Author: agentinsure

Getting Value When Buying a Used Car

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Here are a few tips to help know if there is value in buying a particular used car.

Take the car to a qualified mechanic, who knows the model and make of the car very well. Ask the mechanic to look the car over carefully and give an opinion of its quality to determine if there is the likelihood of having serious problems.

Mechanic Inspection
The mechanic needs to check the engine and make sure all the systems are working properly. A review of the maintenance records is good to see if the vehicle had proper maintenance. Check the tires for unusual wear and see if the wheels have correct alignment.

Look Underneath
While at the mechanic’s shop, put the car up on a rack and look at the under carriage. Winter weather and driving on roads were salt was used, wreak havoc to the under carriage of a vehicle. If the road salt is left to corrode the exposed metal, there will be evidence of rust when looking underneath the vehicle.

Compare the Price
Kelly Blue Book has an online service that shows the average price of a used vehicle. Simply go to kbb.com and under the car-values tab, enter the car year, make, model, and mileage. The system then gives three prices, which are: 1) Buy from a dealer. 2) Buy a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealer. or, 3) Buy from a private party.

Get Auto Insurance
If the vehicle is in decent condition, passes the mechanic’s inspection, and the price is good, then the final thing to do when making a purchase of a used vehicle is to get auto insurance. It is not safe to drive the vehicle, even down the block, without having auto insurance in place for adequate coverage in case of an accident.

Contact the agents of the Martin Insurance Team for help with any of your insurance needs.

The Importance of Working With an Independent Insurance Agency

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Buying any type of insurance policy can be an overwhelming process. As a consumer, you must navigate the ins and outs of each policy and decide what terms make the most financial sense for your family. Although purchasing an insurance policy online sounds easy, you’re actually taking a huge risk. By not working with an independent insurance agency, you’re missing out on sound professional advice.

The most important benefit you’ll get from using an independent insurance agency is access to years of training in the field. Insurance agents have been educated on risk analysis and how each type of insurance policy protects the insurer against these potential risks. The independent agents will know what policies are available in your area and what kind of special or required coverage you may need based on your current situation and location. 

An independent agent will not sell you coverage you don’t want or need. In fact, the agent can tell you about what inclusions are unnecessary when purchasing your policy. An agent can also make you aware of any discounts you may be eligible for. You’ll save more money by having the agent collect quotes on policies and relaying the most competitive rates to you. You could also be given access to bundle rates that grant a price break when securing multiple policies from one carrier.

An independent insurance agency can also keep you safeguarded against irreparable insurance companies. The agents will be familiar with the reputation of each company and know whether there have been complaints about claims not being handled properly.

The Martin Insurance Team is a group of independent insurance agents who serve the Evergreen Park, Illinois area. Their agents will get to know your requirements in order to recommend the right policy to keep you and your family safeguarded in case of disaster.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Your Home Based Business?

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It is important to protect your home as well as your home based business. This means choosing insurance that works best for the type of business you are operating. This will ensure that you have less to worry about – and that you have financial protection should you need it.

Various types of insurance may be required – and it can be advantageous to speak to an agent where you can discuss the coverage as well as the limits.

General liability can protect you against lawsuits in the event someone injures themselves on your property or there is a case of negligence. Business property coverage can help to protect against loss of computers and various business assets that you have within your home.

If you have any employees that work out of your home as well, you will want to explore employment practices liability coverage. This can help to protect you against the various allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and various other employee issues.

Every business is a little different and you need to be aware of this. You may need to explore business continuation coverage, data compromise coverage, and even equipment breakdown coverage. By choosing the various levels of coverage that are needed for your individual business, you can protect it significantly more than relying solely on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

The gaps found within your homeowner’s policy needs to be dealt with. Not everyone has a home based business and therefore the insurance is bound to be different.

Contact us today to learn more about homeowner’s insurance and the insurance coverage that you need for your home-based business in Illinois. At Martin Insurance Team, our insurance agents are prepared to help you find a policy that makes sense – and contact multiple insurance companies on your behalf to help with the comparison process.

 

Power Out? You Can Do These Things

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If the power goes out in your home in Evergreen Park, there are actually quite a few things you can do. The more you know and the more you prepare, the easier it will be to go about your daily routine, even without any kind of power.

There’s a lot you can do, and much of it is about preparing.

  1. Freeze water bottles so you can keep the freezer and fridge food colder for longer.
  2. Stock up on batteries so you can replace them as needed within fans, flashlights, and even electronics.
  3. Buy food that doesn’t need to be heated or refrigerated.
  4. Invest in an emergency radio so you can obtain emergency information as it is released.
  5. Have a few alternatives for heat, such as a fireplace, gas grill, or solar oven.
  6. Bottle jugs of water so you have them available.

When the power goes out, keep everyone calm. It doesn’t do anyone any good to freak out about the fact that there are no lights. Issue flashlights everyone in your family and gather everyone for a meeting.

You should have at least one week’s worth of food in your pantry so that you don’t have to worry about sustenance. If the electric company has not issued a timeframe in which your power will be resumed, you will want to ration the food to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

Bring out some board games, decks of cards, and even puzzles to keep everyone entertained. This will prevent restlessness and help to pass the time until the power comes back on.

Call and speak to one of our agents on the Martin Insurance Team today. We look forward to helping you find affordable home insurance and quotes from insurance companies throughout Illinois.

 

 

Motorcycle Deer Season Tips

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Because of the lack of protection when riding a motorcycle, motorcycle deer crashes almost always result in injury. This is why it is of utmost importance for motorcyclists to do all they can to avoid deer crashes. During the fall and winter deer are most active due to this being their mating season as well as their migration season. Here are a few tips that can help you stay on watch during this time of year.

Know Deer Behavior

Deer are most active during the early morning and early evening. Dusk and dawn are their favorite times to be active because their colors blend in best with their surroundings. Although this may help them in hide from predators, it does not help motorists who are usually rushing to or from work at this time. During deer season you should make it a goal to leave a little early for work so that you will not be tempted to drive fast. Driving slower is the single best way to avoid a crash or to lessen the damage from a crash.

Brake Don’t Swerve

Despite the instinct to get out of the way of an object, it is always better to brake hard rather than attempt to swerve out of a deer’s path. Swerving on a motorcycle is especially dangerous. Impact with a deer will be less damaging than impact with an oncoming vehicle, a tree or a pole.

Wear a Helmet

Despite the fact that not all states require helmets, they are the single best way to prevent head injury in the event of an accident. The threat of head injury is the same whether you live in a state that requires helmets by law or not. Be sure the helmet you use is certified by the DOT and labeled with a DOT sticker.    

For more information on motorcycle safety and insurance contact Martin Insurance Team serving Evergreen Park, IL.

Caring for Your Car in the Fall – 3 Tips

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The leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp. Fall is here, which means it is time to tackle a few routine car care tasks before the weather turns colder. Here are three tips to consider.

#1: Perform Routine Maintenance

While it is important to maintain your vehicle all year long, fall is a great time to perform tasks you may have forgotten. Get your oil change and have your brakes checked out by a professional. Ensure your battery is up to full capacity. Replace your windshield wipers. Completing these service items is much easier while the weather is still nice than when it starts to turn snowy.

#2: Check Your Tires

Checking your tires in the fall is also pretty vital, as worn ones can become a hazard during winter weather. Look for any cuts or nicks on the tread wall that could cause problems later. Have them rotated, as necessary. And make sure your spare is in good condition and ready to go in case of a blowout or flat.

#3: Put Together an Emergency Kit

Fall is the perfect time to put together an emergency kit to keep in your car during bad weather. Make sure you have basic items including flares, basic tools, and a first aid kid. Add other items specific to cold weather, such as a blanket, dry clothing, deicer, chains, and snacks. There is no telling whether or not a sudden ice or snow storm in the coming months could leave you stranded, which could make compiling these items ahead of time a smart move.

What else should you do in the fall to prepare for the upcoming winter? Review your auto insurance policy, of course! Please contact our team at Martin Insurance Team LTD to schedule your no-obligation policy review.

3 Ways to Save on Your Road Trip from Palos Heights, IL

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There are lots of ways to save on both road trips and auto insurance. Listing them all would be one long post. We at Martin Insurance Team LTD have compiled a brief list of three of the best ways to reduce the cost of a road trip, along with a suggestion on how to save money on auto insurance.

3 Ways to Save on a Road Trip

Some of the biggest costs associated with road trips are related to food, fuel and fun. To reduce these costs on your next road trip, you can:

  • pack food, so you don’t have to eat out for every meal
  • drive the speed limit, so you’ll use less gas
  • avoid going places during peak season, when prices for activities are at their highest

Each one of these will save you a little money. Together, the savings they provide will add up to a significant amount.

The Easiest Way to Save on Auto Insurance

As is the case with road trips, there are many ways to save on auto insurance. The easiest way to save on auto insurance, however, is to shop for a policy with an independent insurance agent who is licensed in Illinois. Independent insurance agents, like those at our office, are able to compare policies at different insurers and find the company that’s offering the best rates on auto insurance.

If you don’t already have a relationship with an independent auto insurance agent who serves Palos Heights, IL, contact us at Martin Insurance Team LTD. You can reach our agents through our website, and they’d be happy to help you see how much you might save by shopping around for a new auto insurance policy. Send them a message today.

 

 

3 Reasons to Have Seperate Renters Insurance Policies

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Having a roommate is a great way to save on expenses. Purchasing renters insurance is important in case of an incident. So, how do you determine whether or not to add your roommate to your existing policy or for each of you to have a separate one?

While most carriers allow up to two unrelated adults to share a policy, it is usually wise to each have your own. Here are three reasons to get separate renters insurance policies when you have a roommate.

Reason #1: Individual Coverage

One reason having separate renters insurance policies is important is that it provides individual coverage. This means that your policy only covers your personal property—not your roommate’s. So, if most of the items in your apartment belong to your roommate, then you aren’t having to pay extra for a higher coverage limit. Likewise, if you have more items than your roommate, you can ensure you have the appropriate level of coverage without having to worry about their stuff, too.

Reason #2: Separate Liability

Liability coverage is one major reason why tenants opt to purchase renters insurance. In the case of situations where a policyholder has a roommate, this is another area where having separate policies is important. If your roommate does something away from the house that is considered a serious liability claim, you are not responsible if you’ve taken the time to each have your own policies. If you are on a shared policy, then you would be considered liable.

Reason #3: It Keeps You from Being Connected

Another reason to consider having a separate renters insurance policy than your roommate is that it keeps you from being connected. This means that if one of you ever moves out or you are no longer on good terms, your insurance coverage (and any resulting claim checks) is not tied together.

Learn more about renters insurance and how having a policy can protect you. Contact us at the Martin Insurance Team LTD today for a no-obligation quote.

Winter Activities For Kids To Do Indoors

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When you live in Evergreen Park, Illinois, it’s important to have some winter activities planned for the kids to do indoors when the weather is just too cold to go outside. The kids may be home for several weeks, so the more you have planned, the easier it will be to keep everyone happy.

Arts & Crafts

It’s always a good idea to have some arts and crafts supplies around. Regardless of age, kids want to express their creativity and having kits and paper, markers, and other things around can make it easier. To give kids an idea on what they can make, you can choose a category, such as:

  • Holiday gifts
  • Decorations
  • Ornaments
  • Necklaces

It doesn’t matter what it is – but it’s a great way for them to use their mind to create something unique.

Have a Party

You’re probably not the only parent around who is trying to think of ways to keep the kids occupied. Throw a party and invite a bunch of your kids’ friends. The theme of the party can be dance, pajamas, s’mores, or anything else that you can think of.

Create a Story

Tis the season for reading a lot of different holiday books. Instead of reading the same ones over and over again, let your kids write their own. It can be about a specific holiday or about winter in general. Then have them illustrate the whole story and share it with you one evening before bed. It may become your favorite tradition during winter break.

Get creative and do things that your kids love to do. Have plenty of supplies on hand so they can jump from one activity to the next without growing bored.

Call the Martin Insurance Team today to learn about homeowner’s insurance. We can talk to you about coverage, quotes, and more.

 

 

As a Tenant in Palos Heights, IL, You Need Renters Insurance

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If you rent an apartment in Palos Heights, IL, you should have renters insurance. Everyone who rents should have this type of insurance. Here’s why, along with how Martin Insurance Team can help you find a policy.

Renters Insurance Protects Tenants

As a tenant, you shouldn’t rely on your landlord’s insurance to protect you. Your landlord’s insurance policy covers your landlord; it doesn’t include coverage for you. Your landlord’s insurance might insure the building you live in, but it won’t insure your belongings or provide you with liability coverage.

Renters insurance is designed to protect you, insuring the things that your landlord’s insurance doesn’t. For instance, a renters insurance policy might afford you the following protections (depending on the terms):

  • personal property coverage
  • medical payments coverage
  • personal liability coverage
  • damage to others’ property coverage

A renters insurance policy that has these protections will protect you from a host of risks, which may include fire, vandalism, theft and other perils.

Renters Insurance Is Inexpensive

Renters insurance policies are generally inexpensive and at Martin Insurance Team we can help you find the lowest-priced policies available in Palos Heights, IL. We have a team of independent insurance agents who are licensed in Illinois and serve Palos Heights. As licensed, independent agents, we can compare policies from every insurer in Illinois and show you how much each company prices their policies at. You’ll be able to choose the lowest-priced quote that we can find.

Shopping for renters insurance only takes a few moments once our agents begin comparing quotes. To get started, contact our agents through our website. They’ll quickly get started helping you find an affordable renters insurance policy.