When is it time to trade in your car for a newer model?

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According to Idaho Select Insurance serving Meridian, ID, a good financial rule of thumb for determining when it’s time to trade in your old car for a newer model is when the repair bills for the older vehicle are greater than what you anticipate your car payments would be for a new vehicle. This factor may not apply if you like working on your car, though at a certain point your time is going to be too valuable to keep that old clunker running.

Typically a modern motor vehicle can be expected to last ten years before the repair bills start to mount if you keep it properly maintained. Of course, if you have a warranty that covers repairs, and you have an honest mechanic, you’ll be able to hold on to your vehicle longer than you otherwise might. You should have your old vehicle paid off before you think about replacing it, it goes almost without saying.

You also might want to consider that newer vehicles are likely to have better gas mileage, will be less likely to break down at inopportune moments, and will have some of the new safety features such as automatic breaking and lane changing that will help you avoid accidents. In those cases a lot depends on your finances and how much you value your peace of mind.

The best time of the year to buy a new car is toward the end of the model year when dealers are trying to get rid of inventory to make room for next year’s vehicles.

For all of your questions concerning auto insurance, once you’ve gotten that new car, feel free to contact Idaho Select Insurance serving Meridian, ID.

Giving Your Home that Lived-in Look

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If you leave your home in Meridian, ID for a long weekend or vacation, you want to give it that lived-in look. This is an excellent way to deter burglars. They generally target homes that are empty because it minimizes the chances of getting caught. Idaho Select Insurance offers the following tips for achieving that look.

  • Ask a neighbor to park his car in the driveway. A vehicle by the house instantly communicates that someone is at home. It also clears his driveway for parking by his visitors.

  • Hold the mail and any newspaper subscriptions. An overstuffed mailbox or a pile of newspapers by your front entry tells criminals that nobody is home. Ask your neighbor to check for and remove any fliers or brochures that have been placed by your door and to pick up any packages left by UPS, FedEx, or other delivery services.

  • Add timers inside your home. They can give the appearance of someone being at home by turning lights off and on randomly at around the same time each day. Plug-in versions offer the greatest convenience since you only have to push them in an outlet and plug a light into them. However, switch replacements may be more convenient because they work on the main lights of the home, such as in the kitchen and bath, and double as ordinary light controllers.

  • Hire a service to take care of your yard. If you’re going to be gone for a week or more, hire a professional service to mow your lawn or remove snow. They won’t even have to know that you’re leaving as long as you pay them regularly or in advance.

Despite these precautions, burglars may still break into your home. Make sure you have enough insurance to cover any stolen valuables by contacting Idaho Select Insurance.

Ways to Keep Your Auto Insurance more Affordable in Meridian, ID

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If you live in Meridian, ID, you are going to need a car to get around. Which means you will need auto insurance of some kind, preferably from a local broker who really knows the area like Idaho Select Insurance. However, the cost of auto insurance causes some people to take the risk of not having it at all or getting a policy that doesn’t fully cover their needs when out on the road. Below are some ways that drivers in Meridian ID can keep their auto insurance more affordable so that they can drive with safety and security on an everyday basis.

UP YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

Deductibles are the amount you will pay out of pocket in the event of a collision. So if you simply up this amount and drive incredibly safely, avoiding accidents, you will pay a lower monthly amount for auto insurance. Of course, if a minor accident does occur, you will probably have to pay for it yourself, but if you are a good driver, the chances of this happening are much lower and you can hold on to more of your own money every month.

DON’T GET TICKETS

Getting tickets, namely moving violations, will cause your insurance costs to go up significantly because you will be deemed to be a bigger risk on the road. So do whatever you can to not get a ticket and abide by the local Meridian ID driving laws. This will save you money in the long run!

SECURITY FIRST

If you get an alarm for your car or a tracking device in the event it is stolen, then it will make the insurance company feel better about your policy and your rates will probably be more affordable. So invest in security for your vehicle as it will save you money in the long run.

Are Foundation Damage Repairs Covered By Home Insurance?

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Meridian, ID homes require foundations to protect them from sinking into the ground. Unfortunately, damage to foundations can be expensive to repair, but we at Idaho Select Insurance can help you understand how insurance can protect you from this investment.

Coverage Can Be Tricky

Foundation damage that occurs over time – such as general wear and tear – is not covered by home insurance because that is considered a maintenance problem. This is true even if your home suffers from foundation repair in spite of maintenance procedures.

Home insurance will kick in when your foundation is damaged by floods or earthquakes, but you’ll need separately polices individual to these disasters. Failure to have these policies will make the damage to your foundation a problem you’re liable to pay to repair.

The Use Of Endorsements Can Help

Endorsements can be added to your policy to help protect your foundation against specific perils that may impact its structure. These endorsements cost a little more to add to your policy but are the most effective way to protect your foundation when it needs repairs.

For example, endorsements could cover you if sewer problems impact your foundation and cause damage to it. However, this is only true if your endorsement specifically covers the peril that affects your foundation. As a result, multiple endorsements are likely to be necessary.

Earth Movement And Ground Cover Collapse Coverage Are Possible

Other specific types of coverage you can purchase include earth movement and ground cover collapse coverage. These policies cover foundation damage caused by the earth and soil around the foundation moving suddenly without your influence, such as the occurrence of sinkholes. While these additions will add money to your policy, they are worth it for their protective power.

If your Meridian, ID needs protection against foundation damage, please contact Idaho Select Insurance. We can help you manage your claim and protect you from serious home damage.

What Home Insurance Can do For You

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Home insurance is something that many people never really think about but it is something that can really make a huge difference in the overall quality of your life and the security of your home. For those that do have home insurance, you might think that it only takes care of your home but it actually does so much for. For those in the Meridian, ID area, the agents with Idaho Select Insurance can help you find out more.

Home insurance helps you rebuild or repair in the event of damage to your home. This means that if your home is damaged by fire, wind, snow, ice, or more, your home insurance can help you rebuild your life and get back to your normal day to day. Home insurance can also help keep you legal and keep you in line with federal and state regulations.

Home insurance can protect your assets and can help you replace items that are stolen or destroyed in the event of an accident or disaster, and home insurance can also give you peace of mind. Home insurance is something that is essential, not only in order to be safe and legal, but also to help you sleep better at night knowing that if your home was destroyed, you are not going to be out on the street or held liable for the complete recovery on your own.

Your home insurance can keep you from being sued for the medical costs of someone injured on your property, can help cover the cost of home repairs, and so much more. For those in the Meridian, ID area, the agents with Idaho Select Insurance can walk you through the insurance options that are before you and can help you determine what policy and what type of insurance is right for you.  

Keeping Auto Insurance Simple: Understanding Your Policy

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Auto insurance has confused people practically from the time it was invented. This is because events get messy, and people interpret the language in the policies differently. It doesn’t help that those policies are often written in a vague and confusing language. It’s key to remember that in the end though it doesn’t have to be as complicated as you may think, and Idaho Select Insurance can help. 

Your Policy Is Specific 

Your policy is not like your friend’s policies, so don’t start comparing as if both of you are starting from the same place. Each person’s history, type of car (and how they financed it) and lifestyle will affect what they end up paying every month. Just like with most things in life, the less you pay for your policy, the less help you’ll get for different types of events. Liability only, for example, will only cover the other person’s car if you happen to cause an accident —it will not help pay for your car in any way. If you don’t have the funds to fix your car on your own, you can try a home repair to keep yourself legal on the road. Or you may have to buy another car altogether if yours happens to be totaled. 

Finding an Agency

The best way to keep auto insurance simple is to find the right provider serving Meridian, ID. If you’re looking for an agency who can both explain the original policy to you and keep you in the loop during any claims process, then you won’t have to read several pages of technical clauses in your policy. Call Idaho Select Insurance today to find out more about how we help the people of Meridian, ID stay up to date on it all. 

 

Protect Your Home This Winter With These Tips

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Whether you love the winter wonderland the season brings or you’d rather skip it all together, protecting your home investment is important. There are a handful of ways you can not only avoid potential damage from the snow and wind but improve the energy efficiency of your house as well. At Idaho Select Insurance, we want your home in and around Meridian, ID to be protected. This way, you’ll avoid costly energy bills and other problems. 

Trees Trimmed

This is something you should have done before winter hits. Check the power lines by your house. Are there any tree branches that hang over these lines? Heavy snow or ice can cause branches to snap off onto power lines and the last thing you want to deal with in the dead of winter is no power. Contact your energy company and tell them about the issue. They’ll trim the trees so this isn’t an issue. 

Door and Windows

Apply new weather stripping and fill in cracks around windows. This prevents cold air from the outside entering the home. This will also go a long way in reducing your energy bills throughout the year as well. You’d be amazed as to just how much money this can save you. Plus, it is something you can do all on your own. 

Roof Inspection

Another winter means another season of heavy snow fall. When living around Meridian ID, it can also place a hefty weight on the roof as well. This weight will exploit any current damage to the roof. So, whether there is a soft spot or other damage to the roof, added weight may end up pushing water into the roof which is an expensive repair. Avoid this problem by having your home’s roof inspected. 

How Renters are Affected By Home Insurance Policies in Meridian, ID

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If you rent property in Meridian, ID, you probably want to know about what kind of insurance coverage would benefit you in your situation. Many people think that home insurance will cover them when they are renting, but this is not the case. You should make sure to be as well versed as possible in the home insurance policies of the state of Idaho.

Many people think that they are off the hook in terms of home insurance if they are renting a house or apartment. However, this, while technically true, does not mean that they are off the hook completely. They will still need to purchase renters insurance in order to be protected financially against unexpected disasters. Renting does not mean that the landlord takes care of everything, despite popular belief. Your landlord may indeed have insurance that protects the building in which you are living, but your landlord’s policy will not do anything to protect your personal possessions or pay for any living expenses that you may incur while the building is being repaired. The only way that you can make sure that you are covered in these situations is to purchase your own renters insurance policy. This is different from home insurance and provides different types of coverage. You need to be sure to know that home insurance will not help you in this particular situation, and you need to look into renters insurance instead. Though it is not required to have any type of insurance when you are living in a property that you are renting Kama it is certainly advisable.

If you want to know more about home insurance or renters insurance in the state of Idaho, you can contact the professionals at Idaho Select Insurance,. The agents at Idaho Select Insurance, LLC will be able to answer all of your questions about these types of insurance coverage and tell you everything you need to know about home insurance in Meridian, ID.

Fall Home Checklist: Winterproof Your Roof

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Fall is best known for beautifully-colored leaves, pumpkin-flavored beverages, cool, crisp mornings and the start of the holiday shopping season. It’s also a good time to prepare your home for the next change in seasons. The weather in Meridian, Idaho is beautiful this time of year, and perfect for outdoor activities and catching up on some home improvement chores.

Winter can be tough on your home and property. The wind, rain, frost and snow can wreak havoc on both the exterior and interior of your home. During the fall months, you can do some preventative maintenance to ensure that your property stays safe and your investment is protected.

How Do You Prepare Your Roof For Winter?

Keeping your roof in good condition protects you, your home and your possessions. If the roof needs repairs or maintenance, it’s best to find that out before the rains and snow start falling. Here are a few steps you can take right now:

1. Clean your gutters

Make sure water flows easily from your roof. Clogged gutters can create big problems, damaging roofing, siding and the gutters themselves.

2. Clear debris off the roof

Keep your roof clear of built-up leaves, dirt, branches and other debris that can build up and cause mold, rot and other damage.

3. Inspect it for damage

Keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles or other roofing materials.

4. Trim branches near the roof

5. Inspect insulation, attic, etc.

If you aren’t sure what your insurance covers when it comes to your Meridian, Idaho home, it’s time to give Idaho Select Insurance a call. Sit down with an insurance agent and find out if your home insurance coverage needs to be updated to reflect your needs. The knowledgeable representatives at Idaho Select Insurance will be happy to help you, contact them today.

 

Why Getting Life Insurance In Your Twenties Is A Smart Financial Move

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It is well known that many people who are in their twenties are not even thinking about life insurance. The fact is, most younger people do not think about it because they do not think they need it. However, there are some great financial benefits to purchasing a policy during your twenties and it is something that can benefit you for the remainder of your life. Continue reading to see why you may want to consider purchasing life insurance at a younger stage in life.

  • Younger age equals a lower premium. Younger people do not tend to purchase life insurance, but when they do, they get a great rate because of their younger age. As you get older, the premium amounts increase so it is best to get in on a better rate earlier.
  • Younger age equals better health. When you are younger, you tend to be in much better health than you are when you are older. This is something that is not lost on insurance companies. They know that is costs less to cover you and they pass those savings on to you.
  • The lower your premium is now, the lower it will be later. If you get a great premium in your twenties, your rates will still increase as you get older but they will not increase nearly as much. This is something that you will wish you had done when you were in your twenties because if the savings that continuously add up.

If you are interested in learning more about life insurance as well as exploring your options, contact Idaho Select Insurance serving Meridian, ID. You will be able to see what is available as well as options that fit into your budget.