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.

When to Upgrade Auto Insurance Coverage in Sandy

Auto insurance has a tendency to fade into the background for many drivers in Sandy, UT. You might pick a policy when you first get your car, set up automatic payments, and then quickly forget about it from there. But your policy should technically be changing based on what you do and how you live. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. is here to let you know when it’s time to upgrade your coverage. 

When You Want More 

Maybe you opted for the lowest amount of coverage when you first got your car because you didn’t really drive very much at the time. But since then, you obtained a new job that increases the amount of travel. You may be going into higher crime areas or spending more time on busy roads. The more time you’re in your vehicle, the more coverage you’ll need. 

When You’ve Made Changes to the Car 

Maybe you installed a new stereo or you splurged a little more than you thought you would at the after-market store. All of these additions could increase the value of your car, meaning you’ll need to get additional protection for them. If you haven’t called your insurance carrier to update them on the changes, they may not cover the repair or replacement should you file a claim. 

When You Want a New Partner 

If you live in Sandy, UT, and want to learn more about different auto insurance carriers, The Smith Insurance Group Inc. is here to help. The company that covers you will play a major role in how claims are handled, which items are approved, and your overall experience should an adverse event occur to you. Contact us today if you have questions about how you can upgrade your coverage in Sandy. 

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!

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!