First-Time Homeowners’ Insurance: Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, offering a place you can truly call your own. However, along with the excitement comes the stress of various responsibilities, including selecting homeowner’s insurance. As overwhelming as this task can be, there are several common mistakes that many first-time homebuyers make. Keep reading to learn what to avoid when choosing your home insurance.

Underinsuring

One of the biggest mistakes is not having enough coverage. While opting for a lower premium by excluding a few items from your policy may seem cost-effective, you will ultimately need to pay more out-of-pocket if disaster strikes. Do your homework to determine the right policy for your home and location.

Ignoring Additional Coverage

Insuring only the bare minimum with your insurance policy will not suffice if you face a tornado, earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster. Discuss with a trustworthy insurance agent, such as HighPointe Insurance Services, LLC in Overland Park, KS, what additional coverage you should consider for your policy.

Not Asking About Discounts

Insurance companies may not openly advertise available discounts, so it’s up to you to ask what is available. You may qualify for discounts by bundling your home and auto insurance or installing a security system. Simply asking about available discounts could save you a significant amount.

Failing to Keep a Home Inventory

One thing often overlooked by first-time homebuyers is creating a list of all items in the home. If your new home ever suffers extensive damage, you’ll want a comprehensive list of all items, big and small, to send to your agent when filing a claim. Having this list will ensure that your claim can be processed much quicker instead of trying to rely on your memory of the items you had in your home.

Need insurance advice? HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park, KS can help.

Selecting an insurance policy and company can be daunting. Our knowledgeable agents are available to guide you in the right direction. Call today for more information on what we can offer you.

3 Reasons It’s Time to Update Your Commercial Insurance

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Having commercial insurance is very important if you’re a business owner. At HighPointe Insurance Services LLC, we’re dedicated to helping businesses in the Overland Park, KS, area get the quality coverage they need and deserve. From office work to restaurants and factories, every business needs good coverage that follows it as it grows and changes.

However, that doesn’t mean they all need the same type or level of protection or that they’ll all change and develop at the same rate. With that in mind, you may want to update your policy to ensure it truly reflects the kind of coverage you need for your business at this time. Here are three of the most important reasons for doing that.

  1. Your business is moving to a new location.
  2. You’re expanding your business or product lines.
  3. It’s been over a year since your last policy review.

If any of these situations fit your business, or you have other significant changes in your company, updating your policy can be the right choice. You must not put off making policy updates since that could affect your options if you need to make a claim. Instead, it’s best to reach out to our agents as soon as you know you’re making a significant change so your insurance will always be the right level and type for your business needs.

If you’re in the Overland Park, KS, area and looking for commercial insurance, contact us today at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC. Whether you want to update your current policy or you’re looking for something entirely new, we’re here to help you get the coverage and peace of mind you need, want, and deserve.

How Renovations and Upgrades Affect Your Home Insurance

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How Home Renovations Impact Your Home Insurance

Home renovations can offer a plethora of benefits, including an increase in your property value. But it’s crucial to consider your home insurance with HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park, KS, as upgrades, whether small or large, may considerably affect your home insurance.

Increased Coverage Needs

Major upgrades or multiple renovations in various parts of the home will likely raise your property’s value. This includes things like finishing off your basement, adding a grandparent’s suite, or putting in a new room. Remember, your home insurance is primarily designed to cover the cost of rebuilding your home after a disaster, so you need to report any renovations and upgrades to your insurance representative. This will ensure that the current state of the house is accurately reflected in your policy coverage.

Reconsidering Liability Coverage

Certain types of home additions, such as a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, or even a new outdoor deck, may require more liability coverage. Amenities like a new swimming pool or hot tub pose a higher risk. Therefore, even when installing an above-ground pool, consult your insurance representative to double-check that the policy will honor related claims.

Adjusting Premiums

Renovations can also impact your insurance premiums. Upgrades like installing a new roof or updating electrical systems can lower your premiums as they reduce the risk of damage or hazards. However, luxury upgrades such as a swimming pool or expensive custom features may raise your premiums as they increase the home’s risk or replacement cost.

Home renovations can improve your lifestyle and provide comfort for your family and guests. But be sure to inform your insurance representative at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC, serving Overland Park, KS, about all significant changes to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your renovated home.

Kansas Driving Laws for Senior Citizens

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If you’re a Kansas resident and own a car, purchasing auto insurance is your legal responsibility. Auto insurance is essential and will provide coverage if you are involved in an auto accident. If you live in the Overland Park, KS, area, you can get answers to your car insurance questions at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC. Our team can offer you insurance options to meet your auto insurance needs.

Laws Concerning Senior Citizens

Drivers of all ages have a responsibility for driving safely. Kansas state driving laws now impose restrictions and requirements on drivers over 70. For example, Kansas requires drivers over 70 to renew their driver’s licenses in person. When older drivers come in to renew their licenses, they must take a vision test and a written test. The vision test conducted for Kansas drivers can be done at no charge at the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Restrictions May Be Added

If the applying driver has a history of arrests for alcohol impairment, they will be asked to take a road test. A license applicant’s doctor or the DMV examiner can add restrictions to a senior citizen’s driver’s license. For example, they could be restricted to daytime driving only or required to use corrective lenses. Some drivers are issued distance restrictions, such as driving within city limits or 30 miles or fewer outside the city.

Call HighPointe Insurance Services for Your Auto Insurance Needs

Auto owners of all ages sometimes wonder if they should change their auto insurance. Our HighPointe Insurance Services LLC team is ready to help you answer that question. Overland Park, KS, residents are invited to contact one of our agents to discuss all their insurance options. Call us for an appointment today to review your insurance options.

How Boat Insurance Helps During and After Hurricanes

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Comprehensive boat insurance offers financial peace of mind during hurricane season if you live around Overland Park, KS. Knowing that your investment is protected against the unpredictable nature of hurricanes can alleviate stress and enable you to focus on your safety and that of your loved ones.

Protection During Hurricanes

Safety should be your primary concern for your boat during a hurricane. Comprehensive boat insurance takes care of damages caused by Mother Nature, including hurricanes. This means if your boat is damaged by strong winds, heavy rains, or storm surges, the policy caters to it. Check for policies that may include coverage that honors preventive measures, such as hauling your boat out of the water and storing it in a safer location when a hurricane is forecasted. This could help finance the move to safety.

Coverage After Hurricanes

After a hurricane has passed, the top priority is to assess and address any damage to your boat. Boat insurance steps in as a reliable ally, providing financial assistance for the repairs needed to restore your vessel to its pre-storm condition. This includes fixing structural damage, repairing or replacing engines, and addressing any water damage to onboard equipment. In cases where the boat is deemed a total loss, your insurance policy can compensate you for the value of your boat, offering a reassuring solution.

Additionally, boat insurance often covers salvage and wreck removal costs. If your boat is grounded, sunk, or otherwise immobilized, your policy can help pay for the expenses involved in recovering and safely disposing of the damaged vessel.

HighPointe Insurance Services LLC Is There For You

HighPointe Insurance Services LLC is here for you when you need insurance information. Our services are available in Overland Park, KS, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today.

Reasons to Add Umbrella Insurance to an Existing Policy

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Homeowners and small business owners feel their insurance policies do not provide efficient coverage. Many will add umbrella insurance to their existing policy to extend the protection limits for bodily injuries, property damage, and potential liability lawsuits. HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park, KS, can provide valid reasons why adding umbrella insurance offers the best coverage for your immediate needs. 

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Umbrella insurance helps to protect a policyholder’s assets if their current policy has reached its limits. Often, they will add umbrella insurance to their home, auto, business, and other pertinent policies. Each coverage limit has the potential to be exhausted by bodily injury and property damage claims. Also, umbrella insurance helps a person seeking protection from a libel or slander liability lawsuit. Umbrella insurance helps to keep your future firmly secured from financial demise.

Policyholders Who Should Have Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is the perfect addition to an existing insurance policy, especially if the policyholder has a significant asset portfolio. Also, the coverage is useful for individuals who are constant targets of endless liability lawsuits. Umbrella insurance offers a cost-effective solution for protecting your assets if you must pay a denied claim or lawsuit settlement.

The Ideal Umbrella Insurance Coverage Limit

The umbrella insurance coverage limit should equal the value of your property and assets. This range differs for each policyholder, as they have different risk factors for financial demise. You want enough coverage that eases your insurance concerns. 

Protecting your assets is crucial for maintaining your lifestyle. At HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park, KS, our staff is ready to answer your questions and concerns about umbrella insurance. We can provide a guide that shows the coverage needed for life’s unexpected mishaps. Call and schedule an appointment today. 

What is Not Covered by RV Insurance

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While RV insurance provides a safety net for many situations, certain scenarios and items fall outside its protective reach. These exclusions can range from personal belongings inside the RV to specific modifications made to the vehicle. By delving into the intricacies of what your policy may not cover, you can proactively take steps to mitigate risks and secure additional protection where necessary. At HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park, KS, we provide RV insurance. Here is what you need to know about RV coverage.

What is Not Covered by RV Insurance

Knowing what is not covered in RV insurance is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises. One common exclusion is regular RV maintenance costs and wear and tear. Insurance typically does not cover mechanical breakdowns or failures that result from a lack of maintenance.

In addition, most policies do not cover personal belongings inside the RV. While the vehicle itself may be insured, your personal items, such as electronics, clothing, and jewelry, are usually not included in the coverage. It’s important to consider separate insurance options for these belongings or ensure they are protected through other means while on the road. We can walk you through all of your options and what is available coverages you have. 

Contact HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park for RV Insurance

Protecting your RV investment is critical, and HighPointe Insurance Services LLC professionals are here to help. It’s always best to schedule an appointment with one of our insurance agents to learn what’s covered in your policy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about RV insurance. 

The Condo Insurance Checklist: Essential Coverage Every Owner Needs

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Embarking on the condo life journey is thrilling, and at the heart of this adventure is securing appropriate condo insurance coverage for your home. At HighPointe Insurance Services LLC, serving Overland Park, KS, and surrounding areas, we’re all ears and ready to guide you on the must-have coverage for every condo owner.

What’s on Your Condo Insurance Checklist?

Let’s lay down the basics. Start with coverage for your personal belongings on your insurance checklist, from the beloved couch to the cherished artwork on your living room wall. But covering your personal belongings isn’t enough. You need liability coverage as your backup plan for life’s unexpected accidents.

Extra Coverage for Your Peace of Mind

Imagine if a storm severely damages your building, forcing you to seek temporary shelter elsewhere. That’s a situation where the loss of use coverage becomes essential. Don’t overlook special assessments, either. You’ll likely have to pay your share if your condo association faces unexpected expenses. However, the right policy can relieve you of these costs.

Ready to Secure Your Condo Life?

If you’re setting up your carefree condo life in Overland Park, KS, or the surrounding areas, visit us at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC today. We’re dedicated to simplifying insurance, ensuring you fully understand your coverage. With us, you can confidently enjoy your condo life, knowing that all your insurance bases are covered. Let us help you turn your condo into the worry-free sanctuary it deserves to be.

3 Ways To Prevent An Infestation When Renting An Apartment

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Expert Tips on Protecting Your Apartment from Pest Infestation

When you inhabit a rented apartment, it’s inevitable that your space overlaps with those of other tenants. Consequently, the condition of their living spaces could potentially impact yours. One such fallout could be a pest infestation. Here are three preventive measures to shield your apartment and personal belongings from such nuisances.

Deploy Essential Oils as Natural Pest Repellants

Certain essential oils act as potent deterrents for numerous insects. Leveraging the scents of eucalyptus oil, refreshing mint, and soothing lavender can form a perimeter around your wall vents and doorways, thus preventing the entrance of pests into your apartment. It’s important, however, to keep these oils beyond the reach of pets as they could potentially be toxic.

Properly Stow Away your Food

To critters and pests, any food left open is an irresistible invitation. It’s thus crucial to seal away your food securely, particularly if it’s something ordinarily left open – this includes cereal, cookies, chips, and other pantry items. Doing so significantly reduces food smells that are likely to attract pests. Always endeavor to store dishes every night and not permit food to stay out for long durations.

Position Traps Wisely

If you suspect a pest infestation, it might be wise to set traps in discreet, dark areas. This proactive move could catch roaches, termites, and other unwelcome critters, thereby offering you the chance to alert your landlord, order treatments, and look for the most competitive renters insurance quotes in Overland Park, KS. Contact our team at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC for a fruitful conversation.

Using the Boat for Racing or Commercial Purposes and How It Affects Insurance

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Understand the Impact of Boat Use on Insurance

Boats are versatile, serving various needs, from leisurely cruises to commercial operations or heated races. However, the use of the ship significantly influences its insurance coverage, especially for owners in Overland Park, KS. Comprehending how these factors influence insurance is critical for boat owners seeking ideal protection.

Boat Racing and Insurance Implications

Boat races immerse enthusiasts in an exhilarating competitive space. Nonetheless, racing increases the existence of risks which influences the insurance coverage. In insurance circles, boat racing is considered a high-risk activity due to the potential for accidents, collisions, and damage to vessels and property. Specialized insurance policies become a necessity for boat owners participating in races. These policies often feature high coverage limits and provisions for liabilities arising from racing-related incidents.

The intended use of the boat substantially determines the insurance premiums and the coverage options. High-risk activities such as races or commercial activities usually require high insurance premiums due to the potential risks. Typically, insurance providers consider the type of boat, its value, the extent of coverage sought, and the owner’s experience and safety record when determining the insurance premiums.

Boat owners using their vessels for races or commercial activities must accurately disclose the intended use of the ship when acquiring insurance to ensure adequate coverage. Failure to do this can result in coverage gaps and claim denial in the event of an incident. HighPointe Insurance Services LLC, located in Overland Park, KS, is poised to answer any queries and concerns regarding boat insurance coverage. Do not hesitate to call us today. We can help you get a quote and find a policy!