How much life insurance is enough?

Life insurance is all about taking care of the ones you love. You need to know that if you are not there to provide your income, your family will be able to survive and thrive. You can do this by having the right amount of life insurance. At Irvington Insurance in Indianapolis, IN,  we have been putting the needs of our customers first since 2007 and as independent insurance agents, we have more options to offer. 

Determining how much life insurance is enough is a complex formula. It is very personal and your figure won’t be the same as anyone else’s. It is customized for you, your family, and your needs. 

The first consideration is who is dependent on you? If the answer is no one, the response will be much different from someone who says,  my wife and five children or my elderly parents. What you need to consider is how much money you need to continue to support the people who depend on you. 

Coming up with the amount your dependents need per year and for how many years they will need it is the next thing you need to do. Your income plays a part in determining how much life insurance you need to support your loved ones. Financial experts suggest that if you have young children, you should have between seven and 10 years of income in life insurance. This is just a suggestion and it doesn’t take into account the fact that you may not be able to afford to have that amount of life insurance. 

Life insurance won’t be of any help if you allow the policy to lapse because of non-payment. You need to balance your life today with the life you want for your family in the future if you are not there. 

Contact Irvington Insurance in Indianapolis, IN with your questions about life insurance. 

How to Shop for Home Insurance in Indiana

Shopping for home insurance in Indianapolis, IN can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you should be looking for. The team at Irvington Insurance recommends working with an insurance professional who can assess your investments and help you make a guided decision on coverage and what policy will work best for you. 

If you aren’t well-informed on the coverage requirements your home needs, this is an easy way to fall into purchasing a plan that isn’t what you need. Working with an agent or company that specializes in home insurance is the best way to ensure your investments are properly protected every step of the way. 

While updating your home insurance may not be at the top of your priority list, these policies should be evaluated on a yearly basis to confirm that you’re covered in the ways you need to be. Properties change over time and your policy may need updating or modifying; the best way to stay up to date on your current plan is by contacting an expert who can make suggestions and improvements on your current coverage. 

Homeownership is one of the greatest accomplishments as an adult — it’s no easy feat to own a home and endures all the stress that ownership can bring. While we can’t predict what may happen, the best thing you can do is to protect these massive investments in your life with insurance. 

If you aren’t sure what your current plan is, are looking to update your coverage, or are a brand new homeowner, don’t hesitate to contact Irvington Insurance in Indianapolis, IN. We take pride in offering thorough, high-quality insurance plans that will keep your investments safe and covered.

4 reasons to buy a life insurance policy for your parents

Supporting aging parents can be a financial burden. Unfortunately, most of us will experience this at some point in our lives.

A life insurance policy can potentially help you recoup some money you’ll spend on caregiving and final arrangements. Although consent is required to become insured, you can work with a parent to find a policy that meets both of your needs.

If you’re still debating whether this is right for you, Irvington Insurance can help. Serving Indianapolis, IN, their experts offer four ways that buying a life insurance policy for a parent could help.

Pay medical expenses

The remaining years of any person’s life can be expensive. Medical issues are a major factor. A policy will help cover any bills that may have been left behind.

Cover final arrangements

Funeral expenses can also be costly. While the burden may fall on a child, a plan may help ensure a parent has enough funds for their desired end-of-life wishes.

Support a surviving parent

When a parent passes, it can be difficult for the surviving parent to continue to live alone. Relocating to an assisted facility may be a necessity. Or, the parent may want to downsize or move closer to their child. With any of these options, a life insurance policy can help make the transition easier.

Protect against financial loss

Other expenses may have accumulated. Perhaps you’ve missed time from work to provide long-term care. Maybe a parent had a loan or mortgage that was still outstanding. Regardless of the scenario, a well-crafted policy can help provide financial relief.

Contact an agent in Indianapolis, IN

If your parent qualifies and consents to life insurance, there are several different policy options available. Irvington Insurance can work to find a policy that gives you and your parents peace of mind.

Auto Insurance Add-ons to Consider

If you own a car in Indianapolis, IN, you must be familiar with popular car insurance coverages. You probably have heard about the comprehensive, collision, PIP, and liability coverages, but do you know you can purchase add-ons to boost your auto insurance? Yes, “add-ons” or “riders” from Irvington Insurance can strengthen your auto insurance.

Here are common auto insurance add-ons you can add to your policy.

Zero depreciation coverage

With each passing year, the value of your car depreciates. Unfortunately, when your car is stolen or totaled, your insurance company compensates you for the value of your car, less the depreciation factor. The results? You may have to fork out the difference from your pocket.

The good news is that you can protect yourself against depreciation loss by purchasing zero depreciation coverage. With this policy, you will get compensated using the market value of your vehicle.

Consumables add-on

When your vehicle is undergoing repairs, consumables like fluids, bolts, crews, nuts, filters, and so on aren’t covered by your typical auto insurance. However, you can purchase consumables endorsement to cover consumables that are excluded in your standard policy. 

Roadside assistance

Have you ever been stranded on the roads your car broke down? It can be frustrating as you try to call your friends, relatives, and your mechanic. However, when you purchase roadside assistance coverage, your insurer organizes towing, puncture repair, gas delivery, and other services whenever your vehicle stalls far from home. 

Engine protection cover

Collision and comprehensive coverages cover your engine following an accident by a covered peril. However, when water and oil leakage cause damage to your engine, standard auto insurance coverage doesn’t protect your engine. For this reason, you need an engine protection add-on to avoid out-of-pocket engine repairs or replacement.

Would you like to get more insights about auto insurance add-ons? Please get in touch with Irvington Insurance of Indianapolis, IN, for more information. 

Indiana Home Insurance: How to Protect Your Home From Hail Damage

In the summer and fall months in Indiana, hail can happen. In some cases, the hail is as small as a beach pebble, in others, it can reach the size of baseballs. This is a weather-related event that will cause damage. That damage will be covered by your home or renter’s insurance. But you don’t want to make an insurance claim unless you have to.

At Irvington Insurance, we feel the same. We want Indianapolis, IN residents to feel secure during and after a hailstorm. Protect your home as much as you can in advance.

Clean Your Eaves and Gutters

Your eaves troughs and gutters are often the first things to do before storm season. Not only will that ensure sufficient drainage during a heavy storm, but it will also prevent damage to the eaves.

If your eaves and gutters are full already, they may not be able to withstand a hail storm with hail the size of tennis balls. Expect the unexpected with hail, and clear those gutters and eaves out before it’s too late.

Get Shutters, and Use Them

Window shutters have a purpose in areas prone to storms. They are not just a home décor piece. Get shutters and use them. This will help to prevent window damage in the event of hail.

It might not just be your window that is damaged. If you are sitting under a window and a giant hail ball smashes through it, you could sustain serious injury and medical costs.

Get shutters and use them, and hailstorms won’t make you so nervous. A window safety film can help you here as well if you don’t want to get shutters.

Clean Up the Yard

Clean up the trees around your home and check that they are healthy. Remove any dead branches on your lawn regularly. Make sure that your lawn doesn’t have a lot of things around that could fly up or cause damage in the event of a hail storm. Plan a place for your car to get parked and covered in order to avoid hail damage there as well.

Get a Quote

When you live in Indianapolis, IN, you know that bad hail storms can happen. At Irvington Insurance, we have you protected from any damage caused by hail storms.

What to do After a Car Accident in Indianapolis

When you have been in a car accident in Indianapolis, it’s important that you take care of yourself and your passengers first. There is a claims process with your auto insurance that you will undergo. However, taking a few steps in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident will help you to navigate the claims process swiftly and easily.

At Irvington Insurance, we want to be sure that all drivers in Indianapolis IN are safe and protected when they are on the roads. Make sure you follow the right steps after a car accident in Indianapolis.

Check for Injuries

Personal injury is always the most important thing to look for after you have been in a car accident. Ask everyone if they are okay, and check for yourself if you can not get a response. 

If there are any injuries at all, you must call the police and ambulance services immediately. Do not move anyone that might be injured.

Move the Vehicle

It is the law to move your vehicle to safety as soon as you possibly can if you can. If you have already called the police, they will want you to move the car. If you are unable to move it, let them know when you call. That is so that they know what to expect and what kind of dispatch they need to send out so there are enough officers to help at the scene of the accident.

Exchange Information and Document

When you have a chance, begin to document the scene with photos and notes. Take as many pictures as you can of the accident, the vehicles, traffic conditions, and even weather conditions. Take pictures of passengers if they are injured.

Exchange insurance and personal information, including your driver’s license, with any other drivers.

After this, you will call your insurance company and begin the claims process. You will be instructed on what to do every step of the way from there.

Get a Quote

When you have been in a car accident in Indianapolis, IN, Irvington Insurance wants to be there for you. This is an overwhelming time, and we want to be sure that your every need is covered. Call us for a quote today.

Which One Is Better: Term Life Insurance or Permanent?

In the history of insurance policies, Whole life and term packages have been instrumental in life insurance. They are the most prevalent options for people looking to buy insurance in numerous regions, including Indianapolis, IN. Irvington Insurance institution has invested heavily to offer you decent life insurance deals. The process of looking for appropriate life insurance coverage is not as easy as it may sound. The complexity of the matter varies from one state to the other. Choosing between term and permanent coverage narrows down to your preferences and the available options. Here is an overview of both alternatives. 

A Background Check to Term Life Insurance

The policy features few complications, so learning it is much simple. It does not come with jargon, making it your ideal choice if you pictured a standard coverage. The process of acquiring it is straightforward and does not need extensive coaching from an expert. With the insurance, your beneficiaries get compensated when you die. One of its chief limitations is that it offers coverage for a short period, prompting regular contract renewal. The policy expires when the stated duration elapses.

The policy is cheaper compared to its counterpart. It is a viable option if you only want to secure the future of your loved ones when death comes. Assess your family setup and see whether term life insurance is the real deal for you.

 A Review of Permanent Life Insurance Cover

The coverage is different from term insurance in two distinct ways. The policy does not have an expiry date, but you must update your premium payments as stipulated in the agreement. Secondly, the option features cash value besides compensating your beneficiaries after death. The convenience of paying standardized monthly premium rates makes it a better alternative for many clients. A portion of your payment serves as your cash value, while the rest serves as insurance coverage after death.

Visit our website today to contact Irvington Insurance in Indianapolis, IN, for all your life insurance queries.

4 Things You Should Know About Home Insurance

Your home could be one of the most significant investments you have or you will make. So, it makes sense to guide it safely with home insurance. This coverage gives you relief when a covered event damages your property and other personal belongings. It can also bail you out when you are responsible for an accident or injury in your home. 

But how many instances have you heard of someone buying insurance that did not help him? Well, a couple of times. At Irvington Insurance, it’s our work to make sure you understand what your home insurance entails. To that end, we have prepared for you what you need to know before you sign that policy. Let’s navigate through.

Understand the policy before buying

Many people hardly go through the insurance policy before buying it. They put their trust in the insurance agent. It’s essential you understand what you are getting yourself into, the things you cannot claim, and those you can. 

Buy from the right channel.

Purchasing your home insurance from a reputable insurance company is always the best thing. They will walk you through your policy and advise on the coverage that best works for you. Not sure the right insurance company to pick? Don’t worry. When you partner with us, we will handle this for you.

Get the adequate coverage you need

Only pay for the coverage you need. Avoid paying for what you don’t require. Analyze your home insurance needs with the help of a professional and drop what it’s not essential. In the same breath, don’t underinsure your home in the name of saving dough.

Learn the types of home insurance

You need to know the different kinds of home insurance and each coverage type. Some home insurance coverages to consider include:

  • Dwelling coverage
  • Liability coverage
  • Additional living expenses coverage
  • Personal contents coverage

Find Home insurance in Indianapolis, IN

Knowing the basic things about home insurance will help you escape the many myths that surround home insurance. If you are in Indianapolis, IN, visit or call us at Irvington Insurance for more information about your home insurance. We can help you get a quote and answer your questions.

The Consequences of Driving Without Auto Insurance

According to Irvington Insurance, many individuals are driving without auto insurance in Indianapolis, IN. This means that such individuals do not have any coverage to cater for unseen eventualities while driving. In such situations, these drivers are likely to face the following consequences, especially when they are involved in an accident. 

Pay Heavy Fines

All states and districts around the country stipulate that every car on the road should have at least a basic auto insurance catering to associated liabilities. Failure to have such insurance policies will attract some heavy fines, which might prove very difficult to handle. Many people have been forced to pay heavy fines in Indianapolis, IN, after being caught by patrol police driving without insurance.

Pay Losses for Damages Caused

Besides paying the heavy fines to the state or federal government, a person driving without auto insurance will be required to pay for all the losses or damages caused during an accident. In most cases, liability insurance pays for third-party losses and other damages caused by unintentional accidents. However, individuals will be forced to dig deep into their pockets without liability insurance and pay for such expenses.

Cater for Own Damages

Besides paying for losses incurred by third parties in an accident, a person without auto insurance will have to pay for their own damages and sometimes medical expenses, especially when they experience body harm. However, with auto insurance, all the personal damages and medical expenses will always be covered by the insurance organization. A person will not incur out-of-pocket expenses.

Do You Need Auto Insurance?

If you live in Indianapolis, IN, you don’t have to face all these unnecessary fines and expenses. You can get auto insurance from Irvington Insurance to help you cover all the bills and help you save some money. Contact us today for more information about auto insurance.

Navigating Life Insurance

Life insurance can often feel like a confusing and awkward topic to discuss. At Irvington Insurance, serving Indianapolis, IN, we want to help in this area. Having important and challenging conversations is sometimes difficult, but these conversations are a necessary and vital part of your financial planning at the end of the day. We are here to help you navigate the difficult topic of life insurance. 

Why Is Life Insurance So Important?

Life insurance is an essential type of insurance product because it helps provide financial stability for your family when you are not personally there to contribute an income. If you contribute to your family’s income and wealth, you need to understand that you are a vital factor in their financial stability and security. When you die, that security is threatened. You can protect against this threat with a solid life insurance policy. 

How Does Life Insurance Work?

Once a life insurance policy has been established for you, you will invest in this policy each month. In the event of your death, the benefit, the value of the policy, will be paid to your beneficiaries. This benefit can be used to pay for your final expense and help contribute to your family’s income. 

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

One of the most difficult issues to navigate concerning life insurance is how much life insurance needs to be purchased. This is a difficult question because the amount will vary from family to family. The best way to determine this is by sitting down with a knowledgeable insurance representative. They will be able to help you evaluate your family’s unique situation to determine how much life insurance is appropriate. 

If you would like to learn more, please contact us at Irvington Insurance serving Indianapolis, IN.