Will Motorcycle Insurance Cover My Lost Wages If I’m Unable to Work After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic. Even a small bump from a car can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike and fall off. This can cause a lot of bodily damage. As such, you may be unable to work for weeks or months if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. Advantage Insurance Network, serving the greater Cincinnati, OH area, is often asked if motorcycle insurance will cover lost wages if you are unable to work because of a motorcycle accident. Here is the answer to this question.

If you are unable to work because you were involved in a motorcycle accident, your motorcycle accident coverage will typically cover your lost wages as long as a doctor states that you are unable to work for this period of time. Additionally, the lost wages fall under bodily injury. This means that you have to have enough coverage under your policy for these wages to be covered if you are at fault. For example, if your policy only covers $50,000 in bodily injury and your hospital bills amount to this amount, there will be nothing left over for your lost wages. If you were not at fault for the accident, the other driver’s insurance should kick in and help you, up to their maximum. You may also be able to sue them if you go over what their insurance covers.

As a general rule of thumb, lost wages are covered if a doctor states you are unable to work after a motorcycle accident. However, there needs to be enough coverage to cover this expense. Advantage Insurance Network, serving the greater Cincinnati, OH area can ensure you have enough coverage for catastrophic events. Call us today and let us put together the right motorcycle insurance policy for you.

Do You Really Need a Home Inventory?

A home inventory can be extremely useful when it comes to making an insurance claim. Having complete documentation of all your valuables makes it easier to make an accurate claim if your property sustains damage or loss due to an event covered by your insurance policy. Making a home inventory enables you to keep better track of your goods and their value. Here are a few reasons why this information is to your advantage.

Ensures Proper Insurance Coverage

Through a home inventory, you gain a better perspective of the value of your personal goods. This makes it easier to select the insurance coverage to protect your interests. After reviewing your home inventory, your Advantage Insurance Network agent in Cincinnati, OH can provide you with insurance options suitable for your situation. Having adequate insurance coverage ensures your goods are well protected against any eventuality.

Facilitates Insurance Claims

A written or digital home inventory provides documented proof of ownership of personal goods covered under your insurance policy. If your goods suffer damage or loss, you can refer to your home inventory to make a claim. Your inventory should include a list of personal effects, date of purchase, receipts (if any), a detailed description of each item and photos of costly goods such as antiques, heirlooms, jewelry, etc. Having this information on hand can help you avoid delays in making a claim. It also serves to verify the value of the item you lost so you can receive its replacement cost under your insurance coverage.

A home inventory is a valuable tool that homeowners can use to their advantage. With a home inventory, there’s less chance of forgetting to claim valuable items lost or damaged in a flood, fire, or other catastrophes. For greater insight into making and maintaining a home inventory, contact Advantage Insurance Network, Cincinnati, OH.

 

Possible Exclusions on a Home Insurance Policy in the State of Ohio

While no one wants something to happen to their home, we all know that things occur. That’s why many homeowners get an insurance policy to cover that risk. Home repairs can get expensive, and the damage can result in higher costs than you might be able to afford. However, a home insurance policy won’t cover everything, so you need to be aware of any possible exclusions.

Possible Coverage Limitations

Home insurance is broken down into four different parts:

•    Dwelling
•    Other Structures
•    Personal Property
•    Loss of Use

While they will cover most of the possible occurrences, there may be some limitations on the following items:

•    Computers, laptops, and other business equipment.
•    Antique furniture and art.
•    Theft of jewelry, watches, precious stones, and furs.
•    Theft of fine silverware and china.
•    Theft of guns.
•    Theft of sports cards and other collectible items.
•    Theft of hand tools.

There may be other items for which there may be coverage limitations, so be sure to reach out to the Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH. We have agents who will gladly help you, so feel free to contact our office today!

What May Not be Covered

While there are several items that may have limitations in coverage, there are some things that won’t be covered under a home insurance policy. Some of these may include:

•    Earthquakes
•    Landslides
•    Vandalism
•    Damage caused by neglect
•    Damage caused by normal wear and tear

If you want to know more about what a home insurance policy won’t cover, the Advantage Insurance Network has a team of agents that can answer any questions you may have. If you live in Cincinnati, OH, be sure to get in touch with us today!

How Often do Home Insurance Needs Change?

In many cases, the needs of each homeowner as they apply to home insurance are going to stay relatively the same through the course of your living in your home. There are some events however and some instances in which you might need to adjust or change your coverage to help better cover your home. If you are thinking of changing coverage and you live in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help.

In most cases, your insurance needs are going to stay the same from year to year unless you do some improvements to your home or unless your specific geographic location dictates a change of some sort. What we mean by geographic area is that if you live in an area where twenty inches of snow is the average before the 30th of December each year, you may want more coverage in the winter and less in the summer to save money.

Similarly, if you do a great deal of home improvement to your home like adding an all new addition or upgrading your home, you are going to need more coverage to build back your house if it is damaged or destroyed. In these cases, you might need to adjust your home insurance coverage so that you have more or less dependent on the situation. If you are unsure if you need to change your coverage, it is always helpful to talk with an agent about insurance policies and what might work for you.

If you live in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help you find the policy that is going to work best for you and for your home so that you are covered no matter the situation.  

How Often do Home Insurance Needs Change?

In many cases, the needs of each homeowner as they apply to home insurance are going to stay relatively the same through the course of your living in your home. There are some events however and some instances in which you might need to adjust or change your coverage to help better cover your home. If you are thinking of changing coverage and you live in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help.

In most cases, your insurance needs are going to stay the same from year to year unless you do some improvements to your home or unless your specific geographic location dictates a change of some sort. What we mean by geographic area is that if you live in an area where twenty inches of snow is the average before the 30th of December each year, you may want more coverage in the winter and less in the summer to save money.

Similarly, if you do a great deal of home improvement to your home like adding an all new addition or upgrading your home, you are going to need more coverage to build back your house if it is damaged or destroyed. In these cases, you might need to adjust your home insurance coverage so that you have more or less dependent on the situation. If you are unsure if you need to change your coverage, it is always helpful to talk with an agent about insurance policies and what might work for you.

If you live in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help you find the policy that is going to work best for you and for your home so that you are covered no matter the situation.  

Essential Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Avoid

If you live on a tight budget, it can be tempting to ignore home maintenance jobs that need to be done on your property in order to save money. While some home repairs can be put off temporarily without serious repercussions, others need to be taken care of right away. By putting off essential home repairs, you increase the risk of causing even worse damage to your property. The following repairs fall under the "essential" category:

Roof Repair

An old roof with damaged shingles won’t hold up against stormy weather. If you delay making roof repairs, you increase the risk of structural and/or interior water damage to your property. Water damage caused by lack of roof maintenance and repair may not be covered by your insurance carrier. By discussing water damage coverage with an Advantage Insurance Network agent in Cincinnati, OH, you can get a better idea of the protection your insurance policy offers.    

Plumbing/Electrical System

Problems with your home’s plumbing and/or electrical system should also be taken care of as soon as possible. Worn pipes or faulty wiring increase the risk of flooding or fire, both of which could utterly destroy your home. If you own an older home, you may need to upgrade your plumbing or electrical system to avoid serious problems.

Cracks in Foundation

Although some cracks in your home’s foundation may be harmless, others could present a problem. When it doubt, it’s best to have cracks checked by a professional, especially if they cause buckling or bulging in the home’s structure. Taking care of the problem early on could save you the expense of costly repairs later down the line.

A comprehensive home insurance policy from Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, will protect your home and personal belongings from unforeseen events that could cause damage to your property.  

 

Does Home Insurance Make a Difference?

The last thing that you want to deal with is finding the money to rebuild after your home is damaged or destroyed. Though it is possible, the burden of finding enough money to rebuild or to buy a new home is very trying and can be avoided with the right home insurance policy. The agents with Advantage Insurance Network in the Cincinnati, OH area can help.

There are a few different ways that a home insurance policy can make a positive difference in your overall experience. For starters, having a home insurance policy in place is going to make it far easier to rebuild if your home is destroyed, to repair if your home is damaged, and to recover if your home is burglarized. Also, home policies can help pay the cost of medical bills if someone is injured while on your property.

Overall, home insurance is going to help make a huge difference in how quickly you can get back to your life after something terrible happens. Though it might not seem like a possibility, a home can be destroyed in a matter of moments and when you have home insurance, you can be sure that you are going to be able to get the money to rebuild your home and get back to living. A great home insurance policy is going to be a safety net that keeps you covered no matter what even when it might seem like you do not need it.

It does cost a premium each month but that does not mean that the premiums are going to outweigh the benefit of keeping a home insurance policy up. If you live in the Cincinnati, OH area, contact the agents with Advantage Insurance Network today to get the right policy for your home and for your individual circumstance.  

DIY Winter Home Maintenance

Want to keep your house in good condition throughout the Cincinnati, OH winters? There are a few home maintenance tips that you can do yourself to help keep your home secure for the season.

  • Gutters – Clean your gutters to remove any debris that may have become trapped over the last few months. If your gutters are blocked, water can damage your roof and fascia of your home. Water that settles can attract insects, animals, and rodents. Water that flows over can seep into your foundation and cause mold damage. Remove any large debris by hand and then, with a gutter attachment, spray the gutters with a garden hose. This is a good time to see if your gutters are draining properly. If not, you will need to flush the downspout with a hose.
  • Empty Pipes – Before the weather gets below freezing temperatures, make sure there is no water in the exterior pipes of your home. Shut off the main water valve and then run all of the faucets until the pipes are clear. Don’t forget about the toilets, dishwasher, and washing machine. Add a small amount of propylene glycol to prevent freezing from standing water inside of any pipe traps.
  • Fireplace Maintenance – Fireplaces that are not maintained properly can cause house fires and could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Check the outside of your chimney for cracks and make sure that your cap is in good condition. The screen preventing rodents and animals from entering your home should be damage-free and clear of debris. Also, clean out any ash from inside your fireplace.

 In Cincinnati, OH, our independent insurance agents can help you keep your home safe and secure with home insurance. We can also take care of your auto, business, life, health, and boat insurance needs.

4 Things You Can Do to Prepare for Fall

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but sometimes people are too busy outside enjoying the new season that they fail to remember that winter is coming. Preparing for fall really means getting the house ready for a change in temperature, so check out these 4 tips from Advantage Insurance Network to get your house back in tip-top shape. 

Insulate It All 

Unless you love spending money on all of your heating bills, then it’s time to consider better insulation in the house. It’s not a myth that you can lose hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year by the heat escaping to the outside. 

Clean It Up 

Winter is stuffy and if your house in Cincinnati, OH isn’t clean, it can compound the cabin fever feeling you will not doubt be having at some point this season. When you clean everything, you can at least have air that hasn’t been compromised by the dust that’s built up over the stifling heat of summer. 

Store It Away 

There are a lot of things you won’t be using this winter, and why have all of the clutter around if you don’t have to? By putting it all away, you have space and room to breathe, and it makes it a lot easier to find the things you will need — like your sweaters and your shovel.

Remember the Perils of Winter

 Advantage Insurance Network serves Cincinnati, OH, and wants you to have a safer home for all the seasons. Failing to purchase the right policy can lead you open to repairs that you can’t afford. For protection against natural disasters, call our agents today to find out how you can get the coverage you need to ward off snow, ice and more. 

 

Your Cincinnati, OH home insurance agent can find you the right policy

When you buy a home it’s a very exciting time, but don’t get so caught up in getting a house that you overlook the important details of protecting your new investment. You need to make sure you take good care of your house, and that includes keeping it insured. With a good insurance policy, your home will be financially protected from fire, floods, break-ins, and other worries that are common to people who own a house of their own. One of the best ways to get the right insurance policy for your Cincinnati, OH home is to work with an independent agent from Advantage Insurance Network.

Independent agents are great at finding you the right policy because they can get you quotes from several different companies. Then you can ask questions about all of the options you have and can consider which policy is going to be right for you. Some of your focus may be on the cost of your policy, but there are other issues to consider, too. How much coverage you’re getting for the money matters, because that tells you the true value of the policy you’ve chosen. Instead of just selecting what’s least expensive, you can look at several different policies that fit your budget.

When you get your home insurance from Advantage Insurance Network, you can work with an independent agent and get answers to your questions about the right policy and what that can mean for your needs. Then you can just live in your home and enjoy it, knowing you’re protected financially. As your needs change you may need to make adjustments to your home insurance, too, so it’s good to know that you have an agent on your side to help you stay prepared.