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Illinois Insurance Blog

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How To Protect Your Boat From Theft

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Protecting your boat goes a lot further than simply having a great insurance policy in place. Your insurance professionals at STARS Insurance, serving Deerfield, IL and the surrounding areas, are here to help you with great boat protection tips.

Here are some ways to keep your boat safe all year long:

Use an Alarm System

Alarms aren’t just for homes and cars. They can also be helpful tools to keep your boat safe from theft. Alarms are easy to install and can be linked to local emergency services to alert them if there is a problem. 

Choose Your Marina Carefully

The marina where your boat will be docked is an important part of your security. Before choosing a marina, you should research the owners, the area, and the history of the business. Talk to other boat owners who have used them to see what their experience has been like. You might also want to talk to locals in the area to get a feel for what type of area it is and what type of crime rates there are. 

Remove Personal Belongings Before Storage

If you will be docking or storing your boat, you should consider removing all personal belongings that might attract criminals. In most cases, a boat will not be a main target if it is empty. Even if you are only leaving the boat for a short time, do not leave your personal belongings inside. 

Make Your Boat Hard To Move

If your boat is being stored or kept on land, make sure that it can not be moved easily. You can install security features that lock the boat wheels or you can keep it in a place that is not easily accessed.

Get Boat Insurance Today

If you would like to learn more about boat insurance, please contact us at STARS Insurance serving Deerfield, IL and the surrounding areas. 

How much flood insurance do I need?

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When it comes to protecting your Deerfield, IL area home and property from floods, flood insurance is an essential part of any homeowner’s safety plan. But how much flood insurance do you need?

Here are a few things to consider from us at STARS Insurance.

How much flood insurance do you need?

The answer depends on many factors. The first step is to determine the risk of flooding in your area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides maps that identify areas at risk for flooding. You can use this information to understand the potential severity of a flood in your location. 

Next, consider the type of coverage you will need for protection against floods. Take into account the value of your property, including any family heirlooms or items that might have sentimental value, as well as the cost of replacing furniture or appliances should they be damaged by water. Make sure that your policy covers both structural damages as well as personal property damage from flooding. 

Finally, talk to an experienced insurance agent about getting quotes for different levels of coverage based on your unique needs and budget. They can provide advice about what level of coverage would best suit your needs and provide options so that you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to purchasing flood insurance. 

By understanding the risks associated with living in an area prone to flooding and understanding what kind of coverage is best suited to protect you and your belongings, you can make sure that you have enough flood insurance to cover whatever life throws at you down the road.

Give Us A Call

For more information, call STARS Insurance today. We proudly serve the Deerfield, IL area.

What is the value of having life insurance in Illinois?

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There are various important forms of insurance coverage to obtain in the state of Illinois. One type of coverage all people in the Deerfield, IL area should consider getting is life insurance.

There are various forms of value and benefits that can make this an ideal type of coverage to obtain:

Offer Financial Protection to Dependents

A primary reason that anyone in this state will want to have a life insurance plan is so they can offer financial protection and support to their dependents. If you have people that rely on you and your income, you will want to ensure they have support even if you were to pass away. A life insurance plan is a great way to do that as you can provide them with a payout that can cover any future costs that you want. 

Investment Alternative

The use of a life insurance plan is also a good option when you are looking for an investment alternative. If you are looking for life insurance coverage and want to diversify your investments, a whole life insurance plan can be an ideal option. This coverage allows you to receive life insurance support but also can help you create wealth as a portion of your payments will build into an account over time. Eventually, you are able to liquidate this account. 

Contact Us Today

Life insurance continues to be a great option for those that are in the Deerfield, IL area. When you are looking at different options, it is important to call our team of experts at STARS Insurance. There continue to be a lot of choices to make when looking for coverage and STARS Insurance can help. This will give you the guidance you need to choose an ideal policy for your situation. 

Do You Need Winter Car Insurance?

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During the winter, people drive less. The weather is worse, making it less attractive to drive for fun in the winter, and roads tend to be more slippery. At the same time, many people can’t change how much they drive during the winter, even though the road is riskier. Do you know what winter does to your driving habits? If so, you can adjust your car insurance to better fit your driving patterns over the winter months.

Do You Need Winter Car Insurance?

If you put your car away

Illinois requires a car to always be insured while it’s registered in the state. This includes when your car is stored during the winter, which is common for convertibles. A ragtop convertible isn’t very comfortable to drive during the winter, even with the top-up.

Some insurance coverages, though, are not particularly necessary if your vehicle is not going to be driven through the winter months. If you’re in this position, a talk with your family and your STARS Insurance agent, serving Deerfield, IL, is likely to reveal what you need for your stored car.

If you keep driving through the winter

Winter driving is more hazardous than the other three seasons. Roads can be icy and even a dry road will be colder. Because of this, accidents can be more common in the winter month, as can otherwise-avoidable single-car accidents.

With this in mind, it may be a better idea to increase the coverage that you have on your car, including cutting down your deductible in order to increase the number of minor repairs that can be covered by insurance during the winter months.

Contact Us Today

Both of these ideas can need discussion with a qualified professional. Call your STARS Insurance agent serving Deerfield, IL today to discuss your winter driving needs and whether changing your coverage makes sense.

Does commercial insurance cover employee theft?

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We all like to think that we can trust our employees Deerfield, IL. But the unfortunate reality is that employee theft happens. So, what happens if one of your employees decides to help themselves to some of your inventory? Commercial insurance policies vary, so it’s important to check with STARS Insurance to know your specific coverage.

Types of Coverage

There are two types of commercial insurance policies that could potentially cover employee theft: property insurance and crime insurance.

Commercial Property Insurance

Businesses that carry property insurance are typically only covered if the thief breaks into the premises to commit the theft. In other words, if an employee simply walks out of the door with your merchandise without forcing their way in, then property insurance likely won’t cover the loss. That’s where crime insurance comes in.

Commercial Crime Insurance

Businesses that have crime insurance are typically covered regardless of how the thief gained access to the property. So, if an employee simply walks out the door with your merchandise, chances are that you’ll be covered. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are typically limits on how much crime insurance will pay out.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most crime insurance policies have deductibles—just like auto or homeowners’ insurance policies.

Contact Us Today

Employee theft is a risk that all businesses face — even in Deerfield, IL. The good news is that if you have commercial insurance, you may be covered if one of your workers does decide to help themselves to some of your merchandise. However, it’s important to check your policy carefully. Contact STARS Insurance to talk with an experienced agent to make sure that you have the right coverage in place for your unique business needs.

Things home insurance won’t cover

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Having home insurance protects your investment from bad things that can happen. It doesn’t, however, protect you from everything. Your home policy has exclusions – things it won’t cover. At STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL, we want to make sure that all of our customers have the right coverage for their needs. 

Home Coverage Exclusions

Owner neglect

When you buy home insurance, your carrier has an expectation that you will maintain your home. That means not letting your roof get to the point where it is leaking into your home. It also means that you should have a termite bond on your home if you live in an area where they are a risk. 

Flood

Floods cause millions of dollars of damage every year all over the country and it isn’t covered by your home insurance. The good news is that you can get coverage with a separate policy if you live where the risk to your home would keep you up at night. 

Earth movement

Earth movement includes earthquakes, sinkholes, mudslides, and landslides and the bad news is that none of them is covered. Again, if you have concerns, you can purchase the additional coverage that you require.

Pests

If your home has been invaded by mice, bats, squirrels, or any other pesky critters, you will have to pay to have them removed yourself. They are not covered by home insurance. 

Certain breeds of dog

When it comes to man’s best friend, your home insurance policy doesn’t find some breeds all that friendly. Several breeds are excluded from home insurance coverage. It is important you take that into consideration when getting a dog. If you have questions about whether your pet is covered, give your carrier a call.  

Get Home Insurance Today

Understanding home policy exclusions is important so you can use your home insurance coverage to seek protection for the assets it will cover. Contact STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL if you would like us to review your current policy or if you are in need of home insurance. 

3 Reasons Commercial Insurance is Necessary For Your Business

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Commercial insurance may seem like something only certain businesses need, but the reality is that every business can benefit from a good commercial insurance policy. Commercial insurance is absolutely essential for any serious business that wants to protect its employees, customers, and property. At STARS Insurance, serving the Deerfield, IL area, we’re proud to help business owners navigate the world of commercial insurance until they find a policy that’s right for their needs.

3 Reasons Commercial Insurance is Necessary For Your Business

1) Commercial insurance protects your customers

If you have a Business Owner’s Policy, your business insurance can also help cover your customers in the event of injury, property damage, product liability, etc.

2) Commercial insurance protects your workers

Worker’s compensation insurance is required by most states and provides benefits like medical care, missed wages, and even funeral benefits.

3) Commercial insurance protects your business

Commercial insurance offers great coverage for things like damage done to business property as a result of theft or vandalism, safeguards against damage caused by fires, explosions, burst pipes, etc., as well as coverage for injuries sustained in the normal course of business. Commercial auto insurance also ensures your business will be protected in the event of an accident involving a company vehicle.

Give Us A Call

Contact us at STARS Insurance today, and we’ll be glad to help you find the right commercial insurance policies for your business and budget. We’re proud to serve the Deerfield, IL area, and we are always willing to help business owners set up their insurance policies so they can focus on growing their business and looking after their families. You deserve to see success with your business, and success starts with a strong foundation and the protection of a good insurance policy.

FAQs about home insurance

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Home insurance is something that everyone who owns a home needs. It protects you from quite a few hazards and offers liability coverage. At STARS Insurance in Deerfield IL, we do the work for our customers, finding the right carrier and getting the best deal. As independent agents, we have access to the top carriers in the field. 

Home Insurance: What You Need To Know

How much liability coverage do I need?

Liability coverage depends a lot on what your assets are and your financial worth. Basic coverage may not be enough if you have considerable assets and you may even want to consider an umbrella policy. 

How is my content covered?

You have two options for content coverage. You can cover it for what it is worth today, which means it has depreciated or you can cover it at the cost of replacing it today. It is your choice, but current worth is the less expensive option. 

Is my engagement ring covered if it gets stolen?

Yes, but depending on its value, maybe not completely. Jewelry is one of the coverages that have a limit to the amount you can claim. It makes sense to get an appraisal and add a jewelry rider to your policy to protect your valuable jewelry. 

Is my laptop covered if I take it away from home?

Yes, your personal property is covered both at home and when it travels with you. However, electronics may also have limits, so read your policy to make sure it covers what you need it to. 

Does my policy have any exclusions?

Yes, home policies do have exclusions. Flooding is not covered, earth movement like earthquakes is not covered, owner neglect is not covered and if your sewer backs up, the cleanup is on you. 

Give Us A Call

Contact STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL with your home insurance questions and to get a free no-obligation quote. 

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Boat Insurance?

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If your boat insurance cost is high, you might be forced to give up some coverage to make it more affordable. This would result in your boat not being sufficiently insured, which can be detrimental. However, this doesn’t have to be since you understand what factors impact the cost of your watercraft insurance; you can manipulate them to make your boat insurance more affordable. STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL provides this guide on factors impacting your boat insurance cost.

Boat Insurance: What You Need To Know

1. Boat Ownership Experience

If you are a newbie boat owner, your watercraft insurance rates will be higher than those of an experienced boat owner. This is because the insurance company will see your lack of boat ownership experience to mean you are more likely to get into an accident, injure people, and damage property.

2. Driving Record

Even though you are an experienced boat owner, the insurance rates for your vessel can be high if your driving record indicates that you are reckless. The insurer will charge you higher watercraft insurance rates assuming that you will drive recklessly again, cause an accident, and make a claim. At Stars Insurance, we advise that you do your best to maintain a clean record, as it can be challenging to turn a tarnished driving record clean.

3. Storage Location

If you store your vessel in a locked garage, the insurer will assume that it is less likely to be vandalized, stolen, or damaged by a natural disaster like a severe hailstorm. Therefore, they will make your boat insurance more affordable. However, if you store your vessel at a marina or on your driveway, the insurance company will believe that it’s at a greater risk of being stolen or damaged. This increased risk will cause your boat insurance rates to go up.

Contact Us Today

Do you need more info on boat insurance in the greater Deerfield, IL community? The insurance experts at STARS Insurance are ready to help you.

5 Ways to Prepare for a Flood

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Floods are one of the most destructive natural disasters, capable of causing billions of dollars in damage and leaving communities reeling for months or even years afterward. While it’s impossible to completely protect your home from flood damage, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk. STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL provides you the following guide.

Here are five ways to prepare for a flood

1. Get Flood Insurance

If you live in a flood-prone area, flood insurance is a must. Even if you’re not required to have it by your mortgage lender, it’s still a good idea to get coverage. Flood insurance will help cover the cost of repairs to your home and possessions after a flood. Remember, standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so you’ll need a separate policy.

2. Clear Gutters and Drains

One way to reduce the risk of flooding is to make sure your gutters and drains are clear. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to back up and overflow, flooding your home. Likewise, clogged drains can prevent water from draining properly, causing it to pool around your home. Regularly clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters and drains to help reduce the risk of flooding.

3. Have a Flood Plan

You should have a plan in place in case of a flood. Know how to safely turn off your home’s electricity and gas, and have a list of emergency phone numbers handy. Have a bag packed with essential items like food, water, and medicine in case you need to evacuate. And be sure everyone in your family knows where to go in the event of a flood.

4. Store Valuables and Important Documents

If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to store your most valuable possessions and important documents in a safe, dry place. This could be a waterproof storage container, a safety deposit box, or even a high spot in your home. That way, if your home does flood, you won’t lose everything.

5. Stay Informed

Monitoring conditions in your area can help you be prepared for a flood. Keep an eye on the forecast and watch for flood warnings. If a flood is expected, take steps to protect yourself and your possessions.

Floods can be devastating, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk. Unfortunately, even if you take all the necessary precautions, you can’t always prevent flood damage. That’s why it’s so important to have flood insurance. STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL can help you find the right policy to protect your home. Give us a call today to learn more.