Author: AgentInsure

The Wedding’s Off! Can You Get Your Deposit Back?

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Weddings are supposed to be happy, but they have a habit of bringing out the worst in people. And sometimes they just don’t happen at all, for various reasons. If it turns out that your wedding is called off, what about all the deposits and money you’ve already put down? Can you get any of it back?

You Might, Maybe

Go over any contract you’ve signed with attention to terms and conditions regarding refunds and cancellation. Look for a "force majeure" clause that could get you out of the contract due to any circumstances beyond your control, such as a major natural disaster. If the date of the event is some time off, you’ll have a better chance of getting a refund. When you are discussing the situation with the vendor, remember to be clear and polite while negotiating a solution. In the event that you can’t get a refund, it’s a good idea to have event insurance as it may help you recoup your losses. A wedding planner can help you out by negotiating on your behalf or aid in navigating the conversation. If it comes down to legal action, you may have to settle things in small claims court. In some cases, you may find that the vendor will give you at least a partial refund if you can find another couple to rebook the date. 

Selkirk Insurance Services Serves Sandpoint, ID 

If you’re planning a wedding, you can get insurance for the event from us at Selkirk Insurance Services, serving Sandpoint, ID and surrounding areas. We’re happy to help you protect your special day. 

Boat Insurance Versus Toy Insurance: Key Differences

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Boat owners can opt for boat insurance or toy insurance in Sandpoint, ID. Both often have liability coverage to ensure you’re financially protected if there’s an accident. However, there are a few key differences you should be aware of to make the right decision for your situation. 

Boat Insurance Requirement

Sometimes, you’ll be required to obtain coverage specifically for your vessel. Many marinas require this because watercraft coverage often has higher liability limits, so they may not accept a toy insurance policy. Lenders often require you to have specific insurance coverage as well. They may also ask companies like Selkirk Insurance Services for verification. If your toy policy doesn’t meet their requirements, they can repossess your watercraft. 

Insurance Add-Ons

Policies designed for boats often give you the option of additional coverage. For example, you may be able to get a package that includes:

  • Wreckage cleanup
  • Fuel delivery
  • Fuel spill cleanup (This is separate, even if the fuel spill is due to an accident.)
  • On-water towing services
  • Additional coverage, like comprehensive and collision
  • Additional bodily injury coverage

You can get add-ons that are like roadside assistance, but for your boat. 

Toy Insurance

Toy insurance is typically a broad policy that can be used for various recreational vehicles, including boats, Jet Skis, four-wheelers, and golf carts. Coverage levels may be sufficient to repair or replace your boat after an incident, but this depends on your boat’s replacement cost. However, this policy may cover things like vandalism if you park your boat and need minimal coverage during the off-season. 

Whether you need toy or boat insurance depends on your situation and the boat. An agent at Selkirk Insurance Services can help you decide which is right for you. Contact us to find the right insurance for your vessel. We’re currently serving the Sandpoint, ID, area. 

Does Your Business Require Umbrella Insurance If It’s Expanding?

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Commercial insurance is often required for businesses, especially if they’re tied up in external partnerships (e.g., a bank, etc.). However, umbrella insurance is a much less known factor for owners in Sandpoint, ID. Here, we’ll look at what umbrella insurance is, how it works, and when you need it. 

Is Umbrella Insurance Legally Required?

No, even the biggest companies are not legally required to get umbrella insurance. At Selkirk Insurance Services, our agents sell this coverage to any individual who wants to protect themselves from expensive liability claims.

For example, let’s say that a small retail location opens up a second shop across town, and then another in the next county, and then two more in the next state. While they may take out new policies for each store, the reality is that their odds of landing in legal trouble, whether it’s for an unsalted walkway or an errant item left out in an aisle, continue to rise with every new location.

Should you face an ongoing lawsuit or need to settle a very expensive case, you can quickly exceed your commercial policy limits. This is where umbrella insurance can come in handy. 

Should Expanding Businesses Buy an Umbrella Policy?

Many people associate umbrella policies with expanding businesses because owners will buy them for peace of mind and general protection. Of course, umbrella policies can be a smart decision, no matter how big your business is.

At Selkirk Insurance Services, our team helps professionals in and around Sandpoint, ID, find coverage that works for them. If you’re concerned about how expanding your service menu or territories can also expand your liability, contact us to see whether an umbrella policy is right for you. 

Does Condo Insurance Cover Routine Maintenance?

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Condo insurance in Sandpoint, ID, is considered essential for condo owners. It can provide financial protection in the event of a liability lawsuit. Some policies also cover personal belongings and appliances. However, it’s important to note that insurance policies don’t cover everything.

Covered Perils

For an insurance policy to apply, the damage must be caused by a covered peril. When it comes to damage to your belongings or parts of your property, such as the sidewalk, the event must fall under the list of covered incidents. Common covered events include:

  • Fires
  • Wind damage
  • Lightning
  • Vandalism
  • Theft

Coverage for natural disasters depends on the insurance company and the specific policy. Be sure to consult an agent at Selkirk Insurance Services to understand what events are covered under your policy.

Routine Maintenance

Insurance policies typically do not cover routine maintenance. Standard wear and tear is not considered a covered event and is the responsibility of the condo owner. Preventive maintenance, such as removing a leaning tree to prevent future damage, is also generally excluded from coverage.

Master Condo Policy

The Condo Association or HOA usually maintains a master policy to address damage to shared areas, such as the roof or shared amenities like tennis courts. This policy follows the same guidelines regarding covered perils. For example, insurance will not cover the cost of maintaining amenities or replacing a roof unless a covered event, such as severe weather, causes the damage.

Condo owners typically share the cost of maintenance for common areas. The HOA may collect monthly fees to cover these expenses or request additional contributions from owners when necessary.

Understanding how your condo insurance policy works is crucial. Agents at Selkirk Insurance Services are here to help you learn more. Contact us today. We proudly serve the Sandpoint, ID, area and are ready to assist you with your insurance needs.

Liability Coverage: An Insurance Protection Many Renters Forget

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Renting your living space may seem like a simpler arrangement compared to owning a home. However, as a renter, you are still exposed to certain risks and losses that can occur unexpectedly. Fire damage, theft, vandalism, and liability for accidents are all concerns that can impact your financial stability. At Selkirk Insurance Services in Sandpoint, ID, we are here to answer your questions about renters insurance coverage.

Why Do I Need Liability Coverage If I Rent My Living Space?

Accidents can happen anywhere, and renters are not immune to these risks. A house guest could slip and fall, or your furniture or equipment could injure someone. Your dog might bite someone either in your home or at the dog park. Any of these incidents could lead to a lawsuit, resulting in significant financial strain. Renters insurance is designed to provide coverage for these situations, so you don’t have to bear the financial burden alone.

Renters Insurance Offers a Variety of Protections

A renters’ insurance policy covers your personal belongings if they are damaged or stolen. It also provides protection against liability claims from accidents. Additionally, your policy can cover temporary housing costs if your apartment becomes uninhabitable due to damage. Renters insurance may even offer coverage for losses that occur away from home. Best of all, renters insurance is very affordable, making it a cost-effective way to protect yourself from unexpected financial losses.

Make Selkirk Insurance Services Your Agent for Renters Insurance

If you’ve never considered renters insurance before, you may have questions about its coverage. Our agents are here to provide clear and understandable answers to all your inquiries. We offer a wide range of insurance options for home, auto, business, and life. Contact Selkirk Insurance Services in Sandpoint, ID, today for a no-obligation quote on renters insurance that will protect you from unexpected liability losses.

FAQ Questions About Religions Institute Insurance

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When it comes to protecting a place of worship, it is natural to have questions. At Selkirk Insurance Services in Sandpoint, ID, we understand that religious institutes have unique insurance needs. Whether you are a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, having the right coverage in place ensures peace of mind for your community. Below, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from religious organizations.

What Exactly Does Religious Institute Insurance Cover?

Religious institute insurance typically covers the property, liability, and sometimes even the people who serve the organization. This includes protection for your buildings, sacred objects, furnishings, and musical instruments. It also includes liability coverage in case someone gets injured on the premises or if there is a claim made against the organization for something like counseling services.

Do We Really Need Insurance if We Are a Small Congregation?

Absolutely. Even small religious groups face risks. A simple slip-and-fall accident or a storm damaging the roof can lead to major expenses. Insurance provides a safety net, allowing your institution to continue its mission without unexpected financial stress.

Can Volunteers or Clergy Be Covered?

Yes, many policies offer optional coverage for both paid staff and volunteers. Depending on the structure of your organization, you may also want to consider professional liability or abuse and molestation coverage. Every institute is different, which is why a customized policy is so important.

How Do We Get the Right Coverage?

It starts with a conversation. At Selkirk Insurance Services in Sandpoint, ID, we take the time to understand your mission, your people, and your property. Reach out today, and let us make sure your religious institute is protected so you can focus on what matters most, serving your community.

Farm and Ranch Insurance Covers Your Home and Farm

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Your farm is not just your home; it is also your business location. This means you have a lot at stake when it comes to protecting everything you need to live and operate your agricultural business. At Selkirk Insurance Services, we help agricultural operations in and around Sandpoint, ID, secure protection from the challenges that operators commonly face. Here’s how farm and ranch insurance works.

Why Get Farm & Ranch Insurance?

A farm and ranch insurance policy combines multiple types of coverage into one comprehensive policy. It provides insurance for your home, outbuildings, equipment, crops, and more. This eliminates the need for multiple policies to protect every aspect of your operation. With farm and ranch insurance, you can rest assured that you’re covered for damage or loss to nearly everything you use or grow on your land.

How Farm & Ranch Insurance Coverage Works

This type of insurance is tailored to reflect the unique needs of families who live and work on their property daily. It covers your residence, barn, and work shed. If you experience a crop loss, the policy can reimburse you for the financial impact. In the event of a fire at your home, the policy covers repair and replacement costs. Additionally, if a covered event damages your equipment, you’ll receive funds to repair or replace the item.

Learn More About Farm & Ranch Insurance Today

At Selkirk Insurance Services in Sandpoint, ID, we understand the unique insurance needs of agricultural operations. We’re here to help you learn how farm and ranch insurance provides coverage for your home and business under one policy. Contact us today to speak with an agent and find the right policy to protect your investment.

What Does Liability Only Auto Insurance Cover?

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When shopping for auto insurance, it’s essential to find the right type of coverage that fits your needs and budget. There are several types of auto insurance to consider, including liability-only coverage.

If you have questions about liability-only auto insurance, the professionals at Selkirk Insurance Services, servicing Sandpoint, ID, can assist you. We provide detailed information about insurance options and can help you shop for coverage through multiple carriers.

What Is Liability-Only Auto Insurance?

Liability-only auto insurance is a type of coverage that pays to repair or replace the other driver’s vehicle if you cause an accident. This type of insurance meets the minimum legal requirements for driving, but does not provide coverage for your own vehicle in the event of an accident.

Who Needs Liability-Only Auto Insurance?

Liability-only auto insurance is ideal for individuals who are not concerned about insuring their own vehicle for repairs or replacement after an accident. If you prefer coverage that includes protection for your vehicle in addition to liability, you may need full-coverage auto insurance. Full coverage includes liability protection and additional benefits for your vehicle.

Who Needs More Coverage Than Liability-Only?

If you have a car loan, your lender may require you to carry full-coverage auto insurance. In such cases, you will need to provide proof of full-coverage insurance before driving your new vehicle off the lot. To confirm whether this is a requirement for your auto loan, consult with your lending professional.

No matter what type of car insurance you need, the professionals at Selkirk Insurance Services, servicing Sandpoint, ID, are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our auto insurance options and find the coverage that works best for you.

How Often Should I Review My Home Insurance Policy?

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Your home insurance policy protects you from financial liability when a covered event occurs. However, many homeowners keep the same policy for years, even as their home and lifestyle evolve. Regularly reviewing your home insurance policy ensures it continues to meet your needs.

If you’re ready to review your home insurance, the professionals at Selkirk Insurance Services, servicing Sandpoint, ID, can assist you. We help our customers find the best policy for their unique needs. Here’s what you need to know.

How Often Should You Review Your Home Insurance Policy?

It’s recommended to review your home insurance policy annually to confirm that your coverage and limits are adequate. Scheduling your review at the same time each year can help establish a consistent habit.

Choose a time of year when you’re less busy to ensure the review gets done. Many homeowners prefer to review their policy before its renewal date or at the start of the new year.

How to Review Your Policy

To review your home insurance policy, start by requesting a copy from your provider. You can either go over the policy on your own or review it with your provider to identify any necessary updates or changes.

Need Help Reviewing Your Insurance Policy? Contact Us Today

Staying on top of your insurance coverage is essential. The professionals at Selkirk Insurance Services, servicing Sandpoint, ID, are here to help. We assist our customers by answering questions and actively participating in the policy review process. To get started, call us today.

When is it Time to Increase Commercial Insurance in Sandpoint ID?

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If you’re moving your business to Sandpoint, ID, or planning to set up shop in the area, commercial insurance is essential. Knowing when to increase your commercial insurance coverage is crucial, as many business owners face unique weather-related and liability risks in the region. At Selkirk Insurance Services, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you maximize your coverage benefits.

Signs It’s Time to Increase Commercial Insurance

Here are some key indicators that it might be time to review and increase your commercial insurance coverage:

  • Revenue Growth: If your sales or revenue have significantly increased, it’s a good idea to review your existing commercial policies. As your business grows, you may need to increase coverage for business interruption or general liability insurance to protect your expanding operations.
  • Expansion or Renovations: When you expand or renovate your commercial space, your insurance should reflect these investments. Underinsured properties can leave you vulnerable to covering losses out of pocket.
  • Expanding Your Team: Hiring new employees means you’ll need to consider workers’ compensation and liability coverage to protect your business assets and investments.
  • New Vehicles and Equipment: Adding fleet vehicles, upgrading equipment, or purchasing specialized tools may require increased commercial auto insurance limits and additional equipment breakdown coverage.

Increasing your coverage ensures compliance with lease and contract requirements while safeguarding your business reputation. It also helps you avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a loss.

Get Expert Guidance From Selkirk Insurance Services

When it’s time to increase your commercial insurance in Sandpoint, ID, having the right agent by your side is essential. At Selkirk Insurance Services, we provide expert advice and reliable support to help you make informed decisions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a commercial insurance quote tailored to your needs.

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