Homeowners insurance helps to protect the investment that you made in your property. A home is one of the largest purchases that people make. Also, it’s often one of the largest assets that they own, so it’s important to protect it and its assets in unexpected circumstances. Unfortunately, many people assume their policy will provide them with all of the coverage they need, but this isn’t always the case. Here are some essential coverage options to consider for your home.

Personal Property Extensions

Most policies have limits concerning the value of items that can be covered or the total cost of your items combined. If you have pricey belongings, such as artwork, jewelry, and expensive electronics, you may need personal property extensions to cover the value of your more costly possessions. Be sure to verify what percentage of the policy protects personal belongings in the event of a theft or fire. Your plan may offer the option of decreasing or increasing the dollar limit of goods protected.

Replacement Cost Over Market Value

Homeowners insurance will typically pay you market value for any items of yours that are covered by an event, such as a fire or burglary. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 98% of all home insurance claims filed were in response to theft. Market value is not always the same as replacement cost, or how much you would have to pay today to replace the item. In most cases, the market value is lower. As such, you may want to consider opting for a policy that offers replacement funds.

Flood or Earthquake Insurance Riders

Lastly, not every natural disaster is covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy. You may need a policy that has riders or standalone policies for natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. If you don’t add these riders or stand-alone policies, your home won’t be covered if one of these events happens.

Having the right coverage is essential for your homeowners’ insurance plan. Our team of competent and trustworthy agents is here to help you understand the choices that are available to you when it comes to insurance and to help you find a great policy that covers what you need. Call AOAWest now for expert assistance with finding a homeowners insurance policy compatible with your needs.

If you own a home, chances are that you have it covered by an insurance plan. According to Insurance Business America, 93% of homeowners carry home insurance. While most people know that this kind of coverage protects things like a house fire or a break-in, there are many other things that may be covered by this type of policy that you may be unaware of. Here are three things you didn’t know quality home insurance covers.

1. Identity Theft

One aspect that many homeowners insurance policies are starting to cover is identity theft. If your policy does not include it from the get-go, they like to offer an add-on option to ensure you are covered in case anyone steals your identity and racks up debt in your name. This can help to offset the costs associated with clearing your good name when someone steals your social security number.

2. Lawsuits

Several homeowners are unaware of the fact that their policy might cover lawsuits. If someone is bitten by your dog, if someone slips and falls on your property, or if a roofer falls off of your roof, they may attempt to sue you for their injuries. Your home insurance plan will pay legal costs associated with the lawsuit and pay for any medical expenses or awards the other party is granted, as long as you were not doing anything illegal that caused injuries to someone.

3. Hotel Expenses After a Covered Event

The final thing that you may not realize that home insurance covers is hotel expenses after a covered event. For example, if your home catches on fire and is unlivable, your coverage plan will cover the costs of hotel expenses until your home is repaired or you can find suitable accommodations if the repairs are expected to be lengthy.

A comprehensive plan helps to protect the many investments you have made in your property, as well as the assets that belong to it. Having a great, personalized policy is important for fully protecting your space, yourself, and the loved ones you live with. If you are looking to purchase a new home insurance policy, we would love to help you find the right coverage. Reach out to AOAWest today to get started!

Home insurance is designed to protect your home and the items that you store in your home, such as furniture and electronics. If certain events happen, insurance for homes comes in handy, as you can file a home insurance claim. That claim will help you get money to repair the damage done to your home by covered events or replace any items stored in the home that may have been damaged based on the value of those items. Here are three common types of claims filed by homeowners you should be aware of.

1. Wind and Hail Damage

One of the most common instances in which homeowners file home insurance claims is when their home is damaged by either wind or hail. Both of these weather conditions can be extremely damaging to your home or property. Strong wind gusts and large pieces of hail can damage your roofing, siding, or fencing. Therefore, if a large storm has rolled through your area, have your property assessed for storm damage so you can efficiently report it to your home insurance company.

2. Theft Cases

Another common reason why homeowners file a homeowners insurance claim is for theft cases. If someone breaks into your home and steals your property, your home insurance company will cover the losses. It is estimated that 49% of homeowners have an inventory of their personal belongings, according to Policygenius. If you have not yet compiled an inventory for your own home, you should. When it comes to proper insurance for homes, having this inventory is crucial in the event you have to file a claim due to theft or burglary.

3. Plumbing Issues

The final common reason why homeowners file claims with their home insurance company is due to plumbing issues. If you have a pipe that froze, cracked, and leaked or you have a toilet that flooded your bathroom, you may be able to file a homeowners insurance claim. This can help cover the necessary clean-up, mold remediation, and plumbing repair costs.

If you have a mortgage or loan out on your home, you are required to carry homeowners insurance. Even if you don’t have a loan out on your home, purchasing insurance for your home is still extremely important, as your home is one of the largest assets you likely own. If you are looking to purchase a new home insurance policy, our team would love to answer any questions you have or help you to find the policy that is ideal for you. Contact AOA West today!

Even for seasoned drivers, car insurance may be confusing. You may simply sign up for whichever insurance your agent or financial institution suggests to avoid the headache. Here are a few things you should know when you choose new car insurance.

Liability Has Limits

Some people only carry auto liability insurance because that’s the only type mandated by state laws. However, you have options when it comes to the amount of liability coverage, and if you only opt for the minimum liability coverage, it may not be enough to cover the other person’s vehicle, property, or medical bills after a serious crash.

For example, 25/50 liability coverage is common. This covers $25,000 in damages for each person involved, for a total of $50,000. If a crash involves multiple other people or vehicles, that liability insurance won’t go very far. Fortunately, you can typically upgrade your liability insurance.

Of course, liability doesn’t cover the driver’s own damages and medical costs, which may be why the National Highway Safety Administration estimates upwards of 10 million auto collisions go unreported every year. This is why getting the right classic car insurance is important for those who value their investments.

Finance and Lease Companies Offer It

Although drivers may only be required to hold liability insurance, they may have to add comprehensive and collision insurance to obtain a loan or enter into a lease for a vehicle. These additional types of insurance pay for injuries to yourself or your passengers and damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision during the rental.

A Higher Deductible May Be Worth It

Finding the right passenger car insurance plan for you is a balance between cost and protection. One way to strike that balance is by considering your monthly premiums and your deductible when you file an insurance claim. If you have a good driving record, you might be comfortable paying a higher deductible because you may never have to file a claim.

You May Want Gap Coverage

When buying a new car, you may have the option for gap coverage. This type of insurance covers the difference between what insurance will cover if you total a car and how much you owe on your loan. For some drivers, gap coverage is worth it because a car’s value drops as soon as you drive it off the lot. And although you can’t get gap coverage for a vintage car, classic car insurance can ensure you receive the full value when filing a claim.

With this information, you should feel ready to choose insurance. When you need a motorcycle or classic car insurance, give us a call at AOAWest today. We’ll be happy to help you find the right plan for your vehicle!

Being a homeowner is a wonderful thing; it frees a person from having to worry about rent, and you can proudly bask in the achievement. That said, many homeowners don’t consider getting home insurance. Homeowners insurance is a type of insurance coverage homeowners should consider, as it covers damage and losses to one’s home. Below are five benefits that come with adopting a homeowners insurance package.

1. Protects the Main Structure

A homeowners insurance policy’s primary purpose is to safeguard your principal residence, which is the section of your home that you live in. For example, you would suffer a significant financial loss if you do not have homeowners insurance and suffer a house fire or a natural disaster such as a hurricane. It is preferable to insure your home for up to 100% of its value. Nevertheless, insurance coverage of up to 80-90% is commonplace. Most of these plans cover catastrophic damage, minor damage, and entire replacement expenses.

2. Covers Your Gadgets

Many homeowners do not keep an inventory of their possessions. In fact, according to Policy Genius, only 49% of homeowners keep a house inventory of their belongings! When insurance for homes is purchased, you should list all appliances, gadgets, and other personal items the policy covers. If a covered event, such as a hurricane or tornado, damages some of your property, you may be compensated in part or in full depending on the specifics of your policy. This is a significant benefit of this type of insurance that many homeowners ignore.

3. Provides Coverage Inexpensively

Some individuals may view home insurance as unnecessary, but it provides significant relief if an unexpected tragedy occurs. The benefits of the coverage much surpass the investment you make. You can always opt for more basic coverage, too.

4. Protects from Lawsuits

Insurance for homes provides coverage for property-related claims depending on your coverage. Your home insurance will protect you if you mistakenly damage another person’s property, such as in a fire or with mechanical damage. It also covers the medical costs of a visitor who is hurt on your property.

5. Provides Peace of Mind

A homeowners policy gives significant relief. You don’t have to constantly worry about facing the costs of damage to your property. Home insurance coverage may be advantageous whether you own a big house or a little one. After you’ve selected your policy and paid the premium, you can relax knowing that your home’s security is no longer your major responsibility.

Insurance for homes is beneficial for the reasons examined above. If you’re a homeowner who has yet to insure your home, consider doing it immediately. Do you want to insure your home from future risk? Contact AOAWest today!

Car insurance is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself and your family. According to Statista, in 2018, over 34 thousand people died, 1.8 million people were injured, and five million vehicles were involved in property damage accidents. Below are some of the reasons why you shouldn’t skimp on car insurance.

1. Protection in Case of an Accident

Insurance agencies play an important role in providing protection in case of an accident. They act as a buffer between you and the other party involved in the accident and can help to cover the costs of damages and injuries. While it is possible to get by without insurance, it is not advisable. If you are involved in an accident, repairs and medical treatment costs can quickly add up, and you may find yourself unable to pay them. Insurance can help to reduce the financial burden in such a situation, and it is, therefore, essential to make sure that you have adequate coverage. Skimping on insurance may seem like a good way to save money, but it could end up costing you more in the long run.

2. It Is Required by Law

In most states, it is mandatory to have some form of car insurance. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could be fined or even lose your license. Not having insurance can also make it difficult to get insurance in the future. Insurance companies view drivers who have been caught driving without insurance as high-risk customers and, as a result, will charge them higher premiums. It is, therefore, important to make sure that you are properly insured before you get behind the wheel.

3. It Offers Peace of Mind

Knowing that you are properly insured can give you peace of mind in case of an accident. With the right level of coverage, you will know that you are protected financially in the event of an accident. This can help to reduce your stress in such a situation and allow you to focus on getting better instead. Whether you already have adequate insurance or need to get additional coverage, be sure that you take the time to compare different policies and choose the one that offers the best value for your money.

Looking for car insurance can seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. However, with some research and careful consideration, it is possible to find the right policy for your needs at an affordable price. Do your research today and invest in quality car insurance for peace of mind on the road. For more information on car insurance, contact our insurance agencies today.

A report given by the National Highway Traffic Administration reveals that over 10 million cars that get involved in road carnage go unreported. But what most people know is that it is essential to record your statement with the police in case your car gets into an accident as soon as you can. It will aid you if you decide to file a claim with an insurance agency firm since you will have a record. If you don’t record a statement with the police, you can not have any claim processed for you.

What is a Police Report?

It is a document that police use to record who was involved, what happened, the damage, and other crucial things after an accident. The composition may be single or multiple pages depending on the accident.

What Information is Found in a Police Report?

The information that can be obtained from the police report includes the place where an accident occurred, the date and time of the accident, car registration details, and whether there is a person who sustained some injuries. Additionally, you can also obtain information regarding whether there are some parts of the cars that are not damaged and the statements of people that were at the accident scene.

What is the Importance of Reporting a Car Accident?

In the Case of Injuries That Occur After An Accident

Suppose you get any form of injury after an accident. It’s only a police report that can determine that, indeed, the injuries were a result of the accident.

It is Essential When Making A Claim

Any insurance agency company will ask you to produce a police report when you decide to claim your car after an accident.

In The Case of Car Damage After An Accident

After an accident, your car might not seem to be damaged, but it can develop some issues later on. It is only a police report that can help you to claim it afterward. If you don’t produce a police report, no car insurance agency will compensate you.

How Can You Report An Accident, And After How Long?

If there were no police at the scene of an accident, you could make an effort to visit the nearest police station and record a statement.

You can make the statement immediately or within 28 days from the day, the accident took place.

Just as we rely on health insurance to help pay for the costs of medical care and treatments, we also rely on car insurance to help pay for the damage caused by an auto accident that we are involved in. This is so important in fact, that there are laws in place that govern car insurance coverage. It is a requirement in most cases to have some level of coverage before you can even legally drive a vehicle on public roads. Because of this, the need for insurance is extensive and there are a number of things to consider when trying to find the insurance agency and specific coverage policy that is right for you and your driving needs.

Driving History

Your history behind the wheel can have a huge impact on what rate sand services you can get access to. A good driving record will usually earn you better rates and advanced coverage options.

Type of Vehicle

Not all vehicles are created equal and the kind of car you drive will also impact insurance rates. The age of your vehicle can factor in when negotiating with the insurance agency over premiums and coverage.

Driver Status

In some instances, your age and experience behind the wheel can affect insurance options. Younger drivers and older senior drivers often end up paying more due to a perceived increase in risk and liability.

Location

It is also worth thinking about your geographic location and weather impacts in driving conditions. Factoring in ice and snow or frequent storms can at times affect car insurance costs and coverage.

Lifestyle

Your own individual wants and needs as well as your driving habits will also need to be taken into account. If you drive in the city versus rural areas, for example, it can translate to different coverage needs.

Distances

Just as where you are driving is taken into account when talking to the insurance agency, so too is how far you drive. Long-distance drivers usually pay higher premiums than those who stick close to home.

Finances

The final thing to consider when comparing and choosing car insurance plans is your overall financial situation. It is always a good idea to get the maximum coverage level that you can regularly afford.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when dealing with car insurance plans and premiums. Considering that the average driver in America puts roughly 13,500 miles on their vehicle every year, it is easy to see why insurance coverage is so important. To learn more and to get your personal questions answered, contact your local insurance agency and schedule a consultation today!

People spend a great deal of time on the road driving to work, school, doctors, family, and on errands. Add to that people driving for vacation or other travel needs and the number of vehicles on the road at any given time can be mind-blowing. The Insurance Information Institute reports that vehicle claim frequency is on the rise. Over the last few years, there has been a steady rise in collision claim frequency, which generally serves as a good indicator of overall accident rates. But why is this trend occurring, and what factors contribute to the ongoing rise in accidents being reported to insurance center representatives across the country?

Younger and Older Drivers on the Road

One contributing factor to auto accidents is the age of drivers who are on the road today. More and more young people and learning to drive while at the same time more seniors are still driving than ever before. The very inexperienced new drivers and the high-risk senior drivers are making for a volatile mix that can greatly increase the odds of accidents occurring.

Older Vehicles Being Driven Longer

With all the advancements in technology and safety features vehicles have today, you would think driving would be safer. However, more people are still driving older vehicles than what was seen in the past. Vehicles are expensive, so more drivers are opting to keep their older vehicles rather than buying newer ones. This can at times lead to sudden vehicle failure and issues while driving.

Careless Driving is an Ongoing Issue

Wile we have vehicles today with features such as driving assist and rear-camera views, there is still the issue of driver carelessness. Automated features and smart technology can only go so far and do so much when drivers themselves are still being reckless and careless on the road. Distracted and careless driving are still among the leading reasons for auto accidents today.

DUI cases Still Continue to Rise

Unfortunately, the leading cause of auto accidents in the country today still remains driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Deaths related to impaired driving climbs nearly every year and continue to be a major issue for traffic safety and motor vehicle organizations. New laws and regulations aim at reducing numbers, but it is still an ongoing fight.

It is clear that there are a number of factors that are contributing to the growing number of accidents being reported to insurance center reps. By focusing on these causes and addressing the underlying issues, improvements can be made to help keep drivers safe while on the road.

Home insurance is designed to protect your home, but it’s easy to overlook some gaps that can cost you down the line. That’s why it’s important to do your homework so you can make the most of your homeowners insurance. Although homeowners insurance might seem like a straightforward thing, here are some overlooked home insurance claims that you need to know about to avoid significant financial losses.

Dwelling Coverage

When you take out your homeowners insurance, it may seem like you have your dwelling coverage all sorted out. But is your main structure really protected? According to recent statistics, about one in 40 insured homes has wind or hail-related property damage claim, while one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim related to water damage or freezing each year. Without enough dwelling coverage, it means you are liable to pay out-of-pocket expenses. The problem with issues like wind, hail, and water damage is that they all happen unexpectedly, and being underinsured can negatively impact your budget in the future.

Home Improvements

Chances are, you don’t have enough insurance to cover the cost of your making home improvements or rebuilding your structure in the event of a disaster. Also, if you’re planning to make remodels down the line, it’s important that you fully understand the home insurance coverage for your home.

In that case, you should sit down with your insurance agent because your existing policy might cover renovations. However, if you may be underinsured if you are planning to carry out any major upgrades. In that case, you’ll probably need to increase your coverage limit to suit your future home improvement plans.

Liability Coverage

As a homeowner, you may not enjoy thinking about someone getting injured on your property, but it can happen. Your current liability limits may not be able to fully cover you in case of a mishap. For instance, if someone trips and get injured because of a fall, then you would have to pay fr the medical costs yourself because you’ll be underinsured. Some homeowners are not even aware that they have this type of insurance at their disposal. The great news is that liability coverage insurance limits vary widely, so you’ll be able to find something to suit your budget.

These homeowners insurance claims are only just a few of the claims you need to be aware of. Do you know that you may be overlooking your vacant home insurance as well as your coverage for personal possessions like jewelry? Contact us to learn more.