March 2016 – Weber Insurance

5 Things to Consider Before you Switch Your Insurance

Switching your insurance policy can save you hundreds of dollars a year. But, make sure you consider these things before you make the switch.

Tip #1: Compare Apples to Apples

You’ve seen the commercials – “average savings of $500 a year for those who switched…” Absolutely you can save money. However, be sure that your new quote compares your current policy to the new policy – all coverages, driving records and vehicles the same. Any one thing can make a big difference. Many companies will try to lure you with great savings, but a CLUE report (comprehensive loss underwriting exchange – also known as your claims history) is not completed until after the application is submitted. Online companies are notorious for doing this.

Tip #2: Status Changed

If you’ve recently received a ticket or an accident, moved or purchased a new vehicle, have your current policy changes made prior to shopping. It is entirely possible that your new ride may get you some savings, or result in a price increase. In addition to this, if you’ve recently had a ticket fall off of your driving record, it would be worth calling the company to see if they can remove it now and save you some money for the remainder of your policy term. Regardless, if something changes, be sure to revert to tip #1.

Tip #3: Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

Independent insurance agents are discount detectives and have access to multiple companies. Even better, they know your current situation, history and can give you recommendations across many of their companies. They can compare rates between each of their carriers and let you know the benefits of each company.

Tip #4: Multi-Policy Discounts

When you’re looking for a new policy, be sure to take all things into consideration. You may be focused on your auto insurance, but if you have a package policy (multiple policies with the same carrier) you are likely getting discounts. If you move your auto insurance policy to another carrier, your home insurance may increase as much as 20% eliminating any saving you received. Take all of your policies into consideration. One additional item to consider here is if you have an umbrella policy, this is typically required to follow your home insurance policy. Some carrier require the home and auto to write the umbrella, so talk to you agent about your specific situation.

Tip #5: Your Relationship with your Agent

Knowing your insurance agent and having a business relationship with them is important. They are the ones who will go to bat for you in the event you have a claim or accident. Often times they can help you file that claim or give you recommendation on local companies to help fix your issue. If you have your insurance directly with the company handling your loss, you don’t get this representation. Having a local independent insurance agent is the way to go.

Weber Insurance Corporation represents over a dozen A-rated, financially sound insurance providers to help you find the best insurance coverage that fits your needs and budget. Whether you are just looking for a simple auto insurance policy, or need auto coverage for your home, autos, and business, we have customizable insurance products designed specifically for you. Visit us online anytime.

Who is responsible if my neighbor’s tree falls onto my house?

Neighbors are great! You can count on them to keep an eye on your place while you’re away, let out a furry friend or even borrow some last minute ingredients! Shoot, some of your neighbors are probably some of your closest friends. But having neighbors can sometimes cause some uncomfortable exchanges.

With winter here and spring on the way, often high winds occur when the cold air and warmer air mix together. This, mixed with sometimes wet soil can bring a vulnerable tree toppling down. So, what happens when YOUR tree drops down onto your neighbor’s house, car, fence or other property? Who is liable for that and which insurance company should you call?

Well, the answer is most of the time quite simple. Whoever owns the damaged property is responsible to get the damage repaired – not the owner of the tree.

Let’s look at some specific examples:

Your tree falls onto your neighbor’s house: Neighbor responsible to mitigate damages and call their own insurance company.

Your neighbor’s tree falls on your car: You should call your insurance company.

Now, proving any sort of negligence on the part of the tree owner is exceedingly rare. Trees die but can remain strong and standing for many years. If you or your neighbor has a tree that has died and you’re worried about it, you should call out an arborist. If the tree is the neighbors, have a conversation about the risks it poses and potential harm it could cause if it fell. Perhaps this will remedy the problem.

If you have other questions about insurance, call the insurance agents at Weber Insurance Corporation. Weber Insurance Corporation represents over a dozen A-rated, financially sound insurance providers to help you find the best insurance coverage that fits your needs and budget. Whether you are just looking for a simple auto insurance policy, or need auto coverage for your home, autos, and business, we have customizable insurance products designed specifically for you. Visit us online anytime.

Auto Safety Tips

Automobile Safety Tips

End Distracted Driving:

Contrary to popular belief, the brain does not truly multi-task. The National Safety Council has estimated that 26 percent of all crashes involve cell phone use while driving. Talking on a cell phone, either hands-free or hand-held, is estimated be involved in 21% of crashes – with an additional 5% for texting. The following tips can help you put an end to distracted driving:

Make a commitment to drive cell free
Turn your phone off or put it on silent while driving so you will not be tempted to answer it
When you are in a car with someone using a cell phone while driving, ask them if you can do it for them or if their call can wait
If you are talking to someone that you know is driving, tell him or her to hang up and call you later

Don’t Tailgate:

The person in-front of you is stuck too. The closer you get to his/her bumper, the greater chance you have of causing an accident. Do not be in a hurry to injury another person, or yourself. Especially if you can avoid it.

Know The Characteristics of an Aggressive Driver:

Cutting off drivers, tailgating, unnecessary or excessive horn use, rapid lane changes and speeding. If this is you, stop. If not, stand clear.

Encourage Good Behavior By Being Friendly and Courteous On The Road:

Give up a parking spot. Or when it is safe to do so, allow other drivers to move into your lane. Just be cautious as other drivers around you may not realize what you are doing. Being nice, but safe, reinforces similar behavior in others.

Normalize the Undesirable:

Traffic, slow drivers and fast ones are all to be expected and are a normal part of being on the road in the driving community. Accept it. Consider leaving five minutes early to get to your destination as you will be more tolerant when you’re not running late.

Don’t Personalize Other People’s Behavior:

Just because a driver cut you off does not mean they meant to or did it to enrage you. Consider other explanations such as the driver are en route to an emergency; there’s a crisis a parent is trying to get to at home; or simply, the driver did not see you.

With an Auto Insurance policy from Weber Insurance, you can rest easy knowing we’ve got you covered!

Call 888-860-0400 or Click today to find out additional ways Weber Insurance can save you money on Auto Insurance.

Month: March 2016