Is Tree and Debris Removal Covered by Insurance?

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Harry Norton

Specific conditions of tree removal are covered for a limited amount per tree.  If the fallen tree damages the buildings listed in property coverage, fences, driveways or handicap access points, then the insurance company will usually pay up to $500 for each tree’s weather-related damage. 

If there is a storm and a tree must be removed as a result of fire, automobile collision or lightening, the insurance company usually will pay up to $500 per tree without requiring damage to a structure. 

If a tree or plant is stolen, insurance companies usually will pay up to $500 in damages.  If you have a tree that falls during a storm without damaging listed property, this will not warrant a claim.

Call for a homeowner’s quote today!  G-N Agency, Inc. offers low rates.

Posted in Homeowners Insurance, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

G-N AGENCY FOR YOUR AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE NEEDS

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Harry Norton

G-N Agency located at 1008 Union Road (Southgate Plaza – Rear), West Seneca, NY 14224 near Buffalo, N.Y. is your Good-News Agency! We insure the entire Western New York region, including Erie county, Niagara county, Orleans County, Wyoming County, Cattaragus County and the Southern Tier. As independent insurance agents with over 46-years in the insurance business, we can provide you with the insurance coverage that fits your needs and the security you deserve. Our one-on-one approach takes the guesswork out of your insurance comparisons and leaves you with peace of mind knowing we have got you covered.

Call Harry Norton at G-N Agency today for a free, no obligation quote at (716) 675-5700.

Posted in Auto Insurance, Business Insurance, Classic/Antique Auto Insurance, Dwelling Fire/Rental/Empty Bldg, Flood Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work, Life/Disability/Annuity Ins | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

SHOP AROUND FOR BEST AUTO POLICY

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Harry Norton

 

There are some things you should know about insurance rates when shopping for auto insurance policies.  A lot of factors can affect your premiums:

Insurers determine premiums mainly by ratings. You’re rated according to the amount of claims risk you present, then grouped with others like you with similar risk rates. Factors like age and gender, where you live, your driving record, your marital status, any prior insurance coverage, how far you drive annually and your vehicle’s make and model all affect your ratings.

The low risk candidates are offered discounts that can translate into amazing savings. Some of those available include multiple vehicles, educated driver, good student, safe vehicle, low-mileage and multiple policies.

Unless you drive an older vehicle, you’d be wise to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage for your car. Collision covers damage when your vehicle impacts another car or fixed object, and comprehensive pays for damage from almost all other causes.

By comparing rates and policies side by side, you can get insured at a lower cost. Now it’s time to get insured. Call us today for a free quote and to save on your auto premiums. 

So for maximum savings, drive safely, keep alert and avoid tickets and accidents.  This will help you put more money in your pocket.

Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

ITEMS STOLEN FROM INSIDE YOUR AUTO

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Harry Norton

You have a fantastic time at a mall shopping with friends or attend a sports event and proceed to your car to find out it has been stolen.  People often wonder if their car is stolen, will their insurance company reimburse them for that valuable coat or $300 pair of running shoes they left on the back seat.

There is no coverage under your auto policy for personal property or contents of the vehicle. There may be coverage under your homeowners or renters policy but if you don’t have either of these, it is unlikely you’ll receive reimbursement for items stolen from your car.

Some auto policies may provide coverage for electronic and audio equipment, but clothing and other personal items are more appropriately insured elsewhere. It is best to call your local insurance agent if this is a concern.

Posted in Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE WHEN IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Harry Norton

If I have the state-required minimum liability limits, can I be held responsible for any damages above that amount?

 If you are involved in an at-fault accident and the property or liability damages exceed your policy limits, you can and will be held responsible. While the other party’s insurer will likely step in and make payments to their client under the underinsured motorist portion of their policy, your insurer is done once they have paid out the policy limits. Who do you think the other carrier is going to look to for reimbursement of the monies paid to their client? You are legally and financially responsible for accidents caused by you and you could even lose your driving privileges or personal assets for failure to have adequate insurance.

Therefore, you should contact your local insurance agent to discuss liability requirements and liability recommendations to make sure you have coverage sufficient for your own specific needs.  Call Harry Norton at GN Agency, Inc. for a free quote today!

Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Determining Rates of Auto Insurance

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Harry Norton
There are many misconceptions when it comes to what people think counts in determining car insurance premiums.  Many people feel that if they are a good driver, they get the lowest rates offered.
This is not always the case.  
 
While some companies do in fact base their rates solely on your driving record, other insurers look at many other factors.  Knowing which factors may affect your car insurance premiums is a great way to keep your insurance costs low while keeping your coverage levels high.
 
Below are factors figured in by insurance companies that you may want to keep in mind:
 
The zip code and where you live can have a big impact on your car insurance rates.  There are a number of reasons why this is true, including rates of car theft, the existence of dangerous intersections nearby and more. 
 
What kind of work you do – some insurers will also factor in the type of work you do when determining the rate you will be asked to pay for car insurance.  For instance, some companies reserve their lowest rates for white collar workers while penalizing manual laborers and other blue collar employees. While this may not be fair it is important to be aware of this practice.
 
Some car insurance companies provide lower rates to those with advanced degrees – and higher prices to those with less education.  Many drivers are unaware of this distinction – until they are hit with those higher costs.  For this reason it is a good idea for high school graduates to ask if education plays a factor in determining car insurance premiums.
 
Believe it or not, your credit score can play a role in insurance premiums.  Studies have shown a correlation between an individual’s credit score and their likelihood of being in a car accident, and some insurers have used these studies to justify charging more to those with a poor credit history.  If your credit is less than perfect you may want to ask potential insurers if they factor your credit score into their premium calculations.
 
If your preference is having a hot sports car, plan on paying more for your auto insurance premiums.  The type of car you drive can cost you hundreds of dollars in extra car insurance premiums.  The type of car you drive can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates, so it is a good idea to ask about insurance rates before buying a new car.  This is important no matter what kind of car you have your eye on – since each insurer will use their own criteria to determine vehicle class and insurance rates.
Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Harry Norton

Insurance wording can be confusing to the every day individual. 

Someone may ask you if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.  You may not know what it is and therefore do not know how to answer that question.

Comprehensive coverage is optional car insurance protection, including glass, front, side and rear windows.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     It is the portion of car insurance protection that pays out if your car is stolen.  Usually it covers windshield repair or replacement. It also covers damage to your vehicle from any non-collision incidents involving your vehicle such as falling trees, vandalism, animals, fire, earthquakes and floods and hitting a deer.

When the damages occur (unless excluded), comprehensive coverage pays you a check for your loss, less the comprehensive deductible. Get a Free no obligation quote now.

A leased or financed vehicle  almost always requires one to have comprehensive and collision coverage by the financing company.

If you are in doubt as to whether you understand the difference between comprehensive and collision insurance, your insurance agent would be able to explain the difference.

Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH FOR INSURANCE?

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Harry Norton

The cost of insurance has increased steadily over the years.  Here are some suggestions on how to save when it comes to auto and homeowners insurance:

1.  Higher Deductibles – you can lower your premium by raising your deductible. This can be done on both your homeowners policy and your auto insurance policy.

2.  New Home Discount – If your home is 30 years old or newer, you can benefit from discounts from select insurance companies.

3.  Renovator Program 20% – discount on homes over 30 years old that have made renovations to heating, plumbing, wiring and the roof within the past 10 years.

4.  Combine your auto and homeowners insurance with the same insurance company.  Insurance companies provide discounts for having both policies with them.

5.  Defensive driving course – this course is now offered online and you may take this class at home on your computer.  It is also offered through AARP and AAA.  There is a minimal fee for this class but you save approximately 10% off your premiums for three years. 

Your agent would be able to give you the specifics that would pertain to you.

Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

DO I NEED TO NAME ALL HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS WHEN APPLYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE?

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Harry Norton

The answer is yes.  You need to disclose all household members when applying for car insurance.  In general, anyone that drives in your household and sometimes also those outside of your household that on a regular basis use your vehicles should be listed on your policy. 

The insurance companies factor in household members who have a license and do not own a vehicle.  They will question whether this person will be driving your vehicle.  Therefore, it is best to be upfront and honest when listing drivers to avoid any uncovered claims down the road.

It is acceptable to have members in your household on their own policy with their own insurance carrier.  However, you may look into all being on the same policy to receive discounts.

Talk to an agent about your specific situation.   We would be happy to help!

Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

DISASTER WHEN DRIVING WHILE ON CELL PHONES

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Harry Norton

Everywhere you look these days, people are talking on their cell phones.  We wonder how we got by years ago without this new technology.  Cell phones are great when it comes to convenience, saving time and keeping you connected with your friends and loved ones.

However, you need to think twice when it comes to using your cell phone while driving.  Statistics show that driving while talking on a cell phone is extremely dangerous and you put you and others at a four time greater risk of being in an accident.

Not only is the use of cell phones while driving a danger, but most states and local jurisdictions have new laws put into effect banning handheld cell phones.  Check with the cell phone driving laws that apply in your state.

Keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, using a hands-free device which contains a voice-activated control is suggested in an emergency situation.  But even hands-free talking can be distracting.  Your best bet is to pull over off the road to make a call so you are safely out of traffic.

Texting also has the same result while driving.  Statistics show the rate is 23 times more at risk of having an accident while texting.  It also now is banned in most states.  Check with your local insurance agent with any questions you may have on this topic in your state.

Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work | Tagged , , | Leave a comment