What College Graduates Need To Know About Auto Insurance
You’ve proudly watched your child graduate from college (and celebrated the last of the tuition bills!) Now they’re searching for their first “real” job and ready for a new phase of life.
This is what you and your new grad need to know about their insurance.
First, in most situations, they can remain on your auto insurance policy as long as they are living in your household. If they’ve moved back home while job hunting, you can keep them on the policy.
But once they move out, it’s time to look at other options. Some of this will depend on who is the owner of the car and if you’re living in the same state. The best option is to talk to one of our agents to discuss your particular situation in detail.
If your graduate is moving out on their own, you’ll also want to get some information on Renters Insurance. It will protect their belongings and protect you from any liability for damage they might cause to a residence (even if it’s just an accident, like a small kitchen fire.) In most cases, a parent is a co-signer for a lease and needs to make sure this protection is in place.
The end of college marks some big transitions into adulthood. Help your new graduate to make smart financial decisions and establish a great start. We can help! Schedule a personal review and quote today.
Don’t Leave Home For Vacation Without Doing This…
Ready to head out of town on vacation? Temperatures are climbing, school is ending, and everyone is eager for a break. But there are a few things to keep in mind before you leave town in order to keep your possessions protected.
Don’t Advertise That You’ll Be Out Of Town
Think about the things that happen around your home on a daily basis, so that your home doesn’t look empty when you leave.
First, contact the Post Office (and the newspaper) and put your services on hold. A full mailbox and a driveway full of newspapers are a sign to thieves that you’re an easy target!
Can you put a few lights on a timer so that your home isn’t dark all night? Even leaving on a few lamps will help. Motion sensitive lights on your porch and driveway are a great idea too.
Do you have a neighbor that you trust? Let them know of your plans, share your contact number, and consider leaving a spare key just in case.
What if a severe thunderstorm hits while you’re out of town? It could knock out power or even cause a tree in your yard to fall. Your neighbor can make sure that your freezer is back on when the power restores or verify that there aren’t any leaks in the roof from the storm damage! This can help prevent some bad surprises when you get home. Here at our agency we call this YOUR Key Neighbor. Your Key Neighbor should also have our office phone number should any emergency claims arise.
When You’re On The Road
The biggest tip I share with my clients is to avoid leaving valuables in the car!
Many people believe that their belongings are covered by car insurance, but that is not the case. The only coverage for your luggage and computer would be on your Homeowners Insurance and it’s subject to your deductible and possibly other limits.
Also, most policies offer coverage for road side assistance and towing. This can be invaluable when you are stranded (or accidentally lock your keys in the car in an unfamiliar town). This coverage is inexpensive and quick to add to your policy. Just call 1-800-435-7764 or 800-FARM TOW.
Have questions about your insurance before your next trip? Give us a call anytime to discuss your policy or to get a quote!
Insuring Your RV, Boats, & Summer Fun
Summer is on its way. Before we know it there will be Memorial Day barbecues and long weekends at the lake.
That’s why now is a great time to review insurance coverage on all of your summer toys. Read below for things to consider (and review with us) before the big items come out of winter storage.
RV – Your motor home or travel trailer needs insurance coverage, especially if you’ll be driving or pulling it this year. Even if you don’t have a loan on your RV, you will want it covered for theft or damage. Whether they are parked on a lake lot for the season or driving cross country, we offer several RV policies to fit your needs. Just call us for a quote.
Boat – The same thing goes for your boats and jet skis. You’ve made a big investment and it’s important to protect them. Not only should you worry about damage to your boat, but also make sure you have the proper amount of liability coverage. Don’t forget your life jackets!
Motorcycle – Ready to hit the road for a long drive? Remember to brush up on your safety skills and always wear a helmet. Don’t forget to make sure your motorcycle has liability coverage just like your vehicle! We can help you determine what coverage you need. Especially important is uninsured, under-insured and medical payment coverage.
Swimming Pool – If you own a pool, then you need extra liability coverage including a Personal Umbrella Policy. Why? Because there is a lot more risk of someone being injured when you have a pool. Don’t skimp on your coverage and make sure you have the pool area secured and safe.
Summer is a lot more fun when you know that your high price recreational items are properly insured and protected. Take 15 minutes to call us for a quote or to review your current coverage.
Personal watercraft safety!!
This is great info. We want all our clients to be safe this summer at the Lake.
Jon Olson Agency-Farmers Insurance 