The glamorous life of an insurance agent is not for the faint of heart! We have been there, done that, and are happy to share common questions we hear from our beloved customers. Here’s a few of the most frequent ones from 2019!
I just replaced the roof on my home, do you need to know this?
More and more insurance companies are looking for roofs to be no more than 20 years old, the average life expectancy of an asphalt roof today. If your roof has not been replaced within the past 20 years, companies can change the policy language on renewal to have a claim settlement having depreciation factored in. Some companies even charge you a higher premium for having an older roof. So be sure to let us know if you have replaced your roof!
I just replaced the furnace in my home, do you need to know this?
More and more insurance companies are looking for the furnace to be no more than 20 to 25 years old. While some furnaces out there are 30 and 35 years old and perform as well or better than modern ones, the results can be catastrophic when one of them do break down. If you have taken the time to replace your furnace, be sure to let us know!
My car is used for a business purpose, I’m covered right?
If your vehicle is used for a business purpose, you need to have your policy rated for “business” use accordingly. Personal auto policies traditionally have a coverage exclusion when a vehicle is used for business purposes; and your liability and/or physical damage coverage may not apply, unless the company is rating for that type of use and providing coverage accordingly.
My car is stored for the winter months; do I need coverage for this?
If you have a collector, antique or classic car that you put in storage during the winter months, we can adjust your coverage accordingly and take the liability coverage off of that vehicle while it is not being used for an extended period of time. NOTE: The burden is on you to notify us when you bring it out of storage so we can put liability coverage back on it for you. We’ll even provide you with an obnoxious orange tag to put on the steering wheel serving as a reminder to you to call us before driving.
We finished our basement; will that increase our premium?
If you have recently finished your basement or put an addition on to your home, the cost to replace your home (including that finished basement or additional square footage) just went up. Make sure that you provide us with the square footage of finished area or addition, along with a rough idea of what was added down there (wet bar, additional bathroom etc.)
We bought a trampoline for the kids, that doesn’t matter does it?
More and more insurance companies have a problem with trampolines, simply because of the liability exposure they represent. And no, most companies don’t care if you have a net around the trampoline or not. Some companies have even gone so far as to put exclusions in their policies for bodily injury that arises out of the presence or use of a trampoline.
My child just got their temps, now what?
Most companies do not charge an additional premium on your personal auto policy when your son or daughter gets their temps. But some do and you should check with your agent to see how your insurance company handles this.
My child just passed their drivers test and received their license. Do I need to add them to my policy now?
Let your insurance agent know immediately when newly licensed drivers are in your household. Companies will charge an additional premium on your personal auto policy when your son or daughter gets their actual license and we add them to the policy. Ask about a Good Student Discount which if they meet the requirements, will lower your premium.
Look for Part 2 of this report in 2020 as we will try to explain more of those common questions you have.
Business and personal insurance in Washington County, WI can be provided to you by R. S. Semler & Associates Insurance, Inc. After a brief consultation with us, we are able to tailor policies specific to your unique situation because we represent numerous insurance companies and have local licensed agents on staff in Hartford, WI available to help you when you need it most. You can learn more about us and insurance at www.rssemler.com or call us at 800-414-5875.