advantage insurance network

Is a healthcare savings account (HSA) right for you

Posted on by AgentInsure

These days, health care and health insurance are complicated and expensive. With high deductibles and even higher premiums, everyone is looking for ways to make their healthcare dollars stretch. At the Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH we have experienced agents who can help you to navigate the maze of terms and policies. Here are some things that need to be considered when you are deciding whether a healthcare savings account is right for you. 

A healthcare savings account allows you to save money to pay medical bills and expenses with money you have saved pre-tax. Some employers have set up healthcare savings accounts for their employees but it is not required and if you don’t have an employer or get your insurance somewhere else besides your employer you are still entitled to set up a healthcare savings plan (HSA). 

HSAs have great tax benefits and it can save you a lot of money on your taxes. With an employer plan, you will see the savings in your paycheck, with your own plan, you will see the savings when you file your income tax return. 

What can you pay with an HSA:

  • Deductibles and copays
  • Prescriptions
  • Certain equipment
  • Glasses and hearing aids

If you set up your own HSA you must have an HDHP ( high deductible healthcare plan) be sure to check that your plan is eligible, it must have a deductible of  $1350 for singles and $2700 for families. 

For 2019 you are allowed to save up to $3500 for single coverage and $7000 for family and if you are over 55 you can save an additional $1000. 

Now that you have some of the facts, why not give one of our knowledgeable staff at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH a call or stop by our office and learn the rest.  We will be happy to give you a no-obligation quote and fill in all the other important information.  

 

 

 

What is Condo Insurance?

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For those that own a condo, condo insurance is something that you certainly need to take the time to consider. For those that live in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help you to create a policy that works for you and your particular condo.

So what is condo insurance? Much like traditional home insurance, a condo policy is going to protect the property itself as well as those that are staying in it and the contents of the condo. If you are renting your condo out or you are not living in it all the time, you may want to make sure that the policy has a renters clause that protects both you and the renter. Condo insurance is not like home insurance in that it does have some special extra clauses that are particular to a condo situation. These policies are tailored to condo living and to special instances that might happen in a condo.

If you own the condo you are certainly going to want to get condo insurance as you have to depend on the fact that the other tenants in the complex are not going to cause damage to the building or that some issue in another part of the building is not going to cause a great deal of issues with your unit. If you are renting you can always take out a renter policy that is going to protect your unit and your possessions within the condo should something happen. You want to make sure your belongings and your space is protected no matter what. For those in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help you to find the condo policy that works best for you and for your particular situation.  

What Does Dwelling Fire Insurance Offer?

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When you are looking for insurance coverage for your Cincinnati, OH area home, you may not be sure exactly what you should be asking for. You also may not be completely sure what you are getting when you purchase a particular type of policy. That is where Advantage Insurance Network can help. Having a trusted company to work with makes a difference, and can get you on the right track to having a proper policy. But what is really covered by dwelling fire insurance? Here is what you need to know.

Dwelling Fire Insurance Covers Serious Property Damage

Issues like fires, some types of vandalism, certain types of explosions, and more could be covered by a fire insurance policy. It depends on exactly what type of policy you purchase, as some policies will specifically include or exclude certain things. If you have certain issues that you want to be covered for your Cincinnati, OH home, you will want to ask about those when you get your policy. That way you can be sure the insurance coverage you get protects you from everything that you are concerned about with your home.

Working With a Trusted Agent Means Getting Quality Coverage

If you really want to get quality dwelling fire insurance that meets your needs, contact us today at Advantage Insurance Network. We can offer you everything you need in order to choose a policy that works for you. Talking to a professional about your insurance needs is the first step toward getting coverage that gives you peace of mind. We want to be the agency that offers that to you, and we will be happy to answer all your insurance questions. Let us show you quotes and options, so you can choose a policy and make an informed decision.

3 Tips for Buying Flood Insurance in Cincinnati, OH

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A flood is probably the last thing on your mind, but they do happen – even in Cincinnati, OH. For this reason, it’s important to be protected in the event that your property experiences a flood. Water damage is one of the worst experiences a homeowner or business owner can encounter. If you’re considering adding flood insurance to protect your valuable investments, here are three ways you can save money in the process.

1. Compare Several Quotes

It’s important to compare several quotes when choosing flood insurance, especially if this type of insurance is new to you. By looking in detail at more than one quote, you will get a better sense of what flood insurance covers and what it costs. From here, the agents at Advantage Insurance Network can help you understand each quote and determine which one is the best for your needs.

2. Bundle All Your Insurance Policies

Bundling is one of the best and easiest ways to save money on flood insurance. If you like the insurance carrier who currently holds your other insurance policies, like auto insurance, life insurance, and home insurance, consider bundling your flood insurance with them. On the other hand, you can always switch your insurance policies to a new carrier who offers the best discounts for bundling.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

Working with a trusted, reputable insurance agent serving the Cincinnati, OH are will guarantee your purchase the best flood insurance for your property. Insurance agents understand the quotes and can easily explain the coverage to you.

To learn more about purchasing flood insurance, contact the team at Advantage Insurance Network today.

How do i know what my custom bike is worth?

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When you buy a custom bike or choose to have a bike customized, you want to make sure that it is insured for its real and actual value. While you can insure it for its value in original condition, you lose all of the time and money you have invested in it. The agents of Advantage Insurance Network can help Cincinnati, OH residents find out their customized bike’s true value and make sure it is properly insured to protect you from loss.

Keep Your Receipts and Document Your Time

Always keep your receipts for everything you purchase and every service you pay for. Take photographs of the customization process and document your time and any techniques that were used. This will provide proof of the money and time spent on the project.

Talk to An Appraiser

In order to insure your bike or any vehicle for that matter, it must be appraised. An appraiser will be able to determine actual value as well as what it would cost to repair or replace the bike if it was stolen or damaged in any way.

Call Your Insurance Agent

Talk to your insurance agent to find out what type of policy you will need. Can you get by with a traditional motorcycle policy or should you opt for a specialty policy? They will have the answers you need.

Call the agents of Advantage Insurance Network if you live in the Cincinnati, OH area and own or are thinking of buying a customized bike. They will help you learn the true value of your bike and what type of policy will be most beneficial if anything ever happens to your bike. 

Summer Boat Maintenance You Can’t Overlook

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The warmer the weather gets, the more intense the itch to get out on the Cincinnati, OH waters and start experiencing new summertime adventures. As with any activity on your boat, preparations should begin now to ensure peace of mind and low-risk fun. Staying safe is the first step towards avoiding what might be a potential disaster, killjoy or not.  

This summer, Advantage Insurance Network reminds you of three vital boat maintenance tasks that you simply cannot forget to check.

1. Keep it Clean

Wash your boat often, especially if you keep her in salt or briny water. Not only can salt heavily corrode the body of your boat, but important hardware can grow brittle and become unusable. Add to your boat’s gel coat before hitting the summer waters.

2. Engines at the Ready

Check all fluids, pumps, hoses, and batteries before your inaugural mission on the lake. When out on the water, things can go south (or down) fast. If you feel that you can’t service your boat properly, consider contacting a licensed boat mechanic.

3. Just in Case

Maintenance is more than just checking oil levels. Prepare your loved ones with a plan of action that ensures safety and survival in a crisis situation. Rehearse emergency exits from your boat, and be sure that all health and safety equipment is good to go for the summer and beyond.

Despite the hours you spend maintaining her, no amount of work will keep your boat completely safe from the unexpected. Being prepared with a boat insurance plan from Advantage Insurance Network is the best form of preventative maintenance for you and your unique investment. Don’t leave your boat out in deep water. Call our Cincinnati, OH office today to learn more about what we offer.

Can Life Insurance Provide Money For College?

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Life insurance is a great multi-purpose product that can help the policy holder and loved ones in a variety of ways. Not only does it provide coverage for a covered death, but it may also be a way to obtain funds in the future. One of the ways that this policy can help with finances in the future is by providing some funds for college.

Money For College

There are generally two types of insurance available to people who wish to purchase a policy. The most simple and basic is term life insurance. It is in effect for a specified amount of time and is purchased up front. The other type is whole life insurance and it is paid in increments each month. Whole life can not only provide financial protection for beneficiaries in the event of the death of the policyholder, but it can also serve as a source of funds later on when the policy has been kept active for a specified number of years. Depending on the policy, money may be withdrawn to be used for expenses such as college, or it may be borrowed against to help with tuition or emergencies. 

Selecting The Right Coverage

People who wish to purchase life insurance that can act as a financial cushion for future expenses such as college should work with a licensed life insurance agent who represents a reputable insurance agency. They can help clients find insurance products that can match present and future needs and explain how each works in detail. People who live in and around the Cincinnati, OH area should check out Advantage Insurance Network to discover high-quality life insurance products that provide options. 

People who are considering purchasing life insurance with options for college, should call or stop by Advantage Insurance Network serving the residents in and around the Cincinnati, OH area. 

Can You Take out a Commercial Insurance Policy on Someone Else’s Business?

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A commercial insurance policy is a must for anyone that owns a business. A commercial policy is going to protect the user from any issue that might occur and to help make sure that if something does happen, you are able to use that insurance money to rebuild the business. For those that live in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help you to find the insurance policy that is going to work best for you.

Commercial policies are necessary to help protect your business and to help you recover if something does happen to your business. This means that you cannot take a commercial policy out on a business that you do not have a vested interest in. Say for instance that you have loaned money to someone to start a business if you can prove the loan and prove that you have a vested interest in that business and its success and safety, you can take out a policy on that business. Generally, your insurance company is going to want you to prove that you have a vested interest in the business before you are able to take out any sort of commercial policy on it.

If you own a business, you can easily get a great policy to protect your company from things like fire, theft, vandalism and more so that you can rest easy knowing that your business is 100% safe and that you are not going to have to deal with loss of income if something happens to destroy your business. For those 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 your individual needs.

Why Upgrade to a Smart Home Security System?

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Buying a new home can be a satisfying adventure. When you finally find the one that you have been looking for, you’ll want to feel safe. Purchasing a security system is the first step in making sure your family is protected from outside dangers, such as burglaries, fires, or even carbon monoxide poisoning. The Advantage Insurance Network independent agents in Cincinnati, OH can help you decide which security systems is right for you and which will help lower your insurance rates.

Types of Home Security Systems

The most basic type of alarm system is called a local alarm. It is not monitored. If someone breaks into your home, there is no monitoring system that will notify the authorities. The second type of system is a wired system. This type includes a monitoring company who continuously monitors your system. When one of the alarms are tripped, the company will contact you and then emergency personnel if you need help.

Upgrading to a Smart Home

If you decide to upgrade to smart home security, you will need to find a home security company that offers options for smart home security. A smart home system can be local or unmonitored as well as monitored. The system that you choose will depend on your home’s needs. Security systems usually include a security panel and sensors for your doors and windows. If you’re adding smart security to your home security solutions it can come with live security feeds through your smartphone, smoke, and carbon monoxide detection, and keyless entry for your house and garage doors. You can also include smart lights in your plan.

Stop by Advantage Insurance Network where the independent insurance agents in Cincinnati, OH can offer you information about securing homeowners insurance.

Why Getting Auto Insurance from Your Insurance Agency is a Good Idea

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When buying a new or previously-owned automobile from a car dealer, you will need to have auto insurance in place before the dealer will let you drive it off the lot. Most auto dealers will try their best to get you to buy auto insurance through their contacts. Everything that they add on to the purchase is more money in their pockets. They may get a commission, rebates, special incentives, or other things by placing new auto insurance through certain insurance underwriters and insurance agencies that they have an affiliation with. However, there are many reasons why it is not a good idea to get your auto insurance from the same place as you buy your car.

Talk with Your Agent For Best Results

One reason is that you add another middle-person in the transaction, which usually makes the same level of auto insurance coverage more expensive. Moreover, you may never get to talk with an insurance agent to get the personal, high-quality customer service that you deserve.

You can avoid these troubles by simply calling your agent at Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding area, when you are getting a new car. In fact, you can call your agent when you are thinking about which car might be best to buy so that you can also compare the insurance premiums for the different choices.

More information is always helpful when making a major buying decision such as get a new vehicle. Different vehicle makes and model years have different insurance requirements. Knowing upfront what your monthly costs will be, makes you a better- informed consumer. Also, if the vehicle has some problems with insurance claims for a specific vehicle or model, your agent can inform you about these things.

Get a Quote While You Shop

So, as you are shopping for a new vehicle or a previously-owned one, just call your insurance agent at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to get a quote. Everything can be handled quickly and easily so you are ready with auto insurance coverage when you want to drive your new vehicle off the lot.