How to File a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

Knowing how to file a motorcycle insurance claim is essential for riders. The Smith Insurance Group Inc., based in Sandy, UT, can guide you through this process to ensure you receive the necessary support in case of an accident.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim: Step by Step

  1. Prioritize Safety: Ensure safety for all involved. If possible, move your motorcycle to a safe area, and call 911 for minor accidents.

  2. Contact Authorities: Report the accident to law enforcement and cooperate with a police report, which is valuable for the claim.

  3. Gather Information: Collect contact details of involved parties and witnesses and document the scene with photos.

  4. Notify Your Insurer: Contact your motorcycle insurance provider immediately to report the incident and get assistance from The Smith Insurance Group Inc.

  5. Document and Share: Maintain a claim record, including names, dates, and conversations with adjusters, and share this with your insurance company.

  6. Obtain Repair Estimates: Get repair estimates from reputable shops, which your insurer may prefer.

  7. Evaluate Coverage: Understand your policy’s coverage limits and deductibles with assistance from The Smith Insurance Group Inc.

  8. Review and Sign: Carefully review and sign any documents your insurance company provides, including settlements or releases.

Filing a motorcycle insurance claim may seem complex, but it’s essential for post-accident support. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, is ready to assist you immediately. By following these guidelines and seeking expert guidance, you can confidently navigate the process, knowing you have a trusted partner. If you’re looking for a new insurance policy or have questions about an existing one, let us help. Call now to get started.

When is Boat Insurance Required?

If you’ve just bought a new boat and are anxious to take it out on the water, you might wonder if you should insure it first. Boat insurance is required in certain instances in Utah, depending on the type. Here is an overview that will help you determine if you need insurance on your boat before you take it on the water. 

What Types of Boats Are Required to Be Insured?

In Utah, any motorized boat with an engine larger than 50 horsepower must be insured with a minimum of liability insurance. Your boat must also be registered and titled. Boats with less than this amount of horsepower aren’t required to be covered by insurance, although insurance is always a good idea.

What Are Exceptions to the Insurance Law for Boats?

One exception to the requirement for boat insurance in Utah is if your boat is stored and you never take it out on Utah waters. However, as soon as you take the boat out on any body of water in Utah, you must ensure you have adequate coverage. You must also carry proof of this insurance at all times and present it upon request from any Coast Guard official. 

If you live in the Sandy, UT area and you’re looking for a boat insurance provider, contact us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We are a professional insurance agency that provides just about any insurance coverage you might be seeking, including boat insurance. Call us today, and one of our representatives will happily answer any questions and provide you with a quote.

How To Choose Health Insurance?

Choosing the right health insurance can be tricky and complicated. If you are currently searching for health insurance for yourself or your family member, you need to know and consider certain things. Keep reading our blog posts to learn more about this type of insurance. 

Choosing Health Insurance: Things You Need to Know

Here is what you need to take into consideration when shopping for health insurance:

  • Your individual health needs. Your health insurance coverage choice depends on your personal needs and any existing health issues. For example, if you are not planning to see doctors very often and need insurance for your annual visits only, choosing a plan with a high deductible and lower premium makes sense. However, if you think you may need to see a doctor frequently, the situation is the opposite: choose a plan with a lower deductible and higher premium. 
  • Various health insurance options. There are several options to get your health insurance. The first one is getting it through your employer. If your company offers insurance, enrolling in a plan based on your needs and budget is quite easy. 
  • Additional perks. You may not know this, but many health insurance plans have other perks, such as wellness programs and incentives, the purpose of which is to help policyholders healthy. 

The Smith Insurance Group Inc. – Serving Clients in Sandy, UT, and Other Nearby Towns

If you are searching for health insurance and need help choosing the right plan, The Smith Insurance Group Inc., serving clients in Sandy, UT, and other nearby cities, is ready to assist you. Contact us to learn more about different insurance options and learn more about insurance in general. 

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.