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!

3 Facts About Auto Insurance You Need To Know

Sandy, UT motorists who are looking to remain safe on the roadways will often rely on the assistance of The Smith Insurance Group Inc. for all of their auto insurance needs. There are a few key facts that drivers in the Sandy, UT area need to know before they can make a truly informed decision. 

This guide is here to provide the necessary background when it comes time to make a final decision. Here are three facts about auto insurance that you need to know: 

1. The Factors That Determine Pricing

Every auto insurance provider will rely on a few key factors to determine the pricing. The motorist’s marital status, age and gender are all taken into consideration. Younger drivers and male drivers are both considered more likely to have an accident. There is statistical evidence to back up these claims. Meanwhile, married drivers are considered less likely to file accident claims.

2. Expensive Vehicles Are Not Always More Costly To Insure

This is a common misconception when it comes to auto insurance. Many motorists assume that insurance costs rise with the cost of the vehicle. In reality, an expensive vehicle that has a better track record for offering lower claim rates for accidents may cost much less to insure than a cheaper vehicle. 

3. Personal Insurance Does Not Cover Business Vehicles

There is a wide range of motorists who are unaware of this fact. Those who remain unaware are actually putting their personal policy at risk. Anyone who is found to be driving their personal vehicle for a side gig will have their policy revoked entirely. A motorist who plans on utilizing their personal vehicle for a business venture must be sure to purchase a policy that is completely separate, with no exceptions. 

Would you like to learn more about the ins and outs of an auto insurance policy? If so, please be sure to visit The Smith Insurance Group Inc. website as soon as possible. 

Do Stay at Home Parents Need Life Insurance?

Most people realize that if the primary wage earner were to pass away that life insurance will help the rest of the family move forward despite their grief. However, having life insurance from The Smith Insurance Group Inc. for a stay-at-home parent is just as important. If you’re undecided about insuring a stay-at-home parent in Sandy, UT, these reasons might convince you that it’s important.

To Offset Funeral Costs

If the worst happens and a family loses their at-home parent, the costs for the deceased final arrangements must be provided for. An inexpensive burial can cost over $10,000, and even a low-cost cremation could still empty out a family’s emergency fund. A life insurance policy can help pay for the final expenses of the lost loved one, allowing the family to lay their mother or father to rest without worrying about how to pay for the final costs.

To Pay for Childcare Costs

Even if an at-home parent doesn’t earn money, he or she does provide a valuable service to the family by providing childcare. If the at-home parent is no longer around, the surviving parent will have to make other arrangements for the children’s care. Life insurance can help pay for these expenses.

To Allow Time for Grief

Grief is exhausting, devastating, and confusing. Those who lose a close loved one may not be mentally or physically capable of going back to work full time for several weeks. Life insurance can allow the surviving spouse to take time off of work for a few weeks to recover from the devastation of this loss. Additionally, the children may need extra attention and love, and the funds that life insurance provides can give the remaining spouse financial space to nurture little ones who can’t possibly understand why their family looks so different. 

To speak to an agent about life insurance in the Sandy, UT area, contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc. today!

Traveling This Holiday Season? 5 Tips to Avoiding Road Accidents

The holidays usually mean more shopping, cooking and traveling, which increases your risk of accidents on the road. Auto insurance from The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT will protect your interests if you’re involved in an auto accident. The following safety tips can keep accidents from happening, even during the busy holiday season.

Service Your Vehicle

Don’t hit the road without servicing your vehicle to make sure it’s road-ready. Have your mechanic check fluids, belts, brakes, wipers, and tires. Change your oil and get new tires, if needed, before holiday travels.

Plan Ahead

Plan your holiday vacation in advance to avoid stress. Decide where you’re going, pick your dates, map your routes and assemble emergency supplies for your travels. Check weather conditions in advance so you know what to expect along the way.

Leave Early

Leave early enough to avoid rush hours and to give you enough time to stop and rest when you get tired. Resting often can help you stay alert. If you’re traveling with other drivers, share the load to avoid fatigue.     

Don’t Get Distracted

Keep your mind and eyes on the road – don’t get distracted. Put away your cell phone so you’re not tempted to make calls or text friends when driving. Make a playlist for your journey so you’re not fiddling with the radio trying to find tunes to your liking.

Don’t Drink and Drive

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks during your holiday celebrations. What is wrong is drinking and driving. If you’re going to drink, call Uber or a taxi to take you home or travel with a designated driver.   

As we enter the holiday season, make sure you have the auto insurance protection you need by calling The Smith Insurance Group Inc.in Sandy, UT.

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. 

Should I Put a Minor As a Life Insurance Beneficiary?

It is very common for people to want to provide for their child or children in the event they pass away. As such, you may be considering naming a minor child as a life insurance beneficiary. Here at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. serving the Sandy, UT. area, we want to help you decide if you should name a minor as a life insurance beneficiary. Here is some information you should know. 

A Life Insurance Company Will Not Pay Out To a Minor

When you are deciding whether or not to list a minor as a life insurance beneficiary, it is important to note that a life insurance company will not pay out to a minor. If you list a minor as your beneficiary, the courts will appoint a guardian who will oversee the money left to them. In most cases, your child will be unable to receive the money until they are 18 or 21 years of age, depending on what the guardian decides. 

Consider Setting Up a Trust or a Legal Arrangement

The best way to provide for a minor child in the event you pass is to set up a trust or legal arrangement. The trust or legal arrangement will detail who can access the money, such as a guardian providing for your child and when the child can access the money, such as for college expenses or as soon as your child graduates high school. 

Purchasing a life insurance policy can help you to provide for your children if you pass out away at an early age. Are you looking to purchase a life insurance policy that will help you provide for your children even if you are not around? Contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc., serving Sandy, UT., to get started today. 

Safety Tips for Summer Road Trips

Summer is a great time for a family road trip. Whether you’re staying in Utah or traveling cross country in your vehicle, safety should be your number one priority. The following road trip safety tips from The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT can help keep you safe during your summer travels.

Check Your Vehicle

Before hitting the open road, take your vehicle in for a checkup. Routine maintenance will ensure your car is ready for long distance travels. Have your mechanic check the tires, belts, battery, fluids, wipers, and AC to make sure everything’s working as it should. Vehicle maintenance can help you avoid breakdowns on the road.

Rest Up

Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before your trip so you’ll be awake and alert for driving. Driving half asleep puts you at greater risk of causing an accident. Take breaks as needed during your travels to avoid getting bored or tired. If possible, switch off on drivers every couple hours to get the rest you need.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Make sure you have an emergency kit with all the essentials needed for long distance travels. Your kit should include drinking water, flashlight, warm blankets, flares, jumper cables, cell phone with charger, first aid supplies and basic tools for minor car repairs. If your auto insurance doesn’t include roadside assistance, consider getting this coverage for summer travels.

Stay off Your Phone

Stay off your phone when driving so you can focus on the road. Texts and phone calls are major distractions that can easily lead to accidents.

Update Your Auto Insurance

Update your auto insurance to ensure you have ample protection for your travels. To learn more about road trip insurance protection options, contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT.