Category: Did You Know

Why Bundle Your Home and Auto Policies?

Are you missing out on savings? If you have insurance policies with more than one company, the answer is most likely yes. 

The commercials are true: Bundling insurance policies is often cheaper and more convenient when done with a single insurer. But why? 

While bundling may not be right for everyone, here is the how – and the why – on insurance bundling. Then you can make your own decision.

What does it mean to bundle my home and auto insurance? 

Bundling your home (or renter’s) and auto insurance means getting both policies from the same insurer. You can ask for a quote to see your potential savings before you make a switch.

1. Save money when you bundle policies.

You probably have to have home and auto insurance anyway, so you want to get the best possible deal on your coverage. You may be eligible for a multipolicy discount when you get more than one insurance policy from the same company. This is in addition to any other discounts you receive, such as for a good driving record.

2. Simplify payments and organization.

Bundling your insurance coverage can help you simplify with one monthly payment instead of several. It’s also easier to keep up with your policies when you can view all your insurance documents in one place. Check your coverage, ask a question, and file a claim — all from the same online portal or mobile app. If your insurance needs to change in the future, you just have one phone call to make. 

3. Increase your convenience as a customer.

If you file claims often, it’s better to have a company that knows and values you as a customer. And even if you don’t file many claims, holding multiple policies with a single insurer gives more business to a company that has given you superior customer service in the past.

If you have any questions, reach out for help.

What pet damage does insurance cover?

Pets are a part of the family for many homeowners and renters, but they’re a big responsibility and can also be expensive.

One of the most important things for pet owners to understand is what pet-related damages your insurance policies cover.

Keep reading if you want to learn more about why you need to declare your pets on your homeowners or renters insurance — and why liability coverage, which is different from medical pet insurance, is so important.

Q: Does my homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by pets?
A: The first step is to be upfront about any pets in your home. Otherwise, you may not be eligible for coverage if your pet hurts someone or damages their property. The liability and medical payment part of your policy would cover this type of incident.

Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover any damage your pets cause to your property, such as furniture or electronics.

Q: Does renters insurance cover pets?
A: It’s likely that your renters policy may also offer liability coverage for the types of damage mentioned above. Check your policy for specifics, and reach out with any questions.

Q: Does insurance cover dog bites?
A: If your dog bites someone on your property, the personal liability and medical payment coverages in your insurance policy may cover it. However, additional exclusions or higher premiums may kick in if this happens.

Q: Are any pets excluded from coverage?
A: Your coverage may be limited when it comes to certain dog breeds that are considered high-risk. Exotic or backyard animals are less likely to be covered, but it depends on the specifics of your policy. Let’s discuss it so you know what impacts your coverage.

Q: Will homeowners insurance pay for veterinary bills?
A: Homeowners insurance only covers damage caused by a pet to other people and their property. If your pet is injured during such an incident, you would have to cover the vet bills on your own. However, pet insurance for veterinary coverage does exist as a separate purchase.

Do you have questions about your homeowners or renters insurance? Get in touch today for answers.

Does your car have an emergency kit?

Are you prepared for a roadside emergency?

All it takes is bad weather, an accident or a flat tire to leave you stranded. You could be commuting to work, taking a road trip or visiting friends and family.

Be ready for the worst-case scenario with a vehicle emergency kit. Whether you can get back on the road or need to wait for help, these five items will help you stay safe (and as comfortable as possible) in the meantime.

  1. Road Flares
    Flares alert other drivers that a disabled vehicle is ahead. This can protect you from getting hit if there’s a narrow shoulder, it’s dark outside or you’re in a low-visibility spot. Choose from traditional flares that ignite like a match or battery-powered LED flares.
  2. Jumper Cables
    Use another vehicle or a portable jump starter to jump-start a dead battery with these. Read your vehicle’s manual to know where your battery is located, if any specific instructions should be followed, and whether or not jump starting is recommended.
  3. Car Chargers
    If you need to call for help or use the flashlight on your phone, you don’t want to discover your cell phone is dead. It’s also a good idea to keep a portable charger or power bank on hand if you can’t use a plug-in charger because your car battery is dead.
  4. Blankets and Warm Clothing
    Being stranded in the cold isn’t fun — and it could be dangerous. If you can’t run your car’s heater, have blankets and a spare sweatshirt, hat and gloves on hand to keep you warm until help arrives.
  5. Snacks and Water
    You could get hungry if you have to wait a while for the road to clear or for help to arrive. Keep protein bars and other shelf-stable snacks, as well as bottled water, in your vehicle.

Staying safe and being prepared are important while you’re on the road. If you have questions about your car insurance coverage, reach out to get answers.

What’s a home insurance binder?

When you think of binders, you may think of school or work. But home insurance? 

Yes, a home insurance binder is a real (though temporary) thing. You can think of it as a temporary driver’s license that gets you on the road while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Insurance binders provide proof of your coverage until your complete policy is done.

Learn more about what a home insurance binder is, why you need one, what’s included and how long it lasts:

What is a home insurance binder?

A home insurance binder is a temporary document that serves as proof of your policy until the underwriting process is complete. They provide details on your coverage. When you receive your complete policy, you no longer need the binder.

Why would you need one?

When you apply for a mortgage, you have to show your lender that you’ve purchased homeowners insurance. A home insurance binder provides proof of coverage until you receive your full policy.

What’s included in a homeowners insurance binder?

This is what you’ll typically find in a home insurance binder:

  • How long the policy lasts
  • Information about your insurance company
  • Deductible, coverage amounts and limits
  • Type of policy
  • Hazards you’re protected against (such as weather-related damage, theft and vandalism)

Does a home insurance binder expire?

Insurance binders are generally valid for about a month. Once you receive your final policy with its declaration page, you no longer need the binder.

Have questions about your home insurance? Reach out so we can chat.

Meridian Umbrella Policy

Here at Meridian we believe in helping protect our customers and their families, from even the most unexpected, unlikely, or even traumatic events that life can throw their way. An Umbrella Policy from Meridian is one of the very best ways to do just that, as Umbrella policies are held in order to cover anything above and beyond what your normal insurance policies cover.  These types of policies are affordable and can be the answer to your prayers if the worst does happen.

Imagine, if you will, that it’s a lovely Sunday morning and you’re going to go out and get the paper, and your faithful and friendly dog Max, a black lab, is clearly wanting to accompany you. As you get outside you see that your paper has been left way out in the yard, almost to the curb. As you walk across the lawn you’re oblivious to your neighbor, you know the one, secretary of the HOA association and self delegated neighborhood watch captain, who is always watching and commenting on everyone’s homes and yards.  Well today, she’s power-walking, and just as you bend down to get the paper, she comes walking up behind you, fast and swinging her arms, so Max, your beloved boys, senses a threat and immediately goes to defend you, jumping up and clamping down on her arm. By the time you know what has happened, she has run down the street screaming, and poor Max is cowering at your feet as you yelled at him. Now, even if you do all the right things, give her your insurance information, deliver home baked goods and flowers, well she comes after your family with a huge law suit that includes all the medical bill, emotional therapy bills, physical and occupational therapy bills and even pain and suffering.  Your homeowner’s policy caps out at a certain amount, and what will you do after that?? Drain your savings?  Sell your home? Take out a personal loan? Well, none of that will be needed if you carry an umbrella policy from Meridian, as after your standard policy caps out, you’re still covered, no matter what happens!

Perhaps you have a teenage son or daughter that has been admiring Grandpa’s classic Mustang for years! He finally hands it down to you and you keep it carefully under a cover in the garage. Well, you go out of town for the weekend and yep, you guessed it, Landon or Sadie just couldn’t contain themselves. They know where you kept the keys, and they just HAD to take it out on Saturday night, however by the time you know, it’s because you’re receiving a call that there’s been an accident. Now, not only is the poor Mustang damaged, but the kiddo plowed into rather expensive imported car, and that driver was transported to the hospital.  However, the kid is ok, and so are you, because you carry an umbrella policy from Meridian and you know, despite the final numbers, you’re covered… now you only have to figure out what to do about the kid!

Another situation you might expect can arise during the best of times. It is late spring and a beautiful weekend, so you plan a barbeque and hot tub night with some friends. Everyone is having a wonderful time until one of your guests slips getting out and takes a major fall resulting in a broken pelvis and fractured lower vertebrae.  Even if you do everything you can, there’s just no way your homeowner’s policy will cover all those medical and recovery bills.  However when you finally get inside, after the ambulance and paramedics have left, you remember your umbrella policy that your trusted Meridian agent had you add to your bundle of policies, and you breathe a huge sigh of relief, knowing that your friend can get the best help possible, without any extra worry or money from you.

Introducing Meridian Insurance Group LLC

I am excited to introduce my new business – Meridian Insurance Group, LLC. Thank you to Johnny at JMI Insurance for giving me the opportunity to start my own business as a branch of JMI. This has been a fantastic opportunity for me to partner with a well-respected Insurance Agency that has been in business for over 25 years. I am excited about the opportunity to have my own name and identity for my business while having a top-notch agency behind me.

Look for more blog posts relating to tips, advice and other information that will help you better understand:

  • How to best protect what matters most to you
  • How to take care of your home, business and vehicles
  • Advice on handling claims, and other insurance related questions
  • And, once in a while, fun information about what’s happening in the community.

I hope you’ll check back frequently, and if we’re not already working together, maybe you’ll give me the opportunity to help you protect all that matters with you through all the stages of your life.