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5 Essentials of Car Insurance

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When considering the 5 essentials of car insurance in Ohio, you might just want to meet the minimum liability requirements. On the other hand, you may wonder if the minimum insurance mandated by law will fully cover accident expenses. It’s up to you to decide what to include in your policy. Still, Ruddy Insurance Group of Niles, OH recommends five auto insurance coverage essentials even if not all are required by the state of Ohio.

1. Liability

Bodily injury/death coverage of at least $25,000 for one person or $50,000 for more than one person will satisfy Ohio requirements. You also need a minimum of $25,000 property damage coverage according to this state’s mandatory insurance laws. It covers the costs of damages and injuries to others but not for you.

2. Comprehensive

This coverage provides you peace of mind in case of unexpected weather or other causes of damage besides a vehicle crash. You can ask about a variety of other scenarios (i.e. winding roads, theft, and vandalism, or animal accidents) to make sure all your protection needs are met.

3. Collision

This could save you from shelling out money you may not have for a new vehicle. It also can possibly provide you funds for repairable auto damages. This extends beyond what basic liability insurance offers.

4. Underinsured/uninsured motorist

It never hurts to make sure you can pay for damages in case someone else does not have insurance. This kind of coverage also prevents unpleasant surprises associated with finding out another driver does not have enough insurance.

5. Personal injury/medical

Hopefully, you would not need this after an accident, but you have the option of adding it to your policy. It could pay for any injuries you have, and it could cover some post-accident medical costs. It pays more for you rather than just for people in the other vehicle(s) involved in an accident.

You may need more information about specific policy inclusions. Ruddy Insurance can answer all your questions about auto insurance in Niles, OH. Contact us anytime to find auto coverage that works for you.

3 Tips for Buying Life Insurance in Ohio

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Life insurance is something that everyone should have. Why? Because this policy will help take care of things after you pass. For example, your burial expenses and debts can be paid; your family can have extra income to help them financially; and the money can even be used to pay for your kid’s college tuition, wedding, or whatever is needed. If you don’t already have a life insurance policy in Niles, OH, you’re thinking about acquiring a new one, or you want to add to an existing one, here are three tips to help you choose the right policy and save money in the process.

1. Work with a Reputable Agent

To guarantee you purchase the right life insurance policy for you or another family member, work with a reputable agent who will help guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision. The agents at Ruddy Insurance Group are standing by to answer all your questions and concerns about this type of policy.

2. Compare Several Quotes

A reputable agent will help you compare several life insurance quotes from different insurance companies. They will go over the fine detail of each to make sure you understand what each policy offers and at what price.

3. Bundle Your Insurance Policies

Did you know you can bundle your life insurance policy with other insurance policies to save money on your premiums? It’s true, and a reputable agent will help you maximize these savings.

To learn more about life insurance, contact the team at Ruddy Insurance Group, serving the Niles, OH area today. Our team will help you find the right policy at a price within your budget.

 

How much home insurance do you need?

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A good home insurance plan in Youngstown, OH works so that you only have to worry about rebuilding after devastation hits your family. You do not have to concern yourself with many financial aspects when you have the right insurance plan.

The agents at Ruddy Insurance Group understand the consequences associated with tragedy. They can, therefore, help you find the homeowner’s insurance plan that works best for your family. Read on to get a better understanding of how much home insurance you may need. 

The basics of coverage

The best home insurance plans replace your possessions as well as the structure of your home. Excellent policies also pay for personal injuries that occur on your property and reimburse living expenses associated with relocation. You may want to consider purchasing more coverage if your home insurance policy does not provide these things. The last thing that you want is to get caught in a natural disaster while underinsured in Niles, OH. 

The details of coverage

Your dwelling coverage should be enough to purchase a new home of equal or greater value to the property that you presently own. It can be challenging to calculate the replacement cost of your current home, which is why the agents at Ruddy Insurance Group are here to help. As a general rule of thumb, you should factor in new building codes in your area as well as the rising costs of building structures from scratch when determining replacement costs. 

Another factor associated with a good homeowner’s insurance plan is personal property. While there are items that are simply irreplaceable, your plan should at least offer a workable payout amount for sentimental possessions. Consider a umbrella policy if you have highly valuable items. You can discuss this with an agent.

Call us today!

We know home insurance plans and are eager to help you find the right policy in Youngstown and Niles, OH. Call us today to get started with a quote!

Does Classic Car Insurance Cover Accidents?

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Classic cars are a wonderful thing, they bring much enjoyment and fun to those that own them. That being said, typical insurance simply does not do justice when it comes to caring for your classic car. For those that live in the Niles, OH area, the agents with Ruddy Insurance Group can help you to get the coverage that you need.

Classic car insurance covers a great deal, including the cost of recovering after an accident? If you do have a classic car your classic policy will do a few things that normal car insurance simply does not do. For starters, classic coverage helps to cover the total value of your classic car. With normal car insurance, if your classic car is in an accident you are not going to be able to get the full amount for your car, even if it is fully destroyed. This means that if your classic car is valued at $60,000, you are not going to have to worry about depreciation, you are going to get the full $60,000.

Classic car insurance is something that any classic car owner needs in order to help to protect their investment and make sure that their car is not going to be destroyed and they are going to have to pay to replace it on their own. Classic car insurance works to help protect your car from damages, accidents, and more and is essential if you do have a classic car that is worth a great deal of money. For those that live in the Niles, OH area, the agents with Ruddy Insurance Group can help you find the type and amount of coverage that you need for your classic car to be fully protected and fully covered in the case of an accident.   

If Black Mold Is Found in an Apartment, Who Is Responsible?

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In Niles, OH, the Ruddy Insurance Group works with its clients who have been exposed to black mold while living in their apartment. In most cases, black mold and its safe removal is the responsibility of the landlord. There are many instances in which renters are unaware that black mold has even started to grow in their apartment. 

Contact Your Landlord Immediately

If you find black mold anywhere in your apartment, it is up to you to notify your landlord immediately. Once they are aware of the situation, it is up to them to take the appropriate action to have the mold removed and also to prevent it from coming back. This process can take several days which means you may be required to get a hotel room while they work.

Loss of Use Insurance

Having Loss of Use insurance included in your policy will ensure that you have the money you need to get a hotel for a few nights while your apartment is unlivable. You may have to replace some of your belongings if the mold has worked its way into your living area. Your insurance agent will have to work with you to determine the extent of the damage. 

At Ruddy Insurance Group, the agents work with residents who live in or near Niles, OH to make sure their apartments or rental homes are safe to live in. This means controlling black mold and preventing it from doing irreparable damage in terms of their health and well-being. When you have questions about black mold or what your responsibility is to your landlord, call and schedule a meeting with your agent today!

Who Is Responsible if my RV is Damaged by Another Vehicle in a Campground?

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RV owners in Niles, OH need to make sure their RVs and other recreational vehicles are properly insured before leaving for a campground or other recreational area. Carrying your own insurance is the best way to protect yourself from financial loss if your RV or other recreational vehicles are damaged in any way. The agents at Ruddy Insurance Group will ensure that you are fully covered.

Who Is At Fault?

In Ohio, the person at fault is liable for any damages they may cause or injuries a person may receive during an accident. Even if the accident occurs on campground property, the at-fault driver’s insurance will be required to pay for the damages to your RV and any injuries that resulted from the accident. In some cases, the police or an insurance investigator may have to be called in to determine who is at-fault and responsible for the repairs.

Is the Campground Liable?

Depending on the circumstances, the campground may also share a portion of the liability. If your RV is parked and it is damaged by falling trees or debris, the campground will be liable. If it can be proven that the campground created a situation in which the accident that occurred was unpreventable, their insurance will also be held responsible.

The agents at Ruddy Insurance Group provide the residents of Niles, OH with the highest quality RV insurance possible. If an accident occurs, the agents will always be there to help sort out who is at fault as well as what caused the accident. Call the agents at your earliest convenience to find out if your RVs and recreational vehicles are properly insured.

What Happens When You Change How Your Motorcycle is Used or Stored?

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If you have a motorcycle or you are planning to get one, it is important to make an insurance review part of your regular maintenance program. If there have not been any significant changes in how the motorcycle is used or stored, then an annual review is sufficient. Your agent can help to make any adjustments needed for replacement value or other routine things to keep your insurance up-to-date.

However, if anything substantial changes, then you should immediately consult with your agent at Ruddy Insurance Group, serving Niles, OH and the surrounding area.

Here is a checklist of things that might change, which are important reasons to have a motorcycle insurance review:

  • Change in Use: An example of this would be if you take a part-time job and use your motorcycle to make deliveries. This a commercial use that requires a different type of motorcycle insurance. Another example would be, if you get a new job and your commute distance, riding on your motorcycle to work, is further.
  • Change in Riders: If you allow other people to ride your motorcycle, they may need to be put on your motorcycle insurance policy as an authorized operator.
  • Storage and Parking: If you are going to park your motorcycle in a different place that might increase the security risk, let your agent know before making this change. For example, if you have been keeping your motorcycle in a locked garage and you need to park it out on the street instead, be sure to inform your agent.
  • Custom Work: If you add any custom features to the motorcycle, this is a good reason to upgrade your insurance coverage to make sure it provides adequate protection for the increased value.
  • Moving: Moving to a new location will require policy changes for your motorcycle insurance.

These are just a few of the common things to consider to make sure you always have adequate motorcycle insurance. Contact your agent at Ruddy Insurance Group in Niles, OH by calling 330-652-0202 or use the convenient online form to get a motorcycle insurance review and a quote.

Does Boat Insurance Cover Custom Add-On Pieces?

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Boat insurance is generally either required or highly recommended for people who have vessels with an engine. Boat insurance covers the owner with liability insurance and the motors and structure in some cases. If the boat has been customized and the value increases, it may be necessary to submit documentation to get adequate coverage.

Boat Insurance

Finding the right type of boat insurance may be a chore without the assistance of a knowledgeable insurance agent who is familiar with the products necessary to prevent losses while on the open water. Customized boats may require special boat insurance or riders to provide the necessary protection. In addition, it is also usually necessary to submit proof of value to obtain proper insurance. Not all policies are the same, so having a professional to assist is the key to having peace of mind. 

Finding The Right Policy

It is essential to find a policy that is going to adequately cover a customized boat with add-on pieces of value. Some instances can include racing boats or boats with extensive cosmetic work. These boats can be worth substantially more than a standard model, so getting suitable coverage can be challenging unless the owner is working with an experienced agency. People who are looking for boat insurance for models with add-ones should contact Ruddy Insurance Group serving the residents around the Niles, OH area. 

Boats can pose a significant risk of financial loss if not properly insured. Anyone who is searching for coverage in the Niles, OH area should call or stop by Ruddy Insurance Group and consult with an agent who can help obtain the necessary cover to meet individual needs.

Is There Such a Thing As Too Much Auto Insurance?

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Shopping for car insurance isn’t exactly fun. Living in Youngstown or Niles, OH, there are requirements you have to consider. That says nothing about comparing costs and coverages. It’s a general headache, but a little help can go a long way. 

Can we have too much auto insurance?

Yes, it is possible to have too much coverage on a vehicle. You can have redundancies that you don’t need — like having AAA and roadside assistance on your insurance. More important than any of that is the premiums. If your premiums are high enough that they’re hurting your ability to pay the bills, then you have too much insurance. Before you go slashing coverage, though, there are some ways you can lower the monthly bill. First, you want to look at deductibles.

In many cases, a higher deductible will lead to a lower monthly payment. Second, you want to hit the discounts. Bundling, military service, company contracts, and a bunch of other factors can save you money. Talking with your Ruddy Insurance Group agent can help you find every last discount.

There is more to this than excessive insurance

Technically, you can carry excessive coverage on a vehicle, but it’s pretty uncommon. Remember, the point of protection is to make sure you have a working car after an accident. You also want a policy that covers potential injuries. Those two things make up the bulk of the cost of your plan. If you’re trying to lower your premiums, you want to reduce the payout for these two things only as a last resort. In many cases, state requirements will prevent you from lowering personal injury coverage anyways.

The best way to make sure you aren’t paying too much or covering too little is to invest a little time. Compare prices, shop around, and then let Ruddy Insurance Group help. If you do the work, you can save some money, maintain peace of mind, and get back to life in Niles, OH.

Do You Have Adequate Life Insurance to Protect Your Family’s Future?

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Many of our clients in the greater Niles, OH area add life insurance to their portfolio when they are married or begin their families. However, it is important that these policies are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that your life insurance is keeping pace with your life stage changes. Ruddy Insurance Group is here to help you navigate this process in a smooth manner that keeps your family protected while minimizing your stress level; we are here for you!

Life Insurance Needs Change as You Progress Through Various Life Stages

When you have young children, you likely consider life insurance as a protective measure in the event of the early death of your self or your spouse. When your children grow older, you may look at your whole life or universal policy as a means to help your children reach their educational goals. As your family ages, your needs will change. Whatever type of life insurance policy that you hold, it is always a smart idea to review the coverage daily.

Life insurance is a useful insurance and financial tool, and your local agent can help you to maximize the benefits of your policy. Not only can they help you acquire adequate coverage and protection, but they can also help you to gain the highest benefit from your policy over time. Make sure that your family has the safety net they need, while also adding another tool to your overall financial portfolio.

Is it time to review your life insurance policy for completeness? The team at Ruddy Insurance Group is here to help! If you are in the greater Niles, OH area, call or stop by our office today and meet with one of our friendly agents.