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Life Insurance Do’s and Don’ts

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Life insurance is one of the most important types of insurance services you can buy. At STARS Insurance, serving Deerfield, IL, we are here to help you make smart insurance choices.

Life Insurance Do’s and Don’ts 

Don’t Procrastinate 

It is so easy to ignore the need for life insurance because we always think that our passing is in the far distant future. Preparing now for the future, though, is the best way to protect your family’s financial security. 

Do Talk With Your Family

The best way to determine the amount of life insurance you will need is to have open and honest conversations with your family. Many families find this to be a difficult topic to discuss. Sometimes it is helpful to have an insurance agent sit down with everyone in the family so that questions can be answered professionally. An insurance agent is also trained to help families feel more comfortable when having these conversations. 

Do Set Realistic Goals

It is very important to set realistic goals for your life insurance investment. If you want your life insurance policy to provide financial security for your family after you have passed, you will need to talk with an insurance agent to discuss realistic benefit amounts that can accomplish this. 

Don’t Get Scammed

There are many life insurance scams around. It is very important that you check any insurance company with your local Better Business Bureau. They will be able to tell you if a company is reputable or not. 

If you would like to learn more about life insurance, or any of our other insurance services, please contact us at STARS Insurance, serving Deerfield, IL, and the surrounding areas. 

 

Important Parts Of Auto Insurance Policies

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STARS Insurance is an independent agency. We are committed to helping our clients obtain the necessary coverage to protect what matters most. We work with multiple carriers in the Buffalo Grove, IL area. We provide a wide array of options so that our clients can make the best decision for their long-term futures.

Important Parts Of Auto Insurance Policies

Auto insurance helps you stay covered as your complete basic tasks around Buffalo Grove, IL. Operating a vehicle leaves you exposed to some risks. Auto insurance is designed to cover you in emergencies. Here’s a look at some key parts of auto insurance policies.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage protects you if you accidentally injure someone with your car or cause property damage. The coverage assists with the injured party’s medical treatment and any potential repairs. If you have a passenger in the vehicle, liability coverage takes care of their medical treatment if they are injured in the accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects you if your car is damaged in unique situations. Perhaps you’re out on the road, and high winds cause flying debris to crack your windshield or mirror. Comprehensive coverage protects you in that situation. You’re also covered if your car is vandalized or if you’re a victim of theft. If you’re traveling through rural parts of the state, you may encounter a deer. Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle suffers damage from a deer collision.

Towing Service  

If you’re traveling out of state and your battery starts having trouble or your car suffers a flat tire, things may become stressful. You can add towing service to your insurance policy for immediate service if an emergency arises.

STARS Insurance Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Contact us today to learn more information about auto insurance.

How to Know If You Should Have Business Interruption Insurance

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When you own a business, you know how important it is to pay attention to your finances and the various property you own. You don’t want any of it to be at risk. Business interruption insurance coverage is just one part of this, and it’s not a necessity, but you might consider it to be worthwhile. Discuss with an agent from STARS Insurance of the Buffalo Grove, IL area if this would be ideal to have for your company. 

Why Have Business Interruption Insurance? 

One of the major benefits of having business interruption coverage is that it protects your business if it’s impacted by a disaster or some other type of loss. When you have this insurance and need to shut down for a while, it will protect you from lost earnings. This may be just what you need to keep your business from going under entirely. 

How Much Coverage Do You Need? 

The amount of coverage you should have depends heavily on the type of business you have since different companies will have different coverage considerations. For instance, a small business will have needs that differ from a larger retail operation. It would help to sit down and have a talk with an independent agent.

Before you do this, think of certain things that relate to your company such as if the building is well-protected, if you have a sprinkler system that’s up-to-date and working, and if there’s a location close by that’s available for you to use when you can’t use your current location and how long it would take to move operations to this space. This will give you a solid idea about whether you’re prepared for when a disaster strikes. 

Business interruption insurance may not be necessary, though by now you can see why it probably is a good thing for your company to have. Contact us at STARS Insurance of the greater Buffalo Grove, IL area. 

Creating and storing a home inventory

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Making a home inventory is time-consuming, there is no way around it. However, it is time well spent. In the event you ever need to file a claim, and statistically, the chances are good you will file a claim, you will be grateful that you have it. At STARS Insurance in Buffalo Grove, IL, we are independent agents and offer our customers the top carriers in the business. We will make sure you get the best at the best price. 

Most homeowners will file a claim with their insurance company at some point. You will need to prove what you lost. Your home inventory will provide the information that you need if you have one. It is much easier to create a home inventory when you can see your content rather than trying to create it from memory when it is gone. 

Start by going to every room in your home and making a record of what is in that room. Open the drawers and closets to make sure you don’t miss anything. Take pictures as you go through from different angles. If you have sales slips or receipts, attach them. Be as detailed as possible in your description. Don’t just say a TV. Give the brand and model number and serial number if possible, you will thank yourself later. 

Go through all the rooms in your home and don’t forget the basement, attic, and garage. Once you have completed the inventory, you need to store it safely. Away from the residence is a good idea to make sure it survives intact. If you must store it at home, make sure it is in a water and fireproof container. Having a copy in the cloud is a good idea. You have access to it no matter where you are.

Contact STARS Insurance in Buffalo Grove, IL for all your insurance needs. 

What Should You Know About Commercial Insurance?

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The purpose of commercial insurance, that is also known as business insurance, is to protect a business and investments from property damage, bodily injury claims, cyberattacks, and other liabilities, Therefore, if you are a business owner and you care about your business and employees, it is a smart decision to get commercial insurance. If you are currently shopping for business insurance, here is a list of things you should know: 

What Is Covered By Standard Commercial Insurance?

Generally, business insurance protects businesses and assets from standard risks and liabilities, including property theft and damage, client lawsuits, customer and employee injury, and other unexpected events. Even though commercial insurance cannot protect you from everything, it can become a lifesaver in expensive situations. 

What Are The Types Of Commercial Insurance?

There are several types of business insurance, including:

  • Errors and omissions insurance (also known as professional liability insurance)
  • A business owner’s policy (BOP)
  • Cyber liability insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Fidelity bonds
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance

What Are The Factors That Have An Impact On The Cost Of Commercial Insurance?

The cost of your business insurance is determined by certain factors, such as the type of your business, number of employees you have, location, and prior claims history. 

STARS Insurance – Our Mission Is To Help You Protect Your Business

If you operate your business in Buffalo Grove, IL or any other nearby town in Illinois and you are currently shopping for commercial insurance, STARS Insurance is an insurance company you can trust. We serve clients in Buffalo Grove, IL and other surrounding areas. We will help you find an insurance policy you need based on your budget limits and individual needs. If you have any questions, or you need more information, do not hesitate to call us  – our agents are always ready to help.

Extra Types of Home Insurance That You May Need

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Though all homeowner’s insurance can be different, there are some things that are covered. Most of the time, your home and the contents in it will be covered by your policy. It may also include liability, which covers medical bills if someone gets hurt on your property. 

That being said, you may want to look into some extra insurance, just to make sure that you are fully protected. These may include: 

Flood. If you live in an area that sees flooding, you are going to want to protect yourself. Damage from flooding can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, making it worth the extra few dollars a month! 

Earthquake. Just like flood insurance, you are going to want extra insurance if you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes. 

Personal Umbrella Liability. If you want to make sure that you are fully protected against any injuries that may occur on your property, you are going to want to purchase some extra liability insurance. 

Personal Valuables. If you own some expensive jewelry, art, furniture, or other pieces, you may want to get some extra insurance to cover your loss. Though the content of your home is included in your policy, it may not be enough to cover your expensive pieces. 

In order to make sure that you are fully protected, you need to talk to a professional insurance agent in your area. In Buffalo Grove, IL, don’t hesitate to contact us today at STARS Insurance. We will be happy to sit down to make sure that you have all of the insurance that you need.  

How Does Boat Insurance Protect Me?

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Boating takes many forms. But whether it’s sailing, fishing, kayaking, or cruising in your beloved boat, you can be sure of limitless fun whenever you are in the water. And speaking of boating, there is no better state to spend your day in the water like Illinois. Featuring water bodies like Lake Michigan, Chicago, and the Mississippi River, Illinois is the perfect destination for boaters. 

However, as you have your best life in the water, don’t forget about boat insurance from STARS Insurance of Buffalo Grove, IL. Investing in boat insurance protects you in the below areas:

Liability protection

Boat insurance covers liabilities such as bodily injury and property damage for accidents you are deemed responsible for. Besides, boat insurance covers legal costs if the third party sues you for accidents you cause. Given that liability claims can be astronomical, boat insurance saves you out-of-pocket expenses, which can severely dent your pocket.

Physical damage protection

What would happen if your boat were involved in an accident? You could face expensive boat repairs that could soar into thousands of dollars. Worse yet, if the accident was severe, your boat could be totaled. Now think about the cost of replacement!

Thankfully, you don’t have to undergo such nightmares when you have invested in boat insurance. Collision and comprehensive coverages compensate you for loss or damage to your boat caused by various perils, including theft, fire, vandalism, accidents, falling objects, and other risks.

Medical payments coverage

Boat insurance covers medical costs for you and your passengers following a boating accident. This coverage pays for medical expenses, including first aid, hospitalization, surgery, x-rays, and medications, regardless of the party responsible for the accident.

Get boat insurance today!

Boat insurance ensures that you float with confidence wherever the fun takes you. Are you ready to get started with boat insurance in Buffalo Grove, IL? All you need to do is to contact STARS Insurance to start the conversation.

Buying a Home in a Flood Zone

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When shopping for a new home in Buffalo Grove, IL, you have many things to consider. All buyers should look into if their new home is in a flood zone before putting in an offer. Though buying a home in a flood zone should not deter you from making your purchase, you need to be sure you understand what can happen when shopping for homeowners insurance. For questions about insuring a home in a flood zone, call the experts at STARS Insurance to discuss your options.

What Is a Flood Zone? 

When buying a home, check the areas flooding maps to see if your home is in a flood zone. Being in a flood zone puts your home at a higher risk of experiencing damage from floodwaters. In addition, living in a flood zone can result in higher insurance premiums, based on the flood zone your home is located. Flood zones are categorized as low, moderate, or high risk. The Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) website can help you see where the home you are buying falls in flood zone risk. 

What is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is supplemental insurance protecting your home and belongings in the event of a flood. Typical homeowners insurance policies do not pay for flood damage caused by extreme storms, storm surge, or other events causing rising waters in your area. A flood insurance policy helps pay for repairs and replacement for items not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy in the event of a flood. 

Do I Need Flood Insurance? 

If your new home is in a flood zone, having flood insurance is a good idea. Additionally, your mortgage lender may require you to carry flood insurance to protect your home. 

For additional information about flood zones in Buffalo Grove, IL, or to see if your new home is in a flood zone, contact the experts at STARS Insurance. Our agents can help you cover your new home, even if it is in a flood zone.

How Long Do I Need Life Insurance?

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The length of time you need life insurance depends significantly upon how long you want your policy to last. For example, term life insurance only provides temporary coverage but is less expensive, while permanent life insurance is more expensive but covers you your entire life. Those living in Buffalo Grove, IL, should speak to their insurance agent to discuss options and how long they need a life insurance policy. Or, give our experts a call at STARS Insurance today for more information. 

How Long to Get Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance does not cover you for your entire life. Instead, you pick how long you want the life insurance policy to last. The term length you choose depends on the coverage you need.

Different Term Lengths

Term life insurance offers various term lengths, including some of the most common terms of 10, 20, and 30 years. Other policy length options include 15, 25, and 35-year periods. Shorter-term lengths help cover some unplanned situations, such as needing life insurance to cover debts. Additionally, those with poor health can choose a shorter coverage and, when their health improves, get a better rate for whole life insurance coverage. 

A 20-year term is the most popular choice among young parents because this provides them coverage until their kids are grown and have completed school. However, a 30-year term is popular among newlyweds giving long-term coverage at an affordable rate. 

Picking a Term Length

There are three things to consider when selecting a term length for your life insurance policy. These things include:

  • Age: Consider how old you will be when the policy expires. 
  • Cost: Consider how much you can afford to pay premiums. 
  • Goals: Consider your financial objectives, such as protecting a mortgage or saving for retirement. 

Start planning for your financial future today and speak with an agent at STARS Insurance today about your life insurance options available in Buffalo Grove, IL.

3 Tips for Safe Summer Driving

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Although winter weather is known for causing hazardous roads, most people aren’t aware of how hazardous summer driving can be as well. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to be prepared for the rising temperatures. STARS Insurance has put together a few tips to ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for safe summer driving in Buffalo Grove, IL.

Be Aware of Road Construction

Warmer weather generally means the snow and ice will be replaced with road construction. Although construction is beneficial for the roads, it can also lead to accidents. Construction often leads to congested roads, so it’s important to slow down and be aware of your surroundings while driving.

Be Cautious Increased Traffic

The arrival of summer encourages more people to get out, which ultimately leads to increased traffic and a greater risk of an accident. Whether you are driving to work in the morning or traveling for an annual family vacation, it’s essential that you stay patient and allow yourself plenty of time to safely arrive at your destination.

Stay on Top of Vehicle Maintenance

Hotter weather means your vehicle is working harder to stay in top running condition, so make sure to schedule routine maintenance for your vehicle, including an oil change and topping off all fluids. The hotter weather also means the pavement will be hotter, which can be rough on tires. The heat may cause the air inside the tire to expand, and it could potentially cause the tire to burst. So, be sure to check the tire pressure before driving each time.

The most important thing to do for driving safely during the summer is to remain patient and leave a few minutes before your scheduled departure. Here’s an extra tip as well-most vehicles are equipped with a button for circulating the air in the cabin of your vehicle, if you activate this while driving with your air conditioner on, the circulated air will actually help to keep the cabin cooler.

At Accurate Auto Insurance, we take pride in covering Illinois vehicle auto insurance as well as many other states. As a car-centric company, we want to ensure you drive safely. If you have questions about our services or safe driving in the summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

Residents of Buffalo Grove, IL who want to learn more information about summer safety driving or to discuss their automobile insurance policy should contact STARS Insurance.