Can I Add a Charity as a Life Insurance Beneficiary?

At The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, we help our clients prepare for all stages of life. From ensuring that your house is covered as you raise your kids to preparing to provide for your loved ones at the end of life, our policies are designed to ensure your family is ready for anything life throws at you. While many life insurance policyholders opt to list a family member, spouse, or close friend as a beneficiary for their life insurance policy, others may want to leave a legacy behind and support their favorite charitable cause. If you list an organization, such as your preferred charity, as a life insurance beneficiary, you might worry that it won’t be possible. While there are some limits on what we can and can’t do with life insurance policies, there may be some wiggle room to have an unconventional life insurance beneficiary.

Can I Donate My Death Benefit to a Non-Profit?

Similarly to naming loved ones as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you can add a non-profit organization or charitable organization to your life insurance policy as a beneficiary. If you’d like to divide your life insurance benefit between family members and a charitable cause, you can list multiple beneficiaries for your life insurance policy. If you list a charity as a life insurance beneficiary, you’ll want to notify them so they can contact your insurance company in case of your passing. Adding a charity as a beneficiary is sometimes restricted, so you’ll want to review your policy with our agents.

For more information about our life insurance policies, call The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT!

 

Four of the most important steps to go through when you select your auto insurance policy

When you need auto insurance, there are a few steps you need to go through. We can help you find an auto insurance policy that meets your needs at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. Our insurance company insures drivers in Sandy, UT.

The following are four of the most critical steps to go through when you select your auto insurance policy. 

Get important information together.

Insurance providers need essential information about your vehicle before providing a car insurance policy. You should get together your vehicle title, driver’s license, and contact information when you’re ready to purchase auto insurance. 

Figure out which types of coverage you want.

There are several types of coverage that you can consider. Your policy will have to include liability coverage. However, you can choose whether you want collision or comprehensive coverage. 

Research these different types of auto insurance to know what they are and how they work. You can then choose which types of coverage you want your policy to include. 

Request quotes from a few insurance companies

Getting policy quotes is an essential step in buying auto insurance. You can use comparison sites online to get quotes from different providers that you can compare. 

Evaluate quotes before selecting a policy.

Compare costs on policies from different insurance providers. However, you don’t want to rely solely on cost to evaluate policies.

You should also consider the amount of coverage you’ll get from different policies and the quality of customer service that insurance providers can offer. 

If you’re ready to buy auto insurance in Sandy, UT, we’re here to help. Call The Smith Insurance Group Inc. to get a quote on a policy to insure your vehicle. 

Adding Comprehensive and Collision Coverage to Protect Your Bike

Most drivers opt for minimum coverage, not realizing that the insurance does not cover their motorbike from damage. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. wants Sandy, UT drivers to understand their options to protect their motorcycles.

Adding to the Minimum Bike Insurance

Adding comprehensive and collision coverage ensures that the policy covers replacement or repair if an accident occurs or the bike gets stolen. The property insurance included in the state’s minimum requirements only covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property. To cover the repair or replacement of your motorbike in an accident, you need collision coverage.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage protects your finances, whether the accident involves many vehicles or only your bike. The term collision includes other motorbikes, autos, fences, garage doors, walls – you name it! No matter what you hit with the motorcycle, your collision coverage covers the repair or replacement cost. So, if you hit a deer with your Yamaha, collision coverage pays for the repairs after you pay your deductible.

You choose your deductible amount. You can set it lower, around $500 or $1,000, but you’ll pay higher monthly premiums. That’s because you won’t have to pay much if an accident occurs. If you need your monthly payments to cost less, choose a higher deductible, such as $2,500 or $5,000. Even paying $5,000 is better than covering the cost of a new high-end motorbike, most of which costs about $75,000.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs or replacement of your bike if someone steals it or nature damages it. It also pays for damage from vandalism and rioting. Natural damage refers to damage from fire, hail, high winds, hurricanes, etc. The only natural hazard not included on the list of perils is flooding. Flood insurance covers this.

Contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc. Today

If you reside in or near Sandy, UT, contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc. to update your motorcycle insurance with collision and comprehensive coverage. Protect your financial investment in your bike with insurance.

Do I Need to Insure My Boat If I’m Not Using It?

Boats bring a lot of joy and memories to our lives. Sadly, boats are a seasonal treat, especially for Sandy, UT residents. Because of this, you may wonder if there’s any point in keeping insurance on your boat during those cold winter months. After all, you aren’t using it, so why do you need coverage?

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. is here to explain why you need boat insurance year-round.

You Might Be Required To

If you are currently making payments on your boat, your lender likely requires you to have some level of insurance coverage year-round. This is because they want to ensure that their investment is always protected. In addition, the marina where you dock your boat may require insurance as well since they’re often not responsible for the damage.

There’s No Off Season for Disasters

Just because your boat isn’t out on the water doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged. Depending on where and how you store your boat, it may be at risk of storm damage, fires, theft, vandalism, and more. If you have allowed your insurance coverage to lapse, you may be left paying for the repairs–or even a new boat–out of pocket.

Speak With An Experienced Sandy, UT Agent About Boat Insurance Today!

Your boat is a significant investment and should be protected as such. Here at The Smith Insurance Group Inc, we understand how important your boat is and will work with you to find the coverage options that best suit your needs. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you.

Understanding the Different Types of Health Insurance Plans

Understanding the complex world of health insurance can be rather challenging. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc., located in Sandy, UT, our goal is to make it easy and help you understand the different types of plans and policies available. Review some of the most popular ones so that when you come in for your consultation, you can feel comfortable about the level of knowledge you have on the subject.

The Four Main Types of Health Insurance

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

HMOs offer a range of services within a network of healthcare providers. With this plan, you must choose a primary care physician (PCP) who will manage your healthcare needs. You’ll need a referral to see specialists. HMOs usually have lower out-of-pocket costs, but you’ll have limited flexibility when choosing a provider.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans

PPO plans offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. You don’t need a referral to see a specialist; you can visit providers outside the network. However, out-of-network care may result in more money coming out of your pocket.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans

EPOs are a combination of sort between HMO and PPO plans. Like HMOs, you’ll need to select a primary care physician and receive care within the plan’s network. However, you don’t need a referral to see specialists. EPO plans typically have lower premiums than PPOs but offer less flexibility in provider choice.

Point of Service (POS) Plans

POS plans combine elements of HMO and PPO plans. You’ll choose a primary care physician and need referrals for specialist care. However, you can receive out-of-network care at a higher rate if you choose to. POS plans will have you reaching for your wallet less than PPOs but offer more flexibility than HMOs.

Get Expert Guidance from The Smith Insurance Group Inc.

At The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, we know that every individual and family has different healthcare needs. Our knowledgeable staff will help you review the different types of health insurance plans and assist you in choosing the best plan for your situation. Contact us today to start your journey toward the health coverage you need.

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

The agents at the Smith Insurance Group Inc. serving the Sandy, UT area express the importance of a motorcycle insurance policy. Utah requires all drivers, including motorcyclists, to have liability insurance before they can legally drive on public roads. Motorcycle liability insurance will help you pay for any damage to another driver’s vehicle or injuries caused in an accident deemed your fault.

You can choose from many other types of motorcycle insurance to create the best policy for you and your situation. Read on to learn more about other types of motorcycle insurance coverage options.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorcycle Insurance

If you become involved in an accident that is the other driver’s fault but that driver does not have any insurance or does not have an adequate amount of insurance, this type of motorcycle insurance will come in handy. This is because it will help you repair your bike and pay medical bills if you or your passenger are injured due to the accident.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance will help if a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, damages your bike. It can also assist you with repairs or replace your motorcycle if it is damaged or destroyed by a fire or vandalism. This insurance coverage will also help you replace your bike if it is stolen.

Collision Insurance

If you collide with another vehicle or hit a stationary object, collision insurance will assist you in paying for any damages.

If you owe money to a lender for the purchase of your motorcycle, you will need to have both collision and comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your lender’s investment in your motorcycle.

Contact Smith Insurance Group Inc.

To obtain adequate motorcycle insurance for you and your bike, contact the experienced and knowledgeable agents at the Smith Insurance Group Inc. serving the Sandy, UT area today!

How much life insurance do I need?

We all know how important life insurance is, but it can be challenging to determine precisely how much coverage you need. Everyone’s situation is different, and the right amount of life insurance depends on your individual needs. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. specializes in protecting Sandy, UT area families with life insurance policies.

Determining how much life insurance is enough.

When deciding how much life insurance to purchase, you should consider a few factors. The most crucial factor is determining the amount of money your family will need if you pass away suddenly. This includes funeral expenses, any debts you may have, and any other financial obligations such as mortgage payments or college tuition costs for your children. You should also consider the income your family would lose in the event of your death and factor this into the total amount of coverage needed.

Once you have an estimate of the financial obligations that need to be met in the event of your death, you should decide which type of life insurance policy best fits your needs. Term insurance policies provide coverage for a set period at a lower cost than permanent policies but do not offer any cash value. Permanent policies such as whole-life and universal-life provide lifetime protection with tax-advantaged cash values that grow over time. 

Determining how much life insurance you need is a personal decision based on your circumstances and goals for protecting your loved ones after you’re gone. Talk to an experienced broker at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. who can help guide you through this process and suggest specific types of policies that meet your unique needs. We proudly serve the Sandy, UT area.

I don’t have a car loan. Do I still need auto insurance?

Most states require all drivers to carry auto liability insurance that meets the state minimum requirements. However, drivers can invest in more than just auto liability coverage. Drivers have many coverage options. Our Sandy, UT team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. is committed to helping drivers find coverage that meets their needs. 

Auto Insurance Requirements

Most states require all drivers to carry liability insurance that meets the state minimum levels, regardless of whether you have a car loan or not. All drivers must carry liability insurance. However, other circumstances may require you to carry more than liability coverage. Minnesota also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorists’ coverage and personal injury protection coverage. 

I don’t have a Car loan. Do I still need Auto Insurance?

Yes. You still need to carry auto liability insurance. However, if you have a late-model car, investing in more than just liability coverage may be wise. Likely, you won’t be able to pay for damage to your vehicle out of pocket. One rule of thumb is to carry full coverage insurance if your car’s value exceeds your annual insurance premium. Your car’s value may justify paying for full coverage if its value is less than what you’re paying in insurance costs. For example, the odds of your car being totaled is greater if the value of your vehicle is less than the cost of repairing it. If you have more questions about auto insurance, call us. We’d be happy to help you explore your options. 

Do You Need Term Life Insurance or Whole Life Insurance?

At The Smith Insurance Group Inc., we understand the importance of life insurance to your family’s future. You may not have yet paid off your home in Sandy, UT, or your children may have just started school. Life insurance can help you pay for those things after you’ve died.

You’ve got many choices of life insurance products, though, and that can make it a tough decision. You need to determine if you want term or whole life insurance.

What does that mean, you ask? The difference between the two policy types comes down to the period they cover.

Term Policies

A term policy refers to one that remains active during the specified period it covers. Typically, this refers to a period of 10, 20, or 30 years. The policy remains active if you pay your premiums during this period. If you die during the term of the policy, it pays your beneficiary the amount of money named in the policy.

Whole Policies

 A whole policy or whole life insurance is one that remains active throughout your life as long as you pay the premiums. Some whole-life policies let you purchase the coverage outright, so you pay the equivalent lump sum of the average number of years the typical policyholder pays into the policy. If that’s 30 years of premiums, that’s what you pay. Others require monthly or quarterly premium payments.

Contact Us

Contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc., serving Sandy, UT, for more information on life insurance. Let us help you find the ideal policy for you, whether you need a term or whole-life policy.

Prepare Your Car, Truck, or SUV for Winter in Utah

As the temperatures drop and the snow falls in Sandy, UT, it’s essential to ensure your car, truck, or SUV is prepared for winter weather. Along with providing comprehensive auto coverage from The Smith Insurance Group Inc, a few simple steps can help prevent costly repairs and accidents.

Check Your Tire Tread and Pressure

As the temperatures start to drop, so does the air pressure in your tires. That’s why it’s essential to check your tire pressure regularly during the winter. Low tire pressure can cause your tires to lose traction on icy roads, leading to accidents. It can also cause your tires to wear down more quickly.

Besides checking your tire pressure, it’s also important to check your tire tread. Tire tread helps you grip the road. The deeper the tread, the better grip you’ll have. If your tire tread is shallow, you might replace your tires before winter weather hits.

Clear Off Your Car Before You Drive

Another critical step in preparing your car for winter is clearing the snow and ice before driving. Ice and snow can obstruct your vision and make it difficult to see other vehicles on the road. It can also cause your car to lose traction and slide on icy roads. So before you head out this winter, take a few minutes to clear off your car completely.

Check Your Wiper Blades

Ice and snow can also make it difficult to see the road ahead. To ensure you have clear visibility, check your wiper blades before winter weather. If they’re cracked or worn down, replace them before the snow falls.

Also, ensure your Sandy, UT vehicle coverage is up-to-date with The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We can provide comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle from damage and theft year-round.