Columbia IL

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

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Your business is not only your livelihood but it is more than likely one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime. You need the peace of mind and security that is provided by a commercial insurance policy. Here are some of the main coverage options that a commercial insurance policy will provide for you and your business.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

In the state of Illinois, all businesses you must have workers’ compensation insurance if you have four or more employees working for you at your business. This type of policy will cover injuries or illnesses that may be sustained by employees while working at their job.

Commercial Auto Insurance

It is also required to have at least liability insurance in Illinois for all vehicles, including those that are used for business. This policy will cover any injuries to people involved in an accident up to a certain amount along with property damage that occurs during the accident.

General Liability Insurance

This policy will protect you if a customer or visitor is injured on your business’ property or due to a product you sell. This will also cover property that is damaged by your business. For example, if you own a tree-trimming business and a branch falls from a tree and hits someone, causing them to be injured, this policy will help to cover the medical expenses and time off of work that they may incur. If you rent the space in which your business is located, the property owner will more than likely require you to obtain a liability policy.

To create the best policy for you and your business, you will need to enlist the help of an experienced commercial insurance agent like the agents at the Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL. Call for an appointment today!

What You Should Know Your First Time Buying Auto Insurance

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If you’re a new driver in Columbia, IL, buying insurance may seem confusing at first, but it’s not so tricky once you wrap your head around it. There are just a few things you’ll need to keep in mind:

  • "Full coverage" breaks down into three basic categories: Liability, which covers the damages if someone else suffers injury or property loss and you are held responsible, collision, which includes your car in the event of a collision, and comprehensive, which covers your vehicle if it is damaged outside of a traffic accident.
  • Liability is required by law for all motorists. Comprehensive and collision are optional, but necessary if you want your car to be covered.
  • Prices can vary wildly. The same policy may cost two, three times as much from one insurer to the next. You’ll want to shop around and compare quotes. At Taake Insurance Agency, we can help by comparing a lot of different offers for you.
  • Ask about discounts. A first-time insurance-buyer is going to spend more than someone who’s been on the road for a few years, but discounts can make a big difference.
  • Higher deductibles mean lower premiums. You don’t want a deductible that’s higher than you can pay at a moment’s notice, but a higher deductible will have you paying less from month to month.

If you have any questions, give us a call at Taake Insurance Agency, and let’s see what we can do for you. We can help drivers in Columbia, IL get a good deal on an excellent policy, whether you’ve been driving for years or you’re just getting started. So call, send an email, or stop by our offices.

3 Ways to Protect Your Home From Vandals and Break-Ins

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Columbia, IL residents who own their homes often look for the best way to keep their property secure and protected from burglars. The agents of the Taake Insurance Agency understand how vital home security is. They have home insurance policies for almost every type of property. There are several ways to keep your property safe from vandals and break-ins.

Install a Security Light

Installing a home security light will keep your property well-lit. Place motion-activated lights over doors so that anyone who approaches will light them up. This eliminates dark areas where burglars try to hide before they attempt to make access to your home.

Start a Neighborhood Watch Program

If you live in a neighborhood where everyone knows one another, strangers are easy to spot. Start a neighborhood watch program where everyone watches out for one another’s’ property. It’s an excellent way for a community to come together and work as a group to keep all of the residents and their property safe and secure.

Install Surveillance Cameras

Install surveillance cameras. Many cameras have motion sensors installed that trigger them to turn on when something crosses in front of them. They can also be accessed through an app that is downloaded to your phone. This allows you to keep an eye on your home at any time.

The agents of Taake Insurance Agency are always ready with the answers their clients need. If you live in or near Columbia, IL, call and schedule a consultation. Call our agents or stop by the office so that you can have your existing policy updated. Talk to your agent often so that you always have the right coverage in place. Don’t wait! Find out what your options are now!

 

Types of Health Insurance Coverage

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If you own your own business or your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, you might have to look into private health insurance. Under private health insurance, policyholders pay the entire premium based on the coverage they choose. Call Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL for assistance selecting your health insurance policy and understanding the various options available. 

Who Needs Private Health Insurance?

If you just turned 26 and can no longer use your parents’ insurance, you might need to purchase private insurance. Those who are unemployed or self-employed also need to find their own insurance since there is no employer to turn to for benefits. The same holds true for part-time workers and new business owners who don’t have the option of an employer-based plan. Additionally, recent retirees who may not qualify for Medicaid and Medicare may also turn to the private health insurance market.

Your insurance agent can help you navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace created in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It’s a good idea to understand the types of private insurance available before narrowing down your best options.

Types of Private Insurance Plans Available

Here are the most common types of private insurance plans. A health maintenance organization (HMO) provides insurance coverage via a specific network of approved providers. A preferred provider organization (PPO) offers medical care to subscribers for reduced rates. An exclusive provider organization (EPO) restricts covered care to providers within a documented network — excluding exceptions for emergencies. Additionally, a short-term insurance policy lasts for a short term of up to one year. This type of coverage can ensure that you have health insurance between open enrollment periods.

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance finding and securing private health insurance, contact Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL. We can set up an appointment to discuss your needs and provide options for effective insurance coverage. 

Types of Life Insurance in Illinois

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If you’re looking for life insurance, you need to decide what type you want. You have eleven different types to choose from,  and if that sounds overwhelming, then you may want to consult an agent at Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL. We can help answer all your questions.

While there are about eleven types of life insurance, there are two main types that the remaining nine falls under, or what most people may consider an extension of one of the two main categories. However, we are going to take a closer look at two types of life insurance. Term and whole life are the most common forms.

Term Life Insurance

This type of policy is basic and only paid out when the policy owner dies; it is a death benefit policy. There is no cash value you can borrow against. This type of policy is purchased as a 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year policy. The premium price does not change for the duration of the policy. If you want to renew it at the end of the policy, you must have a physical exam. This is difficult because of age and other health factors that come later in life.

Whole Life Insurance

As the name implies, the policy is good for the person’s entire lifetime. The premiums do not change as the person ages, and there is also a cash value option. People who are on a budget like the fact that the premiums do not get higher as they get older.

Life insurance is a complicated topic, and everyone should have a policy of some type. If you do not understand what you are looking at, call Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL, and we will help you figure out which policy is best for you. Contact our office to get started with a quote.

Common Misconceptions about Business Insurance

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Misconceptions about business insurance can make it difficult for new business owners to make good insurance choices. At Taake Insurance Agency, we’ll help separate fact from fiction concerning commercial coverage so you can obtain the protection your Columbia, IL business needs. Here are some misconceptions you should be aware of when purchasing your business policy.

Misconception: Small Businesses Don’t Really Need Insurance Protection

If you think your business assets aren’t large enough to warrant commercial coverage, think again. Commercial insurance offers extensive protection for a small business ranging from property insurance to protection for business equipment, inventory, loss of revenue, liability claims and more. If your company is struck by a major disaster, it could affect every aspect of your business, leading to devastating financial loss. By compensating you for disaster damage, commercial coverage can help you recover your losses and move on.  

Misconception: Home Businesses are Protected by Home Insurance

Your homeowner’s insurance is designed to protect your home and personal possessions, not your business. If your home business makes use of business equipment such as computers, fax machines, printer, office furniture, etc., you need commercial property insurance to protect this equipment from harm. If you receive clients in your home, commercial liability will protect you against liability claims that may arise if a client is hurt while visiting your home for business purposes.

Misconception: Personal Auto Insurance Covers Your Personal Vehicle When Used for Business Purposes

Personal auto policies protect you when using your car for personal use. If you have an accident when using your car for business, your insurer may not cover your loss. If you’re going to use your vehicle for business purposes, obtain commercial auto coverage to protect you against accidents on the job.

To learn more about the protection that commercial insurance provides, contact Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL.

Should I get an Illinois auto insurance policy?

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For people that are in the Columbia, IL area, having a car is usually a necessity. A vehicle makes it much easier for you to get around town and to and from work. If you are thinking of purchasing a car in Illinois, you do need to consider your auto insurance needs. There are several reasons why you should acquire an auto insurance policy on your vehicle.

Allows for Compliance

The first reason why you should get auto insurance is that it will allow you to comply with all agreements and regulations. The state of Illinois will require that all people have a liability auto insurance policy if they want to drive their car on the state roads. Those that do not have this level of auto insurance could face penalization and loss of their driver’s license. 

Protects Your Assets

While you will want to have auto insurance to comply with the state law in Illinois, it can also be beneficial because it will help to protect your assets. A car is a very big purchase and losing it due to theft, vandalism, or an accident could be very devastating. Fortunately, when you get a full auto insurance policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, you will receive coverage for virtually any situation that would cause a loss. 

There are many reasons why you should research auto insurance for your Columbia, IL vehicle. When you are shopping for a new insurance policy, you should call the team at the Taake Insurance Agency as soon as you can. When you reach out to the team at the Taake Insurance Agency, it can ensure that you have all of the auto insurance you need with reliable service and protection.

My Home is Paid For, Do I Still Need Insurance?

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One of the most significant purchases most of us will ever make is the purchase of a home. Paying off a mortgage is an even more significant accomplishment because it says that we’ve paid off the biggest purchase of our lives. However, once we’ve paid off a home mortgage, is it still advantageous to keep homeowners’ insurance? Before you’ve paid off your home, its a requirement for most, if not all, mortgage companies. What are the advantages of maintaining homeowner’s insurance once you own your home?

Your Home Appreciates Over Time, So You Need to Protect It

Unlike a car, your home grows in value over time. This is why homeowner’s insurance is a great idea. If something happened to your home, this insurance would help you to restore it. Without it, most of us wouldn’t have the money out of pocket to rebuild a home or pay for several expensive repairs. This insurance protects your investment by providing funding to restore it if something should happen to it. Taake Insurance Agency of Columbia, IL understands the importance of protecting the investment you’ve made in your home by providing financial protection in the event of some unforeseen incident that affects your home.

Homeowners Insurance Has a Broad Reach

Homeowners insurance not only protects the structure of your home, but it also extends to protect items beyond the structure of your home. It can protect your belongings and other structures on your property. This form of insurance has long arms and is a safeguard for your home, the things within your home, and the surrounding structures on your property. 

Homeowners Insurance Provides Protection for You Too

Homeowners insurance can also cover medical bills, lawsuits, and even the cost to relocate in the event of some incident that makes your home unlivable or where you would be considered liable. This insurance steps in and can protect all these areas as well. 

Once you’ve paid off this considerable investment, homeowners insurance goes on protecting you, your investment, and your property and surrounding structures. This is one of the many reasons why it’s still a smart move to maintain your homeowner’s insurance even after you’ve paid off your mortgage. Taake Insurance Agency of Columbia, IL takes pride in helping families to continue to protect their largest investment. Give us a call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Should Teen Drivers Have Their Own Insurance Policy?

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Since teens have begun to drive, guardians have wondered whether to add them to the existing coverage or give them a policy of their own. There are many points to consider when weighing the options. One of the most critical aspects to consider is the cost of the coverage.

Adding A Teen Driver

Insurance covering a teen driver is a tricky subject. While most policies will allow the addition of a teen driver, some won’t cover them and require them to have an individual policy. When adding a driver, consider how it will affect the policy of the adult carrying the coverage. Learning how it can change the policy options is the first step to determining the answer to that question. The best way to approach the topic is to consult a licensed insurance agent to get all of the details.

Find Out The Details

Because there is so much to consider when adding a teen driver, always consult with a trusted insurance company and ask an agent how it will affect the coverage and the policy. Once all the details are sorted, a well thought out decision can be made about auto insurance coverage. Those who have teen drivers in the Columbia, IL area should speak with an agent from Taake Insurance Agency to get more information to help guide them.

Having coverage for a teen driver is essential because they are a higher risk for claims. Therefore, it is going to affect coverage already in place and may lead the policyholder to create a separate policy for them. Residents in Illinois should call or stop by Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL for more details. 

3 Times to Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance

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Life changes can affect your insurance coverage, as well. When your lifestyle fluctuates, it may be time to talk to your insurance agent. Here are life circumstances that should prompt a call to the Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL for a review of your insurance safety net.

  • Marriage or divorce – Combining households means sharing risks. In these situations, a professional review of your homeowner’s policy could mean lower premiums. Your new spouse may also have some concerns that aren’t adequately addressed in your existing plan that an agent can help resolve. Divorcing partners need to update beneficiary information and discuss credit changes related to marital dissolution that might affect their coverages.
  • Significant renovations – Adding rooms, tearing down large structures, underground work, and other home renovations affect more than your property values. They could also affect your insurance-related risks. Take your floor plans to your insurance agent to discuss how changes may affect your insurance. Some types of renovations may violate your agreement or require contractual changes. Schedule your insurance review before the work starts to prevent costly problems.
  • Birth, death, and adoption – Adding new family members via birth or adoption mean updating your beneficiary list. It may also require an adjustment in your homeowner’s insurance coverage. More people means more stuff, so talk to your agent about increasing your coverage amounts or adding an umbrella policy as a back-up. Losing a family member triggers similar changes. If the subscriber passes away, your insurance agent can help you decide how to use payouts to your family’s best advantage.

The experts at Taake Insurance Agency are always happy to help you review your existing coverage. Contact our Columbia, IL area offices for help with your personal and commercial insurance issues.