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.

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!

 

The Insurance Shop USA Sandpoint ID,

Agents of the Insurance shop USA located in Sandpoint ID will establish a wedding special event insurance package with insurance riders.  A wedding celebration is full of tradition and pleasant memories that the new couple will share with their future children.  While a wedding is an emotional investment, it is also a financial investment that the parties are willing to pay.  What could go wrong to risk this investment?  A sophisticated wedding planner is probably in the best possible position to understand the multiple risks of a wedding event that has gone wrong.

The wedding planner may need a lawyer because this person sometimes is the principal source of advice to those bearing the financial burden of a wedding event.  Not all the wedding risks are insurable, such as the bride or groom refusing at the last minute to be married or the financial loss of an engagement ring while the wedding ring may be insurable if the wedding does not go forward, but a rainy day is not covered. 

There are many parts at a wedding, that must run smoothly. Wedding risks are associated with 

  • photography 
  • the delivery, and integrity of the wedding cake, 
  • timely arrival of the wedding dress, 
  • a safe environment for the wedding reception,  
  • the containment of alcohol consumption, 
  • a safe limousine and competent driver,
  • the rented place for the wedding reception was not available within days of the wedding, 
  • vendors who fail to show up
  • the caterer served spoiled food,
  • slip and fall of guests at the reception
  • bad weather and natural disasters

The types of insurance should include liability insurance, with riders, to pay medical costs for a guest who may be injured, liquor host liability insurance for drunken guests who harm others, cancellation or postponement coverage,  deposit coverage, and coverage if gifts are stolen.

The agents of the Insurance shop USA located in Sandpoint, ID will advise you how to cover any wedding risks that insurance will cover.  Please call for an appointment!

 

 

 

 

Umbrella Insurance and its many Uses

Umbrella insurance is a kind of coverage that can affect total coverage for your home, cars, and other assets. This can be very helpful for people who experience significant losses due to an accident or disaster, beyond what a standard policy would protect. Umbrella insurance often includes different kinds of coverage against accidents that can protect against various kinds of civil lawsuits. This can be very beneficial for business owners or other high profile individuals who have greater exposure due to their net worth or number of transactions. The state of Idaho also recommends that businesses dealing with high-risk activities may want to look into umbrella insurance. There are also limitations on umbrella policies which may prevent policyholders from receiving additional protections if their business fails, work contracts are not paid, or their personal property is lost. Because this is a more complex type of insurance reserved for those who think they may be subject to higher losses, it is important to discuss the specifics with a knowledgeable insurance professional in the Sandpoint, ID area.  

Those who suspect that the standard insurance policies may not cover large enough amounts for additional damages or lawsuits may want to look into an umbrella policy to provide more comprehensive coverage. Please contact The Insurance Shop USA to learn more about umbrella insurance, how it benefits you, and reasons why you may need coverage to protect various kinds of assets. Our agency serves Sandpoint, ID and surrounding areas with plans that cater to the needs of the local community. Visit The Insurance Shop USA website for contact information and give us a call when it is convenient for you.  

Do I Need Boat Insurance?

When it comes to owning a boat or watercraft you need to know the water laws and requirements for the vehicle. In the state of Idaho you do not need to have boat insurance, but this doesn’t mean you should. In many cases, it is far better to have boating insurance than to avoid it. If you own your boat in or around Sandpoint, ID The Insurance Shop USA is here to help you find the right boating insurance for your vessel. 

Some Marinas Require Boat Insurance

While the state may not require boat insurance some marinas and docks do require it. So unless you want to limit yourself to where you can take your boat and where you can dock, it is a better idea to invest in boating insurance, no matter what kind of vessel you own. 

When Does Boat Insurance Cover You

Boat insurance doesn’t just cover you when you’re out on the water. It also protects you when you are towing the boat to the final destination or when it is in storage. In fact, your boat is more likely to be damaged during prolonged storage or when in transit than when on the water. Due to this, it is important for you to protect your investment. You don’t want to be forced to pay for all damages and repairs out of pocket. 

No matter what kind of vessel you own it is important for you to protect it with boating insurance. This boat insurance doesn’t just protect it when it is in water but when it is in transit or in storage. So whether you live in Sandpoint, ID or in the surrounding area, The Insurance Shop USA is here to help you find the right boating insurance for your vessel.