TRYING TO SAVE MONEY? AVOID THE FIVE BIGGEST INSURANCE MISTAKES.
With far too many Americans out of work, and others forced to make ends meet with less money, many people are looking for ways to cut costs. There are smart ways to save on home and auto insurance; however, there are also mistakes that can result in being significantly underinsured.
When money is tight, it is extremely important to be financially protected against a catastrophe with the right amount and type of insurance by taking a few simple steps, it is possible to cut costs and still be protected should disaster strike.
Following are five of the biggest insurance mistakes that consumers should look out for:
Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than for the cost of rebuilding. When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home. But insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.
A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save up to 25 percent on your premium payments.
Selecting an insurance company by price alone. It is important to choose a company with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good customer service.
A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies and ask friends and family for recommendations. You should select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently.
Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance companies. Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding, but in fact 25 percent of all flood losses occur in low risk areas.
A better way to save: Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to check whether it is in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area. If you are already living in a flood zone area, look at mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage and consider purchasing flood insurance.
Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability for your car. In today’s litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket—and those costs may be steep
A better way to save: Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.
If you don’t own your home, neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a disaster. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.
A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer will generally provide surmountable savings.
General Liability Insurance in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg
Personal, commercial and general liability insurance from a professional agent
Insurance is the only effective instrument to help you plan financially for life’s disasters and mishaps. We live in a risky world and there is always something that will happen and result in you suffering some form of loss. The only way to protect your assets and financial interests is with effective personal and commercial insurance.
If you work or live in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland or Rockville you can get best value personal insurance and cost effective business insurance from Lowe-Tillson agency. An independent insurance agent has access to various insurance plans and policies and can select one that is best suited to your needs and your situation. So whether you need auto, health, travel, property or business insurance, it is best to deal with an independent agent that works for you and not the insurance carrier.
Insurance is a complicated subject and is riddled with conditions, options, exceptions, exclusions and fine print. It is a minefield for the uninitiated and therefor best left in the hands of the professionals. By simply selecting the first and best policy that comes along you will likely end up paying too much or being under-insured. Neither is a desirable situation and end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for.
Business insurance is probably the most complicated of them all. You need to be sure your commercial insurance covers your business assets and income and that your general liability insurance is in place. When you interact with clients or the public there is always the risk of injury or damage. General liability insurance protects you in the event of third party claims for bodily harm, medical costs or damage to someone else’s assets or property.
Let a professional and independent agent handle your commercial and general liability insurance requirements and you will have peace of mind knowing you have the right cover and that your business interests are protected.
Life Insurance for Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Frederick and, Maryland
Is Home Care Included In Life Insurance?
If you have life insurance and are recovering from a surgery, or if you require 24hr professional medical assistance, you may have thought about the possibility of using life insurance to pay for the expenses involved with hiring a home care assistant.
The good news is that this is possible. You can use your life insurance policy to benefit from this kind of service, but only if you can use the insurance in combination with the following options:
Now, the four options mentioned above don’t sound that great, since we are talking about the end of life period, but they surely are something you need to think about during your life as an adult. Because more and more people – statistically speaking – end their life bedridden. It is not a great image to think about, but it is a reality we all need to learn to accept.
Now, for example, the ADB option is a feature you can include in your life insurance policy to make sure that you are entitled to receive a tax-free advance while you are still alive.
This is necessary because of one main reason: life insurance policies are usually created to help your family deal with the financial challenges they need to face once you pass away. Life insurance is not meant – originally, at least – to be used by you when you are still alive.
You must keep in mind that there are different types of ADBs that are meant to be used in different situations (i.e.: terminally ill, life-threatening diagnosis, if you need home care services for an extended amount of time, and so on).
It is better to decide upon your needs together with your family and your insurance agent.
Commercial Insurance for Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Maryland
What Type Of Commercial Insurance Do You Need For Your Business?
There are very few better feelings in the world than the one you get when you see your business being born. Positive thoughts, pride and happiness are inundating your mind and soul and for a few days you feel as if you were walking on clouds.
But in the rush, hush and cheer of the moment, don’t forget one of the things that can make or break your business: the commercial insurance.
A lot of business owners from Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rockville have unfortunately discovered the drawbacks of not having a business insurance policy. You don’t want to be caught off-guard with something like this; it is a thing that can get you in debt for a long period of time – to say the least of it.
So make sure you choose one of the five main types of insurance that applies to businesses:
Homeowners Insurance in Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Maryland
Homeowners insurance that gives you proper coverage
It is important to have the right homeowners insurance protect your substantial real estate investment as well as your contents and valuables. Not all home insurance policies are the same and you need to know what you are covered for and what not.
For proper home insurance advice in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland or Rockville you can contact Lowe-Tillson agency. They will work closely with you and structure homeowners insurance to match your needs and your budget.
There is more to homeowners insurance than meets the eye. For example does your home insurance cover you for the full replacement value of your property and your possessions? Perhaps your insurance only covers the depreciated amount? Does your homeowner’s policy cover you in the event of a flood? What if a guest is injured on your property and then files a liability claim against you? There are many more questions like these but you get the point.
It makes sense to speak to the professionals in the insurance field. They understand the details of your homeowners policy and how it relates to your property, your possessions and your lifestyle. You want the type of home insurance that covers your buildings, your structures, your fixtures and your content. Perhaps you own a valuable collection of paintings or antiques. Such items are not covered by standard home insurance. They need to be listed separately and insured separately.
Floods are one of the biggest threats to your home and your property. In most cases your homeowner’s policy won’t cover you for flood damage. You need separate flood insurance. What about water damage that is not caused by a flood? Does your insurance covers you for water damage from a burst pipe or geyser?
Apart from your property you also need to cover yourself in the event of a liability claim. Accidents do happen and we live in a legally aggressive country. For home insurance good and proper you should contact Lowe-Tillson agency and get the peace of mind knowing that you are covered for the unexpected and life’s mishaps.
Frederick and Maryland, We Have General Liability Insurance!
General liability insurance is an important part of your risk management
General liability insurance covers you in the event of injury to another person or damage to that person’s property as a result of an accident or mishap involving your business. We live in a legally aggressive society and when an accident happens you could be at the wrong end of the barrel staring down an expensive law suit.
Lowe-Tillson provides professional insurance services and solutions to the people and businesses of Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland and Rockville. They also specialise in general liability insurance which will protect your financial interests in the event of a liability claim.
You don’t have to be negligent or at fault to face a liability claim. A freak accident might not be your fault, but when it takes place on your business premises or as a result of your business operations, you could be liable. When you interact with clients and members of the public there is always the risk of an accident of some mishap. This also applies when you deal with a client’s assets, for example your clients money or computer server. It also applies if you write or speak about the clients business. If you do something that causes injury or loss to a third party, there is always the risk of a liability suit. In the event of a 3rd party claim you will want general liability insurance from Lowe-Tillson on your side.
They will also provide you with insurance crafted to match your needs and the risks specific to your business. You can even get immediate coverage when you consult with a friendly agent or fill out an easy to use online form. You and your business face many risks and solid commercial insurance including general liability cover is an important part or your risk management and financial protection.
Workers Comp Insurance and Life Insurance for Frederick and Maryland
Workers comp and life insurance from a trusted source
Every business must have workers comp insurance to protect employees and employers in the event of a work related accident. The law requires employers to purchase workers comp insurance that provides an exclusive remedy for accidents at work, whether someone is at fault or not.
If you have a business in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland or Rockville you can get workers comp insurance from an independent agency such as Lowe-Tillson. They know the ins and outs of workers comp and will assess your risks in order to evaluate your workers compensation needs. This way you get insurance matched to your needs. The amount of insurance you need depends on factor such as accident rates in your industry as well as your own safety track record.
With the right workers comp insurance you know your employees are covered for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, a percentage of lost wages as well as disability cover. An employee then cannot sue you for greater compensation.
Another important insurance component is life insurance. The fact is life insurance is inexpensive and there is no excuse not to plan for the unexpected. This way you can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of should you no longer be around or able to take care of them. Life insurance comes in two main flavors, namely term life and whole life. Term life will cover your life and disability for the agreed term of the policy. This is a good option if you are starting out and need life cover in case the unexpected happens. Whole life will cover for as long as you pay the insurance premiums. You can also add an investment component, which means your life insurance policy will accrue a cash value over time. You can access this cash value and use it for whatever purpose you need. If you decide to surrender your policy, the cash value will be paid out to you.
Car Insurance for Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Maryland
Auto and car insurance keeps you protected and mobile
Owning and driving a vehicle is big responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Apart from possible damage your safety and that of others is at stake. It does not matter whether you live or work in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland, or Rockville, the state law requires you to hold a minimum level of auto insurance. Your minimum car insurance will include liability cover and uninsured driver protection. The rest is up to you and your insurance agent. The thing is that a minimum level of auto insurance is not going to cover your real risks.
What if your car is damaged or stolen? If your car is damaged in a collision it is a different claim than when your car is damaged in some other way, for example due to a storm. What is you are injured and face mounting medical bills? What if urgently need alternative transport while your car is repaired or replaced? What if someone else drives your car and has an accident? What if you need emergency road side assistance? What if you travel out of state or in another country? What about other vehicles and vessels you possibly own? What is you have a DUI offence?
When it comes to auto insurance there are many questions and there are proper answers. If you live in the mid-Atlantic region of the East Coast you can get the answers from a trusted independent insurance agent such as Lowe-Tillson. They have helped countless people from Bethesda to Rockville with suitable, affordable, reliable custom tailored car insurance.
When you have proper auto and car insurance you don’t need to worry about the financial implication of an accident or other unfortunate event. Instead you can focus on your driving without additional worries that relate to inadequate car insurance. This will keep you safer on the roads and help you avoid accidents and other negligent acts that can result from worries and lack of concentration.
General Liability Insurance for Maryland and Frederick
General liability insurance covers you in the event of a 3rd party civil claim
One of the biggest risks facing a business is that of a liability suit. Whether you operate a business in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland or Rockvill, there is always the risk of an accident, a mishap or some unfortunate event that may result in injury or damage to a 3rd party. The victim can sue you for costs associated with medical bills, hospitalization, loss of income and more. General liability insurance is there to protect you and your business against lawsuits filed against you by the victim. These liability claims can amount to millions and could financially cripple you if you are not covered.
Insurance for your business is vital, and general liability insurance is a key part of commercial cover and financial protection. Lowe-Tillson agency helps business owners in towns and cities of and will arrange proper business insurance for you company whether you operate in Bethesda, Maryland, Rockville or somewhere in between.
Apart from general liability insurance you also need to cover your business assets and protect your financial interests in the event of fire, storm damage, flood damaged and other disasters. You also need cover against criminal acts such as theft, fraud and vandalism. A profession and independent insurance agency will advise you regarding the best asset insurance, commercial property insurance, commercial auto insurance, loss of income protection, workmen’s compensation and other essential insurance policies you need to ensure your financial survival in the face of adversity.
An independent agent looks after your interests and will source and secure the right mix of policies so you are not underinsured or over insured. This way you get the best insurance for your business needs without paying too much or running the risk of inadequate cover.
Business Insurance for Frederick and Gaithersburg, Maryland
Business insurance to protect your commercial investments
If you operate and manage a business in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland or Rockville the Lowe-Tillson Agency can provide you with quality and cost effective commercial insurance that will safeguard your financial investments. Business insurance is a broad and complex field that is best left to the professionals.
You want to be sure your financial future is safe in face of adversity and misfortunes. As a business owner you face many risks and anyone of them can cause great loss and financial ruin if you do not have adequate business insurance to protect your commercial assets. More specifically you need to be sure your property and assets are covered should some disaster or mishap take place. You want to be insured for the mainstream events such as fire damage, water damage or losses from natural disasters.
Another big component in commercial insurance is liability. You might face a claim from an unhappy client. If another person suffers injury as a result of your or your employee’s negligence, you could face a huge liability claim. Your need to be sure you have proper and adequate liability insurance to protect your commercial and financial interest.
Accidents and mishaps also happen. In addition to liability cover you need to workmen’s comp to protect you and your employees in the event of a work related accident. Then there are many specialty policies related to commercial insurance. These include cyber insurance, surety bonds, errors and omissions, contractors bonds, commercial auto insurance and so on.
You also need to be sure your commercial insurance is flexible and can grow and adapt as your business grows and changed. Keeping your business insurance current and in-line with your business needs is a sure way to protect your business assets and your financial security.
Business Insurance for Bethesda, Frederick, and Rockville
Business and cyber insurance protect your physical and online assets
Business insurance is an important safeguard should the unexpected happen. If you manage or own a business in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland or Rockville you want the kind of business insurance that provides coverage for fraud, theft, fire, floods, storm damage, vandalism as well as protection against liability claims and medical expenses as result of accidents and injury. General Liability Insurance is a comprehensive all in one policy that provides the aforementioned coverage. You can find this type of all-purpose business insurance at Lowe-Tillson Insurance & Associates.
Workers comp insurance is another important branch of business insurance and will cover you and your staff in the event of a work related accident or mishap. Accidents can involve huge medical bills and liability claims so you need to be sure you and your employees are adequately covered if some unfortunate event causes injury at work.
We now live in a connected world where information flows in and out of connected devices and around cyberspace and this carries its own unique risks. What if a virus brings down you desktop or notebook or worse your whole network? Can you get compensated for down time and lost work? There are many other technology related issues and risks including virus attacks, denial-of-service, data loss, credit card losses and so forth.
Cyber Insurance is still very much like a box of smarties and there are no clear guidelines and rules. Cyber insurance also goes by many names including hackers insurance, data insurance, e-commerce insurance and so on. Your general liability insurance might cover your physical computers but the real investment and cost is related to your programs and data that is needed for online business. Are you covered for loss of data, downtime and loss of service?
It is best to talk to an insurance professional who can advise as to what whether you general liability insurance covers your online risk or if you need a separate cyber insurance policy.
Insurance for Maryland, Rockville, Bethesda, and Gaithersburg
Why buy an insurance policy?
Keep your quality of life, and offer tranquility are some of the benefits that offers an insurance policy where ever you are, even in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland or Rockville. But, what else you should know?
An insurance policy is the document that refers to the insurance contract concluded by the insured. The policies contain two sections: terms and conditions. It is very important to read all the clauses contained therein for having complete information of their terms and conditions.
It reflects the general rules, in private or special form, that govern the contractual relationship agreed between the insurer and the insured.
When thinking about concluding an insurance policy, it is common to be reluctant because we have little or no information. This has caused our heritage to be highly vulnerable: earthquake, fire, theft, are latent threats that in any time can end goods collected during years of effort. Therefore, it is worthwhile to delve into the issue and reconsider whether to acquire some means of protection. The insurance policy is most important thing when concluding it, it is your paper protection that everything you’ve concluded will be offered to you.
Remember that the insurance is a financial mechanism whose purpose is to protect your assets, give you reassurance and support, and gives you power in the event that you suffer an accident or incident. In other words, the money paid for the insurance represents an investment in our security and tranquillity in an unfortunate situation. If today’s technology offers you to buy insurance online, it is best that before doing this you call or visit the insurer so you can read exactly what your policy contains, because many times it is not clear trough this service, everything your contract contains.
Given that a question arises: do we really should acquire an insurance policy? Of course, you must see the future benefits and maintain a culture of prevention in your life. The most important thing is you and your safety, so do not hesitate.
Life Insurance for Bethesda, Rockville and Around Maryland
Life insurance and general liability insurance for your peace of mind
When it comes to personal cover, life insurance and general liability insurance are two very important policies you must have in your portfolio. Lowe-Tillson Insurance & Associates helps the people and businesses in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland and Rockville with these and other trusted and best value insurance policies
Life Insurance not only gives you peace of mind that your wife and children will be taken care of when you are no longer able to care for them, but also gives you financial protection in the event of disability or serious illness.
There are many plans to suit your specific needs, including term life, whole life and investment plans. Life insurance is not expensive and there is no reason why you should not be covered in the event of death or disability. If you simply need cover for a specific period of time then term life insurance will be a good option. If you want an investment component and a cash benefit down the road, a whole life policy with and investment component will be suitable option.
General liability insurance is a comprehensive plan that can protect your property, your business and also provides cover for personal injury and liability claims against you or your business. This way you as the insured party is protected from the negative outcome of lawsuits and claims against you. If such a claim falls within the ambit of your liability policy, the underwriter or carrier will settle the claim, saving you thousands or even millions of dollars.
General liability insurance is available to individuals and businesses alike and offers blanket protection for a range of risk and liabilities. So whether you are a doctor, lawyer, accounting firm or restaurant, you can get comprehensive cover from liability insurance.
Homeowners Insurance and Property Insurance in Maryland
Steps to have a property insurance policy
Concluding a property insurance is not considered essential within the family budget, even if it is an insurance little known and despised by the culture of “this will not happen to me” , however it is essential for your tranquillity and for all your family. You must consider that your house is a heritage that for many of us cost years of hard work. Why not care for it and protect it from any damage?
Today you should analyse the climate changes and the situation of our country, especially in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland and Rockville, which does not allow us to be unprotected. Everything that is inside and outside of your home is an investment that you made, and now must take care of it following some simple steps for property insurance.
So, first thing to do is inform yourself. Today from the internet you can access different insurance sites that offer not only the description of the product but also show comparisons. Then, you have to see your real needs, considering, various factors ranging from the type of home, whether it’s residential, apartment, rented or of social interest.
When paying the property insurance you must provide the following information:
1. Property details and your personal property details.
2. In the case of theft and/or assault.
Contact an insurance agent, who has an extensive knowledge regarding the market and can give you excellent protection for your home and can guide you in preventing accidents.
Life Insurance | Bethesda | Frederick | Gaithersburg | Maryland
Life Insurance Bethesda: Everything about life insurance
Life Insurance Bethesda: In a few words life insurances are financial products offered by specialized companies that can provide protection – classic life insurance, and facilitates saving – life insurances with capital accumulation. Such service is provided in the areas like Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland and Rockville. For example, in the case of a classical life insurance: by means of a contract, the insurer undertakes to pay a sum of money in case that the insured person dies. The cost of a life assurance policy is called insurance premium and is established by your insurer depending on the type of product you want, the sum insured, the duration of the contract, the risks covered and so on. This type of insurance does not accumulate capital.
In the case of life assurance with accumulation of capital, part of the premium which you pay covers the protection component (same as in the case of a classical life insurance) while another part is invested by the insurance company and paid at the end of customer’s contractual period or even before that, together with a part of the resulting benefit. In this case, life insurances are also a tool for saving money.
The principal risk covered by life insurance is death. However, life insurance can also include and indemnify other risks:
1. The risk of losing your capacity for work. If the insured suffers an accident that results in the loss of working capacity he will be exempt from the payment of insurance premium.
2. The risk of permanent disability. If the policy holder suffers an accident which has as a result permanent disability, the insured will benefit from the sum insured for this risk.
3. The risk of survival. If at the end of the contract the insured is alive he will receive the sum insured either in the form of instalments or in a single amount. In this case, the beneficiary can be the insured or an heir designated by him.
Business Insurance | Bethesda | Frederick | Gaithersburg | Maryland
Business Insurance Bethesda: Why should you have business insurance?
Business Insurance Bethesda: Your company’s head office, facilities, as well as the equipment and goods acquired represent an important investment. All your company’s assets may be affected by unforeseen events which at any time can take place. A fire can cause damage that could cost billions, damaging stocks of goods, and in some cases business interruption. To protect yourself in such unpleasant situations, whose frequency is unfortunately growing, you needed to be ensured. If you are looking for insurance companies you can find them in different places like Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rockville, which would be able to help you in ensuring your business.
If you still have doubts about having business insurance here are some strong reasons that may convince you:
1. First of all you have to protect your employees. An employee who has an accident at work or whose health is endangered may have the right to financial support in case of a hospitalization or can claim damages if it turns out that you were negligent towards his safety.
2. Second of all you have to protect your clients and your public. In case your products or services can cause injury to clients or potential clients, your business might face demands for compensation. Product liability and public liability insurance can help you ensure the payments.
3. The third place is occupied by the business assets. Theft or damage to your office, equipments and vehicles could not allow you to work under normal conditions. A failure of an important supplier or a client can mean major financial problems. Whatever the risks you have to face business insurance offers you the necessary protection in order to be safe no matter the situation.
Once you understand that these three arguments are really important, you will probably realise that business insurance is something needful and see it as an important investment in your business.
Commercial Insurance | Bethesda | Frederick | Gaithersburg | Maryland
Commercial Insurance Bethesda: When Is the Right Time to Buy?
Commercial Insurance Bethesda: One of the things which convince an employee to work for a company in the detriment of another job is having a company car. Business owners are capable of going head over heels to keep a valuable person in their company, so they often “gear them up” with all sorts of attentions, like cars, laptops, mobile phones or other gadgetry.
But doing all this for an employee is well worth it if they are the ones who keep the company’s profits going up. Still, the business owner must ensure that whatever it is they give away to an employee is insured.
For example, in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rockville and many other cities throughout the US lots of employers have commercial insurance which also covers auto insurance.
Everybody knows that you do not drive your car the same way you drive a company car. This is why many company cars go into the service a lot more often than personal automobiles. The costs of repairing and maintaining a company car in good condition can sky-rocket if you do not take the appropriate measures of precaution.
With the right auto commercial insurance you can have all the company’s goods covered for; this includes your company’s vehicles too.
Now, depending on the type of vehicle you want to ensure, there are different types of commercial auto insurance, as follows:
But if you are looking for the best deal for your company and your company’s vehicles then perhaps the best choice for you would be the first option: business auto insurance. It allows you to insure your SUVs and work cars and enjoy the same benefits you would get with a personal insurance, for example.
Homeowners Insurance | Bethesda | Gaithersburg | Maryland | Rockville
Homeowners Insurance Bethesda and Choosing The One For You
Homeowners Insurance Bethesda: Did you know that homeowners insurance Gaithersburg as we know it today was “invented” only in the 1950s? Of course, before the first official property insurance there were other variations of the same document; the main drawback of the “old” method was that a person had to have a bunch of insurance documents to cover for various belongings.
With the introduction of homeowners insurance in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rockville and the entire US, things got a lot less complicated.
Nowadays the homeowner is allowed to purchase all the insurance they need for their homes in one single, complete policy. Still, modern developments have changed the insurance coverage terms, availability and pricing, so that now people can choose from up to 8 types of coverage:
The other 4 types of coverage are the following (please contact one of our representatives to get more details):
Life Insurance | Bethesda | Maryland | Rockville | Gaithersburg
Life Insurance Bethesda: Top Reason Why Life Insurance Maryland Helps You Lead A Stress-Free Life
Life Insurance Maryland: Have you ever heard of a Top 1 list? It is incredible how important these lists are, because they help highlight the MOST relevant thing. In our case, it is health insurance… or life insurance Maryland.
Here are some examples of what stress can do to our bodies:
So what is our reason for choosing life insurance Rockville as a crucial element for a stress-free life?
The number one reason health insurance or life insurance Gaithersburg helps you lead a stress free life is simply because they exist. You no longer have to think about the repercussions of not having insurance.
You will be able to confront your life and face its challenges with your head held up high in pride. The courage will come from within because you will know that you will not have to worry about the money but about getting healthy; you will not have to worry about your family going bankrupt after you are gone, but about staying with them for years and years to come.
You can choose what stays and what fades away; don’t let these beautiful moments be ruined because you don’t have this certainty, the certainty that insurance brings.
So whether you are from Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rockville or anywhere else in the US (or in the world, for that matter), do not let uncertainties stress you. Because the effects stress has on our lives are devastating (and you will end up needing health insurance anyway).
Home Insurance | Business Insurance | Bethesda | Maryland | Rockville
Home Insurance Bethesda: Top Tips that Complement
Home Insurance Bethesda: Do you have home insurance? Are you a business owner who has just signed the papers for their business insurance Bethesda? Do you live in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland, or Rockville? If your answer is “Yes”, then read on, this article is for you.
There are some tricks you can use as an addition to your home insurance Maryland that you probably did not think about before. In fact, many people are already using them without realizing that they help protect their homes against burglary, damage or destruction.
Here is a list of the things you can do to protect your property even if you have insurance:
These are the 4 top reasons why people file insurance claims, business insurance Maryland and home insurance included. Receiving the funds from the insurance might be a lengthy process and, as the saying goes, it is always better to prevent than to treat.
Property Insurance | Maryland | Frederick | Rockville
Property Insurance Maryland: Get the Best Match for Homeowners
Property Insurance Maryland: Your home is a special place and also a major financial commitment. So it only makes sense to protect your financial interest with homeowner’s insurance. Lowe-Tillson is a single-source provider of best value property insurance in Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Rockville, Maryland. We customize and tailor your homeowners insurance to meet your needs and to suit your pocket.
Our plans do not just protect your property; they also cover your valuable possessions in and around your home. We also make sure you are financially covered against liability claims in the event of an accident or mishap. We provide property insurance Frederick that is transparent and we explain what is covered, what is not and what should be. This way you fully understand your level of protection and the associated costs.
You and your property face many potential threats, from a burst main to some act of nature, from a criminal action to an unfortunate accident. You need to be sure you are covered when misfortune strikes. Here at Lowe-Tillson we make sure you are covered for your risk profile, so when misfortune knocks on your door, you are financially secure.
Our policies are backed by major carriers so you do not need to worry about claim settlements. We do not leave our clients high and dry in their time of need. We work with from start to end, from arranging coverage to assisting with any claims. Contact us today for a free and friendly discussion or fill-out and submit our online form and we will respond quickly. Do not wait for some unfortunate event to find out your homeowners does not cover some important asset or liability. Talk to one of our experienced consultant so you can be confident in the knowledge of your coverage and protection.
Car Insurance | Motorcycle Insurance | Maryland
Car Insurance Maryland: Get the Right Insurance Coverage for Your Vehicle
Car Insurance Maryland: There is a wide array of car and vehicle insurance plans, policies and options. It can be rather confusing in deciding which plan and coverage best fits you. If you make the wrong decision, it could end up costing you a great deal of money.
Lowe-Tillson Insurance provides a professional service to the residents and people of Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland and Rockville. You do not have to struggle trying to figure out which car insurance, motorcycle Insurance Maryland or liability coverage that you need. We will work with you to understand your circumstance. We have the experience and knowledge to select and arrange the right combination of plans and options for your vehicle insurance needs.
We have access to the best insurance plans available from leading providers across the country. We do not only select the right policy but we get the right price too. Our plans extend to private individuals as well as businesses and corporations. We also offer family plans as well as commercial vehicle insurance. So whether you need coverage for your personal car, the whole family or your company car, we can help.
Our plans are underwritten by major carriers, so you can be confident your claims will be dealt with efficiently and promptly.
We also offer insurance policies for motorcycles, boats and other recreational vehicles. Our plans will ensure that you are covered for collisions, damage to property, liability claims, criminal acts, natural disasters as well as fender benders. So do not take to the road without us. Take our coverage and drive with peace of mind knowing your financial interests are protected.
Contact us today for an easy and friendly consultation. You can also complete and submit our online form and we will be in touch soon.
Teens, Social Media and a Parent’s Liability
For many the high school experience comes with social pressures and obligations to fit in and belong, and sadly this can lead to exclusion and isolation of some students. At some point everyone probably said something in their teen years in the heat of the moment that they now wish could be taken back, but today’s teens face the added burden that if they convey those statements on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, their words could be around for a lot longer than just the heat of the moment.
In addition to hurt feelings, cyber bullying could potentially damage someone’s reputation. With college admissions offices and employers beginning to look up applicants on social networking sites, rumors and gossip have the very serious potential to damage someone’s ability to get into the college of their choice, or find a job. For parents, this could create a potentially serious exposure to a lawsuit if their children engage in cyber bullying.
Aren’t my kids covered under my insurance?
Generally speaking, any coverage a parent has through their homeowners or renters insurance policy also provides coverage to other residents of the household, including teenage children. Standard homeowners and renters policies include liability protection for bodily injury or property damage, which would pay for the costs to cover medical bills or repair/replacement costs if a child injured a friend in a pick-up basketball game or if they were at a friend’s house and accidentally spilled soda on a $13,000 oriental rug, subject to the policy’s deductible.
But what if a child were to post rumors about other teens online that implied negative information that could damage that person’s reputation? Interestingly, a standard homeowners or renters policy would not cover these instances.
What can be done?
In order to cover claims from that kind of situation, homeowners and renters policies must have what is called an endorsement- extra language that is inserted into the policy to expand coverage- in order to have liability protection extended to cover “personal injury”.
As insurance professionals we will be able to tell you if your current insurance policy already has this personal injury endorsement by reviewing it, and if it doesn’t, we would be able to help you get one. You may be surprised to find that this expanded coverage may not cost you much in additional premium. A personal injury endorsement will pay the costs up to the limits of your policy to defend you, pay a judgment or settle a case when legal action is brought against you or your children for defamation.
Make sure that if you’re a parent, you talk to your children about social media, how they use it and what’s expected of them regarding personal responsibility. It’s critical that they understand how their use of social media not only has the potential to hurt others, but that it could impact your family as well.
Some parents choose to actively monitor their children’s use of social media, and there are various software programs available to assist those who want to closely monitor what their children do in social spaces for parents who want access to their children’s profiles. No matter what you choose to do, begin with treating others with respect as the best way to avoid this type of risk.
Be Aware of What Your Kids Are Doing Online
Sources: stopbullying.gov | trustedchoice.com
Don’t Be Fooled: Auto Insurance State Minimums Probably Aren’t Enough
There are a wide variety of silly and somewhat funny things we can do from time to time, like telling people that dihydrogen monoxide is coming out of the sink (dihydrogen monoxide is the chemical name for water), but one thing you should avoid falling for as a consumer is being told that carrying only the state mandated minimum coverage is adequate auto insurance protection.
In an auto accident, drivers can be legally liable for their passengers’ injuries. While most states have mandatory minimum limits of liability required of all drivers, many of these requirements may not be sufficient in covering injuries sustained in an auto accident. In some states, this required amount may be as little as $25,000 per person and $50,000 total for all injuries in an accident – which may not be enough when you consider the severity of certain injuries and the number of passengers that could be involved. Remember that this limit also applies for all injuries caused by an accident for which you are liable, including passengers of other cars.
So what are the right limits? Like many answers… It depends. Everyone’s situation is different, but as an independent insurance agency we can help you understand what issues you should consider when evaluating what liability limits to purchase.
For Instance:
Naturally you might wonder if increasing your liability limits will increase the price of your insurance premiums. While you’ll pay more for the additional coverage, it’s likely that it won’t be very much to raise your liability limits, and in the long run it offers you more financial protection. You may be able to offset some of those expenses by raising your deductible or through other discounts. This is where we can help identify the different options available to you.
There is no definitive rule of thumb for making sure you have “enough” insurance but it’s important that you feel comfortable with the amount you have, because nobody likes to be made a fool of when it comes to an insurance claim.
Source: trustedchoice.com
Was Your Home Loan Sold? Quick, Call Your Insurance Agent!
Do you have a mortgage? Yes? Then at some point in your home-owning life, you have received a letter telling you that your mortgage has been sold to another lender. There’s certainly nothing unusual about it when this happens, as home loans are sold every day in the United States. It is a very common practice. Typically, the letter tells you that nothing will change for you and – "you do not need to do anything."
WRONG!!! – You should contact the insurance agent that handles your home insurance.
Here’s Why: If your home insurance is part of your escrow then your agent needs to know and needs to change the Mortgagee endorsement on your policy.
Every year your insurance company sends a bill to the company that owns your loan. Your lender sends a check from your escrow account to pay for your Homeowner’s insurance for the next year. If your insurance company does not have the correct lender information the bill will be sent to the wrong company and the bill will not be paid. Believe it or not – that is not the big problem.
Here is the BIG PROBLEM. Your new lender wants to know you have insurance that will pay to replace your home in case of a total loss – they want to know they will get their money! If your new lender does not get a bill or see some form of proof that you have insurance – then the lender will put insurance in place for you. And guess what? The insurance the bank puts in place can cost up to THREE TIMES MORE than what you are paying now and that is just for your house and wouldn’t include insurance for all your belongings inside your home.
If this occurs the lender is simply going to pass the high-cost of this other insurance along to the home owner in the form of a much higher mortgage payment on your next statement, which can cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
The lesson – keep your Insurance Agent updated on any change regarding not only your home, but your lender as well. Your agent wants to be up to date and will appreciate the call and it’s a simple change that only requires a few moments to complete.
Home Inspections Before Winter Weather Comes
This time of year can be just great here in Maryland. However, you won’t get much fireside snuggling done if your chimney clogs or your roof springs a leak. And while prepping your home for winter weather isn’t much fun, once you do it, your peace of mind can last all season long.
Here’s a handy checklist to make sure the weather stays outside where it ought to be.
Furnace Follies
If you have a forced-air furnace, visually inspect the outside of your system, the ducts, and other points attached to the unit. Repairing potential air leaks is easy to do with a little duct tape. It’s also a great time to clean or replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you can reach them, vacuum off the blower blades while you’re in there.
Winter Weather Stripping
A common source of heat loss and drafty spaces is faulty door or window weather-stripping. Check for drafts by holding a lit candle a couple of inches from the seam. If the flame moves (and you’re sure it’s not the dog breathing over your shoulder) you could have a leak. Typically these are easier to replace entirely than “spot repairing” and kits for doing so may be found at any hardware store.
Chim Chim Cher-ee
Creosote is the black, scaly deposit left behind in wood-burning chimneys. It slows airflow and is an enormous fire hazard. While the chimney is cool, take a flashlight and look for build-up past the damper (at the mouth of the flue near the base of the chimney). If you burn a lot of wood during the season–or very resinous wood like pine–cleaning the chimney is an annual must-do. This is one repair where hiring qualified professionals is best because they have the proper tools and experience to make sure it’s done right.
Stormin’ the Doors
Operational storm doors and windows prevent additional drafts and save energy costs. Make sure the hinges are lubricated and adjusted so they close properly. If you have interchangeable glass panels, make sure to install them instead of leaving the screens over winter.
Rain Gutter Braining
Clean gutters help prevent many cold weather problems from arising, such as basement flooding, siding damage, and door and window leaks. Clean gutters also help keep your foundation dry and repair-free. Plus, if your gutters are holding too much water they can pull free of eaves and fall off at any time, posing a hazard to your noggin.
Show Your Best Siding
In some cases you’ll need to hire a professional to make siding (or paint) repairs, but you can easily inspect for cracks and separations, peeling paint, or other damage that’s not difficult to repair yourself. Usually, a little caulk and some paint do the trick. But don’t leave it to chance–or leave it too long–because when water gets behind siding it’s expensive to repair as well as a health hazard.
Put a Lid On It
If possible, check your roof close up. You can use binoculars to inspect safely from the ground. Look for missing tiles, cracked shingles, and “bald spots”. If you have a composition roof past its warranty, make sure to check for brittleness, a sure sign it needs replacing. Also, if you notice lots of asphalt granules in your newly spotless rain gutters, it’s a sign your roof is eroding and needs replacing soon. Lastly, make sure to check the flashing around the edges of the roof for damage.
Taking just a few minutes this time of year to inspect your home for these common cold weather entry points and it will prevent more costly repairs, reward you with a lower energy bill, and help you have a relaxing holiday season.
5 Big Insurance Mistakes
TRYING TO SAVE MONEY? AVOID THE FIVE BIGGEST INSURANCE MISTAKES.
With far too many Americans out of work, and others forced to make ends meet with less money, many people are looking for ways to cut costs. There are smart ways to save on home and auto insurance; however, there are also mistakes that can result in being significantly underinsured.
When money is tight, it is extremely important to be financially protected against a catastrophe with the right amount and type of insurance by taking a few simple steps, it is possible to cut costs and still be protected should disaster strike.
Following are five of the biggest insurance mistakes that consumers should look out for:
Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than for the cost of rebuilding. When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home. But insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.
A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save up to 25 percent on your premium payments.
Selecting an insurance company by price alone. It is important to choose a company with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good customer service.
A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies and ask friends and family for recommendations. You should select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently.
Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance companies. Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding, but in fact 25 percent of all flood losses occur in low risk areas.
A better way to save: Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to check whether it is in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area. If you are already living in a flood zone area, look at mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage and consider purchasing flood insurance.
Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability for your car. In today’s litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket—and those costs may be steep
A better way to save: Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.
If you don’t own your home, neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a disaster. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.
A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer will generally provide surmountable savings.
Scheduling Under Homeowners
SCHEDULING ITEMS UNDER YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
Perhaps it’s the latest electronic gadget or large screen hi-def television, or new sporting goods gear or maybe a piece of sparkling jewelry. If you happen to receive or purchase a particularly expensive item, you may consider purchasing extra protection, just in case.
Why would I need to schedule valuable items?
The protection provided for personal property under the typical homeowners, condo or renters policy is very broad, and includes coverage for your furniture, clothing, and appliances. It only provides limited coverage for valuable items such as jewelry, silverware, furs, and art. It may not cover some types of loss that may be important to you, such as the stone falling out of your diamond ring, your china being accidentally broken or your rare coins being stolen.
What types of property can be covered?
Here’s a quick listing of some of the items typically covered:
cameras (video or still) and related equipment
china and crystal
coins (rare and current)
firearms
furs
golfer’s equipment
jewelry
musical instruments
personal computers
stamps (rare and current)
silverware
works of fine art, including paintings, etchings, pictures and other bona fide works of art (such as oriental rugs, statuary, rare books, manuscripts and bric-a-brac) of rarity, historical value or artistic merit.
If you own something of value that is not listed above, it may still be eligible for coverage.
How to Schedule Personal Property
The process for scheduling valuable personal property differs from one insurance company to another. The insurance company keeps copies of appraisals or recent receipts for the items on file. The dollar amount of the value of the items added determines the price of scheduled property insurance.
Scheduling items allows you to purchase better protection for your special property than would be available under the typical homeowners policy. In addition to being able to purchase higher limits of coverage, more perils are covered.