Inflation Continues to Impact Insurance Policy Premiums

We all feel the impact of inflation. Whether it is at the gas station, grocery store and your insurance policies at renewal. Unfortunately, the insurance industry continues to be impacted as insurance carriers are forced to adjust their risk based on inflation and claims.

We know it is frustrating to see your premiums increase even though you may not have experienced any activity such as an insurance claim. Inflation is the main reason insurance premium rates continue to increase across the country. Another strike against policyholders is the rise in insurance claims across the country. Not only are insurance carriers receiving more insurance claims than before, but it is also costing insurance carriers more with settling claims.

Anytime insurance carriers see an increase in claims and the cost to settle these claims, they will raise their premiums to all customers around the country. Some insurance carriers have even dropped offering specific policies in certain states which experience a high severity.

Summary on why your insurance policy went up even though you didn’t file a claim or receive a vehicle infraction:

• Building materials for homes have increased (some materials are over 20% higher now).
• There are less skilled workers available to work. This means companies are now paying higher wages to those who are available to work.
• Car parts and equipment are more expensive (some over 22% higher now).
• It costs more to maintain and repair vehicles.
• Used cars prices increased over 37% since 2020. New car prices have increased over 20%.
• Medical bills for insurance claims have increased.

If your insurance policy has increased significantly, reach out to us. We can re-quote you with other insurance carriers we represent to see if we can find you a more affordable policy. This is one of the best benefits of working with an independent insurance agency. We advocate for you!

Here are some ways we have helped customers save on their insurance premium. Each of our insurance carriers offer unique discounts so reach out to us to review your current policy.

• Bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.
• Install and maintain a burglar alarm system on your home and receive a protective device discount.
• Discounts for your teenager – good student or distant student (for college students who attend school more than 100 miles away)
• If you recently built a home or significantly renovated it, you may qualify for a discount.
• If you have been accident-free for at least three years, you can be eligible for a discount.
• Earn a claims-free check too! Eligible customers who remain claims free for 6 months can receive a check in the mail from some insurance carriers. Score another check if you remain claims-free for the rest of the year on your policy.

Bonus Coverages Offered

With the rise in insurance premiums, some insurance carriers have added additional coverage to their policies.

Water backup, service line and personal property replacement for claims are the three most common coverage upgrades.

When a person thinks about car theft, there are a few scenarios to imagine such as personal property items stolen out of your vehicle, car parts stolen from your vehicle, or your car was physically stolen and couldn’t be recovered.

So, the question is, are you covered if you experience any of the following theft scenarios? The answer varies based on what type of auto insurance coverage you purchased.

Comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy typically provides coverage if your car was stolen (and was never recovered) or if you had car parts stolen out of your vehicle. If you do not have this coverage on your auto insurance policy, your insurance carrier cannot offer you any assistance.

Common Car Parts Targeted in Vehicles Recently

The past few years, thieves have been targeting catalytic converters in vehicles. This car part not only has precious metals that makes it valuable to re-sell, but catalytic converters can be easy to steal due to its location in a vehicle. Also, some vehicles tend to be easier to target this parts than others along with some being more valuable parts than others. The best tip here would be to park your car in a well-lit area.

If you had your catalytic converter stolen from your vehicle and you had comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you should be covered by your insurance policy.

My Car was Stolen – But It Has Been Recovered Vandalized

Vandalism is included with comprehensive coverage and should pay for the damages up to your policy limits, less your deductible.

I had personal valuables stolen out of my vehicle – am I covered?

Your auto insurance policy does not offer coverage for stolen personal property items that were taken from inside your car. However, you could file a claim under your home or renters insurance policy.

Thinking of investing in a car alarm system? Talk to your insurance agent to see if you qualify for a discount. Not only do car alarms offer some peace of mind, but you could be rewarded with an insurance discount too.

How to Prevent Car Break-ins

There is only one way to prevent personal property theft out of your vehicle – never leave anything in your vehicle!

Sometimes this is easier said than done.

If you do have to store valuables inside your vehicle, be sure they are out of sight. Investing a car alarm can also bring some peace of mind. It’s also important to know the area where you are parking your vehicle. If it is known for break-ins, always plan on bring your valuables along with you.

Looking to Add Comprehensive Coverage to Your Current Auto Insurance Policy?

Call our agency for a free quote. We can review your current auto insurance coverage or provide you with a new quote that includes comprehensive coverage. We’ll quote our top carriers and help you find the best policy for your needs.

If you are a homeowner, you have purchased your home insurance through a local insurance agent or directly through an insurance carrier. Home insurance cost and coverage vary due to where you live, how much your home is worth, your credit score and many other insurance factors.

Home insurance can be confusing so we recommend speaking with one of our agents and going through a home insurance review. Even if you have had a home insurance policy with us for years, it is still best practice to review it to ensure you still have adequate coverage. We can break down your insurance coverage details and make sure you have the best protection for your insurance needs.

Here are a few terms we can discuss with you:

Named perils: this part of your home insurance coverage protects your home from named perils that can include damage from wind, hail, fire, fallen objects, lightning, theft, vandalism and more. Home insurance named perils vary so our agents can discuss what’s covered if you have questions.

Actual Cash Value (ACV): this is the cost to replace the damaged item minus depreciation. If you have damage to your home, the insurance carrier would determine how much it was valued before the damage occurred. For example, if your roof was damaged but it was 10 years old, your insurance carrier may factor in how much a 10-year-old roof is worth today. You would receive the valued dollar amount to put towards a new roof.

Replacement cost value insurance: this represents the cost to replace an item of similar quality without factoring depreciation. Replacement cost policies are more expensive than ACV because you are essentially getting a brand new item. After asking you questions, we can help determine if this coverage makes sense for you.

Deductible: if you have to file a claim, your deductible plays a role in how much you have to pay before your insurance carrier pays towards your claim. Deductibles can vary in price and typically the higher your deductible, the lower your home insurance premium. Our agents can help explain your deductible options.

Liability insurance: your home insurance coverage can provide you with liability coverage. For example, if your dog bit someone or if someone slipped and fell on your property, liability coverage could provide you with coverage. Talk to us about liability limits.

Additional insurance policies to consider:

Flood insurance: home insurance typically does not cover you if your home experiences water entering your home. This is typically a separate policy many individuals buy. If your home is susceptible of floods, talk to an agent.

Earthquake insurance: just like flood insurance, earthquake insurance is also a separate policy. If your home is damaged from an earthquake, you would most likely need an earthquake insurance policy to have coverage for any damage.

Other structure coverage: if you have a detached garage, barn, swimming pool, greenhouse, or other structure, be sure to tell your agent. This needs to be included in your policy and may require additional coverage.

Water sewer coverage: claims occur when heavy rain or floodwaters overrun your sewer system or your sump pump. Debris from rainstorms or natural disasters can also clog your system causing damage to your home when the water backs up into your house’s plumbing. Many home insurance policies do not cover this and water sewer coverage is needed to pay for the damage. Talk to us about this coverage.

Umbrella insurance: if you file a home or auto insurance claim and the damage exceeds your policy limits, an umbrella insurance policy can give you thousands of additional dollars in protection. There are limitations on what umbrella insurance covers so discuss this with an agent in our office.

Vacant home insurance: if you own a home that is vacant, you still want to protect it. Talk to us about your situation and we can explain your coverage options.

Ready to shop home insurance? Give our agency a call or email us for a quote. We can help you find great coverage.

OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU

Money Back Guarantee

We want you to be completely satisfied with your decision to join us. If, for any reason, you are not totally happy within 30 days from the date your insurance comes effective with us, I want you to write and tell us. We will cancel your policy and gladly refund the entire unused premium you paid – no questions asked. No hard feelings, either.  All you need to do is write, “cancel” on the policy declaration page, sign, and mail it back (we must receive it within 30 days). This offer is void if any claims have been, or are to be, made under the policy or if there was any misrepresentation on any application.

On the other hand if the Total Protection Programs from Aurora National Insurance produce incredible results for you, we want you to not only write and tell us about it – but tell your colleagues, friends and family too!

Continuing Guarantee

After the first 30 days of your relationship with us, your total and continuous satisfaction is of paramount importance to us. So, if you should change your mind for any reason thereafter, we want you to write and tell us. We will cancel your policy as of the date we receive your letter and refund the full amount of the unused premium to you – no questions asked. All you need to do is write, “cancel as of (include date)”, sign, and mail it back with your letter.

No Pressure – No Hassle Promise

Our goal is to take the hassle out of buying insurance. We want to educate you on what you are buying and let you make an informed decision form there.  Since your insurance program is such an important part of your financial well being, we want you to understand completely the coverage you have purchased and what it will do for you.  Our promise to you is that we will never hard sell you insurance, use slick sales techniques, or pressure you to make a decision that you aren’t comfortable with. We even promise to tell you if you are getting a better deal with your current company!

Total Client Satisfaction Guarantee

Do you know how we get paid? Have you ever thought about that? Are you reading this but aren’t OUR client? Then you REALLY should pay attention. Insurance brokers are paid a percentage of the premium you pay. Think about that for a minute… The commission rate is set and isn’t typically negotiable with the insurance carriers. For example, for a general liability policy, the typical broker commission is 10%. If the annual premium is $13,000 then the insured will have to pay $13,000 and the insurance broker will receive $1,300 of that $13,000.

Consider this scenario: Lil Rugrats Football Club needs to purchase a general liability policy and finds themselves at May B. Covered Agency asking for help. May B. Covered Agency runs quotes and receives back quotes at $8120, $12,200 and $9,500 from three separate insurance companies.

Which quote do you think May B. Covered Agency is going to present to the Lil Rugrats Football Club? If they are only thinking about their own wallet, they will tell the football club that their general liability premium will be $12,200 for the year. Why? Because May B. Covered Agency will be paid $1,220, rather than $812 if he had sold the lowest premium policy. Now, keep in mind, not all insurance companies are equal. Some are better than others, so there are other factors than JUST price that dictates one quote being recommended over another. All too often, however, when we do free reviews of business insurance policies, we see them falling prey to similar situations.

How does an insurance agency give back to their community? How does an insurance agency gain trust and a great reputation? BY FINDING THE BEST SOLUTIONS AT THE MOST AFFORDABLE PRICES AVAILABLE! We pride ourselves in doing this for our clients! In fact, we CELEBRATE when we have been able to lower premiums for our clients. Yes, this means we are paid less but it all comes around. Happy clients refer their friends which turns into more business in the end.

What is the motive of an insurance broker to find you lower premiums? Well, it should be to help their community in general and to build a trusting relationship with their clients. Padding their own pocket should not be their motive.

At ANI, our goal is to give back to our community. One way we do this is by helping find lower premiums for our clients, if at all possible! We offer FREE policy reviews. Don’t hesitate to take us up on this – it is another way we are giving back!