Buying a new car
Things to keep in mind when buying a car in St. Louis & St. Charles County Buying a new car is an exciting time — but it can also be stressful. After all, you’re trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need. Here at Insurance Consultants, Inc., we can’t really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you’re looking around the lot — and when you’re trying to answer the age-old question of “new, or used?” Read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot. New cars Ah, that new-car smell. It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn’t seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new — and, of course, there are drawbacks as well. PRO — maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won’t need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase. PRO — peace of mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by “lemon laws” that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects. CON — cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.It’s also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it’s a new model for the automaker), there won’t be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren’t necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you’d like.Used cars Don’t care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you’ll want to be a little more careful. After all, it’s hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work. PRO — cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they’re purchased. By buying used, you’re letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car. PRO/CON — reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of “certified pre-owned” programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don’t carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer’s warranty is usually transferrable to a second owner. CON — maintenance: While a...
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Commercial Property Insurance Serving the unique needs of businesses in St. Louis & St. Charles Counties and all of Missouri One of the most common types of business insurance, commercial property insurance provides a wide range of coverage for buildings, inventory, equipment, tools and more. Losses from fire, break-in, vandalism, windstorm and other natural or manmade disasters are examples of what is typically covered. A basic commercial property insurance policy may be all you need, although the types of coverage can vary between different insurance companies. As an independent agent, Insurance Consultants, Inc. can help you determine the type of insurance policy and range of coverage that is best for your business. For a full list of coverage available, or to learn more about this product, contact us today 636-812-3500. MISSOURI – What you need to know about commercial property insurance Building Do you own a commercial building? If so, do you have enough commercial property insurance to cover replacement costs? Although cost estimators are available, we recommend that you secure an appraisal from a third party to accurately determine the current replacement cost of your building. Give Insurance Consultants, Inc. a call today at 636-812-3500, and we’ll help you determine if you have enough commercial property insurance for your business. Flood Most commercial property policies exclude flood as a covered cause of loss. A separate policy must be purchased to protect you from resulting damage. Check your current property insurance policy to be sure you are covered. If you’re unsure, just ask Insurance Consultants, Inc. to review your coverage, and we’ll help you find the best solution. Business Personal Property Business personal property insurance covers property at a specified location for furniture, fixtures, equipment and inventory. Be aware that most commercial property policies have very limited coverage for property taken off the specified location. If you have equipment that is frequently taken off-site to various locations, it is important that you have an inland marine policy (equipment or installation floater). Business Income (Business Interruption Coverage) This coverage reimburses a business owner for lost profits and fixed expenses during the time that a business is closed. It applies while the premises are being restored because of damage from an event, such as a fire. Business income insurance may also cover financial losses that occur if civil authorities limit customer access to your neighborhood or business after a disaster. Insurance Consultants, Inc. strongly recommends that all businesses acquire this coverage. Electronic Data Processing (EDP) This coverage is separate property coverage specifically designed to protect your computer related equipment. Most commercial property policies have limited coverage for computer networks. EDP broadens the causes of loss to include things like power surges and in some cases virus attacks. Based in Missouri, Insurance Consultants, Inc. understands the business insurance needs of our customers. The right coverage for you is unique – call us at 636-812-3500 today to find out how to protect your business and your future with the right...
read moreCommercial Auto Insurance
Commercial Auto Insurance for St. Louis, St. Charles & all of MISSOURI Commercial auto insurance can cover a combination of vehicle types (trucks, cars) and drivers, as well as some types of motorized equipment. It provides for bodily injury liability and property damage while operating a company automobile, medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for the driver and passengers of the policyholder’s car. Injuries or damage to someone else are also covered. Hired/Non-owned Auto Liability Are you renting cars or are your employees using their own vehicles? This particular coverage provides business insurance coverage for certain liabilities arising from the use of a rented or leased vehicle (hired), or a non-owned vehicle (employee using their own vehicle on company business). Oftentimes this coverage can be added inexpensively to a business auto policy, or in some cases, a general liability policy. Use of Personal Vehicles Insurance policies for privately owned vehicles may not cover damage to your privately owned car or truck when it is used for business, even home cosmetics, jewelry sales or a pizza delivery business. Every business is unique – talk to Insurance Consultants, Inc. today to find out how to get the best commercial auto insurance, service, price and value. Give Insurance Consultants, Inc. a call at...
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Business Owners Policy – Serving St. Louis, St. Charles & all of MISSOURI Business Owners Policy – Serving St. Louis, St. Charles & all of MISSOURI As a business owner, you strive to make decisions that are right for your business, your employees and yourself. This includes decisions about business insurance. You know you need excellent coverage. You don’t, however, have time to become an expert in business insurance. That’s where Insurance Consultants, Inc. can help. A Business Owners Policy (BOP) combines property, liability and business interruption coverage for small to medium-sized businesses. This packaged coverage is generally less expensive than when purchasing coverage separately. With a BOP you have the ability to customize the policy to meet your individual business needs. Perhaps you need general liability coverage that includes operations. Or, you need to add business auto coverage or commercial property insurance. Whether you are a home-based business, small service provider or contractor, Insurance Consultants, Inc. will work with you to find the right combination of business insurance coverage to meet your specific needs. Contact us 636-812-3500 today! Supplemental Coverage Available Extended liability for additional insureds. Debris removal, personal property. Tools and equipment. Valuable records protection and accounts receivable. In addition to advising you on the right coverage, we provide additional services, such as: Loss Prevention Programs—with our insurance company partners, we can evaluate your business’s current conditions and recommend ways to lower property, auto, workers compensation or liability losses. Lower losses will not only lower your insurance costs, but also increase your productivity by avoiding downtime. Quick Claim Response—when you do have a claim and need fast and fair service, we work with you to make that happen. That’s why we only represent companies with excellent records for settling claims fairly and promptly. Competitive Rates—many of the insurance companies we represent specialize in insuring specific types of businesses or industries, offering special coverage and pricing. To see if your business qualifies for one of these special programs, contact Insurance Consultants, Inc. for more information. Give us a call at...
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Commercial & Business Insurance Business insurance professionals, serving St. Louis, St. Charles and ALL of Missouri Insurance coverage that protects your company – so you can get back to business Insurance Consultants, Inc. knows business in our communities – you can find our offices in O’Fallon, MO, and our clients all around Missouri. As an independent insurance agency, we take pride in reviewing your options with multiple insurance companies and comparing protection and prices to find the best value for your business. We’re proud members of the City of O’Fallon, MO marketplace, and we’re committed to being an advocate for you and your business in times of need. Our commitment is to serving you Insurance Consultants, Inc. knows that in Missouri, there are as many unique insurance needs as we have neighbors who live here! To talk with one of our helpful team members about your insurance needs, contact us today.636-812-3500] Commercial & Business Insurance– Insurance coverage that helps protect your business General Liability Insurance – Broad insurance coverage for your business and activities. Commercial Property Insurance – Protect your business with insurance for your commercial property. Business Auto Insurance – Cover your business with insurance for commercial vehicles. Commercial Umbrella Insurance – Insurance coverage that helps protect your business from the rising costs of lawsuits. Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Insurance coverage that helps you take care of your employees. Bonds – Protect your assets with financial backups for promises made by others. ...
read moreAuto Insurance
Auto Insurance The right auto insurance policy can help get you back on the road quickly if your car is damaged or destroyed by accident, fire, theft, or other covered event. Your policy may also provide protection against medical and legal expenses resulting from injury, loss of life, or property damage caused by an accident involving your vehicle. An auto insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, and in exchange, the insurance company promises to pay for specific car-related financial losses during the term of the policy. Work with us to determine the best coverage for you. Insurance for cars, trucks, boats and more! Insurance Consultants, Inc. can insure your Motorcycle, Classic Car, Motor Home & RV, Boat & Jet Ski, and ATV too! Contact us at 636-812-3500 for more information today! MISSOURI – How much auto insurance is right for you? Based in O’Fallon, MO, our team understands the auto insurance needs of our customers. Auto insurance requirements vary by state. In some states, to drive you must carry: Liability coverage – to pay for losses you cause others, or: No-fault coverage – to pay you and your passengers for medical and related expenses caused by injuries from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault, or Both liability and no-fault coverage. We write insurance in Missouri and would be happy to help you ensure you have the right coverage for where you live. Even in states where coverage isn’t required, drivers must, by law, be able to pay for losses they cause others. Having insurance is the simplest way for most people to comply. To finance a car, it is usually necessary to have insurance which covers damage to your vehicle. This includes: Collision Insurance Collision insurance coverage pays for damage caused to your vehicle in an automobile accident. Standard collision coverage will pay for any repairs up to the fair market value of your car. Collision coverage usually also comes with an insurance deductible. It’s the amount of money you pay toward repairs before your collision insurance kicks in. The higher the deductible you’re willing to pay, the less the collision coverage will cost. Comprehensive Insurance (Other than Collision) Comprehensive insurance covers damage done to your car in some way other than a collision, such as if it were stolen or vandalized. Flood, hurricane, theft, windshield damage and fire are also events usually covered by comprehensive car insurance. Like collision, comprehensive will pay up to the fair market value of your car (less your insurance deductible). And although it’s not legally required by any state, you will probably need it if your car is financed. Every person is unique – talk to us 636-812-3500 today to find out how to get the best price and value on auto insurance for you. Insurance Consultants, Inc. Call for a quote today at...
read moreIdentity Theft in St. Charles County
Identity Theft Identity Theft is on the rise in St. Louis and St. Charles County! Your Identity Belongs to You. Protect It! A 2009 survey shows that identity theft is on the rise – and it’s more likely to start with a stolen wallet than an online phishing expedition. Researchers at Javelin Strategy & Research reported that the number of identity theft cases increased 22 percent to 9.9 million in 2008. Crimes of opportunity, such as stolen wallets, represented 43 percent of cases, compared to 33 percent in 2007, indicating an increase in the desperation of criminals. Women were 26 percent more likely to be victims of identity theft, reporting a higher incidence of lost or stolen information during purchases in stores. Only 11 percent of cases involved online access. The smartest way to protect yourself from identity theft is to prevent it from happening to you. However, if your identity is stolen, you’ll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly. Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report. Call and report to the police. Make several copies of police report. Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (call 1-887-ID-THEFT to request the forms). Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver’s License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account. Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.Fortunately, identity theft protection is available as an endorsement on most homeowners’ policies at a small cost. For example, Safeco offers Identity Theft Protection to homeowner policy holders. The coverage reimburses certain expenses associated with identity recovery. Customers can also get guidance on how to protect themselves from ID theft before it happens and may receive assistance with identity restoration. If you’re interested in learning more, call Tom or Brian at...
read moreInsurance to Value in St. Charles County
Insurance to Value Do You Have Enough Coverage to Rebuild Your Home in St. Charles County? Imagine how devastating it would be to lose your home in a fire. Now imagine not being able to rebuild it completely because you didn’t have the correct amount of insurance. Selecting the proper amount of coverage is the single most important decision you can make with your Homeowners policy. Without it, you may not have enough coverage to rebuild after a total loss. This is called “insurance to value.” Below are some explanations and tips to help you make the right choices for your needs — and remember, if you need help, we’re just a phone call away! What is insurance to value? Insurance to value is the relationship between the amount of coverage selected (typically listed as “Coverage A” or “Dwelling Coverage” on your policy declarations page) and the amount required to rebuild your home. Insuring your home for anything less than 100% insurance to value could mean you wouldn’t have enough coverage to replace your home in the event of a total loss Why is the cost to rebuild different from the market value? A home’s market value reflects current economic conditions, taxes, school districts, the value of the land and location, and other factors unrelated to construction cost. The cost to rebuild your home is based only on the cost of materials and labor in your area. It is important that you insure your home based on its reconstruction cost, NOT its current market value Why is reconstruction more expensive than new construction? New-home builders typically build many homes at once, and solicit bids from various sub-contractors to receive the best pricing. Their business model is based on economies of scale. For example, they may purchase 20 bathtubs at once, securing a lower unit cost. These economies of scale don’t exist when building a single home. How can I make sure I have the correct amount of insurance? Work with your agent to provide detailed information at time of purchase to be sure that you receive a thorough and accurate quote. Ask us about additional coverage options that may be available. Review your insurance to value calculation on a regular basis with your agent. Tell your agent about any changes or improvements that you make to your home....
read moreHome Inventory in St. Charles County
Home Inventory Why a Home Inventory Is Important in St. Charles County Let’s try a little exercise: Can you list everything you own from memory? Didn’t think so. The fact is most people own more things than they realize. It’s easy to remember the cars, the computer, the TV. But what about that holiday china in the garage? Or every pair of shoes? All of it is regarded as personal property for insurance purposes. And if your home is destroyed by fire or some other disaster, having a list of your possessions makes filing a claim easier — and helps you put your life back together. Why should I complete a home inventory? What’s the best way? Comparing the value of your belongings to the “contents” limit listed in your policy helps you make sure you have enough insurance to replace them if they are lost, stolen or destroyed as a result of a covered loss. The easiest way to take an inventory is to use a video camera, recording and describing items as you walk through your house. Or, you can use a regular camera and create a home inventory checklist. Here are a few tips for completing and storing your inventory: Add brand names and descriptions where you can, especially on large-ticket items. Serial numbers are helpful to note. Keep any receipts you have with the list to make the claims process easier. Store your video or photo inventory offsite so you won’t lose it if your house is damaged. Update your personal property records when you purchase new furnishings and valuables. Though the task may seem daunting, it’s important to try. An incomplete inventory is better than nothing at all. How much insurance do I need? We can assist you in analyzing your insurance needs and help you decide how to most effectively protect your personal property. You should consider full-value coverage, which will pay for the replacement value of your personal belongings. A standard policy typically covers personal property only up to its actual cash value, determined by taking the replacement cost and deducting depreciation, which can be substantial. (For example, a 5-year-old TV is usually worth much less than what it would cost to purchase a new one.) Finally, remember your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry, furs, art and antiques, only up to set dollar amounts. If the cost of replacing them exceeds these limits, you may want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage. The Insurance Information Institute has a FREE online tool that can help you create your inventory. Just visit www.knowyourstuff.org for more details. We hope you’ll never need the home inventory, but preparing for the worst can prevent a lot of hassle...
read moreFirework Pet Safety in St. Charles County
Firework Pet Safety Keep your pets safe during the Fourth of July Fireworks For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the pyrotechnics that mark the holiday. But for our pets, fireworks are another story. Many pets can be traumatized by the noisy rockets and firecrackers so many of us enjoy. At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we hope your holiday is happy and safe for you and your pets. So along with our other story about fireworks safety, here are some tips to help you protect your pets on the Fourth in St. Charles County, or elsewhere. Protecting your pets Many pets are very frightened by the loud noises caused by fireworks. If you can’t take them away from the noise, here are some pointers from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that will help them have a more peaceful holiday. Don’t take your pet to a public fireworks display. In addition to the noise, they may be spooked by the crowds. If possible, leave your pet inside in a safe, secure room. Do not leave them outside, even if your yard is fenced. They may try to flee, and they may succeed; July 5 is a busy year at many animal shelters in St. Charles County, as dogs and cats are frequently found miles from their homes. Taking your pet on a walk early in the day can help tire them out. Give your pets a comfortable place to rest, as well as plenty of food and water. You might even leave a TV or stereo on to drown out the fireworks. Provide soothing music, if possible. A favorite toy (or their favorite owner!) can help comfort them, too. Make sure your pets have an ID tag or microchip, in case they get scared and escape. Check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication intended to calm them. They may be able to provide you with a prescription or suggest alternatives. And, of course, keep your pet away from used and unused fireworks. With some common sense and planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone – and less scary for your pets. Whether you’re staying at home or heading elsewhere, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our...
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