Health insurance terms you need to understand

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Health insurance coverage is one of the most important types of insurance. That makes it so stressful to choose the one that is right for you. At Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH, our dedicated team will work with you to ensure that the insurance you purchase is the one you need. As an independent insurance agency, we provide the most choices of carriers and policies. 

Managed care

Managed care is a type of healthcare where the doctors and healthcare providers members are allowed to visit are restricted. Depending on the type of managed care you have, you may not be able to go outside the network for anything but an extreme emergency. In others, you are allowed to go outside the network but will pay more to do that. You must follow the rules of the type of plan you choose. 

Deductible

The deductible is the amount members must pay out of pocket before their health insurance begins to pay the designated amount for that service. If you have a plan with a high deductible, you may be eligible to have an HSA (health savings account), which allows you to save tax-free for medical expenses. 

Copay

The copay is the portion of the cost for any service that you pay after you have met your deductible. 

Network

The network is made up of healthcare providers who have contracted to provide services to members at a discount price. With some plans, these are the only providers you are allowed to see. 

Formulary

The formulary is the list of prescription drugs the health insurance pays for. It is listed in tiers by price. 

Contact Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH, to discuss our health insurance options. 

 

Planning for Your Funeral: A Beginners Guide For Serious Thinking

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A funeral is one of your most challenging and important decisions. The thought of planning for the inevitable can sometimes feel unbearable. But planning for it now can save your loved ones added stress and burden when your time comes. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. understands this process is critical, so we’re here to help those in the Westerville, OH area plan for the future.

Choose Your Disposition Method.

One of the most important things to decide is what method you will use to dispose of your remains after you die. Some people donate their bodies for medical training to help future doctors, while others prefer to have a more traditional funeral. Many options allow you to select a different method of disposition to best suit your needs and preferences. If you are more earth-conscious, you can even have a green burial.

Decide How You’d Like To Be Memorialized.

This can be very personal. Do you want a religious ceremony or a small private gathering? Maybe you’d prefer a celebration of life party? It’s essential to do your research and get several estimates to better understand what you’re looking at and what your final costs will be.

Determine Your Final Resting Place.

The next step is to determine your final resting place. If you want to be buried in a cemetery, you may need to reserve your plot ahead of time. If you wish to donate your organs, you need to register for the program first. Scattering your ashes legally often requires permission from the local authorities first.

Plan Your Payment.

The next important step is to work out the costs of your funeral. Address any outstanding debt before the funeral to make sure you have the funds to pay for your funeral. It’s important to remember that if you don’t pay off any debts before your death, your loved ones may have to pay for the funeral and related costs. Make sure you have enough money saved for your funeral costs, either as a gift for your loved ones or as a separate fund.

Consider Life Insurance.

One of the final things to consider is purchasing life insurance. This insurance pays a death benefit if you die while on the active policy. The death benefit can then be used to pay for your funeral costs or to help your loved ones pay off any remaining debt. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. of Westerville, OH can help you find the right life insurance coverage for your final plans.

How To Prep for an Out-of-State Road Trip

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Planning a road trip is exciting but requires a lot of planning and prep. You have to figure out where you want to go, what you want to see, and how you want to get there.

This can all be a lot to think about when you’re just getting ready to leave the driveway, so it’s essential to take some time to plan out your trip and make sure you’re prepared for the road. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. is here to help the people of Westerville, OH plan to get the most out of their trip safely.

Before You Go

  • Perform a basic maintenance check of your car. Take a good look at your fluid levels, changing and topping off as necessary. This includes oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Change your engine and cabin filters if needed. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated, have a spare tire, and the equipment you need to change a flat.

Note: If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, take your car to your local mechanic.

  • Have your emergency kit ready. This includes a flashlight, a first aid kit, a cell phone, and jumper cables. If you can, have some emergency money set aside for unexpected expenses.
  • Plan your route. Make sure you know where you’re going and how to get there. Check the weather forecast, and don’t drive into weather you aren’t comfortable navigating.

On The Road

  • Always wear a seatbelt. It’s the law. Not only that, but it can save your life. If you have small children in the car, ensure they’re correctly restrained with a child or booster seat.
  • Avoid driving at night. If you must, then avoid stopping in unfamiliar areas at night. This is especially important if you’re alone.
  • Do not drive while impaired. This means no drinking and driving and also no texting while driving.

Even if you’re the safest driver you know, you can still get into an accident. Ensure your financial security is not at risk with a comprehensive car insurance policy from Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH!

Motorcycle Insurance Options in Westerville, OH

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If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that protecting your investment is essential. That’s why finding the right insurance is vital. There are a few things to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance in Westerville, OH.

What Type of Coverage Do You Need?

There are a variety of coverage options available for motorcycle insurance. The type of coverage you need will depend on several factors, including the value of your bike and your riding habits.

For example, if you only ride occasionally, you may not need the same level of coverage as someone who rides daily. Your Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. agent can help you determine the right coverage for you.

What’s Your Budget?

Your budget is another crucial factor to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance. There are various coverage options available, and the cost will vary depending on the level of coverage you choose. Also, your motorcycle’s value, riding habits, and the state in which you live will all affect your insurance premiums.

Do You Have a Vehicle Loan?

If you have a loan on your motorcycle, your lender will likely require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage. This type of coverage protects your bike is damaged in an accident. It can also help pay off your loan if your motorcycle is totaled.

What is Your Motorcycle’s Value?

The value of your motorcycle can determine your coverage needs. If you have an expensive bike, consider comprehensive and collision coverage. These types of coverage can help repair or replace your motorcycle if it’s damaged.

These are just a few things to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance in Westerville, OH. For more information, contact the Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free quote.

Is it helpful to have umbrella insurance in Ohio?

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People that live in the Westerville, OH area will want to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the unexpected. A great way that this can be done is by ensuring you have proper personal liability coverage. You can protect yourself by getting an umbrella insurance plan, which provides personal liability insurance protection. There are various reasons why this coverage can be helpful. 

Coverage on top of Base Plans

You should consider getting an umbrella insurance plan because it will provide you with coverage on top of your base insurance plans. When you have an auto or home insurance plan, it will give you some level of liability coverage. However, there is always a chance you could be involved in an accident with damages exceeding your existing coverage. An umbrella insurance plan gives coverage on top of this. 

Broad Liability Coverage

You should also have an umbrella insurance plan because it will provide broader coverage. While having a home or auto insurance plan with liability coverage is helpful, you need to mitigate other personal liability risks. A great way to receive coverage for more risks is by obtaining an umbrella insurance plan. With umbrella insurance, you will get coverage for more of these situations. 

Those in the Westerville, OH area will want to know that they have the right insurance at all times. As you are looking for a new umbrella insurance plan here, it would be wise to start your search by calling the team with Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. The professionals with Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. understand this unique type of coverage and can ensure you build a plan that offers the proper liability coverage. 

Who should have a home insurance plan in place in Ohio?

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The Westerville, OH area has continued to be a great place to own a home. If you purchase a property here, you will want it to be a place that you can enjoy for a long time. One of the ways that you can protect this asset is by getting a home insurance plan. There are various situations in which someone should have home coverage here. 

When Looking to Protect Assets

A situation when someone will want home insurance is when they want to protect their assets. A proper home insurance plan can cover your dwelling and any personal belongings up to the policy limits. This will help protect against various risks, including bad weather damage, fire, theft, or vandalism. If you own valuable collectibles, they can be separately insured by a rider to the plan. 

When Trying to Mitigate Liability Risk

Another scenario in which you should get home insurance is when you want to offset your liability risk. If you are going to own a home, there will always be a risk that an accident could occur that you will be responsible for. If you have proper insurance in place, you will be able to mitigate this coverage with liability insurance. 

Having a home insurance plan should be a top priority for anyone in Westerville, OH. As you are evaluating your options, you may find that you have questions about this type of coverage. To ensure that your questions are adequately answered, it would be a good idea for you to call Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. The team with Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. understands the value of this coverage and will help someone build a plan that is right for their situation. 

How Does My Family Claim Life Insurance When I Die?

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Once a loved one has passed away, life insurance beneficiaries will need to know the steps to take in order to collect the life insurance payout to which they are entitled. This is typically not a task that is carried out by the executor of the estate.

In cases where the beneficiaries depend on the person who has passed for financial support, filing a claim is a priority to get the money as quickly as possible to cover expenses such as mortgage payments, utility bills, etc. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. or Westerville, OH is here to help you every step of the way from purchasing the insurance policy to assisting beneficiaries in the collection of the payout.

Claiming Life Insurance Benefits

To claim the benefits from a life insurance policy, the beneficiary will need to contact the insurance company that sold the policy. Some insurance companies will require a form to be submitted by the beneficiary reporting the death of the insured. Once the form is received, a packet will be sent to the beneficiary with instructions on how to proceed. Typically, all that needs to be done is to complete the claim forms in the packet and return them to the insurance company along with a certified copy of the death certificate.

In the event that more than one beneficiary is named on the life insurance policy, each beneficiary will need to submit a claim form. Should the primary beneficiary die before the policyholder, the alternate beneficiary will be able to claim the proceeds of the policy. In this case, the alternate beneficiary will also need to submit a copy of the certified death certificate for both the primary beneficiary as well as the policyholder.

At Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. or Westerville, OH, we understand the difficulty of filing insurance claims in the wake of a loved one’s passing. We are dedicated to making the process as easy as possible during your time of grief. For more information, give us a call today.

Things You May Not Know About Auto Insurance

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You may think that you know all there is to know about auto insurance in Westerville, OH. However, there are a few lesser-known facts of which you may not be aware. If you are planning to purchase a new car, change or update your current policy, or just want all the facts, you need to learn as much as you can. The experts at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc are here to answer any questions that you may have.

Your Policy Can Be Canceled at Any Time

Many people are not aware of the fact that their insurance company can cancel their auto insurance policy at any time if you violate their guidelines. The same is true for non-renewals.

If you fail to pay your monthly premium when it is due, have your driver’s license revoked or suspended, submit too many claims where you are at fault, or misrepresent your driving or insurance history. All of these are reasons why the insurance provider may cancel your policy or deny renewal.

Small Billing Fees You May Not Be Noticing Each Month

Take the time to look over your insurance bill. If you are paying installments, you may see an additional charge for administrative fees. The more you divide your payments, the higher this convenience fee may be. In addition, there may also be charges added for the payment methods that you choose when paying your bills, such as credit card fees or pay-by-phone charges.

If you notice any additional fees on your bill, contact your provider to find out what the charges are for and how to avoid paying them. You could end up saving a considerable amount of money over time by eliminating unnecessary fees.

If you are interested in learning more facts about auto insurance in Westerville, OH, contact Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. We are here to address all of your concerns. Call us today.

Ohio Life Insurance – What You Need To Know About Life Insurance

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How can you best set up your family for their lives should you pass away?  This is a question that gets asked more than you would think.  You can save money over time in a nest egg account and pass that account on to your family, that’s certainly one way to do it.  Another way is to set up a life insurance policy that will cover you in the case of your passing.  We will cover facets of life insurance and what to look out for below.  Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH offers life insurance and other insurance needs.

How Life Insurance Works

Life Insurance works similarly to other forms of insurance in terms of how they work.  In general terms, you pay a monthly premium to your insurance agent for the policy, and the policy pays out in a coverable event.  The coverable event, in this case, would be your passing which is quite different from a fender-bender for car insurance.  This is why life insurance is a subject that’s not talked about very much due to the macabre nature of what the end result would be.  It’s beneficial not to think of life insurance in those terms as this has more to do with what you leave behind versus the fact that you’re leaving in the first place.

Term Life & Whole Life

There are two types of life insurance that you can get, term life insurance and whole life insurance.  Term life insurance covers a term or length of time which can run up to 20 or 30 years.  Monthly premiums are lower for term life insurance, but the premiums paid don’t add value to the policy.  Whole life insurance covers your entire life and premiums are paid in perpetuity until your passing.  The bonus about whole life insurance is that your premiums build more value in the policy.

To Learn More

You can get more information about life insurance by contacting Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. in Westerville, OH today!

Common Myths About Auto Insurance

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Auto insurance is what every driver in the state of Ohio needs. This type of insurance protects your car, you as a driver, other passengers, and other parties on the road. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions and myths about auto insurance that you should know about before buying a policy. Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. serving clients in Westerville, OH prepared a list of the most common of them: 

Most Common Myths About Auto Insurance

Here is a list of very common misconceptions about car insurance:

  • Getting insurance for a red car costs more money. There is a belief that red cars are more expensive in terms of the insurance. However, the color of a car is not one of those factors that have an impact on the price of auto insurance. 
  • Expensive cars cost more to insure. It does not matter what is the purchase price of your car. There are many mid-priced vehicles that cost more to insure.
  • Traffic tickets automatically increase the cost of insurance. It depends on the type of violation. If your violation is minor, your car insurance will not be affected.
  • To carry a state minimum car insurance is enough. The state of Ohio requires all drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of liability insurance. However, it is important to understand that in most cases this amount will not be enough to cover a car accident. 

If you are a car owner living in Westerville, OH or any other town in Ohio, Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. will be glad to help you find insurance that you need and deserve. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our agency and talk to any of our insurance agents.