How to be More Visible on Your Motorcycle

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In numerous auto/motorcycle accidents, the common excuse from the auto driver is often, "I didn’t see the motorcycle!" A comparatively small and swift motorcycle can easily be overlooked on a bustling road filled with vehicles. If you are a motorcyclist, you can take measures to increase your visibility. These steps are simple and don’t require any expensive purchases. They could be the difference between a safe journey home or a disastrous accident.

Increasing Your Visibility on the Road

Firstly, it’s crucial to use common sense and avoid drivers’ blind spots. Position yourself so that the driver in the adjacent lane can see you. Give commercial trucks a wide berth as they have larger blind spots, more moving parts, and cargo. Always keep your headlights on, even during the day. A modulator can make your headlights and brake lights more noticeable. While black leather jackets may look cool, it’s safer to wear something brightly colored, especially in dark or overcast conditions. Reflective tape on your helmet and strategically placed on your bike can further enhance your visibility. Knowing when to use your horn can alert other drivers to your presence. If possible, ride in a group and stay with them. Tap your brake lights well before you come to a stop. It’s a given, but always use your turn signals, both lights and hand signals. Above all, stay alert!

The Smith Insurance Group Inc. Serving Sandy, UT

If you live in the Sandy, UT, area and need to insure your motorcycle, please contact us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We’re here to help!

4 Reasons Why You Need to Add a Jet Ski to Your Watercraft Collection

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If you have a boat or two in your garage, you might want to expand your watercraft collection this summer before you head out on the river or lake. A jet ski is a great addition, and it’s easy to add to your watercraft insurance policy.

1. Easy to Use

Jet skis are easy to transport, sometimes even easier than a boat, and they are simple to use once you get out on the water. They are basic watercraft machines that are simple to operate and allow you to enjoy them in both shallow and semi-deep water.

2. Easy to Maintain

When it comes to maintenance, jet skis are some of the easiest to maintain. They only need basic service such as oil changes. Many jet ski owners are able to handle these maintenance services and manage the jet skis on their own.

3. Great Exercise

To properly maneuver these jet skis, you do have to engage in some form of physical activity. This can help you get some exercise and build up your strength. Compared to boating, this is more physically enduring, and with the driver having to maneuver and lift the jet ski, there is a lot of physical benefit to this watercraft.

4. Cost Efficient

Compared to getting another boat or some other complicated watercraft, a jet ski is simple and affordable. It makes a great addition to your collection and won’t break the bank when you purchase it. Jet skis also last a long time, so you’ll get plenty of use out of them before they need to be replaced.

If you’re a watercraft owner in the Sandy, UT area, contact us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. today for more information on boat and watercraft insurance. We can help you get a personal policy that fits all your watercraft needs today.

The Benefits of Buying Private Health Insurance Outside of the Health Insurance Marketplace

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When it comes to health insurance, many people’s first thought is the Health Insurance Marketplace, particularly during open enrollment periods. However, the Marketplace isn’t the only option. Private health insurance plans offer unique benefits that might better fit your needs. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, we understand that finding the right health coverage can be daunting, and we’re here to help you explore all your options.

More Flexibility with Plan Choices

One significant advantage of purchasing private health insurance outside of the Marketplace is the variety of plans available. Marketplace plans are standardized, which can be limiting if you’re looking for something tailored to your specific needs. Private insurers often offer more flexibility in terms of coverage options, networks, and premiums, allowing you to find a plan that truly suits your lifestyle and budget.

No Restrictions on Enrollment Deadlines

While the Marketplace has strict open enrollment deadlines, private health insurance can be purchased at any time of the year. This is particularly beneficial if you miss the enrollment period or experience a life event that doesn’t qualify for a special enrollment period. With private insurance, you don’t have to wait for months to get the coverage you need.

Customized Coverage and Specialized Plans

Private health insurance allows for more customization. Whether you’re self-employed, need coverage for specific medical services, or are looking for broader provider networks, private plans often offer more specialized options.

If you’re exploring health insurance options, The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, is here to guide you. Contact us today to learn more about private health insurance and how it can provide the coverage you need without the constraints of the Marketplace.

How to Add Your New Child To Your Life Insurance Policy

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Congratulations on your new baby! Perhaps you’ve decided to adopt or foster an older child, or you’ve married someone with kids, and now you have a stepchild. Whatever the case, it’s a joyous occasion! Now, it’s time to add this new member to your life insurance policy to ensure their well-being if anything happens to you.

Here’s How To Do It Easy

First, review your current policy to understand what is covered and assess your new child’s needs. Determine the best time to add your child to the policy, typically within thirty days. Contact your insurance provider to initiate the process. Make sure all necessary information, such as the birth certificate, social security number, and proof of guardianship, is ready for the agent. Remember, adding a new dependent to your insurance may alter your premiums, so budgeting accordingly is essential. You may also need to update your other insurance policies. Review the coverage as it pertains to your entire family. You might want to consider the option of additional insurance.

Contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc. Serving Sandy, UT

A new child brings significant changes to your life, including your insurance. If you are in the Sandy, UT area and looking for life insurance, please contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We will connect you with a proficient and courteous agent dedicated to helping you find the policy that is best for you and your family.

The vehicle you choose and its impact on car insurance

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There’s no denying it. The automotive industry is rapidly evolving. Cars are becoming electrified, and some are even self-driving. Technology is making cars safer and more convenient, and more expensive to repair. Traditional sedans are being produced less frequently, with some manufacturers ceasing production altogether. All of these changes impact what you may pay for vehicle insurance. For those in the Sandy, UT area, The Smith Insurance Group Inc. wants you to understand how and why the vehicle you choose will affect your car insurance.

The Rising Prices of Vehicles

The average price of a new vehicle now exceeds $45,000, largely due to the increasing costs of larger, more luxurious SUVs. While SUVs may be safer, they are more expensive to repair and replace, potentially leading to higher premiums.

Technology and Repair Costs

There was a time when replacing a damaged fender was straightforward. Today, replacement parts may include complex technologies like radar, sensors, cameras, and alarms. This complexity can significantly increase repair costs.

Check and Compare Rates Before Purchasing a Vehicle

It’s important to understand how your choice of vehicle will impact your car insurance before you decide to buy. This can help prevent costly surprises and potential regrets.

We Can Help with Auto Insurance!

Some may feel they have little influence over their car insurance rates. However, it starts with your choice of vehicle. More expensive and luxurious vehicles will be more costly to repair and replace and, therefore, more expensive to insure. Be prepared by checking insurance prices before you buy.

We invite you to visit The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT. We can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Type of Coverage For Your Motorcycle in the Winter

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Motorcyclists often underestimate the value of insurance in the winter. Canceling your policy should never be an option. The staff at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, can make you aware of the risks should you temporarily cancel your motorcycle insurance policy. Thankfully, there are several types of coverage available to protect your ride.

Lay-Up Motorcycle Insurance

During the winter months, the use of your motorcycle lessens as the roads become too slick for a smooth ride. Many cyclists choose to downgrade their existing policy to a lay-up insurance plan. Some insurance agencies call this coverage motorcycle storage insurance. It protects the bike from theft, damage, vandalism, and other non-comprehensive coverage while in storage. However, you cannot ride your bike during the policy’s lay-up period, as collision and liability coverage is suspended. If you choose to ride, you will will be liable for all damages in an on-road accident.

Seasonal Motorcycle Insurance

Another motorcycle insurance option is purchasing a seasonal policy during the winter months. The coverage allows you to customize the policy to your liking. Usually, the coverage reflects the amount of riding done during the fall and winter months. Riders will remove all liability coverage on the policy if they plan to put their bike in storage for the winter. Once again, if you choose to be inactive, be sure to reinstate all the comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage before getting back on your motorcycle. Seasonal insurance could protect your bike all year long.

Motorcycle insurance is the lifeblood for all riders during the summer months. However, the winter months allow cyclists to downgrade their policy in Sandy, UT, and other parts of the United States. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. staff can provide options that protect your motorcycle while in winter storage. Call and schedule an appointment today.

How Boat Insurance Protects on the Water and Off

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Understanding the Importance of Boat Insurance

As a boat owner, you might underestimate the significance of boat insurance or remain unaware of the various risks it can shield you from. A myriad of protection types is available in your boat insurance policy, and opting for multiple coverages is usually preferable, ensuring protection against several risks associated with owning a boat. Call The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT to get started.

Boat Liability Protection

Similar to auto insurance, boat insurance offers different types of liability coverage that can be included in the policy. This comprises coverage for bodily injury liability along with coverage for property damage liability. Each pays for distinct incidents that can occur during a boating accident. The bodily injury coverage will bear the costs of other people’s medical bills and subsequent expenses if they get injured in an accident where they’re at fault. Property damage liability covers damage inflicted on the other boat and may cover personal belongings within the boat. It’s typically recommended for every boat owner to utilize both types of coverage.

Additional Boat Insurance Coverage

To get coverage that reimburses the damage inflicted on your boat in an accident, you’ll need collision boat coverage. This can defray the repair costs for your boat. Comprehensive coverage is available to secure your boat while not on the water. This covers the boat against a wide spectrum of risks it faces while not being operated. This can safeguard your boat from numerous land-based risks.

Securing Boat Insurance in Sandy, UT

If you need a boat insurance policy, call The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT.

Benefits of Wellness Checks and Annual Lab Work

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You’re constantly hearing about how you need health insurance, and since you feel fine, you may not understand why it’s so important. The best way to treat yourself for any illness is to take advantage of wellness checks and annual lab work. Below are the benefits to consider if you’re on the fence about getting a policy. 

1. Catch Signs Early On

Having annual blood work taken at least once a year can allow your healthcare provider to see if any concerning changes are developing in your body. For example, folks who are diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes show signs of elevation if they have their blood work done regularly. This can help them start treating these issues early on and start medication before the issue develops into something worse. 

2. Check Your Immune System

If your immune system is starting to lack the essential vitamins and minerals needed to be efficient, it can be traced and found through wellness checks and lab work. When you visit your doctor, let them know of any changes or symptoms you may have developed, whether small or minor. This could encourage them to add testing to your lab work and check your immune system. 

3. Establish Medical History

One of the greatest things about having these annual checks is to meet with your doctor and establish a medical history. In addition to the lab work, these physicians will note anything you mentioned during the visit and any dietary or exercise changes discussed. In the future, if you start to show signs and symptoms of specific disorders, they can track your medical history with these visits. 

If you live in the Sandy, UT, area and would like more information on getting a personal health insurance policy, contact our team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. today. 

Does Life Insurance Go Through Probate in Utah?

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After a person’s unfortunate passing, the distribution of assets to heirs depends on several details. Many assets go into probate, but generally, life insurance policies don’t.

Understanding Probate

Probate is the legal process determining the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. Even when it’s smooth, probate can take time. Hence, residents of Sandy, UT, should not count on receiving inherited assets that go into probate right away.

Life Insurance Bypasses Probate

When set up correctly, life insurance benefits generally do not go through probate. The death benefits are often paid directly to the named beneficiaries, with no need for probate or court involvement in most cases. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc., we can ensure a policy is set up correctly.

The direct transfer of benefits ensures privacy and provides the funds quickly to beneficiaries, who might need immediate financial support for funeral expenses, debts, or ongoing living costs.

Named Beneficiaries

It’s essential to name your chosen beneficiaries correctly in the policy to ensure that life insurance proceeds go directly to them in Utah.

When buying life insurance, you can name one or more individuals, trusts, or organizations as beneficiaries. These can be updated at any time; thus, you can make changes if there’s a birth, death, divorce, or another event that alters who you’d like to receive the policy’s death benefits.

Set Up Your Life Insurance

If you haven’t purchased life insurance and are in Sandy, UT, contact us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. One of our knowledgeable agents will set you up with a life insurance policy that’s right for your situation — and they’ll make sure you have the correct parties listed as named beneficiaries on the policy.

Why liability auto insurance is required in Utah

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Car accidents are one of the most common sources of property damage and injuries in Sandy, UT, and other parts of the United States. Because of the high risk of damage and loss from car accidents, Utah and other states require all drivers to carry liability insurance on their auto insurance policy. Here is a brief explanation of auto insurance in the state. Additional questions can be directed to agents representing The Smith Insurance Group Inc. 

What is liability coverage?

Drivers need financial responsibility for any damage or injuries they cause during an accident. This is required by law in Utah and most other states in the USA. Additional coverage for damage to the driver’s vehicle can be purchased, but this is typically not a legal requirement mandated by the government. 

What specific amount does a liability policy need to cover in Utah?

The minimum coverage amounts required by law include up to $50,000 per person for bodily injuries, $50,000 to cover property damage, and $100,000 for total bodily injuries in an accident. All policies provided by licensed insurance agencies in Sandy, UT, will have these required coverage amounts. Drivers who believe they have a higher risk of accidents can purchase larger coverage amounts if they choose to do so. Special liability coverage amounts are also required for those who operate commercial vehicles for business purposes. 

We can provide help with auto liability insurance.

Our agents represent The Smith Insurance Group Inc. and are available to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about liability insurance and set up an auto insurance policy.