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.

How Does Commercial Insurance Benefit Businesses?

There are many steps you can take to make a new business successful. First and foremost, you want to have a solid business plan in place. This business plan should outline everything from the marketing steps you intend to put into action to the business insurance policy that you plan to use. Commercial insurance benefits businesses in a number of ways. Regardless of the industry that your business operates in, business insurance can serve as a form of protection. Here at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. serving the Sandy, UT area, we want to see all of our clients’ businesses succeed. Here’s a quick look at two benefits of commercial insurance for your business. 

Accidents Happen

No matter how cautious you are as a business owner, accidents happen. With commercial insurance, you can have peace of mind in knowing your assets are protected if a disaster was to happen. The exact types of events that are covered depend on the exact policy that you have. With the right policy, your income as a business owner is protected, ensuring that you and your family can stay afloat even during tough times. 

Property Protection

Also depending on the type of commercial insurance policy that you have, you may qualify for compensation in the event that your business is damaged by a fire or some other type of misfortune. 

To get a better understanding of the benefits of commercial insurance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to an agent at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. serving the Sandy, UT area. One of our agents can explain the different types of commercial insurance that are available. An agent can also help you customize a plan that meets all of your business insurance needs. 

What Does An Umbrella Insurance Policy Cover?

When you’re shopping for insurance, a lot of terms can be thrown out there. You’ll hear things like deductibles, coverage limits, exclusions, and even umbrella insurance. Understanding what umbrella insurance is can help you when you want to make sure you’re fully covered in Sandy, UT.

With every policy, you have a coverage limit. This goes for auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and more. If you file a claim that exceeds the coverage limit, you would be financially responsible for the rest. For example, if you only have $15,000 of property damage liability coverage and the total comes to $25,000, you would be on the hook for $10,000.

You don’t want to go broke because of one accident. This is why insurance agents at The Smith Insurance Group Inc recommend that you have an umbrella insurance policy. Think of it as something you need for a rainy day. You can have a policy that serves as an umbrella over all of your home or business policies. If you exceed the coverage level, your umbrella policy becomes available to take care of the rest, up to the limits of that policy.

Having the insurance policy will cost you more but can serve as considerable peace of mind. The reality is that you can’t afford to not have it. There’s never any way to guess what’s going to happen, so the best thing that you can do is to prepare for the worst-case scenario, whatever that might be.

We’re here for you every step of the way. At The Smith Insurance Group In,c. we’re able to work with you to ensure that you have the coverage that you need in Sandy, UT. This way, if there is a major incident at home or with your business, you’re prepared with an umbrella policy.

 

 

What will happen if I don’t have auto insurance?

Driving a vehicle on a daily basis is a necessity for many people and is also a big responsibility. When you do drive a vehicle, you will need to make sure that you have auto insurance in place at all times. If you do not have auto insurance in place, a number of things could occur. 

Violation of the Law

If you do not carry auto insurance, you will be in violation of the law. Carrying at least a minimum level of liability auto insurance is a requirement for anyone in the Sandy UT area. If you do not carry auto insurance and are caught driving without it, you could face stiff penalties. This can include losing your right to drive a car, financial penalties, and even imprisonment if you are a repeat offender.

No Protection

The main reason why you need to have auto insurance in place is that it will provide you with financial protection for a variety of losses. If you have a full auto insurance policy that provides collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage, you will receive coverage for a wide range of losses. If you do not have auto insurance in place, you could end up facing a significant financial loss if you are involved in an accident or your vehicle is stolen or damaged. Further, you will be found personally liable for any damage that you cause in an accident. 

Since having auto insurance in place at all times is very important, people in the Sandy, UT area should contact The Smith Insurance Group, Inc. to further discuss their auto insurance needs. The professionals at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. can help you to get into an auto insurance policy that provides you with the necessary levels of protection. 

Can You Adjust or Change Your Life Insurance Plan?

Whether you already have life insurance or are looking for life insurance in Sandy, UT, don’t assume the plan is set in stone. You can adjust or change your life insurance plan, but you need to know when and how to do it. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. offers different types of life insurance and will gladly speak to you about making adjustments. Here’s what you need to know.

You Should Reassess Your Insurance Needs

People change and their lives change. If you haven’t looked at your life insurance coverage in years, then now is just as good as time as any to do it. New changes should always come with a review of your insurance. After the reassessment, you can decide if you need to make changes to your life insurance plan.

You Should Know the Types of Changes to Consider

You shouldn’t attempt to make changes to your life insurance arbitrarily or too frequently. Nevertheless, here are a few things that often prompt the need for a change:

  • Increasing coverage to accommodate life changes
  • Decreasing coverage if your financial situation has made a fundamental change for the better
  • Adding additional benefits or coverage options you didn’t need previously
  • Removing benefits or coverage options you’re sure you don’t need
  • Adding coverage or options to deal with worsening health

Look for big reasons to attempt a change in policy. Once you know what you need to adjust, you can start trying to make it happen.

You Should Speak with a Reputable Insurance Company

Generally, the first thing you should do is to see what your current insurer can do to make changes for you. If the insurer cannot or will not offer you options for adjustment, you can cancel the policy and start from scratch with what you now need.

If you have a good policy that you’ve kept for a while, you may want to keep it even if you can’t adjust it. You can often add options in the form of a “top-up” policy in Sandy, UT. Contact Smith Insurance Group Inc. to learn more about life insurance policies and how to make changes to yours.