Insurance Tips and Tricks

The cost of living has been sky rocketing and it feels like there is no one with any assistance. Corporations seem to be profiting on the woes of the consumer when there’s no recourse for them.

According to the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; food, water, and shelter are essential building blocks for human existence. This does not mean that with these, you’re set, but it’s the bare requirements to just survive and not thrive in this world.

The costs of living are climbing faster than income growth. It’s requiring us to deal with lower standards of living than we would want or expect. If we can get some help relieving the increased costs of living, we can allocate our funds better to ensure we thrive and grow in our lives and not just tread water.

Insurance is a mandatory requirement for most states in order to operate a vehicle, finance a home, operate your business legally, or many other facets of our lives. Here are some things that could help your day-to-day costs for insurance, give you a clearer understanding of what to ask of your insurance company, and other things to discuss to save time or money.

Personal Property in your car – Anything that is not permanently affixed* or factory provided for your vehicle would be considered personal property. This is not covered in the event that someone breaks into your car to steal your stuff or steal your vehicle itself. For example, if someone breaks into your car and steals your laptop, beats headphones, and other expensive personal items things may not be covered as you expect it. If you file a claim, they will work towards repair of the damage to the vehicle caused by the break in however the stolen property has no coverage at all. This would be required to be turned in as a Personal Property Claim via your Renters/Homeowners property policies.

*Specific coverage for aftermarket additions may be required for “Special Equipment” or “Custom Equipment” like audio/visual upgrades made in the car even if permanently affixed.

If you can afford a $1000 or higher deductible, let your money work for you

Why Choosing a Higher Deductible Can Save You Money on Insurance

One of the most effective ways to lower your insurance premiums—whether for auto, home, or even health insurance—is by choosing a higher deductible. Your deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in after a claim.

If you’re financially able to cover a larger expense in the event of a loss, opting for a higher deductible can significantly reduce your annual premium costs.

✅ Grab the Insurance Savings Toolkit (PDF)

This easy-to-follow guide gives you:

• Step-by-step methods to negotiate better premiums
• Insider tips for lowering reconstruction cost estimates
• Checklists to uncover hidden discounts
• Scripts to use when speaking with your insurance agent
• And much more!

Stop overpaying and start saving today.

Some common discounts you need to make sure you’re taking advantage of (if they apply to you)

• Bundle with Auto, Property, Life Insurance
• Monitored Security Systems for Homes (Fire and Burglar) Need a Certificate of Alarm
• Anti-Theft Devices on your cars (Does it have LoJac or OnStar?)
• Defensive Driver Courses or Mature Driver Courses

If you rent and you have auto insurance, call your agent and get a quote for Renters Insurance. Discuss the coverage available and the total annual price. Sometimes when you get a Renters Insurance Policy bundle, you may be paying for that policy per month but you’ll be saving more on your auto policy so you have a net reduction in your overall costs per year.

Insurance carriers will run something called an “Insurance Score” and in most states, your credit history plays a role in determining your car insurance rates. Paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries can help improve your score—and your premium. If your state does not use Credit, like California, they will determine a large portion of your rate based on miles driven per year.