Does Home Insurance Cover a Vacation Home?

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At Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN, we help homeowners with one or more properties find the right home insurance policy for them. If you have a vacation home in our area, you should consider how you’ll protect that home against liability, theft, and more. Without the right home insurance coverage, your vacation home could be at risk for a range of issues that could cost you financially and emotionally.

For peace of mind, we encourage homeowners to review their home insurance options as soon as possible. For a secondary residence, a homeowner’s insurance policy may not be the right fit. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t find an insurance policy that could appropriately provide coverage for the vacation home and make you feel more secure about your home away from home.

Does Home Insurance Cover a Vacation Home?

While every policy has limits and conditions that you’ll want to review about the specific policy, most homeowner’s insurance policies will not insure a second home if you already have another property listed as the primary residence. Although this can be disappointing, the good news is that there are insurance policies that are specifically designed to cover the needs of vacation homeowners.

For a vacation home, you might be able to get second home insurance. Second home insurance policies tend to have terms and limits that understand that vacation homes face challenges from being unoccupied for most of the time that primary residences don’t experience as often. If you rent out your vacation home, you may need another type of policy like secondary dwelling and rental insurance to protect yourself as a landlord.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about all the home insurance policies we offer, call Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN today!

Life Insurance for Different Life Stages: Planning for Every Chapter

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Life insurance is an essential financial planning tool to ensure your loved ones are taken care of in your absence. It is crucial to plan and make wise decisions as you move through each life stage in Lafayette, IN. Blevins Insurance Agency explains the importance of life insurance in different life stages and how to plan for each chapter.

Life Insurance for Different Life Stages

Early Adulthood

As a young adult, the value of life insurance is often overlooked. In this life stage, you may not have dependents and may not be worried about the financial burden of your absence. However, investing in life insurance early on is a smart decision as it assists in safeguarding your future insurability.

Married with Children

The next significant step is getting married and starting a family. In this phase, you need to plan for the future and consider how your spouse and children would manage if something happened to you. A life insurance policy ensures that they can maintain their lifestyle in your absence and provides a steady income stream.

Pre-Retirement

In this phase, you may have paid off your mortgage, your children have grown, and you may be considering retirement. However, it would help if you had a life insurance policy to cover any outstanding debts and cater to your dependents’ financial needs. 

Retirement

Many retirees consider life insurance as an avoidable expense as their children are independent, and they may have accumulated significant wealth over time. However, life insurance becomes crucial at this stage if you have any pending debts or taxes to cover.

We Are Here To Help

Purchasing life insurance is crucial at every life stage. Contact Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN to review your policy and secure your family’s financial future.

Tips to improve your gas mileage

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We all want to save money on gas and improve our gas mileage here in the Lafayette, IN area.

Here are some tips from us at Blevins Insurance Agency for doing just that: 

1. Make sure your car is properly maintained.

This includes changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and making sure your air filter is clean. Taking care of these small maintenance tasks will help to ensure maximum fuel efficiency. 

2. Slow down!

Driving at a slower speed will help you get more miles per gallon, as well as reduce the risk of having an accident. 

3. Use cruise control when possible.

This helps you keep a consistent speed, which in turn helps with fuel efficiency because it means your car doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain that speed level. 

 

4. Limit weight in the car where possible.

The more weight in a vehicle, the harder it has to work and the less efficient it becomes with regard to fuel usage. 

5. Drive during off-peak hours.

When traffic is lighter, and roads are less congested, this can also help with fuel efficiency (as opposed to driving during rush hour when everyone seems to be on the road at once). 

Keep Your Auto Insurance Updated

By following these tips, you should be able to see improvements in your gas mileage and hopefully save yourself some money! For more money-saving tips or to explore an auto policy that meets both your needs and your budget, give us at Blevins Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Lafayette, IN area and would be happy to help you find the right policy that gives you the coverage you need at a price you can afford. 

What Type of Commercial Insurance Do I Need?

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At Blevins Insurance Agency, we offer many types of insurance, including commercial insurance, in Lafayette, IN. Which type of commercial insurance you need depends on your business. 

Types of Commercial Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Most businesses need general liability insurance. This covers claims that you caused property damage or physical injury. This includes injuries that occur at your business. It can also include product liability, which protects you from damage caused by your product or service.

Commercial Property Insurance 

Commercial property insurance covers any property that you use for your business. This includes stores, offices, and manufacturing facilities. If your building or property within the building is damaged, you’ll receive compensation under this policy. 

Worker’s Compensation Insurance 

If you have one or more employees in Indiana, you’ll need worker’s compensation insurance. If an employee is injured on the job, their lost wages and medical expenses will be covered by this policy. 

Professional Liability Insurance 

Professional liability insurance provides coverage if your business offers a professional service. For example, if you make an accounting mistake that costs your client, this policy will cover the damages. 

This type of policy is also known as omissions and error insurance and covers a wide variety of professional services. 

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance is important for small and medium-sized businesses. If you are unable to operate your business due to property damage, this policy will provide a replacement for your lost income until your business is active again. 

Commercial Auto Insurance 

If you or an employee use a vehicle as part of business operations, you’ll need a commercial auto policy. This provides liability coverage when the vehicle is driven while conducting business activities.  

Reach Out To Us

If you need commercial insurance in Lafayette, IN, contact us at Blevins Insurance Agency. Our agents will help you determine which types of commercial insurance your business needs. 

Will Your Home Insurance Policy Cover Damage Caused By Pests?

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Here at Blevins Insurance Agency, we are pleased to provide home insurance in the greater Lafayette, IN area. One of the questions that we have seen repeatedly asked by homeowners is whether home insurance will cover damage that is caused by pests. If pests have damaged your home, you may be looking for the answer to this question. 

Will Your Home Insurance Policy Cover Damage Caused By Pests?

Preventable Pest Damage

If your home was damaged by what is deemed to be preventable pest damage, the damage will not be covered. Preventable pest damage is essentially damage done by pests that could have been prevented if you had had regular pest control services and taken action to keep the pests out. As such, damage caused by pests such as termites or rodents typically is not covered by your home insurance policy. 

Unpreventable Pest Damage

If your home or the surrounding structures were covered by unpreventable pest damage, then your home insurance policy will cover the damage. Unpreventable pest damage is usually done by large pests or wild animals that you have no control over. For example, if a deer runs into your fence and breaks your fence or if a bear destroys the siding on your home, that would be covered under unpreventable pest damage. 

Reach Out To Us

Your home insurance will cover damage to your home or other covered structures, such as fences, sheds, and garages if the damage was caused by what is deemed to be unpreventable pest damage. Having the right insurance is key to ensuring you are fully covered if the unexpected happens. If you are in the market for a new insurance policy, reach out to Blevins Insurance Agency, serving the greater Lafayette, IN area, to get started. 

Questions to ask before choosing life insurance

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Deciding if you need to get life insurance is an important decision in your life. It is not one to take without asking the right questions. Our team at Bevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN can answer any questions you have about life insurance and why it is an important part of your financial plan. Our team is experienced in all aspects of life insurance. 

Do I need life insurance if I have no dependents?

If no one counts on your income and you have enough cash to pay off any debt you may have and your final expenses, then no, you don’t need to have life insurance. 

Can I choose anyone that I want as a beneficiary?

The choice of beneficiaries is up to you. It can be one person or more than one person, but if the person you choose is a child, they will not be able to collect the benefit until they reach legal age in the state where they reside. 

Should I have life insurance after I retire?

Each case is different, but if someone still counts on you for support, then yes. You may not need quite as much as you need before retirement. Discuss the options with your independent agent. 

Do I need to buy my own insurance if I get some at work?

Your life insurance is designed to protect your loved ones in the event something happens to you. Do you trust your employer to know how much your family needs to survive? It is better to control the amount of life insurance you have yourself and think of your employee benefits as a bonus. 

Give Us A Call

Call Blevins Insurance Agency when you need help with your life insurance decisions in Lafayette, IN. 

Required Auto Insurance in Indiana

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When you are a driver in Indiana, your vehicle must be covered by the right types and amounts of auto insurance that are required by law. There are many different types of coverage that are mandated by state law, and you have to have all of those types of coverage. Your insurance agent from Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN will know all of the amounts you need currently and all of the aspects that must be included in your policy. 

Liability Coverage in Indiana

There are several different amounts of coverage that are required in Indiana as well as different coverage types. These are types of liability coverage that pay for someone else’s damages after there is an accident that you are at fault for. There are two amounts of coverage required for bodily injury liability for auto policies in the state.

One of these amounts is for one person who gets injured in an accident, and the other amount is for everyone who sustains injuries in the accident. There is also a single amount required for property damage liability that pays for the damages to someone else’s property that are caused by the accident. 

Coverage for Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists

The state requires that all of the auto policies written in the state must have coverage for uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage, and underinsured motorist bodily injury. However, these types of coverage can be refused by doing so in writing. Talk to your insurance agent about how to reject these coverage types if you don’t want them on your policy. However, it’s a good idea to keep this coverage just in case it is ever needed. 

Get Required Auto Coverage

To make sure that you’re driving legally, you can get auto insurance from Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN.

How much commercial insurance do I need?

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If you own a business, then you know that having the right commercial insurance is essential for protecting yourself and your employees from financial losses. But how much commercial insurance do you need in Lafayette, IN? That’s a question we at Blevins Insurance Agency are frequently asked.

Commercial Insurance Coverage

When it comes to purchasing commercial insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The amount of coverage you need depends on the type and size of your business and the industry you operate in. Certain types of businesses, such as those in the construction industry, may require additional coverage due to their higher risk profile.

The first step is to assess all of your potential exposures so that you can determine what type and amount of coverage best meet your needs. For example, if your business operates out of rented premises or owns any vehicles, then you will need property damage and liability coverage respectively. You may also want to consider cyber liability insurance if your company stores customer data electronically or has an online presence.

No matter what type of business you run, there are certain basic forms of commercial insurance that every business should carry including general liability, product liability, professional liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Your specific policy limits should reflect both the size and scope of operations as well as the level of risk associated with them. In addition, depending upon the industry in which you operate you may need additional specialty policies for even more comprehensive protection such as errors and omissions or pollution legal liability coverage. 

Give Us A Call

The right amount of commercial insurance is essential for protecting yourself against financial loss related to unexpected risks associated with running a business. For more information, call Blevins Insurance Agency today. We serve the Lafayette, IN area. 

Winter is Here: Is Your Home Protected?

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Winter is here in Lafayette, IN, and the snow, ice, and cold weather can wreak havoc on your home. From roof damage to frozen pipes, winter can cause significant disruption in your home life. That’s why you must ensure that your home is adequately insured for the winter season.

Protecting Your Home in Winter

Check Your Insurance

Before the arrival of winter, it’s essential to review your insurance policy and ensure that you are adequately covered against any potential damages. Look out for clauses such as “Snow Load Coverage,” which may be necessary if you live in an area with heavy snowfall. Additionally, check for coverage on water pipe freezing and emergency services that may be needed in case of a burst pipe or other emergency situation. If you have questions, check with your Blevins Insurance Agency representative.

Prepare Your Home

Once you have ensured that you are fully insured for the season, take proactive steps to prepare your home for any potential damage from winter weather. Clean out gutters and downspouts, so they do not become clogged with leaves or debris, and check roofs and siding for any missing shingles or cracks that can let in moisture or cold air.

Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that all home heating systems function correctly before cold temperatures arrive. Have a professional inspect gas-powered furnaces and electric heaters to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the season. It’s also a good idea to clean the dust off baseboard radiators at least once a year. Hence, they work correctly when needed, especially in winter when temperatures dip below freezing.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions about how best to protect your Lafayette, IN home this winter season or need additional information about insurance policies, contact Blevins Insurance Agency today!

When to Update Your Life Insurance Policy

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A life insurance policy is one of the most important investments you can make for your family. It provides peace of mind in knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of financially if something happens to you. However, as your life changes, so should your life insurance policy. Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN is here to help. 

When to Update Your Life Insurance Policy 

1. When You Get Married

If you’re like most people, you probably didn’t have a life insurance policy when you were single. But now that you’re married, it’s time to reconsider. It provides financial security for your spouse if something happens to you and can also pay off debts, cover funeral expenses, and more.

2. Welcome a New Child

Once you have children, your life insurance needs will increase exponentially. Not only will you need to provide for your spouse if something happens to you, but you’ll also need to make sure your children are taken care of financially. A life insurance policy can help ensure your children can attend college, have a financial cushion in an emergency, and more. Contact Blevins Insurance Agency for help with finding the proper coverage.

3. Change Jobs

Updating your life insurance policy is essential if you’ve recently changed jobs. Most employer-sponsored life insurance policies only provide up to a certain amount and may not cover you if you leave your employment. If you have a change in income, it’s also essential to update your life insurance policy so that it continues to meet your needs.

Contact Us Today 

A life insurance policy is an essential investment for anyone with family or other dependents. Be sure to review your life insurance policy periodically and make updates as needed so that it continues to meet your needs throughout your life.

Do you need help finding the right life insurance policy in Lafayette, IN? Blevins Insurance Agency can help. We specialize in assisting families in finding the right coverage at the right price.