Things home insurance covers and some it doesn’t

Posted on by admin

Home insurance provides a variety of different types of coverage. It protects your home, its content, offers liability coverage, and loss of use. At Green Family Insurance Inc. in Illinois, we encourage our customers to read their home insurance policy so that they are fully aware of the coverage and the exclusions. 

Home Insurance Coverage

Property

Home insurance covers your home from a variety of perils. It also covers other structures on your property. This includes sheds, garages, decks, and porches. 

Content

The things that you own are covered by your content coverage. It is most often figured at half of the value of the building itself. You have the option of choosing the value of the items today or what it would cost to replace them. It is important that you have a home inventory and appraisals for any of your more valuable items. 

Floods

Traditional home insurance does not cover floods that are caused by surface water. If your pipes burst, that will be covered but if the creek overflows it isn’t covered. You can however get flood insurance to provide the protection you need. 

Earth movement

Earth movement is not covered by home insurance. This includes earthquakes, sinkholes, mudslides, and landslides. You can however get coverage with an endorsement or an additional policy. 

Some dogs

Not all dogs are covered by your home insurance. When you get a new dog, you should talk to your insurance agent to determine if your dog will be covered. 

Damage due to owner neglect

If your home is damaged by neglect, the insurance won’t pay for it. You need to maintain your home. 

We Are Here To Help

When you need exceptional service and the choices provided by an independent insurance agent at Green Family Insurance Inc. in Illinois we are here to help. Give our office a call or stop by. 

The Importance of Auto Insurance

Posted on by admin

Our agents at Green Family Insurance Inc. understand the importance of having an appropriate amount of auto insurance in place to cover you and your vehicle.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

In the state of Illinois, all drivers must have at least an auto liability insurance policy in place. This will help pay for the other driver’s vehicle and any injuries that the driver or his or her passengers suffer due to an accident that is your fault. There are other types of insurance policies that you could obtain for your vehicle.

You never know when a tragic incident will occur, which is why it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to auto insurance. Listed below are the different options you have when it comes to creating your auto insurance policy.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you’re involved in an accident that is the fault of a driver who does not have insurance, this type of policy will come in handy for you. This is because it will cover the damages to your vehicle and even help you out with medical bills if you are injured.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance coverage will help replace or repair your beloved vehicle if it is damaged by some sort of incident. The types of incidents covered include natural disasters, fires, theft, and vandalism.

Collision Insurance

If you collide with another vehicle or even some inanimate object, collision insurance will be your best friend. It will help you repair your vehicle and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Both collision and comprehensive insurance policies are usually required by auto loan lenders.

Reach Out To Us

Contact our auto insurance agents at Green Family Insurance Inc. today to get your auto insurance policy started in Illinois. We are happy to help!

Understanding Business Interruption Insurance

Posted on by admin

Sometimes circumstances beyond your control force you to temporarily close your company, resulting in a loss of income. Business interruption insurance can help reduce the financial havoc a temporary closure can bring. This type of coverage can help replace business income when your company cannot open during normal operational hours.

Green Family Insurance Inc., serving customers in Illinois, can help you determine whether your company should include provisions for this coverage in your commercial policy.

What Does Business Interruption Insurance Cover?

This type of insurance pays you for expenses incurred by a covered peril such as severe storms, fire, theft, or even an unexpected closure due to a curfew imposed by a local government. Your business would receive compensation for expenses you would still have to pay even though it is temporarily not operating and making money. Past business records usually determine the amount payable for each incident. Some policies have exclusions for specific incidents.

How Long Does Coverage Last?

The policy our agency writes for you determines how long you will receive payments. Generally, coverage ends when the business interruption period ends. The standard policy covers 30 days beginning on the date of a covered peril, but with an endorsement, you can extend possible coverage for up to 360 days. 

Who Needs Business Interruption Insurance?

This insurance is a good option for most small businesses but is especially useful for those that rely on a physical location or have assets like machinery that covered events could affect. Businesses that could benefit include retail stores and restaurants, service companies like salons and spas, and exercise studios.

How Much Insurance Should I Get?

Most commercial insurance policies require a rider for business interruption coverage. Green Family Insurance Inc. serving the residents of Illinois, can help you determine an appropriate amount.

Protect Your Children’s Future: Exploring Life Insurance Options for Kids

Posted on by admin

As Illinois parents, we work hard to provide for our children. But have you ever stopped to consider what would happen if the unthinkable occurred and your child passed away unexpectedly? No one wants to imagine such a scenario, but it is important to plan for the future.

Green Family Insurance Inc. offers life insurance policies for children, and buying them is relatively easy. According to insurance professionals, providing life insurance coverage for minors is a smart way to help your child in the future, especially if you have a child with a medical condition or a high-risk child.

What types of life insurance policies are available for children?

Generally, there are two types of life insurance policies available for children. These are term life insurance policies and permanent life insurance policies. Term life insurance policies have a limited term and a lower premium than permanent ones. On the other hand, permanent life insurance policies have higher premiums, but they guarantee protection throughout your child’s life.

What are the benefits of purchasing life insurance for your children?

Aside from gaining financial security, purchasing a life insurance policy for your children also helps build their financial security. These policies gain cash value, which has the potential for growth over time. This means that your child can have a valuable financial asset in the future that can be used for college tuition or a down payment on their first home.

Give Us A Call

Purchasing life insurance for your children may seem like an added expense, but it is a smart investment to help secure their future. At Green Family Insurance Inc., we specialize in family and child-oriented insurance policies for our Illinois neighbors. Contact us today to discuss your options for children’s life insurance coverage.

Why do I need renters insurance in Illinois?

Posted on by admin

Anyone that lives in the state of Illinois could find that renting a home makes a lot of sense. Not only can it be more affordable, but it offers flexibility to move around throughout the state at the end of each lease term. If you are going to rent a home here, you still need to have proper insurance. You will need a renter’s insurance plan here for various reasons. 

Financial Protection

A good reason to get a renter’s insurance plan when moving to this state is so you can obtain financial protection. When you are in the market to rent a home, you will be taking on some risks, including the risk that your personal items will be lost or damaged and that you are found liable for an accident in your home. If you carry a renter’s insurance plan, it will give support to help mitigate these risks. 

Meet Obligations

You should also get a renter’s insurance plan to meet your insurance obligations. When you are going to rent a home, you will need to sign a formal lease. In many cases, the lease will require that you carry a renter’s insurance plan throughout the term of the loan. Having coverage will keep you in good standing with all such requirements.

Give Us A Call

People that are going to rent a home in Illinois will find that having renter’s insurance for it is very important. When you are looking to rent a home here, it would be a good idea to call our professionals at Green Family Insurance Inc. It can be confusing to choose a renter’s plan that is right for your situation, and our team with Green Family Insurance Inc. will offer any guidance that you need to build a plan that is ideal for your situation. 

The Risks of Going Without Umbrella Insurance

Posted on by admin

As an insurance company serving the states of Illinois, Florida, and Missouri we at Green Family Insurance Inc. highly recommend considering umbrella insurance as part of your overall insurance portfolio. While many individuals may have a basic understanding of homeowners or auto insurance, these policies may not entirely cover all the liabilities you may face. Going without umbrella insurance can expose you to significant financial risks that may result in devastating consequences.

The Limitations of Other Types of Insurance Coverage

Homeowners and auto insurance policies have coverage limits that may not be sufficient to cover a severe incident. For instance, if you’re involved in a multi-car accident, your auto insurance may fail to cover all the damages, leaving you with unpaid balances. Similarly, your homeowner’s liability limits may not be enough to pay for an unexpected injury that occurs inside your home or on your property.

The Benefits of Umbrella Insurance: Protecting Your Home and Assets

Umbrella insurance provides blanket coverage that protects you from major liability risks which are not covered by other types of insurance. It’s an extra layer of protection that can safeguard your home, car, savings, investments, and future earnings. In the event of a lawsuit or accident, umbrella insurance can cover the costs of legal fees, damages, and judgments.

Understanding Liability Risks and Your Potential Exposure 

Liability risks are prevalent and can occur anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. For instance, if your dog bites someone, you may be liable for injuries and medical expenses. If someone slips and falls on your property, you may face a lawsuit that could financially cripple you. Without umbrella insurance, you may be forced to pay for any costs that exceed the limits of your other insurance policies.

We Are Here To Help!

Umbrella insurance is an essential component of your insurance portfolio that can protect you from unexpected liabilities that may arise. At Green Family Insurance Inc., we offer a broad range of insurance products to serve those living in the states of Illinois, Florida, and Missouri that can help you mitigate your risks and enjoy peace of mind. 

Three things that might surprise you about flood insurance

Posted on by admin

Flood insurance is an important type of insurance that many homeowners need. If you own a home in Illinois, you need to consider whether you need to purchase flood insurance for your home. We can help you meet your flood insurance needs at Green Family Insurance Inc.

The following are three things to be aware of that might surprise you about flood insurance:

Typical home insurance policies don’t offer any coverage for flood damage.

Some homeowners don’t realize that they can’t meet their flood insurance needs by simply buying home insurance. Flood insurance is important because flood insurance is not included in standard home insurance policies.

You need to purchase flood insurance specifically if you want to make sure that your home is covered for damage caused by flooding in your area. 

Flood insurance is required by mortgage lenders in some cases.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to be required to purchase flood insurance. Mortgage lenders that finance homes that are located in flood zones typically require borrowers to carry flood insurance in order to be approved for a home loan. 

Flood zone maps aren’t always accurate at predicting whether a particular area will end up experiencing a flood. 

While flood zone maps can help give you an idea of what your flood risk is, it’s important to realize that your home could experience flood damage even if it is not in a flood zone. 

Reach Out To Us

Are you ready to purchase flood insurance for your home in Illinois? Get in touch with us at Green Family Insurance Inc. We can provide you with a quote on a flood insurance policy that will protect your property and your finances. 

Is condo insurance required in Illinois?

Posted on by admin

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, it’s important to understand the type of coverage you need for your condo. Green Family Insurance Inc. is here to explain why condo insurance is required in Illinois and what it covers. 

Why is Condo Insurance Required? 

In the state of Illinois, condo insurance is required by law for all condominium owners. This means that if you own a condo in the state, you must have an insurance policy that covers the structure and your personal belongings. The purpose of having this type of insurance is to protect yourself from any potential financial losses due to damage caused by natural disasters or other events. It also covers any liability claims that may arise from incidents occurring on your property. 

What Does Condo Insurance Cover? 

Condo insurance typically covers three main types of coverage: building coverage, which protects against damage caused by fire, storms, and other weather-related events; contents coverage, which provides protection for your personal property such as furniture and electronics; and liability coverage, which pays for medical expenses or legal fees if someone is injured on your property.

In addition to these main types of coverage, many policies also provide additional protections such as loss assessment coverage and special assessment coverage. These policies can help cover costs associated with significant structural repairs or renovations due to unexpected damage or wear and tear over time. 

Get Condo Insurance Today

Condo insurance is an essential part of owning a condominium in Illinois.  While it may seem like just another expense at first glance, having adequate coverage can save you thousands in the long run should any major damage occur to your property.

Still have questions? Contact Green Family Insurance Inc. today!

Where to Find the Best Health Insurance in Illinois: Expectations vs. Reality

Posted on by admin

Health insurance can provide a number of benefits, such as providing financial protection if you or a loved one are hospitalized. Illinois health insurance coverage entitles covered policyholders to receive medical care when they experience an illness.

Additionally, health insurance can help pay for prescription medications and other healthcare expenses not covered by your regular coverage.

Expectations vs. Reality

Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23rd, 2010, Illinois residents could opt to go without health insurance. At that time, individuals who did not have access to affordable health coverage were typically required to buy health insurance on their own. The ACA made health insurance available to more Americans through government-run healthcare exchanges.

One downside of the new program is that now most individuals require some form of health coverage for them to avoid potential penalties from the IRS. This is the reality for Illinois residents and most other Americans. 

Reality: Choosing an affordable health insurance plan is the best way to avoid penalties. 

How Do I Compare Health Insurance Options in Illinois?

One of the best ways to compare health insurance options in Illinois is to use an online comparison tool. Another way to compare health insurance options in Illinois is through a local agent or broker like the professionals at Green Family Insurance. We can help you explore multiple plans from different insurers and provide guidance on which plan best suits your needs.

Get Affordable Health Insurance in Illinois

Green Family Insurance Inc. offers affordable health insurance coverage options for Illinois residents. Talk to a licensed insurance agent to learn about the best health insurance coverage options for your family.

Home Insurance: Who Needs it and Why?

Posted on by admin

If you live in the state of Illinois and are thinking of becoming a homeowner, you might wonder whether you need homeowner’s insurance. Our team of insurance experts at Green Family Insurance Inc can provide you with a guide. Here we talk about the reasons homeowner’s insurance might be a good idea, and who it would benefit.

What factors determine home insurance?

  • Location: Some states require you to have home insurance, but the state of Illinois is not one of those states.

  • Construction: This refers to the materials that your house was built out of.

  • Age of the house: Is your house newly built, or is it an older house with upgrades?

  • Replacement costs: This means how much it will cost to rebuild the same house. This is usually assessed by an appraiser.

  • Swimming pool: If you have a swimming pool, costs might be higher because of the extra liability of owning a swimming pool.

  • Home-based business: a home-based business usually has more equipment that needs to be covered, so the cost might be higher to cover the extra equipment.

  • Coverage: The type of coverage and the policy that you choose will determine how much the homeowner’s insurance will cost.

Even if homeowner’s insurance is not required by the state of Illinois, your lender still might require you to purchase it before you sign with them.

What is covered by standard homeowner’s policies?

  • Personal property coverage

  • Personal liability and medical payment to others

  • Dwelling (property damage to home)

  • Wind/ hail

  • Hurricane damage

  • Additional living expenses/ loss of rent

  • Damage from tornados

Give Us A Call

Stop by or contact us here at Green Family Insurance Inc. in Illinois if you have any insurance needs, questions, or concerns.