In the health insurance system we currently use (adopted by the state of Wisconsin in 2009), it is required under some circumstances that an adult’s health insurance provides coverage for a dependant between the age of 17 and 27. These situations included:

• If the child of did not qualify for their own healthcare with their employer.
• If the child qualified for a health care program through their employer that was more expensive than adding the child to the parent’s plan.
• If the child is a full time student and called to serve in the military.

Later, in 2010, there was a national law passed that required health insurance to be offered to children through their parents plan until the child reached age 26.

In the new Wisconsin Health insurance legislation, the state’s requirements are more in line with those set by the federal government. Starting on January 1, 2012, Madison insurance policies that are new or renewed will extend coverage to children until the age of 26, regardless of the child’s marital status or the cost of health insurance through their company.

If you wish to read further about this plan, you can do so here.

Are you a sole proprietor? Is your business run as a partnership? Is your business a corporation? Call us today if you answered no to any of these questions we are happy to discuss life insurance with  you!

Most insurance companies offer the option to purchase water back-up of sewer and drain coverage. One our of carriers, State Auto, covers direct physical loss to your home and what you have in it caused by water or waterborne material that backs up through sewers or drains or overflows from a sump pump. This coverage is especially beneficial if your basement is finished or if it contains anything of value that could be damaged.

Keep in mind though that water back up coverage does not apply to a loss that is covered by flooding. A separate policy will be needed in order to protect your home or belongings against flooding. Contact us today with any questions you may have regarding water and sewer back up coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: With uninsured motorist coverage, carriers pay medical expenses & lost wages when you’re in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance to cover these expenses. Carriers pay up to the limits you chose when you bought your policy.

1. Only operate a watercraft if you have the proper training and boating safety instruction. To learn more about the boating course requirements visit www.boatus.org.

2. Never operate a watercraft under the influence. Boat operators become more impaired by alcohol more quickly than vehicle drivers because of the difficulty finding balance and the exposures to the sun and heat.

3. Have proper gear on the watercraft. Make sure you have state registration, numbering and letters, also personal flotation device for each person, a visual distress signal, fire extinguisher, navigation lights and a sound producing device to us if in distress.

1: Create a Home Inventory: In a natural disaster it is very helpful to have a list of all your possessions to help you recover your possessions during the claim process. You can print an inventory list for free off www.knowyourstuff.org or www.makelifeeasy.com

2: Designate a Safe Shelter and use it: The safest place during a severe thunderstorm or tornado is a storm cellar, the center of the basement or an interior room without windows.

3: Build an Emergency Kit: Build a kit that contains first aid supplies, drinking water, a flashlight, non-perishable food, cash and blankets.

4: Maintain your yard: Keep your trees and shrubbery trimmed and remove weak branches or trees that could fall on your home.

5: React to weather appropriately: When authorities issue a tornado watch, start to prepare by bringing in lawn furniture, lawn ornaments and other objects into your home or garage. If authorities issue a tornado warning don’t worry about what is in your yard immediately find shelter. A warning means the tornado is imminent.

If you have any questions on coverage for your homeowners insurance  in case of a bad storm or how to file a claim during a bad storm contact us today we are more than happy to help.

Make sure you inform them of who is your agent and carrier. This way incase there is a fire, someone breaks into your home or a natural disaster comes through they know the main information to share incase they have to. Also share your agents phone number and possibly the policy number with them so incase that information is needed as well they are able to give the information to the other party.  If you have any questions on home insurance or any other insurance needs please contact us we are more than happy to help!

Have a great summer and a great vacation!

1. Set up an emergency response plan and train employees how to carry out the plan. Make sure your employees know who to notify about the disaster and what to do to limit property losses.

2. Write out each step of the plan and assign different responsibilities to employees. Along with writing out the plan and posting it in your business you should practice the plan so you employees will know what to do in case of a disaster.

3. Consider the things you may need during the emergency. Do you have back up power? Do you have a back up communication system?

4. Human Resources. You should make sure that your employees and customers are protected from injuring themself on the premises. Consider the possible impact a disaster may have on the employees to return to work or how your customers will be able to shop and purchase your goods during the disaster.

5. Keep duplicate records. Back up your computerized date on a regular basis and keep the back up located in another location away from your business.

Make sure you have enough coverage to be able to pay the indirect costs of disaster was well as the cost to rebuild or repair your building. Most business owners doesn’t think about natural disasters until they happen. Usually the disaster plan is put into place or thought about after a business owner has gone through a natural disasters. Think about your natural disaster plan before it is too late.

If you want to make sure you are covered for a natural disaster or need help putting your plan into place contact our office and we are more than happy to help.

How much damage must there be to consider a vehicle a total loss?  Usually the three determining factors are whether or not the car can be repaired safely, it would cost more to repair the car than it is actually worth, and it meets the total amount of damage set by State law.

How does the claim adjuster determine the value of my vehicle?  Many times adjusters will use the Actual Cash Value method.  They take the pre-accident condition of your vehicle and then find similar models for sale in your area.  They then base their estimation off the value of the comparable cars.

Will the insurance company buy me a new car?  Most likely not.  Your insurance carrier is required to pay you the actual cash value of your car, minus your collision coverage deductible.  Some carriers offer Guaranteed Replacement Cost for newer cars which makes sure the purchase of a new car will be covered.

How soon will I receive my payment?  This depends on the a few situations.  If you lease your vehicle, your check goes straight to the company you leased it from.  If you financed the car, you receive the amount that it left over after the finance company receives the pay-off amount.  Finally, if you own the car, you ge the whole amount.

Can I repair the vehicle myself?  Most times the insurance company will sell the car at a salvage yard and keep the sale.  If you would like to keep your vehicle, your carrier will see what bids are from salvage purchasers and then will deduct it from your settlement amount. 

Getting the answers to these questions from your insurance company should make the process easier to handle.  If you have any more questions about what to do call Associated Insurance Agency today at (888) 838-7373.