How do I know how much renters insurance to buy? Tips to help choose accurate, appropriate limits for your personal property and liability coverage. You've followed your rental guide and it's time to move in! Your furniture is in place, the utilities are hooked up and your rental unit is starting to look like a home. And now you might be asking yourself do I need renters insurance? It is estimated that 56% of renters do not have renters insurance. A renters policy is more important, accessible and affordable than you might think, and in some cases, renters insurance is required by landlords. But renters are often unclear about what renters insurance is, what it covers and how much they need. What does renters insurance cover? In short, renters insurance covers what you own. Most landlord's insurance covers only the building and damages due to negligence. Getting coverage for some of the most common causes of property damage and loss such as theft, vandalism and fire is entirely up to you. Without renters insurance, you may have to bear the financial burden of a loss on your own, including the cost of a hotel stay if you cannot live in your apartment while repairs are made. Want to protect your stuff? Most renters' belongings cost more than they think. The average person has $30,000 worth of belongings that are probably not covered by a landlord's policy. Take a moment to add up the approximate cost of your computer, television, stereo, furniture, jewelry and clothing. If a fire gutted your apartment tomorrow, would you have the cash to replace it all? Renters insurance also covers much more than just your personal property. The average policy can include up to $100,000 in liability coverage. That means in the event of a covered loss, your insurer will help cover the costs if you're held responsible for injuring another person or damaging another person's property. Moreover, this coverage applies whether the incident occurred within your residence or elsewhere. Be sure you have coverage against the unexpected with renters insurance. Get a free quote now. How much renters insurance do I need?Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive. According to NerdWallet, the average renters policy costs about $15 per month for up to $30,000 in personal property coverage. That's solid coverage for less than the cost of a few cups of coffee a week. Here are some tips to help you determine your insurance needs. Complete an inventory of your possessions. Personal property coverage is probably the main reason most purchase a renters policy. The coverage will reimburse you for covered loss, damage or theft of your personal possessions up to a certain dollar amount. Completing a home inventory is a good way to determine how much property coverage you need. This inventory lists your personal possessions, along with details about their age, purchase price or current value and other identifying information. While youre at it, take pictures or a video of your property. Check with your insurance agent about discounts. Many insurers offer significant discounts if you buy more than one policy with their company. For renters, this usually means purchasing auto insurance with a renters policy. But life, business and other plans may also qualify. Choose the right deductible. A deductible is the amount of a covered loss that you pay out of your own pocket. In other words, it's the amount "deducted" from any payout by your insurer. For example, if a fire causes $1,500 in insured damage to your personal property and your deductible is $500, then your insurer will pay you $1,000. Your renters insurance premiums will reflect the deductibles you agree to pay. Lower deductibles mean higher premiums; higher deductibles mean lower premiums. Keep in mind that an insurer will not reimburse you for a loss amount that is lower than the deductible. This means if your deductible is $2,000 and you suffer $1,750 in losses, then you are entirely responsible for those costs, even if the cause of the loss is covered by your policy. When choosing a deductible, think carefully about the out-of-pocket costs that you are willing, and able, to pay. A disciplined saver may be able to offset the greater risk of a high deductible with cash reserves. Others, however, will have to balance the benefit of a higher deductible against the risk of greater out-of-pocket expenses. Assess your liability. Your renters policy's liability coverage may protect you if someone injures themselves in your home. It may also protect you in case you cause damage to others' property. Some policies will pay for defense and court costs in addition to settlement costs. The typical renters insurance policy offers $100,000 in liability coverage. For renters, this amount is often sufficient. However, if you entertain company frequently at your home or if your assets exceed your limit, you should consider a coverage amount equal to at least the total value of your assets.Supplement coverage if necessary. Keep in mind that your policy will exclude certain perils (such as earthquake and flood losses), limit coverage on some items (such as computers, firearms and silverware) and might not cover a business in your home. If you have special insurance needs, talk to your agent about extending limits or adding separate policies. And finally, where your apartment is located will play an important role in determining your renters insurance rates. Prices will vary based on your state, city and neighborhood. Safer locations might mean lower rates, so renting in a low-crime area near a fire station might save you money. Your rates will also reflect the safety of the rental property itself. For example, an older, unrenovated building might have a higher risk of electrical and plumbing issues, and that can mean higher rates. Fortunately, steps as simple as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your apartment may mean real savings, even if you do rent an older property. This article was contributed by Laurel Flowers State Farm Insurance Agent located in Saraland, Alabama.  You can contact Laurel Flowers State Farm team for a renters insurance quote.  Call 251-675-4736.  

Can Someone Else Drive My Car? Discover what happens if someone else drives your car and gets into an accident. There are times in life when we need to let someone borrow our car, but we hesitate allowing them to use it because we don't know if we can, or if we should. We wonder:          Can my grandchild use my car to drive to the grocery store?         Can my friend drive my car?         Can my brother-in-law or other family member borrow my car for the weekend?         Can I drive someone else's car?         Will my friend's insurance cover any damages I cause while driving their vehicle?         Do irregular drivers need to be added to my policy?        At the heart of it, we want to know, "If we give them permission and they get into an accident, is it covered by my insurance? Is it legal for someone to drive my car who is not on my insurance policy?" "Generally, it's not a problem if they're driving with your consent," says Jeanne Salvatore, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute. "If it's an occasional use, say I borrow your car to go pick up milk, and as long as permission has been verbally granted, you'll typically be covered." But borrowing a car under other circumstances may not be as clear-cut. It depends on your insurer and your particular policy. For example, coverage rules and regulations may be different if the driver lives in your household and could, or should, be listed as a named insured on your policy, but is not; or, if the driver is listed on your policy as excluded. Those more complicated situations would need to be discussed with your agent and claim representative. Typically, even if the person driving your car has his or her own insurance, your insurance will be the primary payer for damages caused by your vehicle; but, the person driving your car has to be found legally at fault before your insurance will pay. The driver's insurance is secondary and may cover some personal injury or medical expenses. It may also provide coverage in excess of your insurance coverage, if the cost of damages caused by your vehicle is higher than your policy limits."When you have someone you employ, such as a nanny or a nurse, who will be a regular, additional driver in your household, contact your insurance agent about your policy," Salvatore recommends. "He or she may need to be added to it."Because the policy terms and state laws can vary widely, always contact your insurance agent before loaning out your car, or other motor vehicle, such as: a motorcycle, boat, personal watercraft, snowmobile, ATV or RV. "Anytime you have a question about your policy, call your insurance agent first," says Salvatore. "You always want to let the insurance company know the circumstances. Get their advice." As with anything else, use good judgment and common sense. Make sure you are fully aware of the liability you may be opening yourself, and your auto policy, up to before handing over your keys. "Don't be cavalier about lending your car," adds Salvatore. "If you know someone isn't a good driver, think twice about giving your permission. Any crash they're in could go on your insurance record."  This article was contributed by Laurel Flowers State Farm Insurance Agent located in beautiful Saraland, Alabama.  You can contact Laurel and her fabulous team for all of your insurance needs.  Call 251-675-4736.

Navigating The ConversationWhen is the perfect time for important family discussions about Assisted Living or Memory Care?As our parents age, it becomes increasingly crucial to address their changing needs and make decisions about their care. Making a decision to move to an assisted living or memory care residence is a big deal. Thats why weve put together some helpful tips to help your family manage these difficult conversations.Lets explore how to approach the subject of aging parents with your siblings.Follow these tips: Set the Stage: Choose the right moment to bring up the topic. A family gathering can be busy, so select a time when everyone is relaxed and not distracted by preparations or activities. You might want to consider scheduling a specific time to have this conversation to ensure everyone is present and focused. Agree on an Agenda: Before the discussion, collaborate with your siblings to outline what you want to cover. Having a clear agenda will help keep the conversation on track and prevent it from veering into unrelated issues or becoming too emotional. Express Your Concerns: Start the conversation by expressing your concerns and the reasons for bringing up the topic. Mention any recent incidents or observations that have prompted this discussion. Its important to frame the conversation in terms of love and care for your parents well-being. Listen Actively: Encourage your siblings to share their thoughts and concerns. Actively listen to what each person has to say and be open to different viewpoints. Remember that each family member may have a unique perspective on your parents needs and what they want. Share Information: Ensure everyone is well-informed about your parents current health, financial situation, and any existing care arrangements. The more information everyone has, the better the decisions you can make collectively. Discuss Options: Explore various care options, such as aging in place with in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. Be open to discussing what your parents want and what aligns with their preferences and values. Delegate Roles: Assign specific responsibilities to each sibling. For instance, one sibling could be in charge of researching different care facilities, while another might focus on financial planning and insurance. Delegating tasks ensures that the process is efficient and organized. Respect Differences: Understand that not all siblings may agree on the best course of action. There may be differences of opinion, but its important to respect each others perspectives and find compromises. You can seek input from a professional mediator or counselor if the disagreements become too challenging to manage. Involve Your Parents: Whenever possible, include your parents in the conversation. Their input is crucial in making decisions about their care. They may have preferences or concerns that should be considered. Revisit the Conversation: This initial discussion is just the beginning. Continue to have open and honest conversations with your siblings and plant the seed for discussion. Regular check-ins can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that plans remain relevant to your parents evolving needs. Celebrate Together: After having the discussion, remember to celebrate and make memories together. Enjoy your family time and strengthen your bonds. While caring for aging parents is a significant responsibility, its also a time to cherish your family connections. Seek Professional Guidance: If your parents situation is particularly complex or contentious, consider involving a professional, such as an elder care attorney or a geriatric care manager, to provide expert advice and guidance. Approaching the topic of assisted living and memory care with aging parents and your siblings may not be easy, but its a necessary step in ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. By following these tips, you can foster a supportive and collaborative family environment where everyone works together to make the best decisions for your aging parents. Ultimately, this approach will lead to greater peace of mind for everyone involved. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. If you ever find yourself in need of expert guidance, support, or additional resources to assist with aging parent care decisions, the team at Proveer at Port City Assisted Living and Memory Care is here for you. Conveniently located in Mobile, Alabama near shopping and restaurants.  Our mission is to provide the assistance and information you need to make informed choices about the well-being of your loved ones. Ultimately, we are here to provide PEACE OF MIND and that is priceless.  Contact Proveer Port City at 251-380-0053.