It may be simple to buy insurance, but that doesnt mean the decisions one makes when taking out a policy dont require some amount of thought and research. Rush to take out the first cheap policy you find and you may end up with an insurance portfolio filled with gaps, inefficient policies and more self-insurance risk than you can afford. Here are six tips to help ensure that you get exactly what you need without learning the hard way that you needed it. Watch your deductibles. Many insurance ...

People have many different types of hobbies and one of the most popular is the hobby of collecting. Some people collect items with an eye toward growing the monetary value of their collection. Others collect because they love a certain object and dont even realize it when the value of their collection begins to grow to impressive numbers. Whether you collect coins, baseball cards, ceramic figurines, or books its important to keep an eye not just on the sentimental value of your collection but al...

Home insurance is an absolute necessity. Without it, your home and belongings are at the mercy of mother nature, accidental damages and other people. Still, you shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get coverage. There are three simple things you can do to get discounts from your Battle Creek home insurance provider and two of them are absolutely free! The first money-saving  trick happens at the moment you are getting your policy written. Ask your agent about multiple policy dis...

A Battle Creek commercial auto insurance policy may be pricey for a company to maintain, but it is also essential for any business that has company-owned vehicles. Commercial auto insurance policies are usually put in place by a company to help protect themselves from financial liability should one of the company’s vehicles or employees be involved in an accident when using the business-owned vehicles. Despite the high cost of a commercial auto insurance policy, there are many ways to help...

Most insurance companies are pretty good at covering your automobile; however, insurance companies excel at separating you from your money. Television airwaves are filled with Battle Creek auto insurance offers providing “Better Car Replacement” and new car replacement. It’s important for consumers to know, that purchasing these policies, significantly add to insurance costs. Better Car Insurance Only one insurance company is currently offering “Better Car Replacement&r...

Whether a vehicle is for business or personal use, specific needs for Battle Creek auto insurance will change based on how much the vehicle is driven. Businesses that are limiting the use of a company vehicle, or drivers who are parking a household vehicle in the garage, can take advantage of some easy insurance changes to lower the cost of keeping a less active car or truck insured. One of the first things that drivers should think about with garaged or retired vehicles is the possibility of c...

Is it possible to pay too little for Battle Creek auto insurance? Though getting cheap auto insurance is often a very good thing, it is possible to choose a policy that doesnt provide enough for your needs. The last thing most vehicle owners want to do is to have a policy, they pay into, that cant cover their needs in a claim situation.  Are you paying too much or too little for car insurance? The Average Cost of Auto Insurance According to the National Association of Insurance Commissio...

If you drive, you probably own a car, which means you are required by law in most places to carry auto insurance to prove financial responsibility. You likely are aware of the factors used to calculate your insurance rate: the type of car you drive, your driving record, how often you drive, your age, how long youve been driving and where you live. But did you know that in many places the type of job you do is also one of the criteria used to determine your auto insurance rate? Many people f...

If you dont own a vehicle, and you dont drive vehicles owned by other people, you wont need an Battle Creek auto insurance policy. However, you should protect yourself if you are ever likely to drive someone elses car.  If you ever drive the car of a friend or family member, youre going to need to be insured before you set off out on the road. In such situations you may be insured under the policy of the owner. However, this insurance is likely to provide only minimal liability coverage. I...

Keeping your business going is the number one concern of every business owner. Reducing daily business risks, providing products that customers want at prices that are fair are two major elements to keep your business in the lead.  However, from time to time a business suffers from certain events that cause interruptions for a specific amount of time. These interruptions may cause a business to lose money, and in some cases it may cause damage to their brand. The only way to safeguard ...

Have you ever dreamed of packing your worldly possessions into the car and embarking on a road trip across the great landmass that is the USA? Clark Griswold and his family took to the road in the hit movie "National Lampoons Vacation," and although you may be in search of a less eventful vacation, you can still look forward to an exciting journey of discovery through the land of the free. If youre concerned about your auto insurance coverage in different states, there are a few things you shoul...

You may wonder why insurance companies charge different premiums to different people. Well, a number of factors are considered before an insurer determines how much you should pay to insure your home. Here are 10 factors that have an impact on how much or how little your premium will be. Frequency of Risk Occurrence A good record invites low premiums charged by the insurer. For instance, a homeowner who has filed several claims in the past will be charged higher premiums than a homeowner who h...

The importance of having Battle Creek life insurance simply can’t be overstated. Insuring your life will help your loved ones pay off any outstanding debts if you unexpectedly die. Whether this involves a mortgage or unsecured loans, this fact gives people the peace of mind in knowing that their dependents will be well looked after. Life insurance can also be used to pay funeral costs, as well as leaving the important people in your life a cash sum with which they can rebuild their lives. ...

A number of factors dictate how much you pay for your Battle Creek home insurance policy, and one of them is your history of making claims. If you’re a regular claimant, insurance providers will see you as a significant risk, and they will offset that risk with higher premiums. In some cases, they will withdraw coverage if they believe the risk you and your home pose is simply too great. However, there are some simple actions you can take to secure and maintain your property in order to ke...

Driving in the winter is no simple task when the roads ice over, particularly for drivers who are not used to such conditions. The following is a list of tips and tricks to keep your car drivable throughout the cold winter months: ·         Warm your car: Installing a remote car starter helps your morning go a bit faster. Pre-warming your car makes it easier to scrape off ice and makes the interior more comfortable for your commute. Some of these d...

Doctors aren’t just for treating illness; they’re also key to providing preventive services designed to keep you healthy. Because of this, the Affordable Care Act requires that all new health insurance plans offered by private carriers fully cover certain preventive services at no cost to you—that means no copayments or coinsurance. This applies even if you have not yet met your yearly deductible. So long as these preventive services are administered by in-network physicians, t...

Many individuals are overwhelmed by the decisions involved in purchasing life insurance. How much do I buy? When do I buy? How do I buy? But help is available in the form of an independent insurance agent. These professionals are trained to guide you through the process of selecting an appropriate life insurance policy for the needs of your family. And it’s important to do so because approximately 40 percent of Americans admit that they would experience immediate financial trouble if the p...

It’s estimated that over 50 million Americans are obese, which has caused past problems with obtaining health insurance. Obesity can lead to severe health conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes and poor cardiovascular health. Many insurers do not consider obesity to be an illness, but they do pay for any resulting illnesses, which means that it costs more for an insurer to keep an obese individual as a customer due to the high risk of developing resulting illnesses. In the past, this meant ex...

Safety involves much more than simply locking up at the end of the day. As a business owner, you must provide a safe environment for both employees and guests, along with protecting the premises from criminals. Try these five tips for keeping your business safer: 1.       Train your employees: In the simplest sense, your employees should be thoroughly trained before operating any non-standard equipment or before using any hazardous materials. However, more comprehe...

Germs and bacteria can flourish in your home, completely out of sight. Knowing about germy hotspots allows you to thoroughly clean those yucky areas so you and your family can live healthier. Check out these five areas that you’ll want to clean right away: 1.       Light switches and door knobs: Every day, you flick on the lights and open doors, leaving behind whatever germs were carried on your hands. Wipe these areas down with a disinfectant at least once a...

Allen Harmon Insurance Agent:  Do you own any life insurance? Valued Client: Yes, I have $100,000 through work.  Allen Harmon Insurance Agent: Did you know that you probably don’t own that policy? Usually, life insurance provided at work is owned by the employer, who cancels the coverage when you leave the company.  What happens if you get sick, lose your job, and your life insurance cancels because you aren’t employed anymore? How are you going to replace your life...

The nutrition of your prepared meals doesn’t rely solely on the ingredients you use. The way you cook your food can either boost ingredients’ nutritional value or deplete it. In some cases, heat can break down up to 20 percent of vitamins and other nutrients. In others, heat releases antioxidants and makes them easier for the body to absorb (this applies primarily to carrots, spinach and tomatoes). Let’s take a look at some of the most common cooking methods and how they affect...

It’s no secret that life insurance isnt the most pleasant topic on earth. While most of us blanch when someone mentions it, life insurance really should be at the forefront of every adult’s mind. There are lots of excuses out there about how delaying life insurance is okay, but none of them really hold any water—especially if you have a family. Getting life insurance now is the only responsible thing to do to protect those you leave behind. Of course no one wants to talk ...

By: Kristen Sharpley The Boys of Summer are Back Its summer time which means baseball season! Saturday, July 19, at CO Brown Stadium, the Battle Creek Bombers will not only be playing the game we all love, but have partnered with Allen Harmon Insurance Agency and Auto-Owners Insurance for a very special night. What makes this event so different than the others? Before the Bombers were created, they were almost called “The Cereal City Krunch.” For this night only, they will ...

There are four important features that come with a car insurance policy that you will want to be aware of. These features are bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. Bodily injury and property damage coverage, commonly referred to as liability coverage, are required in most states. Comprehensive and collision coverage can be added to your auto policy if you choose. In some cases comprehensive and collision coverage are required ...

All businesses have liability risks, from the air conditioned office complex to the construction worksite. Today’s world is one in which it is very easy to sue businesses for large sums of money over seemingly trivial events. What does this mean? Just one unfortunate moment could possibly bankrupt your small business. Let’s look at three examples. 1.       A web design business has a very busy month and, during those extra-long days, the housekeeping ge...

Your home insurance policy must be designed to fit your individual circumstances. Lifestyle changes like marriage, divorce or retirement can have a significant impact on your needs for adequate insurance. Here are some important questions to discuss with your independent agent in order to make sure you are adapting your home insurance to changes in your lifestyle. Have you gotten married or divorced? The merging of two households can increase your personal property significantly. You should re...

With fall right around the corner, many people try to take precautions against coming down with a cold or the flu. Not only is getting sick a nuisance, but catching the flu could have more serious consequences — particularly for children, seniors and pregnant women. How do you prepare your bodys immune system to fight off the viruses that cause these illnesses? Wash your hands: You only get sick if viruses enter your body, which usually occurs when you touch your nose or mouth after...

Being an expectant parent, you probably have an extremely long list of things you need to do before the arrival of your baby. However, you might need to add just one more item to your to-do list. Now that youre bringing a new life into your world, you are going to need to buy life insurance. Why is it so important? Something Could Happen to Either You or Your Spouse With a baby on the way, the last thing youre probably thinking about is something bad happening to either you or your spouse. But...

For most consumers, saving money on car insurance is a top priority. But how do you know which steps to take to ensure that you’re getting the lowest rates? Here are five ways to save money on your auto insurance. #1: Speak with Your Independent Insurance Agent Every Few Months The easiest way to save money on auto insurance is to speak with your independent insurance agent every few months—such as at a bi-annual or annual renewal. He or she will be able to review your policy to ma...

If you own a mobile catering business, you have a lot of tasks to take care of on a daily basis. One thing that can set your mind at ease is business insurance. We never can tell when the unexpected may happen and if the worst happens, you want to make sure that you have a safeguard in place to take care of your business, your staff and yourself. Whether its bad weather, food poisoning, public liability or theft, you know that your business is protected, and you can focus on other aspects of run...

Most of us dont fret too much over a winter storm. In most cases, it blows through and life is back to normal in a day or two. But in more severe situations, heavy snow, ice or wind can knock down electric lines, leading to a power loss in homes that depend on it for heat. You should know what to do and what not to do in this situation. Have an emergency supply of food, water, flashlights, batteries and medicine. A battery operated radio is also handy for keeping informed a...

Its gotten to the point in winter where you either go crazy from being cooped up indoors or you go out and embrace the weather. You might be headed to the slopes, strapping on some snowshoes, ice skating or just shoveling the driveway, but its a good idea to keep some of these safety tips in mind to stay in good health. Avoid going out by yourself, but if you do, let someone know where you are headed and when you expect to return. Dress for the elements. Warm boots, glove...

So youre a single person living alone. You have no dependents. You certainly dont need life insurance, right? Wrong. The fact of the matter is that life insurance can be beneficial to people who are single and have no children. Life insurance, for those of you who dont know, is typically meant to protect an income stream and provide for those who depend on you if you pass away. You can buy two types of life insurance: term life insurance and whole life insurance. Term life insurance will only ...

If youre going to operate a car, most states require that you have car insurance. In some, the state will even tell you what type and how much insurance you should have. There are two main types of car insurance: liability and comprehensive. In states where you have a choice about whether youre going to have comprehensive insurance or not, its important to understand what each type covers so you can make an informed decision. What Liability Insurance Covers Liability insurance covers damage yo...

Approximately 42 million Americans are classified as independent contractors, freelancers or self-employed. That’s around one in three. By 2020, estimates are that at least half of the population could be working for themselves. There are many reasons why people have turned to this work model, including flexibility and healthcare portability. However, many self-employed individuals are so caught up in the excitement of starting their business and the day-to-day tasks of running it, that th...

Weather-related damage, accidents and injuries on your property are all reasons to file a claim on your homeowner’s insurance. When you file a qualifying claim, your insurance provider presents you with an indemnity check to repair or rebuild your home. Unfortunately, filing claims can affect the rate you pay for your current policy and future policies for home insurance. If you want to keep costs low, the following are three common claims that you can avoid or reduce the impact of the dam...

After plenty of bad publicity for unhealthy food products and their effects on the human body, many Americans are trying to make healthier lifestyle choices. Healthcare professionals and nutritionists are quick to recommend both a healthy diet and an exercise routine. But, some people think they can simply hit the gym extra hard after downing a greasy burger. While it’s perfectly acceptable to treat yourself from time to time, maintaining a healthy diet is more important than you may thi...

When most people think of life insurance, they think about the death benefit. The death benefit provides their beneficiaries with a lump sum payment following the death of the insured. However, whole and universal life insurance policies offer owners features they can benefit from now while they are alive. Cover the Cost of Treatment for Terminal Illnesses After the death benefit, many people may consider the accelerated death benefit (ADB) the next major benefit to having a whole or universal...

When you purchase car insurance, understanding what is included in your policy is very important. Having the right information can help you determine whether or not you have enough coverage to protect you in the event of an accident. The amount of coverage required by law is the bare minimum, and may not include those other protections that go beyond personal injury protection. Here are a few additional protections you may want to ask your agent about. Comprehensive and collision: This pr...

Whether you are delivering pizzas or penguins, it is important to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Here are three facts you need to know about deliveries and insurance. #1: Your Personal Auto Insurance Policy May Not Cover Damage to Your Vehicle One of the biggest misconceptions among delivery drivers who use their personal vehicles for work is that their auto insurance policy will cover them if they get into an accident. The truth is that most insurance companies have a special...

What happens when you reach your liability coverage limits on your home insurance policy? You become personally responsible for the balance remaining after a claim has exceeded policy limits. If you are a homeowner, you may be forced to sell in order to satisfy any outstanding amounts you are liable for after insurance pays for a claim. However, if you have an umbrella insurance policy, you can rest at ease with less financial worry. What is an Umbrella Insurance Policy? An umbrella insurance ...

Research indicates that cold weather leads to a higher number of heart attacks. Many theories have been developed to explain why this season causes more heart issues. One is that blood vessels constrict due to the drop in temperature. Another theory is that people are not as active in the winter and when they are active, they overexert themselves. That, combined with the constricted blood vessels, leads to disaster. Shoveling is a perfect example of an activity that occurs in cold, winter w...

The investment in life insurance can provide one of the strongest cornerstones for your familys financial well-being. If you’re wondering if you need to invest in it or what the value would be to your family, consider these five ways life insurance can impact the lives of individuals in the long run. #1: Pay for Final Expenses Perhaps one of the hardest parts of losing someone is realizing there is a large amount of money needed to pay for final expenses. Life insurance can help over bur...

As you get ready to purchase your next car, you may be focused on makes, models, features and monthly loan payments. Yet, you also need to factor in the cost of auto insurance on the new vehicle. Depending on the age and type of vehicle you are purchasing, your car insurance payment may be significantly different than what you are currently paying. For those who want to keep insurance costs low, its important to buy affordably. Should I Loan, Lease or Buy Outright? For those who are considerin...

Business insurance is there as part of your backup plan. It is there to help you to cover the costs associated with any losses you may suffer. Today, it is growing in importance for many reasons, especially in the area of fraud. Take a close look at your company and employees. Realize that any one of these individuals could cost your company millions of dollars if an instance of fraud occurs. With business insurance in place, you know that fraud isn’t as likely to shutter your company. Yet...

Trampolines seem like a lot of fun, and they can be, but they can also be a safety risk. Because they do present a significant amount of risk, it’s important for individuals to take precautions to minimize those risks. However, it’s also important for homeowners to realize there are liability risks involved in these situations as well. If you are planning to purchase a trampoline or you already have one, it pays to contact your home insurance provider to discuss those risks. What ar...

Buying auto insurance for your electric vehicle can be a bit different than buying it for a standard car. Some people think electric car insurance is more expensive. It does not have to be. What is important to remember is that this type of insurance needs to be ideal for the type of vehicle you own. Many factors play a role in the costs. Here’s what you need to know before you buy an electric car. Does an Electric Car Cost More? Purchasing an electric car costs more than purchasing a tr...

Home insurance provides a variety of protections for property owners. One type of protection is for stolen property. When a person enters your space and takes something, you may have the ability to file a claim for that lost item. In every situation like this, it’s important to know what to do to prove your loss and to get help with it. Here’s what you can expect. What to Do as Soon as Possible When a theft occurs, your first reaction may be to clean up the mess and to figure out w...

When it comes to life insurance, people often consider it to be on a provider-only basis. In many cases, however, the provider of a household’s income isn’t the only provider. Stay-at-home parents need support, too, and life insurance serves such a purpose. Today, about 10.4 million mothers, and two million fathers, live with children younger than 18. These same parents, reports the Pew Research Center, don’t work outside the home. The number of stay-at-home parents is on the ...