Save money on your auto insurance with these discounts.

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Save Money On Auto InsuranceOver the years, we’ve all seen auto insurance commercials highlighting the various discounts available in the insurance industry.

While many are familiar with the standard discounts like multi-policy and multi-vehicle, there are additional lesser-known discounts that drivers may be unaware of. To help you potentially save money on your auto insurance, we’ve compiled a list of some of these additional discounts offered by various insurance companies.

Remember to consult your local insurance agent to determine which discounts apply specifically to your situation, as they can vary by state.

Here are some possible auto insurance discounts worth exploring:

  • Multi-Policy: Bundling multiple policies such as auto insurance, home insurance, and boat insurance with the same carrier can lead to savings.
  • Good or Distant Student: If your student maintains good grades (as specified by the insurer), they may be eligible for a good student discount. Providing the insurer with a transcript usually serves as proof. Moreover, if your student attends college far away from home (typically over 500 miles, but this can vary), you may qualify for a discount on the vehicle since it is driven less frequently.
  • Education Level: Drivers holding advanced degrees, such as a bachelor’s degree, may qualify for a discount, similar to the good student discount.
  • Defensive Driver: Completing a carrier-approved defensive driving course could earn you a discount on your auto insurance policy. However, be aware that this type of discount may be limited to certain age groups, so check with your insurance agent.
  • Multi-Vehicle: Insuring multiple vehicles with the same carrier may result in a small discount.
  • Green Vehicle: If you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, you may be eligible for a discount. Consult your agent to determine if your vehicle qualifies.
  • Anti-Theft: Vehicles equipped with anti-theft systems are statistically less likely to be stolen, making them a lower risk. As a result, you may be entitled to a small discount if your vehicle meets the criteria.
  • Anti-Lock Brakes: Most new vehicles come standard with anti-lock brakes. Inquire with your insurance agent to see if your carrier offers a discount for vehicles equipped with this safety feature.
  • Safe Driver (Accident-Free): Many major insurance carriers reward safe driving by offering discounts to drivers who have been accident-free for a certain number of years. The specific criteria can vary between insurance carriers. Some carriers send you a check throughout the year if you are accident-free.
  • Military: Active and veteran military members often qualify for discounted auto insurance. Verify with your insurance agent to determine if you are eligible.
  • Early Quote/Signing: If you’re considering changing insurance carriers or upgrading your auto insurance, obtaining a quote (and signing up) before your current policy expires may entitle you to a discount. Be sure to check with your agent, as you may need to obtain a quote within a specific timeframe before your policy expiration date.
  • Paid-in-Full: Opting to pay your auto insurance policy in full can result in a cost reduction compared to monthly payments. The discount will be reflected in the price presented to you.
  • Paperless: If you prefer electronic statements over paper statements, you may be eligible for a discount. Most major insurance carriers offer discounts to customers who choose automatic billing and receive emails instead of paper statements.
  • Loyalty: Remaining with your insurance carrier for three or more years may earn you a discount at each loyalty milestone. These rewards often extend beyond policy cost reductions and can even include accident forgiveness.

In summary, familiarizing yourself with the various auto insurance discounts available can help you save money.

Keep in mind that discounts can differ between insurers and states, so consulting your local insurance agent is crucial for determining which ones apply to you.

If you’d like to save on your auto insurance, call our independent insurance agency. We represent multiple top-rated insurance companies and can find you the coverage and pricing that suits your situation best.

Tips For Enjoying Fireworks For This Upcoming Independence Day

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Independence Day is a couple of weeks away, and it is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious barbecues, and, for some, lighting up the night sky with fireworks. While fireworks can be thrilling and add an extra sparkle to the celebrations, it’s crucial to remember that they also come with potential risks and hazards. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, here are six simple safety tips to keep in mind when handling fireworks:

Exercise Caution with Partially Ignited Fireworks: If a firework fails to ignite fully, resist the urge to relight it or pick it up. Instead, leave it undisturbed for at least 20 minutes. Afterward, douse it with water and carefully dispose of it. This precautionary measure reduces the risk of unexpected explosions or injuries.

Avoid Fireworks Packaged in Brown Paper: Fireworks packaged in brown paper are typically intended for professional displays, not consumer use. Purchasing such fireworks can be dangerous, as they may have been designed for trained pyrotechnicians and pose higher risks to individuals handling them. Stick to consumer-grade fireworks that comply with safety standards.

Supervise Children Around Fireworks: Never leave children unattended with fireworks, including seemingly harmless sparklers. While sparklers are popular among kids, they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause severe burns. Some sparklers can reach temperatures as hot as blow torches. Always supervise children closely and provide alternative, safer options for their participation in the festivities.

Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws: Before purchasing or lighting fireworks, make sure to familiarize yourself with the local regulations and laws governing their use. Fireworks may be prohibited or restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns or fire hazards. Ignoring these restrictions not only puts yourself at risk but also makes you liable for any injuries or damages that may occur.

Dispose of Used Fireworks Properly: After using fireworks, it’s essential to dispose of them safely to prevent accidental fires. Before throwing them away, soak the used fireworks in water for an extended period. This precaution ensures that they are fully extinguished and eliminates the risk of a trash fire.

Mind Surrounding Vegetation: When selecting a location to ignite fireworks, be mindful of dry brush and tall grasses nearby. These vegetation types can ignite quickly and spread fires rapidly. Choose an area that is clear of any potential fuel sources to minimize the risk of unintended fires.

While we all enjoy celebrating the Fourth of July, it is crucial to prioritize safety during the festivities. By following these simple safety tips, you can ensure that your Independence Day celebrations are memorable for all the right reasons. Let’s make this holiday a time of joy, togetherness, and above all, safety.

Updating your insurance policy as your life changes

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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could purchase a single insurance policy that covers us for a lifetime? While that may be wishful thinking, the reality is that as life evolves, so should your insurance policy. The great advantage of having a local independent insurance agent is that they work with multiple insurance companies, ensuring they can find the right fit for your present and future needs. When reviewing your current insurance, consider the following:

Have you recently gotten married?

Getting married brings about significant changes that should be reflected in your insurance coverage. Explore marriage discounts, multi-car discounts, combined insurance policies, jewelry endorsements, life insurance, and coverage for your new home. Ensure that your new life together is adequately insured.

Have you completed a major remodel?

Renovations, such as a new kitchen or additions like bay windows, granite countertops, or hardwood floors, not only enhance your home’s value but also necessitate adjustments to your insurance coverage. Review these changes with your agent to ensure your policy provides sufficient coverage for all your home improvements.

Are you considering purchasing a new car?

If you’re thinking about buying a new car, consult your independent agent to determine the impact it will have on your insurance premiums. Consider the potential increase in premiums when assessing the overall cost of the vehicle.

Do you have a teenage driver or one on the horizon?

Adding a teen driver to your policy can significantly impact your premiums. It’s crucial to inform your agent about any teen drivers in your household to comply with insurance company requirements. Failing to add them to the policy promptly can lead to issues, including claim denials. Discuss teen driver coverage options with your agent.

Have you acquired a new exterior building for your home?

While some insurance policies automatically provide coverage for exterior buildings (typically up to 10% of your home’s value), this may not always be the case. If you’ve installed or built a detached garage or any other structure, ensure that you have adequate coverage in the event of damage or loss.

Have you installed a burglar alarm to protect your home?

Periodically reviewing your existing discounts and exploring new ones is a wise practice. Burglar alarms, reduced mileage, multi-policy discounts, and more can help lower your premiums. Your agent can help identify available discounts. Think of them as discount detectives. During your next conversation, ask your agent to review the available discounts so you can take advantage of them.

Understanding insurance can be challenging, but with an independent insurance agent, you have the advantage of our expertise. We can review your policy with you at any time and explore options from multiple companies to find the best coverage for your evolving needs.