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.

How to Do a Home Inventory for Insurance Purposes

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It can be hard to remember everything that was in your home after a disaster strikes, which is where a home inventory comes in handy. An up-to-date inventory makes your claim process more manageable and can also help make sure you have enough coverage, to begin with. An agent at Ruddy Insurance Group in Youngstown, OH can also help you with conducting an inventory and suggests the following:

  • Use Technology: Technology can make the process easier. Take a photo of individual items and then label where you bought it, as well as the make, model, and any other information that is useful. You can also walk through the home and videotape the contents while you describe them. Many mobile apps will give you options to help you create an inventory, and you should go room by room so you won’t forget anything.
  • Start Somewhere Easy: A contained area, like an equipment closet or kitchen, is an excellent place to start so you don’t get overwhelmed.
  • Include Basic Information: When recording your inventory, make sure that you include the basic information of what you will need when filing a claim. Serial numbers are always a useful reference and can be found on the back or bottom of appliances and electronics. Keep any proof of value, such as recipes or appraisals.
  • Don’t Forget Off-site Items: Any items you keep in a storage facility will be covered under your homeowner’s insurance, so be sure to include these items in the inventory.
  • Count Clothing by Category: Include things like "three pairs of sneakers" or "six pairs of jeans" to make it easy, and note any pieces of clothing that are exceptionally valuable.
  • Keep It Up to Date: Add any significant purchases while they are still fresh in your mind. Store copies of the inventory outside the home and, if you are using an app, make sure that you know how to access the information and when a backup is needed.

Contact Ruddy Insurance Group, serving Youngstown, OH, to get a quote on home insurance.