What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?

If you have a prized classic car, chances are you want to protect it however you can. Our agents at Elliott & Associates Insurance, serving the Opelika, AL area, can provide you with the specialized coverage you need for your particular classic vehicle.

What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?

First, classic car insurance works slightly differently than regular car insurance. It goes by an agreed value coverage, a pre-determined value for your specific classic car. This value is established through appraisals and documentation, ensuring that you will receive the agreed-upon amount if your vehicle is determined to be a total loss. This is due to the fact that regular cars depreciate in value over time while classic cars can appreciate in value.

Classic cars are not used for daily commuting. In other words, you will not be driving your classic car to and from work or the grocery store. You will typically only be driving it to and from car shows and other similar events so that you will have limited mileage options. This helps lower your premiums while still protecting your vehicle when driving it out on the highway. Classic car insurance includes liability coverage to protect you in case of damage or injury to others while operating it.

Like many other classic car owners, you may want to modify your vehicle for performance or looks. Classic car insurance covers these modifications, ensuring increased value from improvements is accounted for. You can also have storage coverage so your beautiful classic car is protected while stored in your garage or at another location.

Contact Elliott & Associates Insurance

To ensure your classic car is adequately protected, contact our agents at Elliott & Associates Insurance, serving the Opelika, AL area, today to get your policy started!

Do I need RV insurance for my Sprinter?

An RV is a home on wheels. As a result, it’s technically a vehicle. You must carry RV insurance if you drive a motorized home on wheels. Similar to auto insurance, RV insurance provides liability coverage and can also provide coverage for damage to your RV as well. Our Elliott & Associates Insurance team is committed to educating Opelika, AL residents on RV insurance.

What is RV Insurance?

Like car insurance, RV insurance covers any injuries or damage you may cause to people or their vehicles/property. RV insurance can also cover repairing or replacing your RV if your RV policy covers an incident/accident. RV owners often purchase total loss coverage or coverage to replace their TV if it’s destroyed. Total loss coverage provides full value compensation for your RV. However, like a vehicle, RV liability insurance is a requirement in most states.

Like auto insurance, RV owners can choose between different types of coverage that fit their lifestyle and use. Some RV owners live in their RVs full-time. They have the option of purchasing full-time RV coverage. RV users who use their RV recreationally (not full-time) can purchase coverage for recreational use.  

Do I need RV insurance for my Sprinter?

It depends. Technically, a Sprinter is a cargo van/passenger vehicle. However, a Sprinter with a bed, running water, and a bathroom can be classified as an RV. The full conversion of the interior of a Sprinter would change it from a cargo van to an RV, thus requiring you to obtain RV insurance. If you have questions about RV insurance, call us. We can help you explore your options. 

What Are You Responsible For As A Renter?

Many people choose to rent as a housing option to relieve them of many homeownership responsibilities. Although this is a viable reason to choose to rent, you need to understand that certain responsibilities fall to you even as a renter. Here at Elliott & Associates Insurance, serving Opelika, AL, and the surrounding areas, we want to help you make the most of your rental experience. Keep reading to learn about the renter’s responsibilities. 

Small Damage and Repairs 

Your lease may contain stipulations concerning different types of damage that you could be held responsible for in the rental. Although it is the landlord’s responsibility to take care of large-scale damage and maintenance, you may be asked to handle more minor things, especially if you were the one who caused the damage. Some types of damage or repair you might be responsible for include broken windows, damaged ceiling fans, light fixtures, faucets, doors, door handles, or other items. 

Damage Reports

You are also responsible for quickly reporting damage or maintenance issues to your landlord. A good landlord will want to get on the repair job quickly to avoid the issue becoming bigger or more expensive. If you fail to report the information quickly enough, you might create a bigger problem that will take longer to repair and eventually cost more money. 

Cleaning and Decluttering 

As a renter, you are responsible for cleaning the home and clearing the clutter. A dirty home can cause pest infestations, and clutter can be a fire hazard. 

If you want to learn more about renter’s insurance, please get in touch with us at Elliott & Associates Insurance, serving Opelika, AL, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to help you today. 

Safe riding tips for new motorcycle riders

Safety should be your top priority as a new motorcycle rider in the Opelika, AL area. Here are some tips from us at Elliott & Associates Insurance to help you stay safe on the road: 

1. Wear protective gear. Helmets, riding jackets, gloves, and other protective clothing can save your life in the event of an accident. Ensure you invest in quality protective gear that fits properly and is designed for motorcycle riding. 

2. Take a course. Before starting on your own, consider taking a basic motorcycle safety course to learn proper turning and braking techniques in different weather conditions. 

3. Watch your speed. It can be tempting to go fast when you first start out, but speed limits exist for a reason—to keep everyone safe on the road. Adhere to posted speed limits and be aware of speed changes around curves or corners where visibility is limited. 

4. Be visible at night. Nighttime brings additional hazards for motorcyclists because it’s harder for cars to see you coming from behind or at intersections. Ensure your bike has reflective side panels, turn signals that work correctly, and bright headlights so other vehicles know you’re there. 

5. Check before you go out riding each time. Every time you get ready to go out on the bike, make sure all fluids are topped off, tires are properly inflated, brakes are working correctly, controls are functioning properly, and mirrors are clean and adjusted correctly before hitting the open road. 

Following these simple tips for safe riding as a new motorcyclist’ll increase your chances of having an enjoyable ride! For more tips, please call us at Elliott & Associates Insurance today. We are proud to serve the Opelika, AL area.

Do I Need Short Term Rental Insurance?

Knowing the suitable types of insurance products for your needs is crucial to making the right insurance choices. Here at Elliott & Associates Insurance, serving Opelika, AL, and the surrounding areas, we are committed to helping you make wise insurance choices. Keep reading to learn more about short-term rental insurance. 

What Is Short-Term Rental Insurance?

Short-term rental insurance is a special type of insurance product created for property owners who rent their properties out to paying guests. This can include individuals who own vacation rentals or properties they offer on apps such as Air BnB, Homestay, and others. 

What Does Short-Term Rental Insurance Cover?

This type of insurance coverage will protect your property in the event of damage that happens during a rental stay. It can also cover other types of liabilities as well. These include:

  • Loss of income 
  • Excessive use of utilities 
  • Infestations 
  • Identity theft
  • Liquor liability 

Does This Coverage Protect My Belongings At The Property?

This type of coverage is often added to your regular homeowner’s policy. Your personal belongings would already be covered under your standard homeowner’s policy, but you can request additional coverage if you want.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

To determine how much coverage you need for your properties, you will need to sit down with an insurance expert. This professional will be able to discuss the value of your property and personal belongings at the property to help you determine the right insurance policy. 

If you want to learn more about short-term rental insurance, please get in touch with us at Elliott & Associates Insurance, serving Opelika, AL, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to answer your questions.  

When’s the Right Time to Get Life Insurance

Buying life insurance requires careful decision-making skills since it benefits your loved ones. However, with so many possibilities and unknowns, it isn’t easy to understand when the right time is to purchase life insurance. Fortunately, Elliott & Associates Insurance is here to help. As a trusted insurance provider in Opelika, AL, we have been helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their life insurance needs for years. We’re eager to help you too!

Determining the Right Time for Life Insurance

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when the right time is to buy life insurance. However, several key factors must be considered, including your age, marital status, number of dependents, and financial obligations. Generally, it’s best to purchase life insurance when young and healthy, as this typically translates to lower premiums.

If you have dependents, such as children or elderly parents, it’s essential to think about how they would be financially impacted if you were to pass away unexpectedly. Life insurance provides a safety net for your loved ones, ensuring they are taken care of if you’re no longer around to do so.

Life Insurance Options

Once you’ve determined that the time is right to purchase life insurance, it’s vital to understand the different types of coverage available. Elliott & Associates Insurance offers various life insurance options, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, typically ranging from 10 to 30 years. Whole life insurance, on the other hand, provides lifetime coverage and builds cash value over time. Finally, universal life insurance is a flexible option that allows you to adjust your premiums and death benefit as your needs change. We will walk you through the specifics of each so you can feel comfortable with your choice.

Call Our Team of Agents Today!

If you’re unsure when to purchase life insurance, don’t hesitate to contact Elliott & Associates Insurance in Opelika, AL. Our team of experienced agents is here to help you with every step of the process. So contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.

The Importance of Flood Insurance

Whether you are a new homeowner or have been a homeowner for a period of time, you need to know and understand that flood insurance is not automatically included in your homeowner’s insurance policy. Serving the Opelika, AL area, Elliott & Associates Insurance agents can explain the importance of flood insurance and how you can obtain your own policy.

Flood Insurance Policy Coverage

Flood insurance policies are available through your trusted insurance agency and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can choose from two different options when it comes to a flood insurance policy.

The first option of flood insurance will help cover any damage to your home up to a certain dollar amount so that you can make the necessary repairs or replacements if your house is damaged by flooding. The second option of flood insurance allows you to replace all of your personal belongings if they are lost to water damage from a flood. This includes your household items, personal items, clothing, and even furniture and appliances that you have purchased. Some flood insurance policies will even help you pay for a different location to live in while your home is being repaired from flood damage.

Not Covered by Flood Insurance

Remember that some things are not covered by flood insurance, such as stocks, bonds, some types of jewelry, or cash. You will need to check with your trusted insurance agent to be able to understand your other options when it comes to these types of items.

Contact Elliott & Associates Insurance

To start your flood insurance policy immediately, contact the flood insurance specialist at Elliott & Associates Insurance, which serves the Opelika, AL area today!

How much commercial insurance do I need?

Having the right amount of commercial insurance is essential for any business. It can protect you from potential financial losses that accidents, lawsuits, or other unexpected events could cause. But how much coverage do you need?

The answer depends on various factors, such as the size and scope of your business operations, the types of risks associated with your industry, and even local laws and regulations. In this blog post, we at Elliott & Associates Insurance will discuss some key considerations to help you determine how much commercial insurance is right for your business in the Opelika, AL area.

First and foremost, you should consider the risks associated with your business. Insurance can help protect you from any potential losses due to accidents, liabilities, or other unexpected events. Depending on your industry and operations, this could include property damage caused by fire or natural disasters, customers’ medical bills in the case of an injury on your premises, legal liability for damages if a product or service is found to be defective, or financial losses sustained as a result of professional negligence.

When determining how much insurance coverage you need, it’s important to consider the cost of future repairs or replacements and the potential legal fees that might arise from a lawsuit. It would be best to consider your business’s current size and future growth plans. Start by covering the bare minimum of what is required by law, then work up depending on your needs and budget. Adjust your policy accordingly if you plan to expand or hire additional staff.

If you have any questions, call us at Elliott & Associates Insurance today. We proudly serve the Opelika, AL area.

Can I get life insurance if I’ve had cancer?

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating and life-altering — but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on getting life insurance. While the process may be more complicated than if you had no prior health issues, it’s not impossible to secure coverage after undergoing cancer treatment in Opelika, AL. In this post, Elliott & Associates Insurance explains what you need to know about getting life insurance after a cancer diagnosis.

Applying for Life Insurance with a Cancer History

Several factors will determine your eligibility. These include the type of cancer, stage or severity when diagnosed, and whether or not you have already undergone treatment. Generally speaking, the sooner the diagnosis and the more effective the treatment plan has been in eliminating any trace of cancer cells, the better your chances of securing a policy.

It’s important to note that not all carriers are created equal when issuing policies to those who have had cancer. Some companies may require a longer waiting period than others — typically two years from completion of treatment — and may also charge higher premiums based on their assessment of risk. 

Getting life insurance after being diagnosed with cancer is possible – although it may come at an additional cost compared to more traditional policies in Opelika, AL. When searching for a policy, make sure to work with an experienced independent agent like those at Elliott & Associates Insurance, who understands both how insurers evaluate applicants as well as what kinds of exceptions might be included in specific policies so that you get exactly what works best for you and your family’s financial situation.

Safe driving tips for Alabama

Most people know the basics of safe driving. But many drivers don’t think about some of the simplest things which can help keep you safe on the road. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while driving.

  1. Wear your seatbelt at all times. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe while driving, as it can reduce your risk of injury in the event of a collision or accident.
  2. Don’t drink and drive. Drinking and driving are hazardous, as it can impair your coordination, judgment, and reaction time behind the wheel. If you know you will be drinking, plan ahead by finding a designated driver or taking taxis or public transportation instead.
  3. Follow the speed limit. Driving too fast is a common cause of car accidents, as it limits your ability to react quickly to unexpected hazards on the road. Always obey posted speed limits, and remember that weather conditions, traffic, and other factors can affect how safe it is to drive at a certain speed.
  4. Use your turn signals when changing lanes or merging with traffic. Not using your turn signals can confuse other drivers and increase the risk of collisions or accidents. Always use your turn signals to let other drivers know what you are doing, and give them plenty of time to react.

If you have questions about car insurance in the Opelika, AL area, please call us at Elliott & Associates Insurance today. We would be glad to help you with all of your insurance needs.