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. 

Can You Drop Commercial Insurance at Any Time?

Commercial insurance is a way to make sure that your investment is protected from things like fire, theft, break-in, vandalism and more. A good commercial policy can help to protect your business and yourself from all manner of a difficult situation and can help to make the process of recovering after a disaster not only possible but easier as well. For those that live in the Sandpoint, ID area, the agents with The Insurance Shop USA can help you find the perfect commercial policy.

A good commercial policy is a difference between being able to recover after a disaster and not being able to. With a commercial policy, there is no requirement for how long you have to have the policy. Likewise, you can cancel your policy at any time given you do not owe money to a lender that requires you to hold an insurance policy. If you own your business outright, though it is not advised, you do not have to have any sort of commercial insurance policy to protect it. You can use a commercial policy to do a lot of things. If your store is vandalized, your property is stolen, your store is broken into, or your store burns down, you can use your commercial policy to help recover. You can also use a commercial policy to help cover the costs of your employees should they become injured on the job.

If you are worried about your commercial insurance policy, it is always best to talk with a professional to see what sort of policy is going to work best for you, and what sort of policy you need to have in place to fully protect your business. If you live in the Sandpoint, ID area, the agents with the Insurance Shop USA can help you find your perfect policy.

3 Tips for Buying Life Insurance in Sandpoint, ID

Life insurance is priceless. It is a way to make sure your family is taken care of after your passing. From covering burial costs, to paying off debt, and leaving your family financially secure, life insurance just makes sense. It’s never too early to purchase the right life insurance policy as we never know when our time will come. For that reason, read on to learn about three important tips for buying life insurance in Sandpoint, ID.

1. Bundle Your Insurance Policies

You most likely have other insurance policies, such as auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and even RV insurance or umbrella insurance. When you bundle all your insurance policies together under one insurance company they will reward your business with them by saving you money on your premiums and putting more money back in your pocket.

2. Compare Life Insurance Quotes

When purchasing life insurance, you’ll need to figure out how much you need and what you can afford. That’s why it is so important to compare quotes. Go through the fine detail of each one with a reputable agent who can give you their expert advice and help you find the best policy for the best price.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

At The Insurance Shop USA serving the Sandpoint, ID area, the friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable agents are available to answer all of your questions about purchasing a life insurance policy. They will help you achieve the tips listed below and get you the best policy. Don’t wait to get life insurance. Be prepared by calling The Insurance Shop USA today at 208-263-0888.

What are some of home insurance premiums and how do they work?

A home is a huge asset and securing it must be a paramount decision. By now most of us have already learned the value of purchasing insurance, but very few know about premium coverages. Most people prefer purchasing premium policies for their home cover as most of them provide extra coverage.

Home insurance premiums are paid on a semi-annual basis, annual basis or monthly financing of premiums–done by some companies. Home insurance premium costs vary based on the type of coverage you want and the risk. That is why it is crucial that you shop for insurance premiums from a certified reliable insurance company like The Insurance Shop USA in Sandpoint, ID.

Home insurance premiums/ additional coverages

All homeowners in Sandpoint ID are required to purchase the following basic home insurance policies:

  • Personal liability protection
  • Personal property coverage
  • Loss of use protection
  • Dwelling coverage
  • Other structures protection

If you own a big home, chances are that the basic coverage may not offer adequate protection as the standard coverages do not cover for stolen valuables or important documents in the home. You may be forced to take additional coverage in which the insurance company will charge you for the premiums you choose.

  1. Special personal property protection
  2. overflow or sump pump discharge and water back up
  3. Personal articles floater
  4. Content replacement cost
  5. Valuable and jewelry items
  6. Extra replacement cost protection coverage
  7. Green home coverage
  8. Identity fraud

The rule of the thumb is that you have to pay more money to get premium coverage and the more valuable your house is, the more costly the premium will be. Still need to know more about insurance premiums, visit The Insurance Shop USA today and you will get all your questions answered.

Dealing with Auto Insurance as Part of Moving

If you are new to the state of Idaho, welcome! The Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires registration of a vehicle in the state of Idaho within 90 days of moving to the state. You must be a resident of Idaho and the vehicle must be physically in the state in order to register it with the DMV.

Minimum Auto Insurance Required by Law in Idaho

Idaho also has minimum auto insurance requirements, which are required to operate a vehicle in the state.

These Idaho auto insurance requirements are:

  • Liability Coverage for Bodily Injuries: $25,000 for each person and $50,000 for each accident.
  • Liability Coverage for Property Damage: $15,000 for each accident.

If you are planning a move Idaho with your vehicle, contact an agent at The Insurance Shop USA, serving Sandpoint ID and the surrounding area, to get auto insurance coverage. Most people need more than the basic legal minimums to have adequate insurance protection. Since the law only requires minimal levels of coverage for injuries and property damage, most people increase these amounts and add comprehensive coverage for more protection for themselves and their vehicle.

Coverage for Uninsured and Under-insured Drivers

Idaho is an “at-fault” state, which means a driver of a vehicle is responsible for any damages, injuries, or deaths caused by an accident that is determined to be their fault. While there is no legal requirement to have uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage in the state of Idaho, it is still a good idea to have it. The reason is that just because someone is at fault, and therefore has the legal liability to pay for damages, this does not guarantee that they have the financial ability to do so. Winning a lawsuit may be possible, however, collecting the judgment for damages may be difficult.

Consult with your agent at The Insurance Shop USA in Sandpoint, ID to discuss these matters and get any questions answered that you may have about auto insurance in Idaho.