When is a boat insurance policy needed?

The Sandy, UT area can be a great place to live as there is a long warm summer for you to enjoy. To maximize your experience here, owning a boat can be a great option. If you do own a boat, you should get the proper insurance for it. There are several situations when holding a boat insurance policy will be necessary. 

When Taking Out a Loan

One situation when you will need to get a boat insurance policy is when you want to take out a loan. Buying a boat can cost a lot of money and getting a loan can make it more financially reasonable. If you do have a loan against the boat, you should ensure you know your insurance obligations. Most boat loan borrowers will be required to carry boat insurance at all times.

When Using Certain Marinas

Another situation when you may need to have a boat insurance policy is if you want to use certain marinas or other waterways. Any area that allows people to use boats has the right to require boat owners to carry insurance as it can help protect all other people in the area. If you do use a marina or other waterway, it is important that you understand and comply with the local boat insurance rules.

As you are looking for a boat or a new boat insurance policy in Sandy, UT, you should call the team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. When you call The Smith Insurance Group Inc. you are going to receive great support and guidance from a team of experienced insurance professionals. They will evaluate your situation and figure out your boat insurance needs. From there, they can help you by building a new policy for you. 

Do I need health insurance in the Sandy UT area?

Having proper insurance in place is very important for anyone in the Sandy UT area. There are several forms of insurance that all people need to make sure that they get. One of the most important forms of insurance that you need to have at all times is health insurance. There are several reasons why having this insurance is so important. 

Ensures Access to Affordable and Quality Care

The main reason that you need to get a health insurance policy is that it can help to ensure that you will get access to affordable and quality healthcare. Being able to see a doctor and gain access to prescription medications can help you to get better insight into your health and control health conditions. When you have health insurance, you will have a network of physicians in your area that you can choose from. 

Required by Law

Another reason that you will need to get health insurance here is that it is actually required by law today. For the past few years, all people across the country have been obligated to have some health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents. You will have to provide evidence of this coverage when you file your income taxes. There are a variety of different options to choose from that can help to ensure you are in compliance with this obligation. 

Ultimately, having quality health insurance is a necessity for anyone in the Sandy, UT area. When you are looking for a policy here, you should call the team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. The team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. can give you guidance when it comes to choosing a policy that will help to ensure you and your dependants are appropriately covered. 

Is it a must to name a family member as my life insurance beneficiary?

Who should I name as a beneficiary? This is one of the most common questions people ask when purchasing life insurance. Deciding who will be your beneficiary is a big decision for any Sandy, UT insurance holder that involves critical thinking and essential decision making. Many people tend to name their family members as their primary beneficiary, creating the assumption and myth that you can only name a family member. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc., we help you make an informed decision by laying the facts about life insurance on the table.

Who is a beneficiary?

A beneficiary is a primary entity or person that you give consent to receive death benefits from your life insurance policy if you were to die. We have two main types of beneficiaries; the contingent and the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is a person, or people is the first line who can claim your death benefit from your policy. If the primary beneficiary dies before you have changed the name, a contingent beneficiary can receive the death benefit.

Can I name non-family members?

Absolutely! Life insurance policy in personal coverage. Therefore, you have the liberty to choose who you want to benefit from your money, depending on the reason why you bought the coverage. Many people in Sandy, UT purchase life insurance to protect their families from the financial stress upon the breadwinner’s death. Such people usually name their family members as beneficiaries. This could be a spouse, children, parents, siblings, or close relatives. However, if you have to name minors, it is essential also to name an adult who will be in charge until the child becomes an adult.

Are you looking to buy life insurance and protect your loved ones financially? The Smith Insurance Group Inc. would like to help. Contact us for quotes, queries, or policy discussions.

Motorcycle Insurance Add Ons You Need

When you own a motorcycle you absolutely understand the thrill of the open road. No matter the style of motorcycle you ride or if you’re an everyday rider (or seasonal rider) there is just nothing else that can compare with riding a motorcycle. When you work on your bike you likely install a few extra features to help make your ride more comfortable. Well, you will want to protect these add ons with the right kind of insurance. When you live around Sandy, UT, our staff here at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. wants to help make sure you are appropriately protected, no matter what kind of motorcycle or insurance options you’re considering. 

Motorcycle Upgrades

Perhaps you have added some compartments to carry more gear on your motorcycle. Or maybe you’ve installed a new gas tank or even some additional tech features on the bike. Whatever upgrades you’ve made you’ll want to consider the additional protective coverages for these installations. 

Roadside Assistance

You do what you can to work on your motorcycle, but even then issues can arise out of nowhere. You probably don’t want to just leave your motorcycle as you walk somewhere for help. With roadside assistance you can have a tow truck stop on by and, instead of paying out of pocket, the cost of the tow will be covered with your insurance.

Protect Your Motorcycle With The Right Insurance

There are all kinds of motorcycle insurance add ons to consider. But which is right for you? If you’re not completely sure or you still have questions you’ll want to give our staff at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. a call. When you live around greater Sandy, UT our staff is here to help address your questions and assist in finding the insurance that covers your needs. 

What Kind of Watercraft Policy is Right for Me?

The purchase of a watercraft is considered to be a major purchase. As you start the process of deciding what kind of craft you want in Sandy, UT, you will soon find that there are thousands of choices. Most people buy a boat that will last them for 10 years or more because financing the craft is like buying a car. Except the loans can go for much longer than six or seven years. When everything is done and you are ready to use the boat, you will need to find the right kind of insurance policy to protect your fun investment.

What Kind of Boat Policy Do I Really Need?

Watercraft policies can be a little confusing to understand if you have never seen one. When it comes right down to it, they all do the same thing. They protect the owner and passengers of the craft from financial harm. Here are a few things that you will want to know about when buying your first policy in Sandy, UT.

  • If you are planning on docking your boat at a marina, then you will need to have at least liability insurance before they will let you leave the craft in the slip. 
  • The state of Utah requires insurance on any craft that has a 50-horsepower engine or greater. If you try and operate the craft with the insurance, you can be ticketed for breaking the law. 
  • The type of insurance you will most likely want to buy should protect your boat from being damaged by named perils. 
  • If you have a loan on the boat, you will be required to have an insurance policy to protect the interests of the lender. 
  • You will most likely have special equipment on the boat for safety or fishing. These items can be costly to replace if something happens to them. Consider what kind of equipment you have when thinking about insurance.

There are a lot of things to think about when buying a watercraft policy. If you have questions, please call us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We can answer all of your questions and get you on the water legally quickly. 

Will my health insurance cover me in another country?

You have saved and planned for years and now your trip outside of the United States is finally approaching. One never likes to think of negative things but traveling to an unknown place can be a bit daunting and the thought of having an accident or getting ill while far away from home is scary. Among the thoughts that may have crossed your mind is whether or not your health insurance will cover you in another country. This is certainly a legitimate concern and one that the knowledgeable team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. of Sandy, UT is qualified to discuss with you. 

The answer to the question will my health insurance cover me in another country is not as simple as yes or no. It is more like probably but it is important that you check with your particular health insurance provider to get the exact details. Most policies will cover an emergency but their definition of what constitutes an emergency and yours may not be quite the same. Another thing that needs to be discussed is whether you are required to pay the medical expense upfront and then apply for reimbursement from your provider when you return. If you need to be brought back to the United States for care, it is more likely than not that this will not be covered under your health insurance. 

When you are planning a trip outside the United States it is a good idea to check with your credit card company to find out if they offer travel benefits. You may find that they will pay for evacuation if needed. If not then consider taking out a travel health insurance policy that provides the coverage you need. 

Before you take your trip, give the office of The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT a call to set up an appointment or stop by to discuss your health insurance needs. 

 

Do You Need Life Insurance if You Have No Dependents?

Those of us here at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. often see life insurance policies purchased by people with children, spouses and other close people who may be put at a financial disadvantage after their death. So naturally, this brings the question: do you still need life insurance if you have no dependents?

The short answer is, it depends. 

Residents of Sandy, UT (and the entire Salt Lake City area) are not required under law to have life insurance, and it’s true that not everyone needs it. That said, it’s still something that everyone should review every few years or so. 

The truth is that life insurance isn’t just used to provide financial stability to dependents. In fact, you can name pretty much anyone you like as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy. That said, your life insurance doesn’t necessarily have to be used for someone else’s financial benefit. Instead, many people without dependents choose to set up their life insurance for future funeral and burial costs, pay off any outstanding debts, etc. 

Others choose to set up a lasting legacy for themselves by using life insurance to set up charitable donations long after they are gone. You can even name a charity as your beneficiary, allowing something you believe in to flourish even in your absence. 

While thinking about the end of your life can be scary, setting up a life insurance policy can make everything feel a lot less daunting. It is therefore important for everyone without dependents to think hard about what they want to happen once they are gone. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc., we’re happy to answer all of your questions to help you determine whether or not life insurance is the right decision for you. 

Please feel free to give us a call or stop by our offices in the Sandy, UT area at your convenience. With the right life coverage, you can get on living without worry!

Scenic Routes for Motorcycles in Utah

Sandy, UT is the perfect location if you love getting out on your motorcycle and experiencing the most beautiful sights in the world. No matter which way you drive, you can easily find an amazing route. Get your motorcycle license, purchase motorcycle insurance from The Smith Insurance Group Inc., and set off on your next adventure. 

First set out on the Ogden River Scenic Byway. 34 miles long, you will run along Highway 39 east out of Ogden and ride through a valley before heading up into mountain terrain. Anyone interested can also stop off and visit the Trappist Monastery by Huntsville.

The Provo Canyon ride offers a route running alongside the Provo River, and you will also get to see famously beautiful spots like Bridal Veil Falls and the Alpine Wasatch Back.

Mirror Lake is one of the highest routes you can ride, and it passes through the Uinta Mountains. a range that stretches to Wyoming. Mirror Lake itself is stunning and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Then set off for the Burr Trail Road, a former cattle trail that now offers some of the most beautiful views in Utah. Spanning all the way from Boulder, Utah, the road will take you through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and then to Bullfrog in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.  Not all the road is fully paved, but you won’t be disappointed.

Next head out for Bryce Canyon, located between Zion and the Grand Staircase Escalante. Red rocks, evergreens, and snow provide a sharp contrast to the stunning views of the regular American Southwest scenery.

If you live in Sandy, UT it only makes sense to take advantage of all the area has to offer. If you want to make sure you have the motorcycle coverage you need, or if you just have any questions, please feel free to call The Smith Insurance Group Inc. today.

Boat Insurance: Do You Need It In the Winter?

Having a boat is great in the summer months when you can take it out on the water and enjoy it. But what about in the winter, when it just sits in storage? Do you still need to insure your boat when it’s not being used? You can get your boat insurance questions answered in the Sandy, UT area by visiting us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We know that it’s not always easy to have toys like boats, but that they’re usually worth any trouble they sometimes cause. If you don’t use your boat at all during the winter, you may want to drop your insurance on it. While you can do that, it’s not necessarily the best choice.

You’ll want to consider where you’re keeping your boat. Even if it’s on your property it could still be at risk, but if it’s stored somewhere else you’ll definitely want to keep insurance on it. A storage facility won’t be responsible for theft or damage in most cases, and you want to be sure your boat is properly protected. Keeping it insured during the winter months, when it’s being stored, helps ensure that you won’t suffer losses on it. That level of protection can bring you peace of mind.

It’s also important to remember that there are often discounts for continuous policies and if you start and stop your insurance that could be affected. The best way to determine if you need insurance on your Sandy, UT area boat in the winter months is to come talk to us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We can ask questions and provide you with information that will help you decide the right way to insure and protect your boat all year round.

Why Healthcare Protects You Financially In The Future

Obtaining a health insurance policy covers more than just emergency visits, surgeries, and doctor visits when you become sick. These policies allow for preventative healthcare such as annual appointments and other healthcare services that can protect your health and your wallet in the future when purchasing a health insurance policy from The Smith Insurance Group Inc. If you reside in the Sandy, UT area, below are the reasons why healthcare protects you financially in the future and why you should be invested.

Benefits Of Check-Ups

Having a regular doctor that you maintain visits with annually is essential for your preventative healthcare. Meeting with them for check-ups gives your medical history a firm foundation and can allow your doctor to notice any gradual changes in your health over time. They are able to detect changes in your vitals from a visit to visit, as well as have a familial medical history on file for reference.

Obtaining Monthly Prescriptions

For those who suffer from disorders such as high blood pressure or diabetes, health care insurance allows them to afford and obtain the proper medications needed for their health. Monthly prescriptions are applied to a health insurance policy, allowing patients to maintain their health and maintain proper preventative healthcare of a more serious disease. 

Maintaining Vaccinations

Whether you need an annual flu vaccination or one against another disorder, you have access to receive what you need at an affordable price with a health insurance policy. Patients at certain ages can be more seriously affected by a flu diagnosis, causing hospital visits and overnight stays, which can burden those financially who do not have insurance. 

Get Your Health Insurance Policy Today

Our agents at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. proudly serve the residents in or around Sandy, UT. If you are in need of a policy today and would like to maintain your health, contact us today for more information.