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Thursday, April 21, 2016

REVEALED! Home and Auto Discounts You May Not Know About!

Ok, I am letting some "secrets" out here!  Actually, they aren't secrets, just some savings tips that you may not be aware of!

Here at DF Insurance Agency, we try our best to maximize any discounts that you could be eligible for.  Below I listed a few!

1.  Probably the most common discount is "bundling"!  By insuring your home and auto insurance with the same company, you can save up to 20% just on your home!  That is the good thing about having an independent agent.  We can shop different companies and bundle packages to see which can be the best fit for you!

2.  Alarm discount!  If you have a fire and/or burglar alarm, let your agent know.  Both alarms can add up to 10% in discounts!

3.  Did you recently replace the roof on your home?  Some companies will give you a discount if you have recently replaced your roof.  Even if you don't get a discount, you should still let your agent/insurance company know.

4.  On the flip side of a new roof, if you have a older roof, you can add an ACV (Actual Cash Value) endorsement on the roof instead of a Replacement cost.  Talk to your agent to see if this may or may not be the best option for you.

5.  Do you live in a Gated Community?  This may also give you an additional discount on your homeowners insurance!

6.  You can save on your auto insurance if you have an alarm or anti-theft system.

7.  Have youthful drivers still in school?  Did you know that if they have a B average on their report cards, you may be eligible for a Good Student Discount?  They can, just check in with your agent and find out how much you can save!

8.  Having no claims or violations also gives you a discount!

9.  Has your credit score improved in the past 3 years?  Ask your agent/insurance company if they can check your insurance score.  If it has improved, your rate can decrease!  Most companies will run it about every 3 years on your renewal.

10.  Early quote discount.  That's right, if you quote and submit an auto policy within 8 days (for most companies) of the effective date, you can get a discount for that as well.

11.  Payment plans can also affect your rate.  Pay in Full, usually always has a discount.  Don't worry, if you can't pay the premium in full, paying by EFT (electronic funds transfer) will also give you a discount!  Also, choosing to have electronic delivery over having your policy mailed to you can offer a discount with some companies.

There are other discounts as well, that I'm sure I am looking over.  However, keep in mind that your payment history, claim history and credit score all have an affect on your rates as well!  Stay tuned for more helpful tips!

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to help with any questions!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

6 Reasons A Single Person Needs Life Insurance



If no one depends on you financially, your path to financial security may be smoother than most.  However, it also means that if the unforseen were to happen, you may not have someone to rely on for support - financial or otherwise.  That's why there are certain considerations to take into account.




 Jessi Burch - A Single Mom's Gift to Her Daughter 

A Single Mom’s Gift to Her Daughter It’s not easy being a single parent, but Lauri Turnes faced more hurdles than most. A school bus driver in southern Virginia, Lauri suffered severe injuries from a car accident that left her barely able to walk and unable to work. In addition, her daughter, Jessi, was battling a life-threatening kidney ailment. 

When financial strains became severe, Lauri would sometimes turn to the whole life insurance policy she had purchased years earlier. By withdrawing funds from the policy’s accumulated dividends, she could make ends meet when money was especially tight. But by the time Lauri needed to buy a new car for herself the dividends were exhausted. 

Lauri considered cashing in the policy to make that purchase, but insurance professional, Lynne Crittenden, counseled against it. Knowing that the coverage was still needed to safeguard Jessi’s financial future, Lynne instead arranged for Lauri to borrow money from the policy, which allowed it to remain in force.* 

Not long afterward, while driving alone on a rain-slicked road one Saturday afternoon, Lauri lost control of her new car and struck a tree. She died at the scene. 

Today, Jessi lives with her grandparents and is studying nursing at a local community college. She is in good health, thanks to a kidney donation from her half-sister. Lauri’s life insurance policy and a death benefit from her auto insurance policy have provided Jessi with a financial cushion that can help pay college expenses. “Lauri is an example of someone who struggled financially but was able to take care of her daughter,” says Lynne.

 *Withdrawing or borrowing funds from your policy will reduce its cash value and death benefit if not repaid, and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before the death of the insured.