Loading...
The Rural Voice, 2000-01, Page 37affordable e.g. liability or loss of life. One of the most under -used ways of managing your insurance premium is to reduce the chance that the insuring company will have to make a payment. This can be accomplished by reducing your risk or increasing your deductible. When insuring property assets, install items like smoke and heat detectors, install a security system, properly maintain your property by removing potential hazards like overhanging ice, slippery sidewalks and steps, etc. No -claim clients are charged lower premiums. Insure only items that are at risk. When evaluating your property for insurance needs the value should be for items that may need to be replaced, not the total value of your assets. The next time you contact your agent, have a frank discussion of the ways to reduce costs and maintain a level of coverage that you can accept. Considerable premium savings can be achieved, while maintaining a desirable level of coverage. A good agent will present several products that could potentially, meet your needs. Within these products, there will be several options that affect the potential payout and premium. A good service-oriented agent will ask several probing questions that will help uncover factors that will influence the risks, as well as look at the asset being insured, to evaluate appropriate coverage and offer the "best deal". Service: An "over the phone" agent may not realize that you have specific assets that must be mentioned in order to purchase adequate insurance, such as a fixed piece of shop equipment in a building. Other items, such as the proximity to a hydrant or fire station, may be overlooked when setting the premium during a phone conversation. The service-oriented agent will spend some time discussing how the level of the deductible will affect your coverage and premiums. Increasing deductibles from $250 to $5,000 can result in savings of up to 37 per cent for business insurance and increasing vehicle deductibles from $l00 to $1,000 can result in up We do more than provide insurance. e're your nei bows. We see each other at the supermarket, on the street or in the park. Our children play on the same teams as yours. We work for the same good causes. Our people are part of the community—and we're here to stay. We think that's important to you when you need insurance. People you know. People who care. 264 Huron Road, Sebringville 393-6402 or 1-800-263-1961 %(utualI, urancc Company www.downiemutual.com A. A Member 01 The �'1 Ontario Mutual Insurance Association STABLING MANUFACTURER We Build On Our Reputation • Constructed from 1p9 wall tubing • 6 or 6.5 ft. stalls available • Special lengths available on order Vandepas Welding R.R. 2 Kenilworth, ON 519-848-6537 Call for the dealer nearest you. JANUARY 2000 33