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Windsor Heights, IA 50324

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Renovations and Home Insurance: What You Should Know Before Making Changes

When it comes to upgrading your home, it’s important to consider more than just aesthetics. Home renovations can impact your insurance coverage, and being informed is key to avoiding potential pitfalls. Here at Max Insurance LLC, providing homeowners in the greater Des Moines, IA area with home insurance, we want to help you know what to expect.

Assessing the Impact

Before diving into renovations, take a moment to assess how they might affect your insurance. Major changes, like adding an extension or upgrading electrical systems, could increase your home’s value, warranting an adjustment in your coverage. Failing to update your policy could leave you underinsured in case of an accident.

Informing Your Insurer

Transparency is crucial. Notify your insurance company about your renovation plans. They can guide you on coverage adjustments and any necessary endorsements. For instance, if contractors are involved, make sure they carry adequate insurance to avoid potential liability issues that might otherwise fall on you.

Budgeting for Changes

While renovating, keep your budget not only for the project itself but also for potential insurance adjustments. Your premium might change based on factors such as the materials used and the overall value of the upgrades. Planning for these changes can help you avoid financial surprises down the road.

Consult With Us

Renovations can breathe new life into your home, but they can also impact your insurance coverage. Being proactive in understanding the relationship between renovations and home insurance can help you protect your investment and ensure your peace of mind. If you’re looking for a new policy in the greater Des Moines, IA area, or just want to find out how renovations may impact your policy, Max Insurance LLC would love to help. Call us today to learn more.

What Happens if I Drop My Comprehensive Insurance Before My Car is Paid Off?

If you’re a Des Moines, IA resident and you’re currently making regular payments on a car that you’re financing, then you are required to maintain collision or comprehensive insurance on the vehicle for the life of the loan.

Comprehensive insurance is useful in case your vehicle were to become damaged due to inclement weather, vandalism, or in some other unfortunate event. Collision insurance covers damage incurred in a car accident. Since both collision and comprehensive insurance are costlier than general liability, you may have considered canceling your comprehensive coverage and opted for collision or even liability instead. You need to consider the consequences of doing so.

Comprehensive and Collision Aren’t Both Required

Most finance companies require you to maintain collision insurance on the vehicle at all times and comprehensive is just extra if you want additional peace of mind. So, if you currently have both types of insurance on your vehicle, then it’s okay to cancel your comprehensive. However, if you cancel both insurance and leave on liability, then your finance company could repossess your vehicle for breach of contract. You are also leaving your vehicle unprotected, which could end up being very costly for you. 

Collision Insurance is the Most Important 

While comprehensive insurance is very valuable insurance to have, collision coverage is more important. It’s a lot more likely that you will become involved in a car accident as opposed to your car becoming damaged by weather, vandalism, or some other non-accident type of incident. So, if you drop your comprehensive and switch to collision, then there should be no negative consequences. 

So, as you can see, comprehensive insurance isn’t quite as important as collision coverage. As long as you have collision insurance, most states, including Iowa, don’t require both comprehensive and collision insurance.

Reach Out To Us

We at Max Insurance LLC serve the Des Moines, IA area, and we will be happy to help you. If you’re looking for an insurance agency that goes above and beyond to ensure high-quality service and coverage, then give us a call so we can provide you with a quote for your auto insurance. 

Four commercial insurance details you shouldn’t overlook

Business owners need to understand all the important details of their commercial insurance policy. Max Insurance LLC insures companies in Des Moines, IA. We can assist you with meeting your insurance needs.

The following are four commercial insurance details that you shouldn’t overlook:

Types of coverage your policy includes

When you buy commercial insurance, there are many types of coverage from which you’ll need to choose.

You must determine the insurance needs of your company to decide on which types of coverage to purchase. Basic commercial insurance policies typically include commercial liability coverage. You’ll also decide if you need coverage types like commercial property, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and business interruption insurance. 

Comparing quotes

Getting quotes from different commercial insurance providers will help you to find competitive premiums. It’s important for you to work your premium costs into the budget. This will help you to manage the cash flow at your company. 

Coverage limits

As with most other types of insurance, commercial insurance will only cover you up to certain coverage limits. You’ll have the option to choose how much coverage you want to invest in.

The higher your coverage limits are, the more costly your commercial insurance will be. Ideally, you should have enough coverage to protect all of your company’s assets. 

Deductible costs

Make sure that the deductibles on your policy will be affordable for your company to pay in the event of a claim. You’ll need to pay the deductible amount before your commercial insurance kicks in and begin paying for additional expenses. 

Reach Out To Us

Do you need to insure your business in Des Moines, IA? Our commercial insurance policies can protect your livelihood and give you peace of mind. Get in touch with us at Max Insurance LLC for a policy quote. 

Will my homeowners insurance cover the damage from the rat infestation in my attic?

Homeowners insurance creates peace of mind for homeowners. Many homeowners wouldn’t be able to pay for many accidents or unexpected incidents without the help of homeowners insurance. This insurance reduces the out-of-pocket expense associated with the repair or replacement of many things associated with a home. Our Des Moines, IA team at Max Insurance LLC is committed to helping homeowners understand the benefits of homeowners insurance. 

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance covers the repair or replacement of your home, personal belongings, property, and other assets. Homeowners insurance also provides liability coverage for property damage or injuries you may unintentionally cause to others. This coverage may also apply to incidents or injuries to others away from your home as well. If your home has to be rebuilt or repaired, home insurance typically covers the cost of living elsewhere until your home is inhabitable again. 

Will my home insurance cover the damage from the rat infestation in my attic?

Although homeowners insurance covers many situations, it doesn’t typically cover damage caused by insects, birds, rodents, and small animals. This type of damage is the sole responsibility of the homeowner unless he or she has purchased some kind of add-on insurance that would make allowance for this type of damage.

Conversely, if a bird breaks a window in your home, your insurance may cover this type of incident. An insurance agent can adequately detail the coverage allowances associated with damage caused by insects or animals. Although most of this kind of damage isn’t covered by a standard homeowners policy, there may be exceptions.

Looking for Insurance in Des Moines, IA?

If you have questions about homeowners insurance, call us at Max Insurance LLC. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions.

Documents you should always carry in your vehicle

At Max Insurance LLC in Des Moines, IA we understand that each person has unique insurance needs, and we never use a one-size-fits-all approach. We get to know our customers so that we can better serve them by providing insurance that fits their personal needs. We work for you, and we will strive to get you the best coverage at a price that works for you. 

Documents you should always carry in your vehicle

Your vehicle registration

Your vehicle must be registered in the state of Iowa within 30 days of your moving to the state. You must register your vehicle in the county where you live, and if you change counties, you let the motor vehicle department know so that they can keep the records correct. In order to register your vehicle, you must have the title, a bill of sale, and a completed application. Your vehicle must also have a federal safety label. Keep your registration in the glove box or over your sun visor. 

Your insurance card

When you renew your auto insurance, you will receive an insurance card either through the mail or digitally. It has the carrier’s name, your name, the policy number, and the dates the policy is in effect. This proves that you have the required coverage for the state of Iowa. It should be kept where you can access it easily in the event you need to provide it to a police officer. 

Your driver’s license

You are required to always have your driver’s license on your person if you are driving a motor vehicle. You may not actually keep it in the vehicle, but it should be on you when you are driving. 

Need Auto Insurance? Reach Out To Us

Give our office a call. At Max Insurance LLC in Des Moines, IA, we provide a selection of carriers who can meet your particular needs for auto insurance. 

What is a commercial insurance audit, and why do you need one?

When you contact Max Insurance LLC to update or renew your commercial insurance for your Des Moines, IA business, we’ll suggest a commercial insurance audit. Don’t worry, it differs completely from an IRS audit and won’t cost you anything extra to undergo.

Commercial Insurance Audits Are Free

When you undergo a commercial insurance audit with your insurance agent, you participate in an interview with the agent. We ask you questions about your business, location, processes, and procedures to determine its most important coverage types.

Many things change from the first time you purchase insurance and first start your business. Your expansion could require a different type of insurance than you already own. A change in product or services could have the same effect. Even changing your business location could affect your insurance needs.

The results of an audit could save you money in the short term and the long term. If you need to add a new type of insurance, you’ll still save money in the long term because whatever it covers, would not receive coverage under any other type of policy. Commercial insurance uses specific policies to avoid crossover. That means that with the specialty policy, you would pay some premiums along the way, but if an insured event occurred, you would have coverage for it, and insurance would pay for it.

Examples of Coverage Changes

If you moved from a building with plate glass windows to one with no windows or plastic windows, you would no longer need glass insurance. You would drop a policy.

If you started delivering pizzas from your restaurant, you would need to add commercial auto insurance to your insurance package.

If you added a consumer product to your service-based business, you would need to add errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to your package.

Conversely, if you stopped making consumer products and moved to a service-based business, you would no longer need E&O insurance, assuming a recall on existing products.

Contact Us Today

Call or email Max Insurance LLC serving Des Moines, IA, to get started on your commercial insurance audit. Let us help you protect your financial security and your business’s future.

What is a commercial insurance audit, and why do you need one?

When you contact Max Insurance LLC to update or renew your commercial insurance for your Des Moines, IA business, we’ll suggest a commercial insurance audit. Don’t worry, it differs completely from an IRS audit and won’t cost you anything extra to undergo.

Commercial Insurance Audits Are Free

When you undergo a commercial insurance audit with your insurance agent, you participate in an interview with the agent. We ask you questions about your business, location, processes, and procedures to determine its most important coverage types.

Many things change from the first time you purchase insurance and first start your business. Your expansion could require a different type of insurance than you already own. A change in product or services could have the same effect. Even changing your business location could affect your insurance needs.

The results of an audit could save you money in the short term and the long term. If you need to add a new type of insurance, you’ll still save money in the long term because whatever it covers, would not receive coverage under any other type of policy. Commercial insurance uses specific policies to avoid crossover. That means that with the specialty policy, you would pay some premiums along the way, but if an insured event occurred, you would have coverage for it, and insurance would pay for it.

Examples of Coverage Changes

If you moved from a building with plate glass windows to one with no windows or plastic windows, you would no longer need glass insurance. You would drop a policy.

If you started delivering pizzas from your restaurant, you would need to add commercial auto insurance to your insurance package.

If you added a consumer product to your service-based business, you would need to add errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to your package.

Conversely, if you stopped making consumer products and moved to a service-based business, you would no longer need E&O insurance, assuming a recall on existing products.

Contact Us Today

Call or email Max Insurance LLC serving Des Moines, IA, to get started on your commercial insurance audit. Let us help you protect your financial security and your business’s future.

How to Ensure Your Home Insurance Policy is Up to Date

A home insurance policy is one of your most important investments. It protects your home and all its valuable contents should anything happen in Des Moines, IA. But how often should you update your policy? Max Insurance LLC recommends reviewing your policy at least once a year.

Assessing Your Home Value 

It’s important to assess the value of your property at the time of purchase and then review it each year. This will ensure that you are adequately covered if anything were to happen. When doing this assessment, consider any improvements or renovations you’ve made since purchasing the policy. This could include updated appliances, fixtures, or even additions like a swimming pool or gazebo.

All these factors need to be considered when updating your policy so that you are properly covered for any losses incurred in the event of an incident. 

Reviewing Your Coverage Options 

In addition to assessing the value of your property, it’s also important to review your coverage options each year when renewing your policy. Many companies offer different levels of coverage that can be tailored to meet specific needs and budgets, such as liability coverage for medical bills if someone gets injured on your property or additional coverage for jewelry and other valuables.

Reach Out To Us

At Max Insurance LLC, we specialize in providing comprehensive home insurance policies tailored specifically for our clients in Des Moines, IA. Our team understands insurance protection’s importance in protecting your home and everything inside it—from furniture and electronics to jewelry and artwork. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new policy or update an existing one, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way! 

Safe driving tips for new drivers

It’s no surprise that driving can be intimidating for new drivers. While it is often exciting to be able to drive for the first time in Des Moines, IA, it is important for new drivers to keep safety in mind and practice safe driving habits.

Here are some tips for new drivers from your friends at Max Insurance LLC to stay safe on the road.

Safe driving tips 

1. Make sure you know the rules of the road.

Before hitting the road, review local laws about speed limits and other traffic regulations, such as passing lanes and stop signs. Knowing the rules of the road will help keep you safe and prevent any potential legal issues. 

2. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.

Don’t let yourself get distracted by your phone or passengers while behind the wheel. Focusing solely on your driving will help avoid potential hazards on the road and help you remain alert while driving. 

3. Wear a seatbelt at all times.

Wearing a seatbelt helps reduce your chances of being injured during an accident or collision, so make sure you buckle up before leaving your driveway! 

4. Follow speed limits closely and adjust your speed according to weather conditions.

Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents each year, so it’s important to be aware of speed limits and adjust accordingly in bad weather conditions such as rain or snow storms if necessary. 

Auto Insurance Is Mandatory – Make Sure Your Policy Is Updated!

Following these tips can help ensure that new drivers stay safe on the roads and make their experience much less stressful overall! For more safe driving tips, give us a call at Max Insurance LLC today. We proudly serve the Des Moines, IA area.

What Are Some of the Most Common Types of Commercial Insurance Products?

At Max Insurance LLC, serving the greater Des Moines, IA area, we have had many small business owners approach us with questions pertaining to commercial insurance. It is not uncommon for business owners to think that one commercial insurance policy will meet all of their business needs. However, the term commercial insurance refers to many insurance products, not just one.

Here are a few of the most common types of commercial insurance products:

Commercial Property Insurance

One of the most common types of commercial insurance products is commercial property insurance. If you own a commercial property, you should have commercial property insurance. This type of insurance is pretty similar to home insurance, except for the obvious that it applies to a commercial building and not a home. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

Another common type of commercial insurance product is commercial auto insurance. If you own one or more vehicles that are used for commercial or business reasons, you need to purchase commercial auto insurance. Just like standard insurance, there are different types of commercial auto insurance, including comprehensive and collision.

Business Interruption Insurance

The final common type of commercial insurance product that is sold is business interruption insurance. There are many reasons why your business may be interrupted, including a burst pipe in your building, a natural disaster, or a health pandemic. If your business has to shut down, business interruption insurance helps to provide money so you can continue paying your employees, your rent, and other bills your business may have when your business is forced to be closed. 

Contact Us Today

Every business is different, and as such, the insurance products that one company may need can vary from the insurance products that another company may need. Here at Max Insurance LLC, we can help Des Moines, IA business owners find the best commercial insurance products for their needs. Call or email us to learn more or to obtain new commercial insurance policies.