Author: AgentInsure

In Sandypoint, ID Does an Excessive Amount of Tickets Require a Safe Driving Course?

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The agents of the Insurance Shop USA serve residents in the Sandypoint, ID area. Individuals who have an excessive number of traffic tickets and driving violations may experience a higher insurance rate than those who have an unblemished driving record. Many insurance companies will offer discounts on their premiums to clients who go over and above when it comes to trying to improve their driving skills. One of the ways a person can lower their total insurance cost is to attend a defensive driving class. 

Defensive driving classes are offered by many different companies. The classes can be found online or at driving schools across the country. While most of the students who sign up for the classes are young people or those who have never had a driver’s license, people who want to improve their driving record can take the class and turn their results into their insurance companies. In Idaho, insurance companies cannot force a person to take the class, but they can offer price incentives to individuals who do. The class offers a variety of information that a driver may not remember or might not have learned the first time they took their test.

Sandypoint, ID residents can contact the agents of the Insurance Shop USA for any questions they may have about insurance discounts and what can be done to reduce insurance premiums after a person receives a ticket or is involved in an accident. The agents are extremely knowledgeable and can help their clients find the best way to handle a difficult situation. Contact a local agent to find out if there are discounts available that will help you to lower your insurance premiums. 

Is Your Home Underinsured?

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Mortgage lenders generally insist that you have a homeowners policy to protect their investment in the event of a loss. While Idaho doesn’t require people to purchase insurance, it’s wise for every homeowner to have protection. Knowing how much and what type of policy to take out can be complicated. That’s why at The Insurance Shop USA, our professionals are ready to help members of the Sandypoint ID community select a policy that meets your needs. We’ll work to answer your questions and help you avoid being underinsured.

Home Replacement Costs

One of the more common errors homeowners make is confusing property value and replacement costs. Although it appears there should be some connection, they are separate issues. Property values may rise and fall with the Real Estate market’s supply and demand. Think about the home prices before and after the housing crash. That difference was not a reflection of home construction costs.

How much it costs to build or rebuild a structure is determined by factors that include the price of labor, materials, permitting, building and fire codes, among others. If you have an older home, it may have deprecated in some ways. Other properties include custom era design and high-end materials that are not easy find. They can be expensive to replace. The point is that you should evaluate your home based upon what it would take to rebuild in the event of a total loss.

Today’s replacement costs run about $150 per square foot. If you have detailed woodworking and custom design features, restoration could be higher. Additional expenses could include razing, debris removal, meeting new building codes and permitting.

It’s important that you have sufficient homeowners coverage in the event of a total loss. The Insurance Shop USA is committed to serving the good people of Sandypoint ID. Our insurance professionals are here to listen and help create a policy or update an existing one that provides you with the secure coverage you deserve.

Cleaning the Wheels and Tires On Your Car

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When it comes to making sure your car stays on the road for as long as possible, it is of the utmost importance that you take proper care of the wheels and tires on it. From rotating the tires every so often to cleaning them, there are several tips you can follow to extend the longevity of your wheels and tires, which means less money out of your pocket for replacing them. Here’s a quick look at three of the best tips you can follow for cleaning the wheels and tires on your car. 

1) They need to be cleaned weekly

You don’t have to get out a scrub brush and put a lot of elbow grease into cleaning your tires and wheels every week, but you should at least spray them off. In doing this, you will help extend their use, meaning you will get more mileage out of them. Whether it be taking your car through a car wash or spraying off the tires and wheels with a water hose in your driveway, a quick rinsing once a week will do wonders. 

2) Clean the wheels really good once a month

Build up from your brake pads can make your wheels look very dirty. Unfortunately, getting off this brake dust will require that you put a little elbow grease into cleaning them. With that being said, you should clean them really good at least once a month. 

3) Rotate the tires every so often

Another great tip for extending the use of your tires is to have them rotated at least every other time you get your oil changed. Rotating your tires helps ensure the tread wear on them is appropriately distributed. 

For information on auto insurance, contact The Insurance Shop USA serving the Sandypoint, ID area. 

First Time Buying Auto Insurance in Sandypoint? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Getting your first car is one of the most exciting times of your life.  You will never forget your first car.  It symbolizes a rite of passage from the world of childhood to the adult world of responsibility.  Having a driver’s license is a privilege and having a car is a luxury, although a necessity for many Americans who do not live close to public transportation and who have to rely on a car to get everywhere. 

Just as exciting is moving to a new place, like Sandypoint ID, and purchasing a new car or bringing yours with you.  Whether you have just purchased a new car or have recently moved to Sandypoint ID and are looking for a new auto insurance policy for the area, here are a few tips for buying auto insurance in Sandypoint ID for the first time.  

1. Talk to a Trusted Agent before You Buy

Think of an insurance agent as a catalyst or matchmaker. Their job is to bring together you, the driver, with an insurance company that provides the best policy at the best price for you.  

2.  Understand Your Policy

Know what is and isn’t covered.  Understand the amount of your deductible and how that works. Also, if you don’t own your car outright but pay a car loan to a lender every month, you are probably required to purchase full coverage for your vehicle.   

3. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for a Discount

Do you have perfect grades in school? Drive part time? Considered a senior citizen?  These are just a few of the discounts that some insurance companies offer.  Also, consider bundling insurance policies for an even better rate.  You can bundle homeowner’s insurance with your auto insurance policy, for example.  

At The Insurance Shop, our friendly agents will assist you through the maze of buying Auto Insurance in Sandypoint ID for the first time. But really, its not that complicated. It’s simply something new you will learn, and our agents at The Insurance Shop USA are standing by to help.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tricks to Avoiding Water Damage

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As a homeowner in Sandypoint, ID, you already know that you do not want to deal with any water damage in your home. However, even though you may not want water damage to happen in your home, that doesn’t mean it will not. Instead of hoping for it not to happen, you should use these tricks to avoiding water damage from The Insurance Shop USA.

  • Never pour grease down your sink. You may have thought this was an old wives tale but it is true. Never pour it down even with hot or cold water. It can lead to buildup and eventually blockages that can cause your pipes to burst. 
  • Watch where you plant trees. Even if you want them in a specific spot, you need to be aware of any underground pipes that may be around. The roots from the trees will not be an issue immediately but they will eventually so you need to be careful where you plant and ensure the trees are far enough away from the pipes. 
  • Keep a close eye on your water bill. You should know how much you normally pay for water so if your bill ever increases when your usage hasn’t, you need to inspect for any small leaks. 

One of the best tricks to being prepared for water damage since you cannot prevent it completely is to get a home insurance policy that includes a water damage clause. If you do not already have one, be sure to reach out to The Insurance Shop USA serving Sandypoint, ID for a free quote and to explore options. If you do have one, let them look at your current policy to ensure you are not paying too much and that you do not have any gaps in coverage. 

How Does Home Insurance Really Help Me: 4 Tips to Know

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Insurance, in general, tends to have a bad reputation. It seems that people just think they give part of their paycheck to a company while getting very little in return. However, there are a number of ways that home insurance can help you, and The Insurance Shop USA knows it’s all a matter of seeing the benefits. If you live in Sandypoint, ID, then there are a few things you should keep in mind when you’re feeling a little selfish. 

1. Keeps you from calling upon friends and family 

Having support after a major storm or break-in is priceless, but that doesn’t mean that you want to ask people you know for financial help. Insurance takes care of many of the logistics — including the financial ones. 

2. Helps your property value 

When you have help to fix your house (including your yard), you can keep it in good shape throughout the years. It’s one of the best indicators that your house will do well once it’s put up on the market, without having to do any extra renovations or repairs. 

3. Puts you in control 

You won’t have to worry when you check the weather and there’s a major storm coming in Sandypoint, ID because you know you have the right protection. You can rest easy about what the future will bring because you’ve done the proper preparations when it comes to home insurance. 

4. Gives you a hand to hold 

Your insurance company can’t right every wrong, but they can certainly be a major comfort when you’re feeling lost. The Insurance Shop USA is here for you when you need it the most, so give us a call today if you need a new policy. 

3 Ways to Avoid Electrical Problems in Your House

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Electrical problems can cause house fires in your home. To protect your family and avoid a home insurance claim, it’s must take measures to prevent electrical problems in Sandypoint, ID. Fortunately, the following tips can help you uncover potential problems and avoid a house fire.

Get an Electrical Inspection

The first place you should start when it comes to assessing your electrical system is hiring a professional. Experienced professionals can easily assess the state of your electrical system, and they can highlight problems you may not have noticed. Additionally, their knowledge of the current codes, rules, and regulations makes them the best resource for fireproofing your home.

Redo Dated Electrical Wiring

If your electrical professional suggested upgrading old wiring systems, then start there. Dated wiring systems were fine a century ago, but they’ve proven to be fire-prone now especially aluminum wiring. Additionally, with so many devices relying on your electrical system, you don’t want dated wiring powering your expensive devices. Make your home safer by removing those old wires and installing new wires.

Fix Faulty Electrical Outlets

Most homeowners are keenly aware of outlets that don’t work in their home. Even though they know, they avoid making the repairs because they don’t want to spend the extra money. Unfortunately, not making the repairs can be a costly mistake because an outlet that doesn’t work is a symptom of a bigger problem. You can avoid the risk of house fires by checking and fixing faulty electrical outlets as soon as they stop working.

House fires are one of the most common claims when it comes to home insurance in Sandypoint, ID. You don’t have to be a victim of a house fire. Take steps today to ensure your home is safe from electrical fires. If you don’t know where to start, contact The Insurance Shop USA to get information about local electrical professionals we recommend in the area.

 

 

Winter Auto Tips To Keep You Safe All Year Long

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Residents of Sandpoint, Idaho are lucky to experience a beautiful range of seasons including beautiful winters perfect for outdoor activities. As one of America’s most beautiful locations, you are lucky to be living in or near this naturally gorgeous area.

With winter on its way, it’s a good time to go over your vehicle and make sure it is ready for the cold, snowy season. Many traffic situations can be avoided this time of year by doing a seasonal safety inspection, and doing some simple prep. Here are some things to check:

  • Check your battery and terminals. When the temperatures drop, more strain is put on your battery. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested to make sure it has enough juice to get you through the season. Visually inspect terminals and cables to make sure everything looks good. You don’t want to be stranded!
  • Check your tires. Make sure you have adequate tread. Roads are slippery, so tires need to be in good condition.
  • Check wiper blades  and replace if necessary.
  • Make sure brakes are working optimally. 

It’s also a good idea to update your auto emergency kit, making sure that you have fresh batteries in your flashlights and things like warm blankets and a first aid kit. Double check and make sure your roadside assistance is up to date, and that you are equipped with chains and any other snow gear, if necessary.

It’s best to take your vehicle in for a thorough check before winter starts, and it’s also a good idea to make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Sit down with an agent at The Insurance Shop USA to make sure you have the coverage that you need.

A Simple Tire Pressure Check

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A simple maintenance aspect of car care involves the tire pressure. The pressure is created by pumping a sufficient amount of air into the tire that it not only inflates but stays that way even when a significant weight load is applied to the tire. It also allows the tire to absorb shock and changes in surfaces that the tire rolls over, making the design an ideal way to move transport without an extremely rough ride (as would occur with wood or steel wheels). However, a tire is only as good as its ability to maintain pressure and keep that air contained. When the pressure goes too low, the tire begins to lose its ability to retain shape and strength. The typical result is that the tire then disconnects from the wheel rim it is a frame on, or the tire material itself rips apart due to too much drag and friction with the road.

Fortunately, maintaining one’s tire pressure in Sandypoint, ID is a simple task of using a tire pressure gauge and regularly checking (every two weeks or so). Car tires have the normal inflation printed on the outer side just for this purpose. A good check applies the gauge, confirms the pressure needs increasing, and then uses an air compressor at a gas station to raise the tire pressure up to the right amount again. If the pressure continues to keep falling after multiple checks, then there’s a good likelihood the given tire has a small air leak and needs replacement.

To find out more tips on how to take care of your car and avoid car accidents, contact your local Sandypoint, the ID insurance agent at The Insurance Shop USA. There are multiple ways to easily monitor and keep your car in good operating condition, which goes a long way in avoiding accidents.

Top Tips for Home Window Safety

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Accidents can happen no matter where you are, but preventing them in your home is vital in order to keep your family safe from danger. You may have or need insurance in case an accident occurs. The agents at The Insurance Shop USA of Sandypoint, ID can help with your needs and offer some simple advice to improve the safety of your windows to prevent a disaster.

Easy Window Access

When you painted your home last year, did you make sure not to paint the windows shut? If a fire breaks out in your home, window access may be the only means for you and your family to escape. Check the windowpanes to make sure that they are not nailed down or painted shut. You don’t want to be stuck inside of a burning building with no way to exit.

Don’t Risk a Fall

When you have young children, you should keep your windows closed. It is dangerous for a child to play next to an open window. Falling from an open window can cause serious injury or even death. If you want to keep the windows open for cool air to circulate, open windows that children are unable to reach. You can also install window screens or safety latches that only allow the window to partially open.

Air Conditioner Safety

Air conditioners that are placed inside of windows are convenient for each room. When installing this type of air conditioner, be mindful of the living space. Make sure that there is more than one window in the room. If you need to escape, a large air conditioner will not be easy to remove. You should not have anything in your path if you need to leave your home quickly.

Giving you top tips to keep your home safe is part of our business. Visit us at The Insurance Shop USA. Get insurance information for Sandypoint, ID as well the surrounding communities.

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