilograms is divided by the square of your height in meters.  A healthy BMI is anything that falls between 18.5 and 24.9.  Anything under 18.5 is considered underweight, and a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is overweight.  A BMI of over 30 is considered obese.

  • How Does BMI Affect Your Life Insurance Rates?

Life insurers look at your BMI because being severely underweight or obese makes you more susceptible to serious health complications.  This means that if you have a very low or very high BMI, then life insurance providers will likely charge you more for coverage.  Please keep in mind that being slightly under or overweight is not enough to make your insurance rates spike unless it is coupled with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

  • How to Save on Your Life Insurance

If you want access to lower life insurance rates, then you should focus on getting healthy and getting your BMI into the accepted range.  If you are able to get to a healthy weight and maintain it, then your life insurance provider may reward you by lowering your premiums.  If you are currently at an unhealthy BMI, do not put off getting life insurance.  It’s better to pay more for coverage temporarily than risk leaving your loved ones exposed to financial hardship.

This is how your BMI affects your life insurance rates.  Do you have additional questions about your life coverage?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to assist you with all your personal coverage needs today.

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