Back-to-School Insurance

Now that the school year is in full swing let's review insurance issues regarding college students.

- A student residing more than 100 miles from home without a car gets a discount on your Auto insurance. Contact us if this is the case.

- Your Homeowners policy generally provides adequate coverage for possessions at your child's college residence - if he or she is still considered a resident of your household.

- A student at school with one of your vehicles should not allow others to drive your car. If necessary, the Named Insured (usually Mom or Dad) must grant permission for this.

- Check your medical insurance to confirm that coverage still extends to your child. Generally, full-time student dependents are covered until age 23.

Contact our office with any questions you may have.

Roof Damage Claims and Repayment

Most homeowner insurance companies have or soon will implement reimbursement limitations on older roofs if damaged by wind or hail. Most companies are starting the actual cash value payments if a roof is over 15 years old.

Generally speaking, if your roof is less than 15 years old we will pay the full replacement cost less your deductible if wind or hail damage warrants the replacement. Actual cash value payments for roofs older than 15 years old result in depreciation deductions from your claim payment.

Hail damage to newer roofs rarely requires replacement of the roof, but does shorten its life span. You have the option of accepting an actual cash value settlement in this situation and waiting until the roof requires replacement before doing so.

Call us with questions regarding how your insurance company handles this.

ATV's, Golf Carts, and Scooters: Insure Them!

Various types of motorized vehicles such as ATV's and motorized scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years for recreational purposes. Homeowner and auto insurance policies typically don't automatically extend liability and physical damage coverages to these items.

Homeowner policies typically don't provide coverage for damage to motorized vehicles not licensed for road use unless they are used to service the insured premises, are used to assist the handicapped, or are a golf cart. Liability coverage may apply to the use of these vehicles only while used on the insured premises.

If you own any motorized vehicles not listed on your personal auto policy we encourage you to call us to discuss their use and the insurance coverages pertaining to them.