What is Farm and Ranch Insurance?

Farms are the backbone of our agricultural system and of our nation. They do run into trouble from time to time and a good ranch or farm policy may help to curb some of the loss associated with these difficult times. For those in the Sandpoint, ID area, the agents with The Insurance Shop USA can help you to find the policy and coverage that is going to work for your farm.

Farms and ranches go through down times just like any other business and they do sometimes suffer losses that cost money and inventory. Farm and ranch insurance works to help buffer or lessen these losses by offering coverage for crops that fail or are destroyed, animals that die or become ill or injured, and even farm equipment that becomes damaged so that you are not able to use it anymore. These coverages are helpful in times when crops may not do as well as you had hoped or in times when your animals fall ill and you lose a portion of the herd.

This type of coverage may also cover damage to farmlands, damage to fences, and damage to other things that are essential to the functioning of your farm or ranch. This is a great coverage to have and it does help to make sure that the farm remains operational and that you are able to continue working and so that the farm or ranch does not have to close or cease operation because of something that happened or something that is happening.

For those that live in the Sandpoint, ID area, the agents with The Insurance Shop USA can help you to get the best coverage for your ranch or farm so that you can be protected no matter what.

What is Religious Institute Insurance?

Religious institutes are a very particular entity that require special insurance to help maintain their everyday function. They do not fit into one particular category and they do require special policies that fit their unique needs. For those that live in the Sandpoint, ID area, the agents with The Insurance Shop USA can help you find the right policy for your religious institution.

One of the main things that set a religious institute apart is that they often own large amounts of land or real estate, they may own vehicles, they may have items within the institution or building and so much more. Since no one lives in a religious institute it cannot be zoned as a residence, therefore, it cannot have a home insurance policy. They are not businesses so they do not fall into the commercial policy realm, and they are not farms and other such institutions that do have their own types of policy as well.

It is important to note that since religious institutions are so unique, they often do require special insurance policies that are going to cover all aspects of the institution. Religious institution insurance can cover things like damage to the building, theft, damage to items and so much more. If you run a religious institution it is important to find the right policy for your needs so that you can be sure your religious institution is protected fully from any event that may occur. Taking the time to look over a few different policies and to make sure your institution is fully covered is a must. For those in the Sandpoint, ID area, the agents with The Insurance Shop USA can help you to find the perfect policy for your needs and for the needs of your institution.

Should You Get Wedding Insurance for a Destination Wedding?

When you plan a wedding, you want to make it special. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you always want to remember it. That’s why some couples opt to leave their state or country and make their big day truly momentous. At The Insurance Shop USA, serving Sandpoint, ID and the surrounding region, we offer wedding insurance for some of the unexpected events that could arise and possibly postpone your wedding.

About Wedding Insurance 

Wedding insurance is event insurance specifically for your wedding. It helps if something should happen to prohibit your wedding from occurring. Additionally, it could possibly provide liability protection if you, your significant other, a guest, or the help should happen to sustain an injury. It’s also possible that the insurance will cover the damage caused by your special day.   

Storms Happen at the Beach 

While a beach is some people’s dream wedding, the weather isn’t always ideal on the coast. When you’re planning your destination far in advance, you can’t plan for an unexpected storm to ruin your event, other than avoiding seasons that are known for storms. 

Important Members Can’t Attend

You can’t keep your family members and wedding party free from disease and injury. If someone gets ill or hurt and can’t fly to get to your wedding, you could always postpone it, and you may be able to get compensation from wedding insurance to reschedule. 

Accidents Happen

You never know when something totally unexpected is going to occur and harm someone at your event. You also never know if the bride’s dress is going to get destroyed during a freak accident. 

Get a quote for wedding insurance for your destination wedding from The Insurance Shop USA, serving Sandpoint, ID and the surrounding region, by calling us today.

Exploring Boat Insurance-What Does it Cover?

Following close behind routine maintenance, boat insurance is one of the most important factors of owning a boat. Regardless of the type of boat Sandpoint, ID boat owners should not think about using their boat without having some type of boat insurance. The insurance will protect you, your passengers and the boat as well as provide you with peace of mind each and every time it’s launched. Boat insurance is available from a wide variety of sources, including The Insurance Shop USA. Many insurance companies that offer auto and home insurance also insure boats. Although the type of policy you need is dependent on the type of boat you own, here is some brief information about what the policy may cover.

Damages to the Boat

The insurance for your boat is similar to your automobile insurance. A basic policy will cover various forms of physical damage to the boat itself and from a variety of different causes. For instance, depending on the specific type of policy you have coverage for damages may include vandalism, defect in craftsmanship and acts of God, such as a natural disaster. In many situations, the boat trailer is also covered, but it’s important to check with the insurance provider to make sure.

Uninsured Boats

Just like your auto insurance, the type of coverage you choose to carry may also cover any damages to your boat that is caused by another boat that is uninsured. For instance, if you are docked and another boat cause’s damage to your boat while the captain is attempting to dock it, but the other boat does not have insurance, your policy may cover the damages to your vessel.

Passenger Injuries

Although safety is the first priority, accidents do happen. If a passenger on your boat is injured, your boat insurance may cover the cost of their injuries. This type of coverage is often valid whether your boat is docked or you are out on the water. It is important to ensure that your policy includes this type of coverage, as some policies may require this to be an addition.

Residents of Sandpoint, ID who want to learn more information about boat insurance or are interested in updating their current policy should contact The Insurance Shop USA.

3 reasons why you should have a personal umbrella policy

Umbrella insurance is not just for business owners, there a variety of different reasons why it also makes sense to hold personally.  High net worth residents in the greater Sandpoint, ID area are beginning to add umbrella policies to their personal insurance portfolios. If you are wondering if this is the right move for you too, contact the team at The Insurance Shop USA today and find out more. 

3 reasons why you should have a personal umbrella policy

The main reason why you need a personal umbrella policy is to protect you if your primary policy limits are ever met. Many people do not realize that once their policy limit is met they become liable for any loss exceeding that amount.

A second reason to add a personal umbrella policy to your portfolio is that as a high net worth individual or family, you can become a target for dishonest people who file frivolous or false lawsuits. While justice does often prevail in such cases, it can be slow moving and expensive to get to the end of the legal process.

Finally, you have worked hard to amass your holdings and it is important to protect all of your hard work and dedication. One accident or lawsuit can mean a serious change in your family’s fortunes. It makes sense to have the protection in place to shield you from such instances. 

If you are in the greater Sandpoint, ID area and are looking for an effective way to protect you and your family’s financial health it’s time to find out more about umbrella insurance. Contact the professional agents at The Insurance Shop USA today and find out how we can help you find the appropriate policy for your needs.

What does condo insurance cover in Sandpoint, ID?

If you live in Sandpoint, ID, you have a lot of great housing choices. There are great neighborhoods, with easy access to the rest of the city. You can rent a house or apartment, buy a condo or buy a house. 

It can become confusing when you are trying to decide what kind of insurance to get, and how much coverage you will need. We at The Insurance Shop USA have clients in every kind of housing, and we are always happy to help with any questions.

Condos vs Rentals vs Houses

Your condo has some things in common with a rental property, in that you are only responsible for your own part of the property. You don’t have to insure the walls or outside property if you have a condo.

You do have an interest in the property because you own it, but you will only be expected to insure your own very specific location. Your insurance will protect all your belongings inside your condo, like your clothing, appliances, furniture, and electronics. Your window dressings, flooring, and other inside modifications will also be covered.

Why This Is Good News

Because you only have to insure your inside walls and personal property and belongings, you will be pleasantly surprised how inexpensive it is to get comprehensive coverage at your condo 

There’s no question that it can be confusing when there are so many kinds of insurance to protect your home, especially when there are so many similarities. If you live in Sandpoint, ID and have any questions at all, or if you want to discuss how you could make sure your own home is well enough protected, please don’t hesitate to give The Insurance Shop USA a call or drop in so we can help.

Dealing With A Tough Landlord? Know Your Rights In Idaho

We’ve all been there- from roommate troubles to requesting seemingly endless repairs, landlord troubles are the worst. Luckily, Idaho has laws that protect renters from less-than-attentive landlords. It’s important that you know your rights. At The Insurance Shop USA, serving Sandpoint, ID, we know the troubles landlords can cause, and we know what’s legal and what’s not. 

– You have the right to privacy. Your landlord is required by Idaho law to give you notice before entering your rental unit. 

– You have the right to a safe living environment. Your landlord is required to keep fix smoke detectors, insect problems, crumbling or deteriorating walls and/or ceilings, heating issues, defective plumbing, etc. After you’ve notified your landlord in person (or sent them a certified letter) of a safety issue, the landlord has three days to fix the problem. If they fail to do so, you have the right to take your landlord to court. 

– You have the right to be notified about rent increases. In a month to month rental situation, your landlord must give you at least 15 days notice before a rent increase. 

If you’re dealing with a not so great landlord, we get it. While there are steps that you can take to move towards legal action, you should also protect yourself before things get to that point. At The Insurance Shop USA, serving Sandpoint, ID, we offer renters insurance, which can protect you in the event that your landlord’s lack of attention to their property results in damage to your belongings. It’s important to purchase a renters insurance policy before you actually need it. Call us to talk about your rental situation, and we’ll recommend a renters insurance policy that makes sense for your needs. 

Insurance for Homesteaders, Farmers, and Ranchers

There is a significant homesteading trend made up of those who are tired of the rat race and living in the big cities. They want to move away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy the calmer, country lifestyle found in rural Idaho. Many of them dream of homesteading as a way to become more self-sufficient, eat healthier foods and live a sustainable life that is more in touch with nature. There are plenty of young people from the Millennial generation who are thinking about going back to a simpler lifestyle of living off the land.

It is not easy to become a successful homesteader. There is plenty of hard work involved. However, for those with the right attitude and a bit of perseverance, it is possible to create a new life in rural Idaho for you and your family. You may want to try your hand at beekeeping, soap making, or raising goats for milk and cheese. For sure, you will enjoy the things that you can grow and then eat.

When you live in a rural area you will want to insure your homestead, ranch, and/or farm by talking with an agent at The Insurance Shop USA, serving Sandpoint, ID and the surrounding area. Those good folks will help you get the insurance coverage you need.

Insurance for a homestead includes the protection for the dwelling and possibly coverage for the animals and the equipment. You may need to have farm insurance as well if you plan on growing substantial amounts of crops for sale.

A farm insurance policy is a combination of a personal home insurance policy and commercial insurance with property and liability protection. One of the advantages of getting a farm insurance policy is, with the help of your agent, you can customize the coverage in many ways to provide adequate protection for all your needs.

Contact your agent at The Insurance Shop USA in Sandpoint, ID by calling 208-263-0888 or by using the convenient online form to get a quote on home, ranch, and/or farm insurance.

Religious Institute Insurance: It’s For More Than The Building

The Insurance Shop USA is your one-stop location for all of your insurance needs in Sandpoint, ID. Did you know that there is special insurance written just for Religious institutes? This coverage helps protect the institution from the unique situations that arise when hosting many parishioners, serving the community, and more. 

We Understand The Unique Needs of Religious Institutions 

More often than not, churches have influence and activities in so many aspects of the community that it is hard to fit the insurance needs into one box. From missionary service to volunteer positions, feeding the hungry, reaching out to the needy, or even just holding a community dinner on the grounds. No matter the scope of your reach, or the number of parishioners that gather on Sundays, part of running a religious institution include keeping the property safe no matter what occurs. This is where we come in. insurance for your church should not simply cover the building you gather in, we can make sure your vehicles and parishioners are covered in case something bad happens while you are in the act of serving your fellow man. Come in for a consultation, and we will provide your church with the exact coverage you need for a cost that is fair. 

Contact us to discuss your religious institutions’ insurance needs and to see what coverage we can offer you. You have the needs of the whole community on your shoulders. Let us protect your assets while you go about doing good for those around you in and around Sandpoint, ID. Call the Insurance Shop USA today, or come in for a consultation and quote. 

Regular Maintenance Basics

Living in Sandpoint, ID, your car is exposed to all types of weather. Proper maintenance will ensure that your vehicle consistently performs its best at all times, no matter what the temperature or weather condition. The agents at The Insurance Shop USA can offer tried and true maintenance tips to help you keep your car in top shape.

Engine and Drivetrain Maintenance

Maintaining your engine is essential if you want your car to last. This includes changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and keeping a close on your coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. When you take your car in for an oil change, have your entire engine checked to make sure everything is functioning as it should. This includes your fuel injectors and all of the electrical components.

Tire Maintenance

Your tires are extremely important, especially in the winter when snow and ice may be on the roads and highways. Always make sure the tires are at the proper air pressure. This will give you maximum traction and also help to improve your gas mileage. It’s also important to check your tires’ tread occasionally. Bald areas where the tread is completely gone or areas in which there is very little tread left are indicators that new tires are needed.

The agents at The Insurance Shop USA are always available to discuss all of your auto insurance needs. If you live in the Sandpoint, ID area, call and talk to one of their reputable agents today. They can review your policy to make sure you have just what you need and also provide you with maintenance tips to help you keep your car in good condition for years to come. Call today!