Columbia IL

Reasons to Review Your Home Insurance

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Home maintenance is an essential process for every homeowner, without which your property would likely deteriorate. Like maintenance, reviewing your home insurance also comes with benefits, helping you get updated coverage to suit your changing needs. Below, Taake Insurance Agency explains reasons to consider reviewing your home coverage for your Columbia, IL property.

Changes in Your Property Value

Properties will often experience changes in value, with the majority appreciating them over the years. If disasters cause property damage to your home, your compensation will be inadequate to cover the increased worth, forcing you to pay the difference as an out-of-pocket cost. Reviewing your insurance allows you to reflect your home’s actual value, helping you get the proper coverage when faced with an emergency.

Increase in Personal Contents

The average homeowner adds various personal belongings to their home collection so often, meaning their contents are likely to increase as time goes by. Whether it is electronics, clothing, or furniture, you need coverage that caters to your new items. This is another reason to consider reviewing your home policy to ensure you account for additional items that may be excluded from your initial coverage.

Changes to Home Usage

Your home insurance will often be based on factors such as usage, with a change to this requiring you to get a policy review. If you currently rent out your house instead of using it as a primary home, your coverage will be different. Ensure that you have your insurance reviewed to cater to such changes to meet your new home usage needs.

To Check for Discounts

Home insurance policies will often come with discounts, with the common reasons for this being making improvements to your property or changes in your provider’s terms. If, for instance, you get updated security features, you may get discounts due to reduced risks. Upgrades to plumbing or conditioning systems could also help you qualify for discounts due to improved home value. To take advantage of this, make it a point to review your policy frequently.

If you need home insurance for your Columbia, IL property, call Taake Insurance Agency today for coverage suited to your needs.

Health insurance terms you need to understand

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Every year it is the same thing, trying to find health insurance that gives you some coverage while still being able to afford it. It isn’t easy and all the terms are so confusing. It is made easier by having an independent insurance agent who has your back. At Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL, we are family-owned and operated, and with more than 40 years of experience, we can help you find the right health insurance for your needs and your wallet.

Before you choose your health insurance for the next year, here are some terms that will help you to make an educated decision. 

Network 

In health insurance terms, a network is the health care providers who have contracted with a particular insurance carrier to provide services at pre-arranged prices. It includes doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and labs just to mention a few. Before you choose a healthcare plan you need to be sure if you have a preferred doctor or doctors they are in the network. 

Formulary

The formulary is the prescription drugs that are covered by a particular health care plan. They are in tiers by the amount of cost to you. Some tiers may be very inexpensive and others may be very high. You need to know any prescriptions you have will be covered and what amount you will have to pay when you fill the prescription. 

Copay

The copay is your share of any service that is provided. 

Deductible

This is the amount you need to pay every year before your health insurance starts to provide coverage. 

Out-of-pocket limit

This is the maximum amount you will have to pay before your health insurance pays 100% of your medical expenses. 

When you need help making your health insurance yearly choice, give Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL a call or stop by our office. Our experienced team will be there for you. 

Life insurance FAQs

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Life insurance is something you are never too young or too old to benefit from. It adds a layer of financial protection to your estate that might be missing otherwise. In addition to the death benefit, life insurance offers other benefits depending on the type and amount of insurance you carry. At Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL we are a family-owned and operated independent insurance agency that has been in business since 1977. Our service is what sets us apart, and we strive to make sure our customers get the best possible coverage at affordable prices.   

Is there a specific time that is best to buy life insurance? 

The obvious answer is before you need it. Life insurance is least expensive when you are young and in good health. If you are thinking of purchasing life insurance, and you are young and have no dependents, getting whole life is an investment to consider. The premium you get will last for your entire life so, at this point, it will be quite affordable. Term life insurance has a term, so you want to make sure the term lasts through the period that you need it.

Do I need to buy my own life insurance if I get it from work?

Do you know exactly how much your employer is providing for you? Has he taken your needs into consideration or is your life insurance determined by what your job is and your pay level? Most importantly, do you plan to stay at this employment forever? Is your life insurance something you can keep if you leave this employer? Life insurance is something you should control so purchasing at least some on your own is a good idea. 

To discuss life insurance give Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL a call. 

How can insurance protect a business in Illinois?

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A great career option for anyone that would like to be their own boss in the Columbia, IL area is to start a small business. If you are interested in being a business owner in this area of the state, you need to make sure that you get the proper insurance for it. There continue to be several important reasons why business owners need to protect themselves with a full commercial insurance policy. 

Insurance Protects Company Assets

An Illinois business owner will soon find that growing a company into a successful one requires that you make certain investments into key business assets. These assets often include inventory, equipment and other major assets that are needed to manage and operate the company. As losing these assets for any reason could be devastating, having proper insurance is important. Your commercial insurance plan will give the coverage needed to repair or replace these assets.

Insurance Gives Liability Coverage

You should also get a commercial insurance plan as it will give you coverage for liability risk. Businesses take on some level of liability risk on a regular basis. If there is ever an accident or other situation that results in a liability claim, it could be detrimental for your company. Fortunately, you are able to offset and mitigate this risk if you invest in a commercial insurance plan that has a liability insurance component.  

Business owners in the Columbia, IL area need to take their insurance needs seriously. As you are looking for coverage, calling the team at Taake Insurance Agency can be very helpful. The insurance professionals with Taake Insurance Agency understand the importance of having this insurance coverage. They can give you the support you need to build and choose a new plan that protects your company. 

Auto Insurance Tips For New Drivers in Columbia, IL

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Auto Insurance Tips For New Drivers in Columbia, IL

Getting your license and driving your first car can be an exciting adventure as shopping for it. You may already develop a few plans where your new ride is taking you, but have you thought about insurance? With road safety comes traffic rules and mandatory auto insurance. At Taake Insurance Agency, we help all drivers find policies that fit their budget, style, and preference. We also help make things less complicated and help you make an informed decision. With that said, here are a few insurance tips for new drivers in Columbia, IL.

Shop around

With so many insurance companies in Columbia IL, you are likely to get spoiled for choice. However, it is essential to know what you want and find reasonable prices for the same. Insurance companies have different ways of calculating premiums, therefore don’t just settle on the nearest insurance company around you. Don’t forget that cheap can also be expensive. Most inexpensive policies may have limited coverages, which may not be useful during an accident.

Know your insurance needs

If you don’t know what you want, you are likely to buy a policy that may not provide the protection you need.  For instance, if you have young teenagers driving your car, you may need more liability coverage. It is also a good idea to pack your policy with comprehensive and Collison coverages if you will be using the car often.

Look for discounts

You may already have discovered that buying insurance for the first time is not cheap. Insurance companies check factors like your driving experience, where you live, the model and year of the car, how you intend to use the vehicle, and many other things to calculate and come up with your rate.  Find ways to reduce your rates by looking for discounts and increasing your deductibles.

Looking for an auto insurance policy in Columbia, IL? Taake Insurance Agency is here to help you through the complex insurance journey. Contact us today!

Why should I get home insurance in Illinois?

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Owning a property in the Columbia, IL area continues to be a great long-term investment. As you are shopping for a new property in Illinois, you should also make sure that you get the right insurance for it. There are several different reasons that you should get a new home insurance policy when you are in this area of the state. 

Insurance Protects Assets

A reason that you should get home insurance here is that it can protect your assets. Anyone that is going to buy a property needs to make sure that their valuable asset is properly covered with insurance protection. An insurance policy can give you the protection that you need to repair your home if it is damaged. You can also get additional coverage for your personal assets, which will allow you to replace them if they are stolen or damaged. 

Insurance is Required

You will also need to get home insurance because it will be required for you to have. Most people in Illinois will take out a mortgage to purchase their home. When this occurs, you will need to have proper insurance that complies with your mortgage requirements. Most lenders will have insurance policy requirements that will be discussed in your loan agreement. They may require that you escrow for payments each month as well. 

Columbia, IL residents are often much better off buying a home rather than renting. If you decide that buying is right for you and your situation, you should speak with Taake Insurance Agency to discuss your insurance needs. Picking the right home insurance plan for your situation is very important. When you call Taake Insurance Agency, you can get all of the guidance that is needed to fully understand your options and ensure that your home is properly covered. 

What comes with an auto insurance policy in Illinois?

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In Columbia, IL, owning a car is a necessity to ensure that you are able to get around town. If you are in the market for a new vehicle here, you should also make sure that you are insuring it as well as possible. Auto insurance is often required by an auto loan provider and is a state requirement. When you do get a new auto insurance policy, it will include several different forms of insurance coverage that can make it a great investment for you.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

One type of coverage that you will receive will include collision and comprehensive coverage. When you get this type of insurance, it will give protection if your vehicle is stolen or damaged. This ultimately will help to ensure that you can repair or replace your car. Additionally, this type of coverage is normally required if you have an auto loan.

Liability Coverage

You will also receive an appropriate liability insurance policy. A full liability insurance policy will give coverage in the event you are at fault in an accident. If this does occur, your insurance policy can pay for damages that you cause including car repairs and medical bills. To drive your car legally, you will need to have this protection. 

As you are shopping for an auto insurance policy in Columbia, IL, it would be a good idea to get the guidance and support from a professional that you need to choose the right policy. A great resource to help you pick the right policy to meet your needs is the team at Taake Insurance Agency. If you do work with Taake Insurance Agency, you will get to learn more about the benefits of this valuable form of insurance. 

Will injuries on my pets be covered by home insurance?

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Will home insurance cover injuries on my pets?

Pets are part of our lives, and we want to protect them from any accident. But having a pet in our condo, rentals, or homes increases their risk of damage and accidents. Most insurance agencies give liability coverage if your pet gets injured.

As a homeowner, I’m interested to know what coverage is under my home insurance cover. I’m worried about having coverage for my pets if they get injured, damage my property, or injure my guests.

It’s with no doubt some incidents could be hazardous and expensive if a lawsuit is involved. Different insurance agencies have a unique policy, so pet owners should call their insurers in advance to see what sorts of pet coverage they will get.

Great news for residents of Columbia IL, Taake Insurance Agency, provide liability coverage for your pets. It’s important to understand that home insurance covers bodily injury liability and property damage liability for your pets.

  • Property damage liability:

If your pet escapes and ends up stomping on or destroying another person’s property, your home insurance policy will cover you. Home insurance will cover the expenses to fix the property damaged and any lawful charges from an expected lawsuit claim.

  • Injury liability:

Suppose your pet injures a visitor on your property, or your carry your pet with you to another person’s home, and your pet injures tenants there. In that case, your home insurance policy gives coverage to the injuries incurred. Your insurance policy will repay you for charges relating to clinical payments if the injury is awful enough to require a clinic visit and cover lawful expenses if a lawsuit is issued. Here legal charges will cover your lawyer, court expenses, and any settlements you’re requested to pay if the argument rules against you.

Start your journey towards a successful insurance plan for your home by giving us a call at Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL.

A Look At 8 Important Facts Regarding Health Insurance

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For over 40 years, Taake Insurance Agency has served the Columbia, IL community by offering residents different types of insurance coverage. We strive to help our clients secure their assets and prepare for their future. As an independent agency, we have established successful partnerships with several top carriers in the Midwest.

8 Important Health Insurance Facts

Health insurance is a major asset as you strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The policy covers you in the event that you become ill and need to go see your doctor. You’ll also be covered during preventative care measures such as your yearly checkups and screenings. Here are 8 important facts to consider while researching health insurance policies.

The Policy Covers You During An Emergency

While no one plans on becoming sick or being diagnosed with an illness, it’s likely that you will have a period in your life where you just aren’t feeling well. Health insurance will cover you during an emergency situation.

It’s Important To Have Your Own Policy

Even if you have coverage through your employer, it’s a mistake to simply rely on that coverage. Research your own individual policy to ensure that you are protected in every situation.

Health Insurance Policies Contain A Network

Be aware that every insurance policy includes a network of different doctors and hospitals that you can choose from. The plan includes a list of covered medications.

You Can Amend Your Policy For Additional Treatment

For example, you can amend your policy to cover issues regarding your mental health.

You May Be Able To Add Personal Goals To Your Policy

For example, you can note in your policy that you plan to lose a specific amount of weight.

Many Policies Have Taken Note Of Recent Technologies

Newer policies include innovative policies and telemedicine visits.

Watch The Deadline

It’s important that you pay attention to the enrollment dates for signing up.

Taake Insurance Agency Will Guide You Through The Process

Visit our website to learn more information about the health insurance policies we offer in Columbia, IL.

Three mistakes to avoid when you purchase life insurance in Illinois

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The decision of which life insurance policy to purchase is a significant decision that could impact the finances of your family down the road. Consumers in Columbia, IL can rely on us at Taake Insurance Agency for information on life insurance options.

The following are three mistakes you should avoid if you’re in the process of purchasing life insurance in Illinois. 

Buying an inadequate amount of coverage

One of the most important decisions you need to make is how much coverage to purchase. The amount of coverage you need depends on what expenses your beneficiaries will face if you should pass away suddenly.

Calculate the needs of your beneficiaries carefully. Life insurance is needed to replace your income for those who are financially dependent on you. Ideally, you want a death benefit amount that’s high enough so that your beneficiaries can continue to enjoy the same lifestyle without your income.

Choosing too short a policy term

If you’re purchasing a term life insurance policy, make sure the policy term you select is long enough. Once your term is up, you might face challenges renewing your policy. This is especially true if you develop a health problem in the meantime.

Choose a longer policy term to enjoy reliable coverage well into the future. 

Purchasing a life insurance policy without thoroughly understanding the product

Life insurance is a complex financial product. You have numerous types of life insurance policies to choose from. You also can select between various policy options.

Do your research before making a decision on life insurance. Be sure you understand the differences between term, whole, and universal life insurance. Also, be sure you shop around and get numerous quotes to find the best option. 

Do you have questions about life insurance? We’re here to help. Consumers looking for life insurance in Columbia, IL can contact us at Taake Insurance Agency to explore our life insurance policy options.