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Why Trust Kelly With Your Home and Auto Insurance?

  1. I am a broker.  This means I represent MULTIPLE carriers which allows me the opportunity to review rates with each carrier.  This helps me determine which carrier is offering the best package to fit your family’s needs. There is NO additional cost associated with working with a broker.
  2. Each year Patti and I review your renewal. If there is a $100 increase to your home or auto insurance renewal, Patti will contact you to inform you of the increase and ask if it is okay to review options.  I have saved some of my own clients $800+ per year just by reviewing their renewal!
  3. I represent A+ carriers. Some of the carriers I represent are Travelers Insurance, AAA, The Hartford, Nationwide, Progressive, etc.  When classified as an A+ carrier, this means they pay claims, have a good customer service department, and billing department.
  4. It is easier to call one person for all of your insurance needs.
  5. I have consistently saved people money on their home and auto insurance.

Patti will be reaching out to you soon to discuss your home and auto insurance policies renew and options to combine your policies. 

What You Need to Know About Auto and Home Renewals

The summer months are the time that most homeowner’s insurance policies renew.  The biggest reason is that many people purchase/move during the summer months. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when reviewing your renewals.

  • When looking at rates, always review the total package (i.e. home and auto).  Often, some carriers will have a better rate on home as opposed to auto however, the total calculation needs to be reviewed when determining the best scenario. 
  • Consider a higher deductible.  Most people now have a $500 deductible on auto and $1,000 deductible on home.
  • When reviewing rates, make sure to consider the wind/hail deductible.  Some carriers will now require a 1% deductible for wind/hail claims.  If your deductible is $1,000 and your replacement cost is $250,000, your wind/hail deductible would be $2,500.  This means any claims related to wind/hail are subject to a separate, larger deductible.  If your current policy has $1,000 deductible, you’ll need to get an accurate comparison.
  • Do NOT skimp on coverages.  Dropping your liability limits saves very little in your annual premium.
  • If you own a rental, also assess the total package when shopping rates.  Some carriers will require the primary residence in order to consider the rental property.  Their rates can be ½ of what the other carriers offer by packaging your primary residence with the same carrier.
  • Ask to have your home’s replacement cost recalculated.  Each year the carrier will increase the dwelling coverage to protect against inflation. 
  • Make sure you are matching coverages.  Some carriers are notorious for removing full coverage to reduce the rate.  Sadly, some people do not realize that until they have an accident.  Full coverage means the carrier will fix your vehicle in the event of an at-fault accident.  On the flip side, liability only means your vehicle is NOT getting fixed in the event of an at-fault accident.
  • Choose your words wisely when calling other companies.  If you tell an agent you want the “cheapest rate possible” or “basic coverages”, this often means the lowest possible liability limits ($25,000/$50,000) and liability-only coverage.  Again, you do not save much by reducing the liability limits.

If you would like to get a free quote and find out how you can save money by about combining your insurance policies, please call Kelly or Patti at 708-444-0050.   Get Ready to Save!

Open Enrollment AGAIN??

A Special Election Period (SEP) for individuals and families that did not have coverage in 2014 and qualify for assistance, can apply for coverage March 15th-April 30th.  In order to qualify…

*You must not be enrolled in a plan currently

 

*Attest that when you filed your 2014 tax return you paid the penalty for not having health coverage (1% of your income or $95/adult in the household and $47.50/child)

 

If you apply during this time, coverage will take effect May 1st.

 

The End of Open Enrollment

On March 31st, 2014 the historic 1st year of the Health Care Reform Act enrollment will come to a close.  As a last reminder, if you are eligible for enrollment this is what you can expect…

 

IF YOU ENROLL IN A PLAN

  • If you currently have a health insurance plan, you will NOT be able to make ANY changes until the next open enrollment.  Generally the open enrollment period will be each year between October-December.  Any changes made during this time will take effect January 1, 2015.
  • If you are still planning to enroll, policies applied for by March 15th will take effect April 1st.  Policies applied for between March 16-March 31st will take effect May 1st.  As long as you make a decision by March 31st you will avoid the penalty.
  • If you qualified for a subsidy (via the marketplace) be sure to check your results.  MANY require that you send additional documentation by the end of open enrollment in order to keep your subsidy.  The additional requirements can be sent via mail or uploaded to your marketplace account.  If you plan on mailing the documents I suggest sending it certified so you have proof that it was received.

 

IF YOU DO NOTHING

  • You will be locked out of being able to join a plan…unless you fall into a special election period (marriage, child birth, loss of coverage, etc).  If you’ve chosen this option I recommend purchasing a critical illness/accident plan. It is NOT the same as health insurance but in the event you injure yourself or are diagnosed with a critical illness, the plan will pay you an allotted amount ($5,000-$50,000). The plans start as low as $2 per month for critical illness and $15 per month for accident coverage.
  • You can expect to receive a $95 per person ($47.5 per child under the age of 18) penalty on your 2014 federal tax return (this will increase in 2015)

How to Offset High Deductibles Associated with Healthcare Reform

Have you heard about Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Coverage?

  • Critical illness insurance is an insurance product, where the insurer is contracted to typically make a lump sum cash payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses listed in the insurance policy (usually cancer, heart attack, or stroke).
  • Accident Coverage is an insurance product, where the insurer is contracted to typically make a lump sum cash payment if the policyholder is involved in an accident at work or play (examples include: broken bones, stitches, sports related injuries and general clumsiness).

 

Since preventative services come standard with ALL plans you are more likely to use your deductible due to a critical illness or injury. The purpose of these plans are to use the funds towards your deductible.

 

Rates depend upon age and amount of coverage but can start as low as $2.75 per month with $10,000 in coverage.

Open Enrollment Events

I will be participating in multiple events during open enrollment.

 

*Healthcare Reform/”Obamacare” Open House
Every Saturday starting October 5th-December 14th 10am-2pm
Prime Realty: 17208 Oak Park Avenue Tinley Park, IL 60477
-The open house will be closed November 30th-

 

*Medicare Open House
Every Tuesday October 15th-December 3rd 10am-2pm
Additional dates added December 5th and December 7th 10am-2pm
Prime Realty: 17208 Oak Park Avenue Tinley Park, IL 60477

 

*Medicare Community Event for United Healthcare/AARP Plans
October 29th and November 13th 10am-11am
Prime Realty: 17208 Oak Park Avenue Tinley Park, IL 60477

 

*Healthcare Reform and Medicare Educational Booth
CVS 8811 W 87th Street Hickory Hills, IL 60457
October 16th 2pm-6pm
November 6th 2pm-6pm
December 4th 2pm-6pm
January 15th 2pm-6pm
March 5th 2pm-6pm
March 19th 2pm-6pm

Questions
Questions

Feel free to email or call me with any questions or comments about my services or if you have any insurance related inquires.

Contact
Contact

Phone: 708.444.0050
Email: kelly@kellyburkeinsurance.com

Availability
Availability

Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Evening and weekends
available upon request