Does Homeowners Insurance Cover All Natural Disasters?

Whether you’ve been a homeowner for a while or just recently become one, you might have some questions about homeowners insurance and what it covers. Many homeowners have one question: how to file a claim, while others wonder if homeowners insurance covers natural disasters. While it would seem logical for homeowners insurance to cover natural disasters, they don’t since they’re out of your control. Here is a brief overview of what’s not covered.

Many Natural Disasters Are Covered

Even though homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover all natural disasters, some common ones aren’t. These disasters are often covered:

  • Tornadoes/hurricanes/similar wind and hail damage
  • Winter storms involving snow, sleet, and freezing rain
  • Lightning and thunderstorms
  • Explosions
  • Volcanic eruptions

Natural Disasters That Aren’t Covered

Again, some natural disasters aren’t covered under your primary homeowner’s insurance policy. If you want coverage for these uncovered disasters, you’ll need to purchase an additional insurance policy. The natural disasters that typically aren’t covered are the ones that aren’t on the list above. This is why purchasing additional coverage is important if you live in an area where other natural disasters are common. Flood insurance is a common add-on, even for homeowners who don’t live in high flood areas. There are other homeowner’s insurance add-ons, so be sure to discuss what’s available with your insurance agent, who can explain all the different policies. 

As you can see, most standard homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover all natural disasters, but some cover many. If you’re an Indianapolis, IN, homeowner and need a new insurance company, you should consider us at Irvington Insurance. At Irvington Insurance, we provide top-notch coverage for Indianapolis, IN residents and beyond. Give us a call today for a quote. 

Three Things to Know When Making a Claim Against Auto Insurance

When you submit a claim against your auto insurance, it’s important to have all of your information straight and to know what your insurance company needs from you to make that claim.

At Irvington Insurance, servicing Indianapolis, IN, we proudly provide information to our customers to help them through the claims process. We know that filing an insurance claim can be stressful, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you need to know. 

1. Know Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you must pay for your vehicle repair before your auto insurance will pay. The deductible varies from one policy to another.

Some people choose a higher deductible because it will save them money on their auto insurance policy, while others choose a lower deductible because they want to pay less if they have to file a claim. You can find your deductible amount by contacting your insurance agency or looking at your policy. 

2. Know How Long You Have to Submit a Claim

Your insurance agency will require your claim to be submitted within a certain period. This information is important, especially if you don’t plan to file your claim immediately after the covered event. 

3. Know What’s Required to Submit a Claim

Your insurance agency will require specific types of paperwork when you file a claim against your insurance. Knowing what’s required when you submit a claim will help you submit all the paperwork on time and keep your claim moving smoothly. At Irvington Insurance, servicing Indianapolis, IN, we can answer your questions and give you the information you need to submit a claim through your car insurance. Call today. 

Are You Too Old For Life Insurance?

We at Irvington Insurance know that far too many older people think their life insurance window is closed. That’s not the case! If you live in Indianapolis, IN, and are a senior with no life insurance protection, please read on to learn more about why it’s never too late to apply.

It’s Never Too Late to Get a Policy 

A common misconception is that you can’t get life insurance once you reach a certain age. That’s not true. Many people in their 50s to 70s get insurance all the time. It’s a smart idea because it can protect you and your family in various important ways.

For example, it can pay for your funeral expenses and even help your family as they prepare to sell your home, disperse your estate, or take other important steps. You can’t ignore it, so make sure you look for a policy that seems right for your needs.

Term-Life Policies Work Well for Many 

While whole life insurance policies are a popular option for many people, they may not be the best choice for older adults. Instead, a term-life policy is probably a better choice for you. That’s because they typically cost less than a whole life and provide strong protection. 

Furthermore, most term-life policies last between 10-30 years, which is a good amount of time for older adults. For example, if you’re in your 70s, a 30-year plan is probably a wise investment and is typically available at far less than a more expensive whole-life insurance option.

We Can Help You!

Don’t think it’s too late to get life insurance coverage! At Irvington Insurance, we’ve helped many Indianapolis, IN your age or older get the policies they deserve. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in coverage, and we’ll do what we can to help you out.

Four of the most important details on your home insurance policy

Insure your home in Indianapolis, IN with a policy from Irvington Insurance. The insurance coverage that we provide can protect the investments you make in your home and give you a sense of security.

Here are four of the most important details you need to be aware of regarding your home insurance policy. 

The amount of liability coverage your policy includes

You need to ensure that your policy offers adequate liability coverage to prevent financial hardship if you face a lawsuit as a homeowner. Check your liability coverage amount options and determine which coverage amount option will fully protect your assets. 

The deductibles on your policy

Knowing how the deductibles work on your policy is important. You need to make sure that you always have at least the amount of your highest possible deductible in an emergency fund. This way, you know you can pay your deductible without problems if you have to file a claim. 

The exclusions that limit policy coverage

Home insurance policies will exclude coverage for certain types of damage such as water and earthquake damage. If you want these types of damages covered by your policy, you’ll probably need to add endorsements to your policy that provide you with these types of coverage. 

The policy term

Home insurance policies aren’t permanent. They only cover you for a certain length of time. Home insurance policies usually have a term length of one year. Once a year has passed, you will probably have to renew your policy to enjoy continued coverage for your home. 

Enjoy financial protection as a homeowner with insurance coverage from Irvington Insurance. Call us now to get a policy quote. 

How to Choose Automobile Insurance Coverage

If you’re purchasing a vehicle for the first time, you need to think about insurance. In the state of Indiana, a minimum of liability insurance is required. If you’re financing a vehicle, most finance companies require full coverage, which includes collision and liability. There is even the option to add comprehensive insurance, which covers your vehicle in case it’s damaged during an event that doesn’t include a car accident. If you’re having trouble choosing insurance for your new vehicle, here are some tips that can help.

Do Your Research

Instead of simply choosing the first auto insurance company you can think of, it’s a good idea to conduct some research. Rates and coverage can vary dramatically regarding different insurance agencies, so research is a good idea. During your research, be sure to inquire about any discounts that may be available. It can be easier to check out different insurance agencies online, but making phone calls and in-person visits are fine, too. 

Be Sure to Purchase the Right Type of Insurance

Determining whether to purchase liability or full coverage insurance can be difficult if your car is paid in full. However, some things to take into consideration are:

  • How often you drive the vehicle (the more often you drive, the greater your probability is of becoming involved in an accident)
  • How new the vehicle is (if the vehicle is new, full coverage is recommended because replacement in the event of a total loss could be expensive)
  • Your budget

If you’re in the Indianapolis, IN area, consider Irvington Insurance. We have been providing top-notch service and coverage to our customers for years, and we’re ready to provide the same to you. Contact Irvington Insurance today, and one of our experienced and professional licensed agents will be more than happy to give you a quote. 

What type of life insurance is right for me in Indiana?

If you are a resident of the Indianapolis, IN area, you will likely know that there are many important types of insurance to consider getting. While many forms of insurance are designed to protect against liability risk or cover assets, life insurance is another important type of coverage. Today, various types of coverage are available, and it is important to understand the benefits and features of each when selecting a new plan.

Term Life Coverage

A common form of life insurance for many people is term life insurance. This is an ideal coverage option as it is customizable to meet your needs regarding coverage length and policy term, coverage amount, and premium costs. The plans tend to range from 10 to 30 years, and you will know exactly what your benefit is. A downside to the plan is that it does not offer any cash value or investment benefits.

Whole Life and Permanent Life Coverage

Another option for life insurance to consider is whole or permanent life insurance. This is a unique type of coverage because it has a term that will last for the rest of your life. While premiums tend to be much higher, they will also build a cash value over the years that you can either liquidate or post as collateral. This helps to make it an excellent addition to any investment plan. 

Choosing the right type of life insurance in the Indianapolis, IN area is very important. When you are looking for a new plan here, call our professionals at Irvington Insurance. Our team of insurance professionals at Irvington Insurance will always help you assess your options and build a new policy that fits your budget and provides the coverage and benefits you are looking for. 

Situations That May Require More Than Just a Basic Homeowners Policy

Homeowners insurance is an important protection that can help to defray the costs of damage from unexpected events. However, a wide range of coverage is available, depending on your own individual needs. At Irvington Insurance in Indianapolis, IN, we offer a variety of homeowners policies to protect your home investment.

Types of Homeowners Insurance Policies

There are several different types of homeowners insurance policies from which to choose. Each type provides different protections, and the cost varies with the amount of coverage. Most homeowners need an HO-3 type policy, which covers such perils as fire, lightning, smoke, damage by vehicles, theft, vandalism, the weight of snow or ice, overflow of water from systems inside the home, freezing of systems, and short-circuiting of electrical systems. But other types of policies are also available.

You May Need Additional Coverage Than What A Standard Policy Provides

An HO-5 policy is more comprehensive in its coverage and pays for replacement costs rather than actual cash value. HO-8 policies cover older or historic homes with higher repair and replacement costs. In addition, if you live in an area prone to flooding, you will need coverage for flooding, which is not covered by standard home insurance policies. This is also true of earthquake and sinkhole hazards requiring additional policy coverage. Similarly, if you have expensive artwork, furs, or jewelry, you may need additional coverage that goes beyond standard policy limits.

Make Irvington Insurance Your Choice for Homeowners Insurance

If you have questions regarding home insurance coverage, our Indianapolis, IN agents can provide detailed information. Contact Irvington Insurance today for a no-obligation quote on a home insurance policy that covers your own unique needs.

Three Ways to Get the Most From Your Auto Insurance Policy

If you’re looking for auto insurance in the Indianapolis, IN area, you want to ensure you get the quality and value you deserve. To do that, you want to work with trusted agents you can rely on to help you choose a policy. At Irvington Insurance, our dedicated professionals will work with you to find coverage that meets your needs. Here’s how to get the most from your auto policy.

First, it’s important to shop around. When you work with us, we’ll look at the options from several different insurers. Then you can see everything in one place, and you won’t spend all day making phone calls or asking for details from multiple companies. With everything laid out in one spot, you can get questions answered fast and choose the right policy for your needs.

Second, you want to ensure you cover what matters most. There are minimum limits you have to meet, but many people choose to have more coverage than that. Why? Because it provides additional peace of mind. Even if a particular type of coverage isn’t required or minimum limits are low, you can always choose to have more coverage so that you can worry less.

Third, consider reviewing your policy at least once per year. Circumstances can change, and a different insurer might be a better choice than your current one. If you don’t review your policy with your agent, you could miss out on additional value. A yearly review helps avoid that.

Reach out to us at Irvington Insurance today if you’re in the Indianapolis, IN area and looking for quality auto insurance you can rely on. Our agents are here to help you feel good about your insurance policy options.

Life insurance FAQs

Having questions about life insurance is not unusual. Most people are not life insurance experts, and they must count on their independent insurance agent to give them the advice that allows them to make educated decisions. At Irvington Insurance in Indianapolis, IN, we understand what an important decision choosing your life insurance is, and we will be there for you with any answers and advice you need. 

How is a life insurance claim filed?

When the person covered by life insurance passes away, you must call the insurer. You will need to fill out a claim form and send them a copy of the death certificate. Assuming you have had the policy for a while, that is all there is to it. The check will be mailed to you. If it is a new policy, more investigation may be required before the insurer pays.

Do I need to have insurance policies for my children?

Unless you have extraordinary children who have dependents, then the answer is no. Life insurance is designed to replace the income of the person who has passed away. Most children have no income. Parents love their children, which makes them want to protect their children, but this is not necessary. 

Do I need my own life insurance if I get some from work?

Life insurance as a work benefit is an excellent addition to your financial plan, but it should not be your only plan. What if you change jobs? What if your employer goes belly up? It is essential that you have your own life insurance coverage. 

At Irvington Insurance in Indianapolis, IN, we can help you find the best life insurance for your situation in life. Give our office a call today. 

Keeping Your Home Safe During The Holidays

Although the holidays are an exciting time that everyone looks forward to, it is essential to remember that they can also put your home at risk in many ways. Here at Irvington Insurance, serving Indianapolis, IN, and the surrounding areas, we want to help homeowners like you keep their homes safe all year round. Keep reading to learn how to keep your home safe during the holidays. 

Know Who’s Visiting

The holidays can be a time of lots of coming and going. If you or other housemates are expecting visitors, it is critical that you know who is coming and when they are arriving. This is especially true if people are coming to visit that you are not very familiar with. Talk with everyone in the house concerning announcing arriving guests and how everyone in the home must be aware of who is visiting and when they are visiting. 

Stick To Regular Safety Tasks 

You might be tempted to do things a bit differently if you have visitors coming for the holidays. For instance, if there are lots of visitors who will be coming and going during the day, you might be tempted to leave doors unlocked. Although this could be more convenient, this is not a good idea. Come up with more secure ways to ensure everyone can come and go as they need to or request that coming and going be kept to a minimum if you are not at home. 

Be Smart With Holiday Lights and Decorations 

It’s lots of fun to put up holiday lights and decorations, but these can pose risks if installed incorrectly. Be sure to follow instructions precisely for any decorations that use electricity. 

If you want to learn about home insurance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Irvington Insurance serving Indianapolis, IN, and the surrounding areas.