Auto Insurance and Your Teen Driver: What You Should Know

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So, it’s finally time for your teen to start driving. It is a relief that you won’t have to drive them around everywhere they want to go any longer, but at the same time, it is stressful because you know you have to add them to your auto insurance policy—not to mention the fact that they’ll be out on their own for you to worry about constantly.

While our team at Blevins Insurance Agency can’t help you with the worry, we are dedicated to helping families in Lafayette, IN navigate difficult auto insurance issues like adding a teenager to an existing insurance policy. Here are a few things you should know before your teen gets behind the wheel.

Make Sure to Choose the Right Vehicle

The vehicle that you choose for your teenager will have a significant impact on the premiums that you pay. While your teen may want a sports car, it is going to cost a lot more to insure than a four-door sedan. This is because a sedan is seen as safer in the eyes of the insurance company. Appearance is not everything, despite what your teen may believe.

Get Your Teen Insured ASAP

It is important that you add your teen to your auto insurance policy as soon as possible. Failing to do so could result in even higher premiums, especially if your teen gets into an accident before they’re properly insured. While your teen could get their own policy, it is generally more affordable and easier to simply add your teen to your existing policy.

Look into Discounts

Since insuring a teen driver can be costly at times, you will want to check into any discounts that your insurance company may offer. You may be able to get a discount based on your teenager’s grades. You may be able to get a discount for having your teen sign up and take a defensive driving course. In the end, your teen may start studying more and driving better while also helping you get better rates!

When you need to ensure that you and your teen driver have the proper auto insurance, contact us at Blevins Insurance Agency. We have been keeping Lafayette, IN families properly insured since 1998.

Required Commercial Insurance in Indiana

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If you own a business in Indiana, make sure that you have any commercial insurance policies that are required for your business. To find out more about what is expected of your business, and what is recommended, give us a call today at Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN.

Commercial Auto Coverage

If your Indiana business owns a vehicle, it is responsible for having a commercial auto policy on that vehicle. In addition, there are specific minimum amounts of coverage that you have to have within your commercial auto policy. These include a specific amount for bodily injury liability for a single person who is injured in an accident with your vehicle. Another amount has to be available for everyone in the accident who is injured. There is another amount required for your property damage liability. All of these required amounts are for liability, but you don’t have to stay with the minimum required coverage. You can add coverage such as collision insurance and comprehensive insurance. Both of these protect your vehicle in an accident that is your fault. 

If you have a vehicle that you use for work, but your business doesn’t own it, that vehicle should have a policy called hired and non-owned. This is important for protecting you financially if it has an accident. It’s likely that a personal auto policy would not pay out if you had an accident while doing work tasks. 

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

This type of insurance coverage is required for every business that has any number of employees- even just one. This coverage protects workers by having money available if they are injured while at work. It protects your business by paying for employee injuries so that the employee doesn’t need to sue your company. 

Get Your Business Covered

To find out more, call us at Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN.

How Home Insurance Protects You

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Home insurance is an extremely important type of coverage that should be kept by every homeowner. The consequences of not having this insurance can be disastrously expensive. To protect your home and future, you need home insurance. To find out more, contact us at Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN.

Your Possessions

One way that home insurance protects you is by covering your possessions. When you add up what all of your possessions cost, the number can be surprisingly large. If you didn’t have home insurance and had to try to replace it all after a disaster or accident, you might not be able to do so. A home insurance policy pays for you to begin replacing the items that were lost so that you can get back to normal life more quickly and easily. 

Your Dwelling

The dwelling itself is also an enormous expense. To protect your investment in the house, you need this coverage. If something, such as a disaster, were to affect your house, your home insurance can pay for the damages by getting them repaired or the house rebuilt. These expenses can be substantial, and the damages can get so expensive that you wouldn’t be able to afford repairs without a home policy. 

Your Liability

Accidents can happen in the home that can leave you liable for enormous bills. If you were to have someone in your home who gets injured or sick there, you can be found at fault and ordered to pay the medical bills. With a home insurance policy, those bills are taken care of. 

Cover Your Home

To keep your home covered for all of these situations and more, you need to have a home insurance policy for as long as you own the house. Give us a call at Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN.

How to Know if You Need Life Insurance in Indiana

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The decision to get life insurance is a big decision, but it should never be as stressful as people consider it. If you are wondering if you need life insurance, there are a few life litmus tests that you can give yourself to determine what to do about this insurance policy.

At Blevins Insurance Agency, we want Lafayette, IN residents to feel secure about their futures, and about the futures of their dependents. We can help you design the best life insurance policy for your needs, for the right reasons.

Middle-Aged With Dependents

If you are middle-aged with dependents, life insurance is a good idea. For all those nights you wonder what will happen to them if something happens to you, life insurance is the answer.

If you are middle-aged and healthy, and not looking at life insurance as an investment, term life insurance will probably be the best option for you. This is life insurance that you purchase for a set amount of time, with a one-time benefit for your chosen beneficiaries. It can help them pay for funeral costs, your mortgage, and any other life expenses they will need.

Retirement Security

When you are thinking of life insurance, you are thinking of all of your needs for the long-term. Retirement security is something everybody thinks about at any age. If you are not sure how you are going to invest in your retirement planning, life insurance is a great start.

Whole life insurance and permanent life insurance are life insurance policies that function as assets. They offer death benefits, but additional benefits as well. You may be eligible to receive annual dividends after you have been paying for your life insurance for a few years if you pay more premiums than you are supposed to. Some may also provide long-term care coverage.

Every kind of life insurance functions as retirement security. 

Get a Quote

There is no one answer on whether you need life insurance. If you want security for your dependents should you die, you need life insurance. At Blevins Insurance Agency, we want Lafayette, IN to feel secure with their life decisions. Call us for a quote today.

Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in Indiana?

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Auto insurance comes in handy to protect you and your car when the unthinkable happens. So, purchasing auto insurance should be a no-brainer as its benefits outweigh the risk of not having one. Whether you are in a brand-new car or an old one, an accident can happen at any time, and if you are liable, you are deemed to pay for all the expenses. For this reason, most states require that you carry a minimum car insurance coverage.

In Indiana, for example, all car owners are required by law to have an auto insurance policy. Blevins Insurance Agency of Lafayette, IN has prepared what you need to know about Indiana auto insurance.

State-required auto insurance in Indiana

The following coverages should be part of your Indiana auto insurance policy. They include:

  • Bodily injury liability: Pays cost-related injuries to another person if you are at fault for an accident.
  • Property damage liability: Pays damages that you cause to another person’s property.
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury: If you are hit by an uninsured, this policy can pay for medical bills.
  • Uninsured property damage: If an uninsured motorist hits your car or property, the coverage can pay for the costs involved.

While adhering to the state minimums is superb, you need to consider other auto insurance options for better protection. Optional car insurance coverages include:

  • Comprehensive coverage: It covers your car from non-collision perils like theft, vandalism, and hail.
  • Collision coverage: If your vehicle hits an object or collides with another car, this policy pays for damages or replacement of the car.
  • Medical coverage: The coverage pays for medical costs of injuries sustained during an accident for you or your passengers.
  • Roadside assistance: Provides services like towing, gas delivery, puncture repair, and other roadside repairs when your car stalls away from home.

Ready for your auto insurance? Get in touch with Blevins Insurance Agency for an affordable quote. Better yet, you can visit our Lafayette, IN offices to speak to one of our agents. 

How commercial insurance can save your small business

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Owning a business has never been riskier. No matter how well you plan for every eventuality, you can be devastated by something you never thought of. With commercial insurance, you can get the protection you need. Your independent insurance agent will work with you to curate a policy that addresses all the risky areas for your business. At Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN, we have more than 20 years of experience. Our philosophy is to treat others the way we want to be treated. We will be there for you today and every day.

Commercial liability insurance

Small businesses are especially vulnerable to being sued. From 36 to 53% of small businesses will be sued in any given year. That is an enormous risk. Having to deal with a lawsuit on your own could kill your business. Liability coverage is one of the parts of commercial insurance just about any business can benefit from. Not only will it help to pay a judgment against you, but it can also help with legal expenses. 

Commercial property insurance

Something as simple as a broken pipe can have a devastating effect on your business. More than just the physical building is covered by commercial property insurance. You may think that you need to own the building, you don’t. Property insurance will cover the machinery you need to do business, office equipment and electronics, and inventory and raw material that you need to create your products. Without insurance to help, your business might need to close. 

Workers’ compensation insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is required in Indiana. It helps your business by covering work-related injuries, illnesses, and lost wages. 

If you have commercial insurance needs or questions, Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN has a team of experienced agents who are there to serve you. Drop into our office or give us a call. 

4 Reasons You Need Life Insurance

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The talk of death is taboo to many. However, if you want to secure the future of your loved ones, it’s a topic you can’t avoid. Life insurance helps plan for the life of your dependents after you are long gone. Yes, it’s impossible to replace you, but life insurance makes life easier for those you leave behind.

Sometimes, insurance can be confusing, and knowing what you need can be a tall order. However, when you partner with competent insurance agents like Blevins Insurance Agency of Lafayette, IN, insurance can be broken down into simple, digestible chunks that are easy to understand.

Today, we will take a deep dive into one of the most asked questions: Why do I need life insurance? If you would like to find out, keep scrolling.

To protect your loved ones.

If you have children, aging parents, or a disabled sibling that depends on you for financial support, life insurance is a worthwhile investment to support their financial needs even when you die. Simply put, life insurance replaces your income when it is time to go.

To pay off your debts.

Do you have a home mortgage? Or perhaps you have a federal student loan or a credit card? Since you wouldn’t want to leave a financial burden to your loved ones and loan cosigners, investing in life ensures that your debts are taken care of when you pass on.

Funerals are expensive

Did you know that it cost about $7,000 to $10,000 to fund an average funeral? Of course, this figure can go depending on your funeral wishes. Your family is already having a hard time processing your demise. Adding funeral expenses on top can only worsen the scenario. 

To protect your business.

If you are in a business partnership, your partner depends on you for financial support. If you die, you will leave a huge financial gap that is difficult to fill. Without life insurance, your business could face substantial financial losses and liabilities that could compromise its going concern. However, life insurance can plug the financial gap left as things settle. 

Are you seeking to determine your life insurance needs? Please contact Blevins Insurance Agency. Better yet, you can visit our Lafayette, IN office to speak to one of our agents in person.

The importance of knowing your home’s value when shopping for insurance

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The local housing market in Lafayette, IN fluctuates over time. That’s why your house valuation is only an estimate of how much it would cost if it were on the market. However, it becomes more essential when you’re buying home insurance as it is one of the factors that determine your premiums.

Whether you just moved in or want to change your insurer, know that your home’s value has the following benefits:

It can be an essential factor when selling your home

If you intend to sell your home one day, you want to make sure that you know its value to have a reference point when you decide to sell. It is more important if you still have a mortgage. You will need to consider your mortgage amount or your loan balance before checking your house’s value. Ideally, this amount should be significantly lower than the average value of the house.

It helps you determine how much to allocate for renovation

Most people prefer to do several renovations to increase their home’s value when selling it. However, if you don’t know your home’s value, you won’t know if there was any additional value. Some renovation projects can take a toll on your wallet, which may not be worth it in the long run. Blevins Insurance Agency recommends checking with your insurance agent to determine your home’s average value before starting any renovations.

Aid in refinancing

Lenders in Lafayette, IN allow people to borrow a maximum of 75% and 95% depending on the available loan program. While you may qualify for other credit parameters, the equity available is what determines whether you will get another loan or not. The more equity you have, the better your loan terms and the amount you qualify for. Knowing your home’s value shows you the amount you need to borrow and your chances of succeeding.

At Blevins Insurance Agency, we care about your insurance needs. Our skilled agents can help you secure a policy that fits your budget, needs, and style. Contact us for more information.

Three resources to help you find the right auto insurance policy

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The auto insurance policy you choose can greatly impact your finances when you need to file a claim. We can help you learn more about finding the right auto coverage in Lafayette, IN at Blevins Insurance Agency.

The following are three resources to help you find the right auto insurance policy.

Internet searches

The Internet is a vital resource when you’re shopping for auto insurance. You can use the Internet to get quotes on various policies and to compare them. Doing your research on the Internet is important for finding quality coverage at a competitive price in your area. 

Insurance company representatives

You can also contact insurance providers directly and ask their representatives any questions you have about insurance options. This helps you to understand the details of particular policies from certain insurance providers doing business in Indiana. 

Make a list of any questions you have before getting in touch with a representative from an insurance provider you’re interested in buying a policy from. This will help you find answers to any pressing questions and give you a feel for the customer service offerings of particular insurance providers. 

Your auto dealer

If you buy your vehicle from a car dealer, you may be able to get a good recommendation on an auto insurance policy to meet your needs from your dealer. Dealerships may have advice on which auto insurance providers offer the most competitive rates for particular vehicle models.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about insurance providers when you purchase a vehicle from a dealer. 

Do you have more questions about finding auto insurance in Lafayette, IN? Get in touch with us at Blevins Insurance Agency to find the answers you’re looking for.

A Guide To Help Indiana Business Owners Find The Right Commercial Insurance Policy

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Based in Lafayette, IN, Blevins Insurance Agency offers residents multiple types of insurance coverage. We strive to help our clients find the policies they need to protect what matters most. We believe that it is important to treat people the way we would like to be treated. We have positive relationships with several carriers throughout the industry.

Commercial Insurance Options and Policies

Owning and operating your Lafayette, IN business is one of your most important investments. However, there are a lot of rights and responsibilities involved with operating a business. The daily process can be overwhelming at times. That’s why commercial insurance is an asset. 

Commercial insurance covers any damages to your building, equipment, or inventory. This should help alleviate concerns if your business is impacted by a fire or natural disaster spreading through the area. You can add business interruption coverage to protect you if your business is shut down for a few weeks due to severe property damage.

Liability coverage is another important part of your policy. Accidents can happen at any time, which is why you need protection. You can rely on liability coverage if one of your customers slips and falls while visiting your store. You’ll also be covered if your customer suffers damages as a result of using your product. If you have an active online presence, liability coverage will give you a safety net if you are dealing with slander allegations. You’ll also want to add cyber coverage so that your business will be protected if a hacker compromises important data.

Workers’ compensation is also an asset. The coverage allows you to protect your employees while also helping secure the future of your business. You can avoid having to go through an extensive legal battle because of an injury in the workplace.

Blevins Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Contact our office today to learn more information about commercial insurance.