What Happens If You Cannot Live in a Condo While it is Repaired?

If you own a condominium and it is the only place where you can stay, what happens if it gets seriously damaged and repairs need to be made? The experts at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc serving Bourbonnais, IL, and the nearby communities, have dealt with this many times.

Neighbor’s Simple Mistake Causes a Nightmare

In a condominium building, your neighbors are as close as the walls and floors that separate you from them. Noisy neighbors may be annoying but that is not a danger.

Imagine if your neighbor put something on the stove and then forgets about it. It causes a fire that burns through their place and causes severe damage to your condo. Nobody is hurt; however, your condo is wrecked. You have replacement-cost insurance coverage that is adequate to cover the claim and to make the repairs. That was a smart move.

You quickly choose a qualified contractor to do the work. Everything is OK so far because you are staying in a nearby hotel. Then, the contractors tell you the local building permit department is back-logged and it will take six weeks to get a building permit approved for your repair job! That’s six weeks before the work can start.

You do a quick calculation of the cost of staying in the hotel for six+ weeks. There is no way you can afford it. You are overwhelmed and do not know what to do.

Living Expenses Coverage

The causes of this problem may differ; however, this nightmare scenario is very common. Many people insure the obvious things, yet forget about the expenses that arise when an unexpected calamity happens. Fortunately, it is possible to cover this risk.

Call 815-936-0075 to speak with your agent at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL. Find out if your condo insurance has a provision for living expenses incurred while repairs are made for a covered disaster. This is the kind of fine-tuning of insurance coverage that is a good idea and comes in handy if you need it.

Finding Landlord Insurance Options in Earthquake Areas

Although Bourbonnais, IL isn’t in a major earthquake zone, these incidents may still happen in this area from time to time. Therefore, we at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc suggest seriously considering the benefits of high-quality earthquake insurance as a landlord.

Landlords May Need to Buy Insurance in Earthquake Zones

Areas in earthquake zones typically require landlords to purchase insurance policies to protect their investment. These specific sectors are defined by state and federal officials and provide landlords and insurance companies with a better understanding of the risk of this danger.

However, other states allow landlords to choose whether or not they want to buy insurance, even in earthquake zones. Generally speaking, a policy is a good choice because of how devastating and earthquake can be to a home or apartment complex.

How Earthquake Coverage Helps

Adding earthquake coverage to an insurance policy will help protect you in three major ways. First of all, it will protect a rental home from serious damage that occurs during an earthquake. Secondly, it will protect personal property – such as vehicles and more – during these destructive incidents. This coverage does NOT extend to renters, who need to pay for their own policies.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, these policies also help to cover additional living expenses. Typically, these expenses fall under the heading of resettlement expenses and repairs on a home. Make sure to get a home valued properly when setting limits on what these policies cover.

Let Us Help You Find a Policy

So if you live in Bourbonnais, IL and are worried about earthquakes affecting the area, please don’t hesitate to contact us at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc to learn more. Our experts will take the proper steps to ensure that your rental home is properly covered by this danger.

Renters insurance terminology

When it comes to renters insurance, it is good to know the meaning of some terms you will hear when buying a policy. Replacement cost and actual cash value are two big ones, and there is the idea of agreed to value.  The George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL wants you to understand the differences and can help you find the insurance you need.

Actual cash value is what an item is worth today. Replacement cost is what it would cost to replace the item, meaning a new one. An $800 couch, for instance, would be worth much less if it was three years old. If you have a loss, you would have to get a new couch and the actual cash value would leave you having to pay the difference. For some items, like antiques, you may have an agreed to value in your policy, which is something you agree on when you get the policy.

You need to have receipts and lists of your possessions that would have some value. Renters insurance covers those items, but if you cannot prove you had them, you may not get as much from a claim. Sometimes insurance companies give you a set amount, or a portion, and the rest after you make the purchases to replace what was lost. Often you have to prove you replaced the item to get the final payment, but there are policies that do not have that requirement.

Contact the George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL to find the best renters policy for your situation. You may visit in person, or call, or find us online and use our website tool to get information about costs. Existing customers should also contact us when their situation changes to update their policy.

 

The Importance of Increasing Your Life Insurance as Your Family Grows

Starting one’s own family is a rite of passage that creates a lot of love and joy in your life! As your family grows, it is important to remember to increase your life insurance coverage accordingly. If you are in the Bourbonnais, IL area and have not updated your life insurance policy as your family has grown, the team at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc is here to help. With the right level of life insurance, you can rest assured that your family’s financial needs will be taken care of in the event of your unexpected death.

Important Coverage for the Important People in Your Life

Life with young children can bet pretty hectic, and it is easy for a lot of advance planning to fall by the wayside. If you are the sole breadwinner for your spouse and children it is imperative that you plan for their future in the event of your unexpected death. With the appropriate level of life insurance coverage, your death benefit can ensure that they are able to remain in the family home and your children will be able to pursue their educational and career goals. 

When you have additional children it makes sense to increase your coverage limits because of the added expense that will be incurred by your surviving spouse. We all know that raising children in today’s modern environment is financially challenging, and will be even more so on the earnings of just one spouse. Proper coverage is an effective way to take care of all of your family’s needs.

Ready to begin planning for your family’s future security? If you are in the greater Bourbonnais IL area contact the George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc today to set up a consultation. 

What is the New Federal Healthcare Policy for 2019?

Anyone who uses the healthcare exchange or needs to in 2019 is probably wondering what’s changed in federal healthcare policy. You can consult your George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL to walk you through the changes that have passed and what’s still coming. In the meantime, here’s what’s going on.

The Affordable Care Act in 2019

The Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) had open enrollment for the 2019 calendar year, and this means the ACA will still be around at least that long. Just because the open enrollment period has ended doesn’t mean you can’t receive coverage. If you experience major changes in your life, you might still be able to enroll after the turn of the year.

The agents at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL are ready to walk you through the changes and what’s available to you. 

2019 Health Insurance Exemptions

The individual mandate is no longer in effect as of January 1st, so Americans who health insurance no longer have to pay a penalty on their taxes. The new rules include exemptions for residents in foreign countries with no insurance available.

No penalty will apply to those with no health insurance in 2019.

Verification of Premium Tax Credits

The new rule improves the Advanced Premium Tax Credits, or (APTC) program to verify the income for those applying for the tax break. The new rule improves the Advanced Premium Tax Credits, or (APTC) program to verify the income for those applying for the tax break.

Consumers seeking a stable insurer unaffected by the Obamacare or Trumpcare policies may need to go with a private insurer until the dust settles on the healthcare debate.

Contact the George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL, for more information on your 2019 healthcare options.

 

 

Home Insurance: Getting Ready For The Holidays

There are a lot of ways to get ready for the holidays. As you hang decorations and prepare for the parties, it’s also a good idea to look at your home insurance policy. A lot can happen around the holidays and you want to be prepared for anything that could go wrong in Bourbonnais, IL. Independent insurance agents at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc can help you every step of the way.

In Bourbonnais, IL, anything can happen. You could have a significant amount of snow land on your roof, causing damage. Too many wires could get plugged in outside, causing a fire. Whatever happens, you want to know that your home insurance policy is there to protect you.

It’s a good idea to review your policy to see what you are and are not covered for. If you aren’t covered for snow damage or fire as a result of electrical problems, it may be the time to add a few riders. You may also want to look at liability protection, especially if you plan on having a holiday party. All it takes is one person getting injured on your property and suing to send you into financial ruin.

You can increase the coverage level in various aspects of your policy. It will provide you with protection so that if you do need to file a claim, the money is there. Otherwise, the insurance company will deny your claim and you will be financially responsible for everything. This can easily be avoided, but you need to make sure that you have the proper coverage on your home before you get into the holiday season.

Contact us at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc today. We can review your policy and help you to get ready for the holidays by making sure that you have sufficient protection on your home.

 

 

The Benefits of Commercial Insurance

Running a successful business is difficult. There are so many risks to deal with and if you are not adequately prepared, you’ll end up with a failed business. Someone could get injured on the site, a natural disaster can occur and ruin things, or a client can decide to file a lawsuit. The occurrence of any of these risks can lead to financial devastation and ultimately make your business go under. But with commercial insurance, you don’t have to worry about any of that.

Commercial insurance helps you protect your business from some of these risks which significantly reduces the number of worries you have to carry. As a business owner, you don’t have a choice when it comes to some types of commercial insurance such as unemployment and disability coverage, workers comp, etc. It all depends on the laws of the state where your business is based. If your business operates in Bourbonnais, IL, George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc can help you get commercial insurance and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

You Can’t See the Future

Commercial insurance protects your business against unforeseen events. If you don’t have a crystal ball hidden somewhere in the office, you’d better get commercial insurance to protect your business against unprecedented events. That’s one of the major benefits of this type of insurance. Commercial insurance doesn’t just protect your business from unfortunate events and natural disasters, it also helps you attract and retain employees.

With a comprehensive commercial insurance from George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc. in Bourbonnais, IL, you will not only be able to protect your business from the doom and gloom but also offer perks such as life and health insurance. You will be able to protect your employees and keep your business running at all times. Contact us via a call for more information about commercial insurance in Illinois.

 

 

3 Tips to Help Save on Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a requirement for drivers in Bourbonnais, IL, but like anything else, insurance can sometimes be an essential expense. Although having no auto insurance isn’t an option, there is good news. By taking the time to review and discuss your current policy with your insurance provider, there are a variety of ways to start saving on your auto insurance. Here are 3 tips to help you start saving on auto insurance.

Take the Time to Shop Around

One of the easiest ways to start saving on auto insurance is to shop around. Auto insurance premiums vary from one company to the next as well as between online payments and payments by mail or in the office. Comparison shopping will allow you to review the options available and choose the best policy for your needs as well as allow you to stay within your insurance budget.

Maintain a Good Credit Report

When you maintain a good credit report it means that your risk is lower than those with a bad credit report, so insurance companies will often offer you better rates to cover your automobile. Stay on top of your credit report by routinely checking it for any changes, especially negative reports. If you do have negative results on your credit report, make arrangements to clear your debt to help increase your credit score.

Drive an Eco-Friendly Vehicle

There are a wide range of benefits that come with practicing eco-friendly habits, including driving an eco-friendly vehicle. Many insurance companies offer special discounts for drivers who care about the environment and not only will you save on your insurance policy, but you will save on gas and reduce pollution when driving an eco-friendly vehicle. To go even one step further, consider taking public transportation when possible to help keep the mileage down on your vehicle, which may help you quality for a low-mileage discount.

Lowering the rates for your auto insurance can be done in more ways than with the tips above. For the best discounts take your time, do your homework, get several quotes and talk to your insurance provider for more information on discounts.

Residents of Bourbonnais, IL interested in reviewing their current policy or obtaining a new policy should contact George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc.

 

How Much Healthcare Deductible Can You Afford?

There are a lot of ways that you can lower your healthcare deductible these days but before you do too much, you want to make sure that you do not leave yourself in a position where you cannot afford to use your insurance. One of the ways that people lower their insurance premiums in Bourbonnais, IL is by increasing their healthcare deductible. However, here at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc we want to make sure that you can afford the deductible that you choose. 

In order to determine how much of a healthcare deductible you can afford, you need to take a good look at your finances. If you have a good amount in savings that you can pull from if needed, then you may want to start with that number. If you do not have any savings, the next thing you want to look at is how much income you are bringing in. You do not want to get a deductible that you cannot afford to pay with your savings or with your regular income. If you choose one that is higher than you can pay with your savings or income, you may run into an issue of not being able to use your insurance at all. This is the last thing that you want because insurance is not useful if you cannot use it. 

If you are still not sure how much you can afford, be sure to reach out to us here at George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc, serving Bourbonnais, IL. We can help you determine how much you can afford and then help you find the right healthcare plan that takes this into account but is still in your budget. Contact us today to get started finding your plan.

Being in Shape Results in Lower Life Insurance Premiums

It’s a relatively well-known fact that age is a factor in the cost of a life insurance policy. The older you get, the more likely you are to deal with age-related illnesses that could potentially shorten your lifespan. Age won’t necessarily keep you from getting a policy, but it will cost you more in monthly premiums. But if you’re in good physical shape for your age, you increase the potential for lower premiums because you’re considered a good risk by the insurer. Talk to an agent at the George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL about the potential for saving money while getting a life insurance policy at a price you can afford.

Why Your Physical Condition Affects Life Insurance Premiums

Exercise and maintaining a reasonable weight directly translates into a healthy body. Body filtering systems work without strain, the risk of insulin resistance is low, and cholesterol levels are far more likely to be optimal. When all of these conditions are present, the body functions well and the potential for a catastrophic illness like cardiovascular disease or diabetes to occur are very low. All of this translates into a strong potential for longevity and decreased the risk of early death due to disease. Life insurance companies reward individuals like this by offering policies with lower premiums.

Working With an Insurance Agent to Find the Best Policy

If you’re healthy with the medical information to back it up. you’re halfway there to getting a great life insurance policy with a lower premium. The best way to get the premium is to work with an agent from the George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group Inc in Bourbonnais, IL. Your agent can take your information to the insurers and negotiate a policy that fits your needs and has the lowest premium available.