How To Make Sure You Have The Right Health Insurance Coverage

When Illinois residents look to obtain the proper health insurance coverage, a number of questions are bound to come up. Time of the essence when these decisions have to be made and that’s why this step by step guide is here to help.

1. Select The Marketplace

If the person in question is not going to receive health insurance from their employer, they must decide on the marketplace that they will be utilizing. Some may decide to use the state’s public marketplace and others will rely on the federal marketplace. Private exchanges and direct purchases are also considered at times like these.

2. Compare Each Plan Side By Side

No two policies are going to be exactly alike. The insured must consider their specific needs when they are in the process of choosing an insurer. The type of insurance that is chosen will go a long way towards determining the remaining steps of the process. While it can be tough for a prospective client to make sense of the alphabet soup that exists out there, this is where the assistance of professionals comes into play.

3. Discuss The Required Benefits With a Professional

Even those who consider themselves to be well versed when it comes to health insurance are not always able to find the policies that offer the benefits they need. That’s what make consultation meetings so crucial. Once you have narrowed down your options, the professionals allow you to learn everything that you need to know. Making an informed decision is as simple as scheduling a consultation and asking all of the necessary questions.

At Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL, we understand the importance a proper health insurance plan. If you have any further questions about the process of selecting the right plan for your needs, be sure to visit our office in Columbia, IL or give us a call as soon as possible. 

Unmarried? Don’t Neglect Life Insurance

As an unmarried person, you may feel life insurance is a luxury you can’t afford. After all, you don’t have a husband/wife or children to provide for, so why invest in life insurance coverage? Contrary to what you may think, life insurance has much to offer individuals. Here’s how you can benefit from a life policy from Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL.

Leaves Your Loved Ones Debt Free 

If you were to suddenly pass away, would your loved ones be liable for debts you leave behind? Consider that student loan your parents co-signed for or business loans you took out with a business partner. Life benefits can help pay off these debts so your loved ones don’t have to assume this financial burden. 

Helps Support Aging Parents

Many young people today are helping to support their aging parents during their retirement. Life benefits can continue to provide this support after you’re gone. You can have peace of mind knowing your parents will be well cared for in the event of your early demise.

Supports a Significant Other

Perhaps you’re in a serious relationship that hasn’t yet led to marriage. You and your significant other may be living together and sharing the cost of running a household. Your unexpected demise could leave your significant other in financial straits due to being unable to pay all the bills alone. Life insurance benefits can provide the financial support your significant other needs to carry on.

Pays Your Funeral Costs

Most singles don’t plan ahead for their funeral, much less budget for funeral costs. If you have a life insurance policy, you can designate that funds be used to cover funeral expenses so your family isn’t burdened with these costs.  

For quality life insurance coverage at affordable costs, contact Taake Insurance agency in Columbia, IL.

Protecting Your Business with Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance is financial protection for growing and established companies.  Whether it is a new company that is finding its footing or an established, commercial insurance keeps buildings, inventory and staff covered every day.  This allows leadership to focus on the realities of day-to-day business.  Commercial insurance is composed of several policies that cover different aspects of a business.  Policies are a combination of property, liability and workers compensation packages.  In the Columbia, IL area, the agents at Taake Insurance Agency will work with you to develop the insurance package that is best for your company.  

While each policy addresses a different part of the business, they all work in tandem.  Physical structures that the company owns are covered by property insurance.  This also protects equipment and inventory.  Liability coverage addresses several situations.  First, if the company has a storefront, it protects should a customer have an accident.  They will have the right to sue for negligence.  It will also come into use for any cases involving slander, libel or copyright infringement.  Workers compensation covers employees that are injured on the job.  Additional coverage may be added to cover special situations such as auto insurance for a corporate fleet.  

Commercial insurance is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution.  That’s why it’s important to invest a little time with your agent so that they understand your business needs.  Also, as the business grows, the policies will need to be reviewed to ensure that the company is still adequately covered.

The team at Taake Insurance Agency works with businesses throughout the Columbia, IL area.  They will answer any questions you have and get your business the coverage it deserves.  Visit the website for general information then come in to discuss your needs.  Get peace of mind that the business is protected so that you can focus on the bottom line.

Why Auto Insurance Policies Are Based on More Than Your Driving Record

It may seem maddening to have to deal with a never-ending list of questions when you first sign up for your auto insurance. However, rest assured that all your information is not going to waste. Learn more about why your policy is based on more than your driving record, and what you can do if you want to more control over your driving destiny. Keep these tips from Taake Insurance Agency in mind before you start calling around for quotes. 

Responsibility Matters 

Your credit score, your grades in school, your history with the armed forces: none of these things have anything to do with how well you drive. But some insurance companies see these things as a sign of your overall commitment to your responsibility. A person who pays their bills on time may very well be a dangerous driver, but chances are they take the right precautions to save themselves trouble on the road. 

Location Matters 

Where you live is a major factor when it comes to determining a person’s auto insurance rates. If you live in Columbia, IL, you already know that certain streets simply pose more danger than others. Whether it’s crime, congestion, or poorly displayed signage, some areas simply file more insurance claims than others. If you happen to live or work in one of these areas, this could affect your overall rate. 

Taake Insurance Agency is happy to serve the people of Columbia, IL when they’re in need of a reasonable policy. Give us a call today if you’re looking to discuss your policy with someone you can trust. We’re happy to answer your questions, so you can be confident in the level of coverage you choose. 

If My Dog Bites a Neighbor On Their Property Am I Covered?

Dogs are considered to be more than just pets by many people, but they also include a level of risk when it comes to how they react to others. If you live in Columbia, IL, leash laws and another city, county, and state ordinances are in place that requires you to maintain control of your dog at all times, even if you are on your own property. The agents of Taake Insurance Agency can discuss liability policies that may protect you from financial loss if your dog gets loose.

Maintain Control of Your Dog

Maintaining control of your dog at all times is a requirement in almost every state. That can mean keeping them on a leash or muzzling them while you have them in public. If your property is not enclosed, you can let them outside on a tie-out leash that will allow them to roam on your property. You need to inspect the tie-out lead frequently to ensure that it is in good condition and can keep your dog secure. Constructing a fence is another way of keeping your dog contained on your own property.

You Are Liable

If your dog leaves your property for any reason (even if it’s an accident), you will be liable for any damage or injuries they may cause. If the dog shows repeated aggressive behaviors, it may need to be euthanized.

At Taake Insurance Agency, the agents serve residents who live in the Columbia, IL area. If you have a dog or are thinking about getting one, call and talk to one of their reputable agents. They will be able to inform you of local laws concerning dog ownership. Schedule an appointment today and speak to an agent so you are fully prepared to bring your new puppy home.

 

Should I Get an Employer Health Plan?

If you work a full-time job, there’s a good chance you qualify for employer health insurance, especially if you’re not self-employed. For many people, though, it’s not always the best choice to opt for an employer health plan. For some people, it’s better to buy insurance through a private provider. There are several ways you can go about determining which option is best for you. Taake Insurance Agency serving the Columbia, IL area is here to help you choose the best plan. 

How many people do you need insurance for? 

The first question you will want to answer when determining whether to get insurance through an employer is how many people you need insurance for. If you only need insurance for yourself, then an employer health plan will likely be cost-efficient. However, if you need a family plan of some sort, this is when a plan can become quite costly. 

Is your primary care physician in the employer’s network?

You will also want to consider whether your primary health care provider is in the employer health plan’s network. If it’s not, then a policy through a private provider may be of more benefit to you. After all, insurance doesn’t prove of much value unless it covers expenses provided by your doctor. 

The easiest way to determine which type of health care plan is best for you is to speak with a qualified health insurance agent. This agent can assess your exact needs and then compare policies to see whether an employer health plan is best for you. 

If you would like to learn more about health insurance and choosing the right plan, please contact Taake Insurance Agency serving the Columbia, IL area. 

The Benefits of Term Life Insurance

The agents of Taake Insurance Agency provide the residents of Columbia, IL information concerning different types of life insurance. In order to have the type of coverage you need, it’s important to know the difference between whole life and term life insurance. Term life is an option many people choose because of the benefits it has to offer.

Easy to Get

Term life is very easy to get. In most cases, you don’t have to go through a physical examination. You can get term life at any age, but it will increase in price the older you are when you apply. Most people who apply for term life are approved because the amount of the payout is equal to the amount of money you have paid into the policy.

More Affordable

One of the reasons a term life policy is so affordable is that the payment amount is set by the number of months in the "term" of the policy. A term life policy can be written for 5, 10, 20, or even 30 years. The price of the matured policy is divided by the number of months in the term. This means that the longer the term of the policy, the lower your payments will be.

Draw Against Your Equity

Another benefit of a term life policy is that its equity grows with each payment that is made. If the amount of equity is large enough, you may be able to draw against the policy and add payments to the end to make up the difference.

If you are interested in learning about term life and the benefits it offers. Columbia, IL residents can call the agents of Taake Insurance Agency to get all the information they need to make an informed decision. 

 

Ways to Protect Your Employees From Injury

As an employer you want your employees to feel safe and productive in their work environment. This is important for many different reasons. Number one, you are concerned for your employees, number two you want to also protect your self from liability, and number three you want productivity to stay high. Keeping a safe work environment is the best way to accomplish all of these goals. Here are a few tips from the friendly staff at Taake Insurance Agency serving Columbia, IL, and surrounding areas.

Stay Organized

Keeping work areas organized and free of clutter is a significant first step toward keeping your employees safe and injury free. An unorganized work area, or an area that is full of clutter, invites accidents. Make it a policy that all employees clean up and tidy their work stations every day. This can even be made more fun by awarding cleanest area awards each week. It may sound childish, but even adults like to be recognized for doing a good job.

Make Safety Visible

You can keep safety at the front of everyone’s mind by keeping visuals posted. Make use of posters, flyers, and informational printouts in the workspace. Keep this type of material highly visible so that your employees remember important safety policy as they go about their work.

Zero Tolerance

Make sure your employees know that you will not tolerate an unsafe work environment. If you let safety violations slide, then it sends a message to your employees that this isn’t that important. If you make a big deal about it, it will be a big deal for your employees.

If you would like to learn more about how to keep a safe work environment and how to protect yourself and your employees in the workplace, please call our staff today at Taake Insurance Agency serving Columbia, IL, and surrounding areas.

What Makes an Auto Policy Great?

Most people need a car to get around Columbia, IL. That means you also have to have car insurance. Choosing the right policy is as frustrating as it is intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few things that change the value of a policy that is often overlooked by shoppers. A couple of tips from Taake Insurance Agency can help you better evaluate your options and get the best deal.

Customization

The simple fact is that you don’t need a policy that is identical to your neighbor’s. Everyone has different priorities. You might need to be able to accommodate teenagers who are learning to drive. Perhaps you engage in ridesharing from time to time for a little cash. There are so many factors that can impact how your policy should be customized that you want a policy and company that can adjust with you. Even in the digital age, not all companies and policies will be created equal in this.

Cost vs Coverage

We all want the lowest premiums we can get, but they don’t always come with the best coverage. The entire reason to have insurance is to make sure you aren’t on the hook if things go wrong. Too often, people only look at the premiums and not the true extent of the coverage. Does your policy pay on the value of your vehicle or on the cost of replacement? Sometimes, paying a little more each month is worth it if it can guarantee that you won’t be car-less after an accident.

If you’re still not sure which policy is the best, help is always available. You can speak with your Taake Insurance Agency representative serving Columbia, IL, and they will help you navigate. When you customize the right plan, you’ll find that car insurance doesn’t have to be so stressful.

When Should I Start Shopping for Homeowner’s Insurance?

Buying a home comes with a long to-do list. Don’t let homeowner’s insurance slip to the bottom.

As you embark on your home buying journey, it’s easy to spend hours creating a wish list, checking school ratings, and crunching numbers to see what you can afford. But it is equally important to know what you’re looking for and how you’ll protect it. 

It’s a good idea to start researching early so that you understand the coverage suggested in the Columbia, IL area. Taake Insurance Agency can help you make sure you have a complete picture of the coverage you’ll need. They’ll also help you understand what you can expect to pay based on the type of home you’re looking to cover.

You’ll find, however, that you can’t get too far in the homeowner’s insurance process until you actually have a home. The type of home you buy, its location, and its value will all affect the coverage you need, so the details will need to be worked out once you’re under contract. As soon as you have a signed and accepted an offer, you can hit the ground running to line up your new policy.

Before you get caught up in paint samples and furniture shopping, make sure your insurance policy is in place to avoid hiccups getting to the closing table. In most cases, your mortgage lender will require you to have a homeowner’s insurance policy before you can close on the home, and without professional, efficient guidance, you could end up with a headache. Taake Insurance Agency is a local agency serving the Columbia, IL area; we’ll help you finalize your coverage in plenty of time.