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Collectibles Insurance: What you need to know before getting a quote

11/19/2013

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 If you own something collectible that is worth quite a lot of value, one thing you may have found is that attaching collectibles to your homeowners insurance as scheduled property provides very lousy coverage as far as what is covered and how much is covered. If you want to get maximum coverage for your collectibles at a minimum premium, you really need to check out American Collectors Insurance (ACI).


   As a customer, ACI offers advantages that most companies don't:


  • Easy quoting and underwriting process.
  • Coverage is on Agreed Value basis.
  • No appraisal required.
  • Expert claims handling with adjusters who specialize in collectibles.
  


What American Collectors Insurance covers:
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What ACI DOES NOT INSURE!
  • Jewelry
  • Furs
  • Furniture
  • Fine Art
  • Items used for commercial/business purposes (for example: I can insure private baseball card collections, but not to a baseball card dealer or sports memorabilia store owner)


   How much does collectibles insurance cost?


 For coverage of $10,000 or less, yearly premium is usually $75 per year. For coverage over $10,000, yearly premium is usually 0.75% of the coverage. This 0.75% rate includes all of the additional optional coverages that are usually not available on other collectible policies.


     Why is collectible insurance with ACI better than other companies?
  • Most homeowners policies are very limited as far as what they pay out in coverage.
  • Most homeowners policies do not cover things that ACI will cover. Examples include theft and occasional use.
  • ACI offers a zero deductible. Homeowners deductibles usually start at $500 (or higher).
  • ACI covers earthquakes, floods and hurricanes. Homeowners policies do not.
  • Homeowners policies will pay out on an Actual Cash Value basis (market value). This could be an amount much less (think of agreed value vs. what something is selling for on Ebay).


      If you would like to get a quote with American Collectors Insurance, simply click on the link below and I will run your quote, and contact you with rates and answer any questions you have. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately, and do not share your information with anyone.


   
Get a Collectibles Insurance Quote with Lyles Insurance


Call me for a Quote




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Related Blog Articles:

​Video: Tips for Buying Insurance on Sports Memorabilia

​Video: Buyers Guide for Insurance on Figurines & Action Figures

Video: Right Way and Wrong Way to Insure your Collectibles


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10 Reasons why you should get a Quote with Dairyland Auto Insurance

11/18/2013

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If you're looking to shop around for the best auto insurance rate for liability coverage, Dairyland is definitely a company you want to include. For auto insurance policies that only need liability coverage, Dairyland's rates are tough to beat! Here are ten reasons why Dairyland is a great company to get a quote with:
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  1. Great rates for liability coverage. If you drive an older vehicle that doesn't need physical damage coverage, Dairyland rates are among the best.
  2. Dairyland goes easy on drivers with accidents, tickets & claims on their record. Dairyland has catered to the "high risk" market. And as a result, have rates that are much more forgiving for drivers with dings on their driving record.
  3. SR22's don't cost extra. Dairyland is one of the very few companies that do not add extra fees or surcharges for drivers who need an SR22 filing. They will also file the SR22 electronically for you at no extra cost.
  4. Flexibility with payment options. Dairyland offers more payment options than most companies.
  5. Low down payment options: With Dairyland, you have different down payment options to choose from. It's up to you whether you want to pay more up front, or later.
  6. Motorcycle coverage. Dairyland also has great rates for motorcycle insurance. You can even get a nice discount if you bundle an auto policy with a motorcycle policy, to get even more savings.
  7. Diversity of policies. Besides regular auto insurance, Dairyland also has financial responsibility bonds, broad form named driver and named operator policies (these policies vary state to state).
  8. Flexibility with short term policies. Dairyland can offer you a policy as short as 30 days. They also offer 60 & 90 day policies, or you can customize the exact dates you need coverage.
  9. Nice discounts! Dairyland offers many significant discounts including being a homeowner, having prior coverage, paying the policy in full, automatic pay discount just to name a few.
  10. Bill alert. Never forget another payment when you sign up with bill alert. You can receive an email or text reminding you of any upcoming due payments.


     Summary: For those of you who are looking to get the best rate on liability auto insurance, and/or you have dings on your driving record, shopping around is very important. Dairyland is definitely one of the companies that you will want to check out.


     For those who live in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, I'll be happy to run a quote for you. Simply click on one of the two links below. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately, and do not share or sell your information to anyone.


Get a Dairyland Auto Insurance Quote with Lyles Insurance here if you own a vehicle


Get a Dairyland Named Op. Quote with Lyles Insurance here if you don't own a vehicle


​Call me for a Quote



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Ohio Surety Bonds: Finding the Best Rates for Performance, Fiduciary, Contract and Permit Bonds

11/17/2013

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If you are required to carry some type of surety bond in Ohio. You might at first be overwhelmed about knowing where to start. Shopping for, and buying a surety bond is similar to buying insurance in many ways, and also quite different in other ways:
   
      How a surety bond is similar to insurance:
  • Like insurance, you have quite a lot of different companies to shop around for the best rate.
  • Surety bonds can be purchased through an insurance agent (or a surety bond broker, or a surety bond company directly).
  • Premiums are rated (calculated) based on many of the same factors that insurance companies rate insurance quotes.
  • Independent insurance agents or surety bond brokers can do the shopping around for you with different surety bond companies to find you the lowest rate.


      How a surety bond is different from insurance:
  • While there are many different insurance products on the market, there are way more surety bond products. There are litterally thousands of different kinds of surety bonds.
  • Instead of going through individual insurance companies to find the best rate, agents go to large surety bond brokerage firms to find their customers the best rate. Because of the enormous amount of different types of surety bonds, this is a must because no one person or agent could possibly become familiar with all the different type of bonds out there.
  • Credit rating plays a factor in both insurance and surety bonds. But credit is much more of a factor with most surety bonds as compared to insurance. That's not to say that someone with a bad credit record can not get a surety bond. It just means that you may have to shop around a little harder to find what you need at an affordable price.
  • When a claim is paid through a surety bond, the company that wrote the bond will likely go after the person who bought the bond. The bondholder has failed to meet a requirement, neglected an obligation, or failed to perform a duty. This is much different than having a car accident, for example. Insurance companies will not go after the policyholder. But a surety bond company will go after a bondholder who has not upheld his/her end of the deal.
  • Insurance policies are regulated mostly by state laws. But a surety bond can be a local, state or federal type of bond.


       Types of Surety Bonds: This is not an all inclusive list because of the wide variety of different types of surety bonds. But most bonds fall in one of the following categories:
  • Performance bond
  • Fiduciary bond (probate)
  • Contract bond
  • Commercial bond
  • License or permit bond
  • Court/Judicial bond
  • Public official bond
  • Guardian ship bond
  • Fidelity bond


      How do I start the process of acquiring a surety bond in Ohio?


     Before you begin to get a quote for a surety bond, it's very important to know exactly what type of bond you need, and what amount the bond needs to be written for. Once you have that information, you can begin to look for surety bond prices by getting a surety bond quote.


      The Next Steps:


  • Once you have filled out a simple quote form, an agent/broker can then shop your information around with the surety bond companies/brokerage firms that they carry. These companies will then know exactly what is required from there. The agent will then send you out any info you need to fill out and send in to complete the quoting process. This usually includes:
  • Filling out an application (you may be asked to fill out more than one application. If so, that will only help you quote through more companies to give you a possible lower premium). Applications are short, usually only one or two pages. It's well worth the time to fill out any additional apps if you're asked to do so, as it gives you the best chance for a lower price.
  • Provide any needed paperwork. Many surety bonds will require some documents in order to complete your quote or put a bond in force. You want to get those in as quickly as possible.
  • Jump through any other hoops that the bond may require. This varies greatly from one type of surety bond to the next. But overall, this is usually not too much of a headache.


     Final steps:


  • Once the surety bond companies get the info they require to run you a quote, they will review your application, and either offer coverage or deny coverage. If they offer coverage, a price will be quoted. You then will be able to see the choices and prices that you can choose from.
  • Once you have found a bond that you need for a price that's affordable, your agent will help you take it from there, as far as putting the surety bond in force. Each bond is different, as is each bond company. They all have different procedures as far as putting the bond in force. Your agent will help you do the grunt work, and make the process as simple for you as possible.


    Summary: Buying a surety bond can be much more complicated than compared to buying insurance. But if you go through an agent or broker, they can make the process much more simple and much less aggravating as opposed to trying to do it all by yourself. That's what agents/brokers are there for. Take advantage of them!


     If you would like to get a surety bond quote through my agency, I will be happy to help you with every step along the way. I currently use two major surety bond brokerage firms to help find you the best rate. Both firms  use dozens of surety bond companies to accommodate you as best that they can. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately. I never share or sell your information to anyone.


 Get a Surety Bond Quote with Lyles Insurance


Call me for a Quote

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RV Insurance: 8 Reasons why attaching your RV to an Auto Insurance Policy is a Big Mistake

11/14/2013

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When you purchase an RV, it is very simple for you to add the RV onto your auto insurance policy. Many auto insurance companies do cover RV's on a regular auto insurance policy. However, even though the coverages seem the same, they're not! There are some very important coverages associated with an exclusive RV policy that are not available when attached to an auto insurance policy.

Here are eight reasons why having specific RV insurance is better than simply attaching your RV to an auto insurance policy. In all of these eight reasons, attaching an RV onto an auto insurance policy falls short in someway. Either that type of coverage is not offered at all, or if it is, it's not offered to an adequate level that an RV insurance policy needs.


  1. Higher liability limits on the road. In the event of a major collision, it only makes sense that an RV has the potential to cause much more injury or damage than a regular automobile. That's why it's important to have higher liability limits than what's usually offered on auto insurance policy.
  2. Agreed value coverage. Most auto policies will only offer coverage on an RV in terms of actual cash value. With an exclusive RV insurance policy, you'll be able to get agreed valued coverage on most models.
  3. Emergency expenses coverage. When you take your RV so many miles away from home (milage varies by company), and you have a breakdown, expenses can add up really quick. That includes finding alternate transportation, food, & lodging. Imagine being on vacation and your RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere. 
  4. Full-timer or campsite liability coverage. This is for using your RV as a residence (either on a short or long term basis). If someone were to visit your RV and somehow get injured, this would cover you for liability. Usually high amounts are offered vs. no coverage at all on an auto policy.
  5. Coverage for accessories. If your RV has something added onto it, you can get coverage on it as well. Many RV's have thousands of dollars worth of accessories on their RV's. Why not protect those?
  6. International coverage. If you plan to visit Mexico or Canada, you better make damn sure your RV is covered if you have it attached to an auto insurance policy. Because most likely it is not. However, most exclusive RV insurance policies will will cover you across the border.
  7. Roadside assistance/towing.  A lot of auto policies do have fairly good coverage for roadside assistance. The problem is that RV's cost a lot more to tow than a regular automobile does. Without the right coverage, you will have to eat the difference.
  8. Coverage on personal property. Your belongings that you take with you will not be covered on a regular auto insurance policy. This includes things like TV's, laptops, tablets, phones etc. This is very important coverage to have if you keep a lot of valuables in your RV. And you won't find this coverage if the RV is attached to an auto policy!


    If you would like to get an exclusive RV insurance quote, click on the link below and I will run your information through my companies. I will find you the best coverage I can for the lowest rate. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately.


                    
Get an RV Insurance Quote with Lyles Insurance


Call me for a Quote


Related Blog Articles:

8 Point Checklist to determine a good RV Insurance policy from a lousy one

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Where can I find cheap auto insurance in Pennsylvania with a bad driving record?

11/13/2013

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Where can I find cheap auto insurance in Pennsylvania with a bad driving record?


     If you have had accidents, tickets, claims, DUI's etc. you might think it's impossible to find an affordable auto insurance rate. However, I have found several auto insurance companies in PA that go easy on drivers with dings on their driving record. Finding affordable PA auto insurance is doable, you just need to look a little farther.




Where should I start looking for the lowest rate?


     Trying to get an auto insurance quote from each auto insurance company at a time is not efficient. It is much easier for you to simply get a quote with an independent agent particularly one who specializes in high-risk insurance. That makes it much more efficient for you as a consumer. It's much easier to simply let an agent do the shopping around for you. That way, you're saving a lot of time.


    
Why do I seem to be penalized more in auto insurance premium for having a bad driving record, compared to other states?
    
     Without getting into a long explanation, it basically boils down to not having as many companies in PA that go easy on drivers with marks on their driving record (aka "high risk drivers"). Why is that? .... Two reasons:
  • PA is a no-fault state. Many auto insurance companies who go easy on high risk drivers tend to stay away from states that are no-fault because of high medical claims. There are only 12 no-fault states and PA is one of them.
  • PA is also one of only 8 states that do not have SR22 filings. Companies that go easy on violations tend to follow states that do have SR22's because the market is more competitive.
     
      Thankfully, not all of the auto insurance companies that are high risk friendly have jumped ship. You can still find a decent rate out there if you simply shop around.
   
What else can I do to keep premiums low?


    Once something goes on your driving record, there's not much in your control beyond your control as far as your record is concerned (other than letting time pass). But you can lower the auto insurance coverage you have:
Raise the deductibles on comprehensive and collision coverage.
Drop added optional coverages such as roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.
Trade your vehicle in for an older, less expensive vehicle that doesn't need comprehensive and collision coverage.


**** Warning: By lowering coverages above, you are simply reducing coverage on a controlled basis. By controlled basis, I mean that you know the impact in dollars of what an accident will cost you out of pocket. Lowering this part of your coverage is ok. BUT......
   
What you DO NOT want to do is drop or lower coverages where the added risk is unknown in terms of dollars. This includes:
  • Lowering liability coverage down to a lesser amount than you currently have.
  • Lowering, or dropping uninsured motorist coverage.
    
Both of those are BAD IDEAS! Because in a serious auto accident, you have no clue what the cost of injuries will be. Therefore, it is an un-controlled risk.




If you would like to get an auto insurance quote with my agency, simply click on the link below. I will run your information through my companies and find you the company with the best rate.  And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately.



Get a Pennsylvania auto insurance quote with Lyles Insurance


​Call me for a Quote



Related Blog Articles:

PA Auto Insurance: Stacked vs. Unstacked Uninsured Motorist Coverage FAQ’s
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Where can I find the cheapest mobile home insurance rate in West Virginia?

11/12/2013

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Where can I find the cheapest mobile home insurance rate in West Virginia?
  
       Finding affordable mobile home insurance in West Virginia is easier than you might think. Although there are not too many companies that sell mobile home insurance compared to other insurance products, there are still enough mobile home insurance companies to where you can find a decent rate.
     
      One of the problems of finding an affordable mobile home insurance rate in West Virginia is the fact that most quotes are done one company at a time. You are much better off getting a mobile home insurance quote with an independent agent that can do the shopping around for you.




    Can I still find coverage if I have filed a major claim in the past 5 years?


       More and more, insurance companies are cancelling mobile home insurance policies simply for filing a single claim. This is especially true if the claim resulted from a fire, or liability was paid out due to a dog bite. Fortunately, I do have companies who go easy on mobile homeowners who have had previous claims. Filing a recent claim will most likely not cause you to be denied coverage with the companies I carry.


   
     What type of mobile home insurance coverages are offered? 


   
     This is not an all inclusive list, but here are the basic coverages that any good mobile home policy should offer:
  • coverage on the home itself.
  • coverage on other structures.
  • coverage on contents/personal property.
  • coverage on scheduled property.
  • liability coverage
  • medical payments coverage


   
     Can I insure my home on a replacement cost basis?


     This answer varies from company to company, but with most companies, a mobile home can be insured on a replacement cost basis if the home is 10 years or newer. Once insured on a replacement cost basis, you can keep it that way until the home reaches 16 years old. At that time, your policy will automatically revert to insuring on an actual cash value basis.
  

     If you would like to get a online mobile home insurance quote through my companies, I will be happy to do the shopping around for you. Select the level of coverage that you prefer and I will see which company comes out the cheapest. And as always, all quote information is handled personally and privately by myself. I do not sell or share your information with anyone.




Get a mobile home insurance quote with Lyles Insurance


​Call me for a Quote



Related Blog Articles:

Video: Basics of a Mobile Home Insurance Policy

Understanding the Basics of an Ohio Mobile Home Insurance Policy




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Not All Snowmobile Insurance Policies in PA are the same: 7 pt. Checklist

11/9/2013

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Finding snowmobile insurance in Pennsylvania is very easy. Due to the fact that Pennsylvania is one of the few states that require all snowmobile owners to carry liability insurance coverage, many companies are happy to step up and offer coverage.


    However, be warned that not all policies are the same. Not even close! Many snowmobile insurance policies are very inadequate as far as what is covered and how much coverage is offered.


  So I came up with a checklist for those of you to review your snowmobile insurance policy before you buy.


    Look at the policy language closely. You're going to find some shortcomings in your coverage. This is especially true if you attach your snowmobile directly on to a homeowners insurance policy, as opposed to buying stand-alone snowmobile insurance coverage. And as you will notice, most of the shortcomings apply to exactly that.


   So before you pay for inadequate coverage, make sure your snowmobile insurance passes this checklist. If not you are severely limiting coverage.


  1. Be sure there are no property or use limitations. As crazy as it sounds, many policies exclude snowmobile coverage off of your property. Other policies may exclude recreational use (how crazy is that?). Stand alone snowmobile insurance policies usually don't have these limitations but snowmobile policies attached to a homeowners policy sometime do.
  2. Many policies do not offer uninsured motorist coverage. You might think that this coverage is not important on a snowmobile as it is a car. But the extra premium is very cheap (usually only a few extra bucks a year). For the coverage it offers, that''s a very small price to pay.
  3. Many policies do not offer any type of medical coverage either.
  4. Coverage in both US and Canada. Many snowmobile owners like to take their snowmobile north of the border. But many snowmobile policies won't cover you for that.
  5. Coverage on a travel trailer. 65% of all snowmobiles are hauled on a trailer. Again, this is usually very cheap coverage.
  6. Accessory coverage. A good stand-alone snowmobile insurance policy will offer this coverage for free with physical damage coverage up to certain amount. Additional coverage is also offered if you have a lot of money put into your sled.
  7. Roadside Assistance. Again, very cheap coverage that may come in handy someday!


      If you would like to get a PA Snowmobile Insurance quote with my agency, simply click on the link below and fill out one short quote form. I will then run your quote through my snowmobile insurance companies and find you the company with the best rate. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately.
  
  
Get a PA Snowmobile Insurance Quote with Lyles Insurance


​Call me for a Quote




Related Blog Articles:

Video: Basics of a Snowmobile Insurance Policy

How-To Guide for Buying Michigan Snowmobile Insurance Online

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    Dan Lyles is an Independent Insurance Agent serving Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia..

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