How much life insurance is enough

Life insurance is a very individual thing. What is enough life insurance for your brother, may not be enough life insurance for you. Your life insurance strategy needs to be tailored to your particular life. Most people are not knowledgeable enough about life insurance themselves to guarantee they have the correct coverage. Having an insurance agent you trust makes this a much simpler task. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, we are a full-service independent agency that is here to help you with all your insurance needs. 

Life insurance is something you need to start thinking about when you are young. Rates will likely be lower than they will ever be again. You need to consider the type and amount of insurance you need. Before you start purchasing life insurance you need to ask yourself, who counts on me for support?

Life insurance is not something you buy to protect yourself. It is something you buy for those you may leave behind. If you are single, have no dependents, and don’t have any outstanding debt, your need for life insurance is minimal. You just need to have enough for your final expenses. But if you have plans to own a home, have a family, and have trouble saving, a whole life insurance policy combines protection with a saving component. 

Once you have a partner and children your need for life insurance changes. You need to consider how much support they will need and for how long. Experts suggest between seven and ten years of income in life insurance. You need to look at whether that is too much or not enough for your dependents. 

At The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, we are here to help you get the life insurance coverage you need. Give our office or stop by for a no-obligation quote 

Required Auto Insurance in Utah

When you have a vehicle in Utah, it’s required for you to have auto insurance in place to take care of any liability you may have in an accident as well as other types of coverage. The insurance requirement in the state comes with several different parts, and drivers should have all of them. If you need auto insurance or want to change to a different carrier, call us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc in Sandy, UT for an appointment. 

Required Coverage

To stay legal on Utah roads, there are five main parts that your auto insurance must cover. The coverage must include bodily injury liability with minimums per person as well as per accident. It must also include a mandatory minimum of property damage liability. For your own injuries, you must have a specific minimum amount of personal injury protection. You also must have a required minimum of uninsured motorist insurance with minimums both per person and per accident. There is also underinsured motorist coverage with minimums for each person and the whole accident.

Minimum Coverage

With so many types of coverage having mandatory minimums, many people choose to get just enough coverage to meet the minimum legal requirement. However, this may not be enough if a serious accident were to happen. It also doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle. To be more fully insured, consider adding to the minimums and adding collision insurance. Without these coverages, you may have to pay a significant amount out of picket once your insurance coverage maxes out. 

Utah Insurance

If you don’t have insurance for your Utah vehicle, call us right away to get coverage. Contact us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT for an appointment with an insurance agent. 

Important Factors To Consider While Researching Motorcycle Insurance Policies

Based in Sandy, UT, The Smith Insurance Group Inc. assists the community by offering residents a wide variety of insurance policies. We are committed to helping our clients find the insurance services that they need. We strive to offer superior customer service at all times.

Motorcycle Insurance Variables

If you enjoy riding your motorcycle through different parts of Sandy, UT, it’s important that you have protection. Motorcycle insurance helps you cover one of your most important assets. The policy protects you in the event that your motorcycle is damaged or stolen. You can amend your policy to include liability coverage to protect you in the event that you are held liable for damaging another person or object. If your motorcycle suffers a breakdown, you can amend your policy to include roadside assistance. Here are some factors to consider while you research different policies.

Keep in mind that your policy may differ depending on the type of vehicle that you have. You’ll also have to consider the rate of depreciation as your motorcycle ages. Make sure that you have an accurate measurement regarding the size of your engine.

If you have made any updates to your motorcycle or installed any special equipment, you may have to amend your policy to cover these special items. The areas where you plan to ride your motorcycle are also important factors to consider. If you plan to ride your motorcycle through urban parts of Utah where there is likely more traffic, your policy may be different compared to primarily riding your motorcycle through the countryside.

The Sandy Smith Insurance Group Inc. Will Help You Find The Right Policy

To find out more information on different types of motorcycle insurance coverage, visit our website today!

When is a boat insurance policy needed?

The Sandy, UT area can be a great place to live as there is a long warm summer for you to enjoy. To maximize your experience here, owning a boat can be a great option. If you do own a boat, you should get the proper insurance for it. There are several situations when holding a boat insurance policy will be necessary. 

When Taking Out a Loan

One situation when you will need to get a boat insurance policy is when you want to take out a loan. Buying a boat can cost a lot of money and getting a loan can make it more financially reasonable. If you do have a loan against the boat, you should ensure you know your insurance obligations. Most boat loan borrowers will be required to carry boat insurance at all times.

When Using Certain Marinas

Another situation when you may need to have a boat insurance policy is if you want to use certain marinas or other waterways. Any area that allows people to use boats has the right to require boat owners to carry insurance as it can help protect all other people in the area. If you do use a marina or other waterway, it is important that you understand and comply with the local boat insurance rules.

As you are looking for a boat or a new boat insurance policy in Sandy, UT, you should call the team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. When you call The Smith Insurance Group Inc. you are going to receive great support and guidance from a team of experienced insurance professionals. They will evaluate your situation and figure out your boat insurance needs. From there, they can help you by building a new policy for you. 

Do I need health insurance in the Sandy UT area?

Having proper insurance in place is very important for anyone in the Sandy UT area. There are several forms of insurance that all people need to make sure that they get. One of the most important forms of insurance that you need to have at all times is health insurance. There are several reasons why having this insurance is so important. 

Ensures Access to Affordable and Quality Care

The main reason that you need to get a health insurance policy is that it can help to ensure that you will get access to affordable and quality healthcare. Being able to see a doctor and gain access to prescription medications can help you to get better insight into your health and control health conditions. When you have health insurance, you will have a network of physicians in your area that you can choose from. 

Required by Law

Another reason that you will need to get health insurance here is that it is actually required by law today. For the past few years, all people across the country have been obligated to have some health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents. You will have to provide evidence of this coverage when you file your income taxes. There are a variety of different options to choose from that can help to ensure you are in compliance with this obligation. 

Ultimately, having quality health insurance is a necessity for anyone in the Sandy, UT area. When you are looking for a policy here, you should call the team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. The team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. can give you guidance when it comes to choosing a policy that will help to ensure you and your dependants are appropriately covered. 

Is it a must to name a family member as my life insurance beneficiary?

Who should I name as a beneficiary? This is one of the most common questions people ask when purchasing life insurance. Deciding who will be your beneficiary is a big decision for any Sandy, UT insurance holder that involves critical thinking and essential decision making. Many people tend to name their family members as their primary beneficiary, creating the assumption and myth that you can only name a family member. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc., we help you make an informed decision by laying the facts about life insurance on the table.

Who is a beneficiary?

A beneficiary is a primary entity or person that you give consent to receive death benefits from your life insurance policy if you were to die. We have two main types of beneficiaries; the contingent and the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is a person, or people is the first line who can claim your death benefit from your policy. If the primary beneficiary dies before you have changed the name, a contingent beneficiary can receive the death benefit.

Can I name non-family members?

Absolutely! Life insurance policy in personal coverage. Therefore, you have the liberty to choose who you want to benefit from your money, depending on the reason why you bought the coverage. Many people in Sandy, UT purchase life insurance to protect their families from the financial stress upon the breadwinner’s death. Such people usually name their family members as beneficiaries. This could be a spouse, children, parents, siblings, or close relatives. However, if you have to name minors, it is essential also to name an adult who will be in charge until the child becomes an adult.

Are you looking to buy life insurance and protect your loved ones financially? The Smith Insurance Group Inc. would like to help. Contact us for quotes, queries, or policy discussions.

When to Upgrade Auto Insurance Coverage in Sandy

Auto insurance has a tendency to fade into the background for many drivers in Sandy, UT. You might pick a policy when you first get your car, set up automatic payments, and then quickly forget about it from there. But your policy should technically be changing based on what you do and how you live. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. is here to let you know when it’s time to upgrade your coverage. 

When You Want More 

Maybe you opted for the lowest amount of coverage when you first got your car because you didn’t really drive very much at the time. But since then, you obtained a new job that increases the amount of travel. You may be going into higher crime areas or spending more time on busy roads. The more time you’re in your vehicle, the more coverage you’ll need. 

When You’ve Made Changes to the Car 

Maybe you installed a new stereo or you splurged a little more than you thought you would at the after-market store. All of these additions could increase the value of your car, meaning you’ll need to get additional protection for them. If you haven’t called your insurance carrier to update them on the changes, they may not cover the repair or replacement should you file a claim. 

When You Want a New Partner 

If you live in Sandy, UT, and want to learn more about different auto insurance carriers, The Smith Insurance Group Inc. is here to help. The company that covers you will play a major role in how claims are handled, which items are approved, and your overall experience should an adverse event occur to you. Contact us today if you have questions about how you can upgrade your coverage in Sandy. 

Motorcycle Insurance Add Ons You Need

When you own a motorcycle you absolutely understand the thrill of the open road. No matter the style of motorcycle you ride or if you’re an everyday rider (or seasonal rider) there is just nothing else that can compare with riding a motorcycle. When you work on your bike you likely install a few extra features to help make your ride more comfortable. Well, you will want to protect these add ons with the right kind of insurance. When you live around Sandy, UT, our staff here at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. wants to help make sure you are appropriately protected, no matter what kind of motorcycle or insurance options you’re considering. 

Motorcycle Upgrades

Perhaps you have added some compartments to carry more gear on your motorcycle. Or maybe you’ve installed a new gas tank or even some additional tech features on the bike. Whatever upgrades you’ve made you’ll want to consider the additional protective coverages for these installations. 

Roadside Assistance

You do what you can to work on your motorcycle, but even then issues can arise out of nowhere. You probably don’t want to just leave your motorcycle as you walk somewhere for help. With roadside assistance you can have a tow truck stop on by and, instead of paying out of pocket, the cost of the tow will be covered with your insurance.

Protect Your Motorcycle With The Right Insurance

There are all kinds of motorcycle insurance add ons to consider. But which is right for you? If you’re not completely sure or you still have questions you’ll want to give our staff at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. a call. When you live around greater Sandy, UT our staff is here to help address your questions and assist in finding the insurance that covers your needs. 

What Kind of Watercraft Policy is Right for Me?

The purchase of a watercraft is considered to be a major purchase. As you start the process of deciding what kind of craft you want in Sandy, UT, you will soon find that there are thousands of choices. Most people buy a boat that will last them for 10 years or more because financing the craft is like buying a car. Except the loans can go for much longer than six or seven years. When everything is done and you are ready to use the boat, you will need to find the right kind of insurance policy to protect your fun investment.

What Kind of Boat Policy Do I Really Need?

Watercraft policies can be a little confusing to understand if you have never seen one. When it comes right down to it, they all do the same thing. They protect the owner and passengers of the craft from financial harm. Here are a few things that you will want to know about when buying your first policy in Sandy, UT.

  • If you are planning on docking your boat at a marina, then you will need to have at least liability insurance before they will let you leave the craft in the slip. 
  • The state of Utah requires insurance on any craft that has a 50-horsepower engine or greater. If you try and operate the craft with the insurance, you can be ticketed for breaking the law. 
  • The type of insurance you will most likely want to buy should protect your boat from being damaged by named perils. 
  • If you have a loan on the boat, you will be required to have an insurance policy to protect the interests of the lender. 
  • You will most likely have special equipment on the boat for safety or fishing. These items can be costly to replace if something happens to them. Consider what kind of equipment you have when thinking about insurance.

There are a lot of things to think about when buying a watercraft policy. If you have questions, please call us at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. We can answer all of your questions and get you on the water legally quickly. 

Will my health insurance cover me in another country?

You have saved and planned for years and now your trip outside of the United States is finally approaching. One never likes to think of negative things but traveling to an unknown place can be a bit daunting and the thought of having an accident or getting ill while far away from home is scary. Among the thoughts that may have crossed your mind is whether or not your health insurance will cover you in another country. This is certainly a legitimate concern and one that the knowledgeable team at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. of Sandy, UT is qualified to discuss with you. 

The answer to the question will my health insurance cover me in another country is not as simple as yes or no. It is more like probably but it is important that you check with your particular health insurance provider to get the exact details. Most policies will cover an emergency but their definition of what constitutes an emergency and yours may not be quite the same. Another thing that needs to be discussed is whether you are required to pay the medical expense upfront and then apply for reimbursement from your provider when you return. If you need to be brought back to the United States for care, it is more likely than not that this will not be covered under your health insurance. 

When you are planning a trip outside the United States it is a good idea to check with your credit card company to find out if they offer travel benefits. You may find that they will pay for evacuation if needed. If not then consider taking out a travel health insurance policy that provides the coverage you need. 

Before you take your trip, give the office of The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT a call to set up an appointment or stop by to discuss your health insurance needs.