Absolute Insurance Agency

2010-08-03T14:59:00.001-05:00

Keeping Fido safe on the road

Pet owners spend a whopping $40 billion on their furry friends each year. Thatâ€™s enough to buy a gallon of gas for every man, woman and child in the United States â€¦ 44 times.
Insurance companies havenâ€™t always viewed pets with the same passion as their owners. If youâ€™re in an accident, generally everyone in the car - except your four-legged friend - is covered.

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies now recognizes Fido and Fifi as family members. A Progressive policy with Collision coverage now extends to cats and dogs. The coverage pays up to $500 if your dog or cat is hurt or dies as a result of a car accident.

And, best of all, the coverage is free.

â€œWe know how much our customers love their dogs and cats. Many of us have pets, too, and we feel the same way,â€ said Geoff Souser of Progressive. â€œProgressive has a long history of product and service innovations that prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. Knowing that most people think of their pets as family members, it felt like the right thing to do.â€

Progressiveâ€™s pet injury coverage is available in most states. To find out more, contact an agent at Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC

2010-07-06T15:13:00.001-05:00

Are All Insurance Agents The Same?

To get the best deal on insurance, many people consult an insurance agent or broker. But did you know that there are different kinds of insurance agents and brokers â€” and the one you choose can make a big difference in the type of service you get and the choices youâ€™re offered? Hereâ€™s the difference:

Captive Agents and Brokers â€” Captive agents work with one specific insurance company, and as part of their business agreement with that company, they can offer only that one companyâ€™s insurance products. They may also be required to sell other products from that company, such as annuities and investment plans.

Independent Agents and Brokers (Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC is an independent agent) â€” Independent agents and brokers can offer products from many diiferent insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate thatâ€™s right for you. Insurance rates vary from company to company. Independent agents and Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC can put together a customized insurance plan.

If youâ€™re ready to contact an independent agent or Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC to talk about saving money on car insurance, here are a few things to consider:

â—¦Has your life situation changed recently? Many factors determine auto insurance rates, not just vehicle year, make, model, body type and engine size. If youâ€™ve recently moved, gotten married, had a birthday or experienced a similar life milestone, mention this to an independent agent or broker. You may be eligible to save money on your car insurance.
â—¦Is your car getting older? You donâ€™t always need the same level of physical damage coverage on older cars as on newer ones. If you drive an older car, an independent agent or broker can advise you on what level of coverage makes the most sense. Raising your deductible could save you money each year, too.
â—¦Do you have another type of vehicle that also needs coverage? If you have a motorcycle, boat, RV or other â€œtoy,â€ you might save money by having it covered by the same company that insures your car. Talk to an independent agent or broker about it.

Another plus to working with an independent agent or Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC is their ability to offer guidance for all your insurance needsâ€”auto, home, life, business and more. They can customize a package of policies just for you.

To learn more or to find an independent agent or Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC, visit www.insaia.com

Did You Know?
Unlike captive agents, independent agents and brokers can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate thatâ€™s right for you. To find an independent agent such as Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC, visit www.insaia.com.

2010-06-21T11:36:00.004-05:00

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

Before a Flood
To prepare for a flood, you should:

*Avoid building in a floodprone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
*Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
*Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
*Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.
*Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

During a Flood
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

*Listen to the radio or television for information.
*Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
*Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

*Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
*Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

*Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
*Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
Driving Flood Facts
The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

*Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
*A foot of water will float many vehicles.
*Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVâ€™s) and pick-ups.

After a Flood
The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

*Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.

*Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

*Avoid moving water.

*Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

*Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.

*Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

*Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

*Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

*Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

*Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

More information available at http://www.fema.gov

2010-06-07T17:23:00.001-05:00

Save Money On Car Insurance

When it comes to car insurance, a little research Ë– the right questions = money in your pocket.

Rates can differ widely from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Independent insurance agents represent more than one insurance company, so they can compare multiple carriers and policies to find the one that's right for you.

In addition to shopping around, there are other steps you can take to lower your insurance rate.

Is your policy up to date? If you've moved, gotten married or if it has been at least three years since your last driving violation, check with your independent insurance agent or broker. You may be eligible for a rate reduction.

Is your coverage right for your car? Owners of older or inexpensive cars should consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverages. That can often save hundreds of dollars each year.

Know before you buy. Before you buy a new car, research what it will cost to insure. Generally, smaller cars with lower horsepower are less expensive to insure.

Do you carry excess coverage? Many auto insurers give you the option to add rental coverage to your policy, which pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. While conditions and costs vary from company to company, it may be unnecessary if you can find other transportation.

Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your Collision and Comprehensive costs by 15 to 20 percent. Your agent can show you how raising your deductible can lower your premium.

Do you qualify for any discounts? Ask your independent agent whether any of the carriers he or she represents offer reduced premiums for certain car features like anti-lock brakes.

Are your policies all "bundled" with the same company? This may not be best for you. Your independent agent is uniquely qualified to quote your policies with "best-in-class" carriers that offer specialized coverages and services. "Unbundling" your policies might save you a bundle!

To learn more, talk to your Absolute Insurance agent.

2010-05-27T17:30:00.001-05:00

Four Questions To Get The Right Auto Insurance
Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an auto insurance policy. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your employees and your business are all protected in the unfortunate event that one of your vehicles is involved in an accident.

If youâ€™re a business owner and you or your employees use a vehicle for business-related deliveries or to carry certain materials to and from a job site, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy thatâ€™s tailored to more closely suit the needsâ€”and risksâ€”of a business vehicle operator.

Here are some questions that can help you determine if you might need a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy, courtesy of Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC.

â€¢ Do you need more liability coverage than your personal auto policy provides? Generally, a commercial auto policy provides higher limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not associated with commercial auto risks.

â€¢ Do you need special coverage for situations associated with con-ducting business? Commercial auto policies also usually offer certain coveragesâ€”such as hired and non-owned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business useâ€”that are not available with personal auto policies.

â€¢ Do you need to list any employees as drivers? You can do this with a commercial auto insurance policy.

â€¢ Do you use your vehicle for business purposes? If you use your vehicle for things like pizza or newspaper delivery, catering, door-to-door consulting service, landscaping or snowplowing service, logging business, day care/church retreat van service and/or farm-to-market delivery, you might need a commercial auto policy.

Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC is an independent insurance agency â€“ trained, licensed insurance professionals who offer personal service and advice. We can help match you with the type of policy that best suits your needs and those of your company.

To learn more about all an Absolute Insurance Agency offers, visit www.insaia.com or give us a call at 515-279-2722

Cutting New Car Costs

2010-05-26T09:18:00.003-05:00

One way to avoid sticker shock or buyer's remorse when purchasing a new car is to consider expenses you may encounter down the road.
For instance, experts say that while most people anticipate the purchase price, taxes and registration fees associated with a vehicle, many forget that the insurance they need to protect their vehicle could come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are ways to keep insurance costs down while maintaining the type and amount of coverage a new car typically requires.

To help consumers control car costs—from sticker price to insurance premiums—The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies offers these tips:

o Decide ahead of time how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs.

o Research crash test and accident data.

o Check with several dealerships and get firm quotes in writing. Having quotes from several places can help you negotiate your best deal.

o Shop around for financing. Rates vary between institutions.
Insurance Costs

Before you buy a car, you should check into how much it would cost to insure. Try talking with an independent insurance agent—it may save you some money. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, independent agents and brokers offer products from many different insurance companies. That means more choice and more opportunities for you to find the best coverage and service at the right price.
Here are a few questions to ask an independent agent or broker.

o Can I get any discounts for my car's safety features? Your auto insurance premium is based in part on the car's value, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for safety features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft.

o How does this insurance company handle claims? Price isn't the only factor to consider. It's a good idea to deal with a company that will be there for you when you need it.

o What coverage do I need? Your specific needs may vary by the age of the car, your personal situation and other factors.

Select an agent or broker who takes the time to answer your questions and who can help you find the combination of price, service and coverages that you need.

We Now Offer Pet Insurance!!

2010-03-03T14:08:00.003-06:00

Part of Loving is Protecting

In the unfortunate event that your pet becomes ill or is hurt you will need to take them to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is a highly skilled expert who has access to all the latest medical developments to work to bring your pet back to health. However this expertise comes with a cost attached. Pet insurance offers pet owners a method of budgetting for the unexpected through a series of affordable monthly payments.

Examples of common veterinary treatments and typical costs are as follows:

Dog / Cat Accident / Illness Amount
dog Motor vehicle accident $4,890.00
dog/cat Ingestion of foreign body $4,280.00
dog Cancer treatments $3,577.97
dog Bladder infection $2,768.00
dog Hip dysplasia $2,394.72

cat Fractured leg $2,309.00
cat Pneumonia $1,900.00
cat Diabetes $1,748.00

Click the header link for a side-by-side comparison of actual claim examples and how Pet Insurance can help you help your beloved pet when they need it most.

Sump Pump Maintenance

2010-01-29T15:10:00.000-06:00

If you have not done so already (my pump has been running 24/7) you should perform your routine maintenance of your pump as per your manufactures instructions to ensure it is in proper working order. Make sure you unplug your pump before doing any maintenance. Your sump pit should be free of debris and your float should move freely. After inspecting your pit and pump, plug it in, and fill up your pit with water and give it a test run. Many claims are from people who have had a sump pump for years and never used it. The time they needed the pump to work, it was not in good working order. A battery back-up is another wise investment since your pump works off electricity. Typically, your power fails when in the midst of a bad storm and your pump is filling with water. It is recommended to check your pump at least twice yearly.

Daniel P. Bell

Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC

7400 University Ave, Ste A

Clive, IA. 50325

Office: 515-279-2722

Fax: 515-279-7320

www.insaia.com

"Better Coverage... Better Price... Absolutely!!!"

Fact vs. Fiction: Uncovering Auto Insurance myths (March 2008)

2010-01-29T15:07:00.000-06:00

Like a teenager eager to try a new video game, playing before reading the rules, many drivers buy insurance without really understanding what they’re buying.

In the rush to feel “covered,” they can skip the details. That can lead to frustration.

Following are five insurance myths heard by some of the more than 13,000 claims people at Progressive, one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies:

Myth: I bought “full coverage” so everything’s paid for.

Reality: There is no such thing as “full coverage.” In most states, only liability insurance is mandatory. There are a lot of other coverage options out there, so select what you need and can afford based on your personal situation.

Myth: I need three estimates before my wrecked vehicle can be repaired.

Reality: Not necessarily. Very few insurers actually require this, although some might. If you decide to use a shop that’s in an insurance company’s “network” of pre-approved shops you may just have to get an estimate from that shop.

Myth: My insurance premium always increases if I’m involved in an accident.

Reality: It depends. Your rate can increase, decrease or stay the same. The information about your accident is combined with other information about you, your car and your driving history to determine your rate.

Myth: If I lend my car to someone and he/she crashes it, I’m covered.

Reality: Not so fast. If you or your friend don’t have optional physical damage coverages, damage to your vehicle generally won’t be covered.

Myth: If I buy a new car, my auto insurance company automatically knows; and my new car is covered.

Reality: No. Most insurance companies require that you notify them or your agent within a specified number of days. Generally, you have 30 days to add the new vehicle to your policy.

“Insurance can be complicated,” says Chuck Crist of Progressive. “It’s not something people deal with every day. So the more informed you are, the better choices you’ll make.”

To learn more, contact your Absolute Agent!

Daniel P. Bell

Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC

7400 University Ave, Ste A

Clive, IA. 50325

Office: 515-279-2722

Fax: 515-279-7320

www.insaia.com

"Better Coverage... Better Price... Absolutely!!!"

Consider Roth IRA Conversions in 2010

2010-01-26T15:49:00.000-06:00

Currently, taxpayers can convert traditional Individual Retirement Accounts/Annuities (IRAs) and qualified retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, to a Roth IRA as long as their adjusted gross income is under $100,000. In 2010, and for all subsequent tax years, the $100,000 limit is eliminated and all taxpayers will be permitted to convert their retirement assets to a Roth IRA. The biggest advantage a Roth IRA provides is tax-free income at retirement.

The amount converted to a Roth IRA will be included as ordinary income for the tax year in which the account was converted. However, for 2010 only, taxpayers can elect to defer their tax liability ratably over tax years 2011 and 2012. Since many investors have lost significant value in their retirement accounts over the past year, now may be an ideal time to recognize the income tax liability and move the investments to a Roth IRA.

Daniel P. Bell

Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC

7400 University Ave, Ste A

Clive, IA. 50325

Office: 515-279-2722

Fax: 515-279-7320

www.insaia.com

"Better Coverage... Better Price... Absolutely!!!"

Meet our local celebrity - Daniel Bell!

2010-01-14T10:10:00.005-06:00

You probably remember Dan from his recent interview on the evening news. Click the following link to see his interview on Your Home Iowa!

Signatures available upon request... :)

http://www.absoluteinsuranceiowa.com/media/your_home.php

January Thaw

2010-01-13T12:24:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful day! The temperatures have finally peaked above the freezing point for the first time this year. While this is a great, there are certain things that we all need to be aware of to help protect ourselves from property damage. Given the fact that Iowa has received record snowfalls and has already exceeded what we typically get for an entire season, this thaw will create a messy situation ranging from floods, water back-up, and freeze over.

If you are in a flood prone area, or a low lying area, you may want to get in touch with an Absolute Agent and check on a flood insurance policy for your property. If you are in a Preferred Zone, the rates can be very affordable and will help provide peace of mind in the event your home becomes flooded. These policies can be purchased for the dwelling or contents or both. Certain restrictions apply depending on area availability and participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), however, most of Des Moines and the surrounding areas have access to this type of coverage. It is important to note that all home insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for damage resulting from flood. Your Absolute Agent and assist with any questions you may have on this.

Flood is not the only perilous situation arising either. As the snow melts and attempts to seep into the ground, your basement is exposed to a greater chance for water back-up of sewers and drains. This is a great time to verify with your current agent about whether or not you have this important endorsement on your home insurance policy (or renters insurance policy if living in a basement apartment). This type of damage is specifically excluded from your home insurance policy as well, but it can be added to your current policy through endorsement and increased premium. While this is a good double check for coverage, the best thing is to prevent this damage from occurring. Now is a great time to test your sump pump to verify it is still operational. In addition, you may also want to add a battery back-up unit that will kick on in the event of power outage or primary pump failure.

In addition to this, as the evening approaches and the temperatures begin to dive below the freezing mark, the roads will inevitably freeze over and become very slick and dangerous. Allow plenty of time to get to and from events this evening and allow plenty of following distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Always remember, when in doubt, slow down and never tail-gate.

With all that in mind, go out there and enjoy what feels like a spring day compared to what we've known the past month!

Absolute Insurance Blog Launch!

2010-01-13T11:33:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Absolute Insurance Blog