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. 

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.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Life Insurance for the First Time

A life insurance policy is becoming a critical financial plan for many people in Opelika, AL. While people buy the policy for different reasons, the purchase process should never be rushed. At Elliott & Associates Insurance, we advise our clients to spend some time researching their options, comparing prices and services before making any purchase. Rushing off to buy the cheapest policy near you could cost you in the long term. That’s just one mistake to avoid when purchasing insurance. Here are three more to avoid.

1.  Choosing the Wrong Type of Life Insurance Policy

When buying life insurance in Opelika, AL, your insurance provider will ask you to choose between term and permanent life insurance.  If you’re looking for a policy that will last a lifetime, it’s not wise to get term life insurance. Similarly, you should not buy permanent life insurance if you have a specific financial situation you want to be fixed, like a mortgage.

2.  Procrastinating Your Purchase

If you have already figured why you need life insurance, start making plans to buy as soon as possible. Procrastinating your purchase is one big mistake that most people overlook. Remember, the unfortunate reality is that we all may not live a long life. Ask yourself what would happen to your family if something happened to you. Additionally, life insurance is the only policy that is less expensive when you buy it while young. Ideally, the older you get, the more expensive it gets.

3.  Hiding Vital Information

When proving your personal information, it’s critical that you give the correct details such as your exact age, health status, and lifestyle choices such as smoking. If something happens to you and your insurance company finds out that you did not give the correct information, your beneficiaries may be denied the death benefit even if the cause of death is not related to the missing information.

Need help buying life insurance? Contact Elliott & Associates Insurance to help take you through the purchase process.

Things You Should Consider When Applying For Classic Car Insurance

It’s possible to save money on auto insurance if you have a car that’s only used occasionally for pleasure drives. Classic Car Insurance is a specialized plan that protects antique, collectible, vintage, and other classic cars from potential risks that impact your lifestyle. Elliott & Associates Insurance helps to determine if this is the right insurance plan for you. We understand your needs and help make the acquisition easy for residents of Opelika, AL.

Things To Consider When Applying For Classic Car Insurance

Classic car owners are enthusiastic and passionate about their rides, so they take impeccable care using classic car insurance policies. The following are things to consider when applying for this type of policy for your car.

Car requirements

The car’s condition matters as car depreciation coverage aren’t applicable. Generally, muscle and exotic cars have to be in good condition and driving shape to qualify for this plan. There is also a mileage limit on this insurance; some policies require proof of an alternative vehicle for daily use. Classic cars should appreciate over time to qualify for this plan. If your car is damaged and in poor mechanical condition, or if it’s meant for off-road use, some carriers may refuse to insure you.

Driver’s requirements

Most insurance carriers examine your safety record as a driver to determine whether you are eligible for a classic car insurance plan. Ideally, you need five to ten years of experience and minimum infractions, preferably one or no at-fault accident. If you have had a moving violation over the past three years, you may not qualify, depending on the state-specific laws. When applying for the policy, drivers of classic cars should be at least 25 years of age or have a cosigner.

Insurance providers have different and varying conditions for eligibility. Contact Elliott & Associates Insurance to guide you as you apply for auto insurance for your classic car in Opelika, AL.

Top Things To Consider When Purchasing A Home Insurance Policy

Buying a home is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. There are many things to consider, and getting the right home insurance policy is a big part of it. At Elliott & Associates Insurance serving Opelika, AL, we’ve compiled a useful guide to help you consider what’s important when purchasing insurance for your home.

1. Know As Much As Possible About Your Policy

A home insurance policy can quickly get confusing if you’re trying to understand everything on your own. Our agents are always available to help you understand your policy and answer anything you need further clarification on. It’s a good idea to print a copy of your policy and place it somewhere where you can refer to it if needed.

2. Know When Is A Good Time To Buy Insurance

It’s ideal to consider insurance once you’ve signed a contract to buy a house. Usually, there’s about a 30-day window between the time you buy your house and when you need to have home insurance in place. This time frame gives you a good opportunity to discuss your specific needs with our agents and make informed decisions.

3. Use A Trustworthy Insurance Agency Near Opelika, AL 

Last, but certainly not least, always work with a reputable insurance agency. Our friendly professionals from Elliott & Associates Insurance have a passion for helping our clients get what they need. We understand the importance of protecting yourself and your home.

If you need to get home insurance, we’re the local agency that can help. Give us a call to speak with a friendly member of our team to get a quote or for any questions. 

RV Accident Risks

Getting out on the open road is an exciting adventure. However, with any means of travel, there are some risks you may encounter. RV owners in Opelika, AL need to prepare themselves for their upcoming road trips and ensure they are ready for any accident risk they face. Elliott & Associates Insurance experts understand the risks when operating an RV and can help ensure you have full coverage. 

Uncertain Weather

Unexpected weather can cause a problem when driving an RV. Everything from torrential rains and high winds can make navigating the RV a bit difficult. If driving in uncertain weather becomes difficult, pull over and wait for the storm to pass. 

Rollovers

Due to their high center of gravity, RVs have a higher risk of accidents from rolling over. To prevent rollover accidents, do not overload or unevenly pack your RV. Additionally, to help prevent rollovers, take wider turns at corners and over swing the RV further than you would in a car or truck. 

Blind Spots

RVs have more blind spots than a car, which poses a risk to those traveling in them; before changing lanes or maneuvering, check and double-check all blind spots to reduce the risk of colliding into another vehicle on the road. 

Other Drivers

RVs do not handle like a car or truck does, which makes the poor decisions of other drivers on the road even more dangerous when in an RV. Therefore, be vigilant and use all your defensive driving skills to prevent accidents from inexperienced drivers, overtired drivers, and others who do not have the best driving skills when traveling near an RV. 

RV drivers face many accident risks when on the road traveling. Before heading out from Opelika, AL, get prepared to face these risks and ensure you and your family have safe travels. Call the experts at Elliott & Associates Insurance today to learn more about insurance to protect your RV when facing any of these driving risks. 

Popular Myths About Renters Insurance

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, rented dwellings make up about 36.9 % of all dwelling houses. Despite the increased uptick of rented housing, renters insurance is one of the most forgotten investments by tenants. While the reason for low uptake stems from thinking that renters insurance isn’t a worthwhile investment, another reason could be the popular misconceptions surrounding renters insurance. As a result, Elliott & Associates Insurance of Opelika, AL is here to dispel common myths about this policy.

Myth#1: Renters insurance is expensive

While renters insurance doesn’t come free, its cost is little compared to the losses it cushions you against. Still not convinced? Come to our insurance agent and see how affordable renters insurance can be.

Myth#2: I don’t need renter’s insurance since my landlord has a policy

It’s not uncommon to hear tenants saying that they don’t need renters insurance because they are covered by the landlord’s insurance policy. While your landlord has a policy, it covers the building but not your possessions. For instance, if leaky pipes cause water damage to the house, your landlord’s policy covers the repairs of the interior but not damages to your items such as electronics and furniture.

Myth#3: Renters insurance covers tenant’s assets only

While it’s true renters insurance covers your belongings, that’s not the only coverage it provides. Renters insurance saves the day when you are faced with liability claims from third parties. This policy protects you against bodily injury and property damage costs you cause to other people.

And that’s not all. Renters insurance covers loss of use. Meaning, when a covered risk destroys your rented dwelling, renter’s insurance covers additional living expenses as your house is undergoing repairs.

Get renters insurance today!

As you can see, there is no justifiable reason why any tenant shouldn’t have a renter’s insurance policy. If you are in Opelika, AL and its environs, please contact Elliott & Associates Insurance for an affordable quote.

How can a motorcycle insurance plan protect someone?

Those that are in the Opelika, AL area and are looking for a fun mode of transportation could find that a motorcycle is a great option to consider. A motorcycle can be a great option as they are efficient and fun to drive. Further, the warm weather most of the year here makes them a practical option. Along with your motorcycle, you also need to choose a proper insurance plan. This coverage can protect someone in several ways. 

Give Coverage for Asset

A form of coverage that motorcycle owners will enjoy having is coverage for their assets. If you are going to buy a motorcycle, you will want to know that you can enjoy it for a long time into the future. If you invest in a motorcycle insurance plan with full coverage, you will have the support that is needed to replace or repair it following a variety of negative situations. 

Liability Support

You can also enjoy a motorcycle insurance plan because it will offer liability support. If you want to drive a motorcycle, there is a chance that you will cause an accident. Unfortunately, if this does happen you can be responsible for all damages. If you have the right insurance coverage in place, you can mitigate this risk as you will also have liability protection. 

Picking a motorcycle plan is always an important decision. Those that are in the Opelika, AL area and want to get this insurance coverage will benefit from the support and guidance that is offered by Elliott & Associates Insurance. There will always be a benefit to having this coverage and Elliott & Associates Insurance can make the process of choosing a plan easier for you. They can help by answering all of your questions and giving the guidance you need to choose a plan. 

Three things you might not already know about flood insurance

Having adequate flood insurance is really important for those who own homes in Opelika, AL. We can help you meet your flood insurance needs at Elliott & Associates Insurance. 

The following are three things you might not already know about flood insurance.

Flood coverage isn’t usually included in a home insurance policy. 

Perhaps the most important thing to know is that a standard home insurance policy won’t provide coverage for flood damage. That’s why it’s very important for many homeowners to invest in flood insurance coverage.

Read the fine print of your home insurance policy. Most likely, you’ll find that coverage for flood damage is excluded. 

You may be required to purchase flood insurance according to mortgage terms.

A lot of mortgage providers require that their borrowers invest in flood insurance coverage for the properties they buy with their mortgage loans. Mortgage lenders do this in oder to protect the investment they’ve made in the properties that their borrowers buy.

You don’t want to neglect to purchase key insurance coverage required by your mortgage lender. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you’re familiar with the insurance coverage requirements of your mortgage lender. 

You could qualify for subsidized flood insurance. 

The government subsidizes flood insurance for homeowners whose properties are located in areas that are considered to be especially high risk for flooding. It’s important to look into government-subsidized flood insurance options when you’re on the market for the right flood insurance policy. 

You can learn more about flood insurance in Opelika, AL by getting in touch with us today. Contact us at Elliott & Associates Insurance to find the answers you’re looking for to your flood insurance questions. 

Do I Need Short Term Rentals Insurance?

Short term rentals insurance is designed to cover your home in the event a short term renter causes damage to it. At Elliott & Associates Insurance in Opelika, AL, we understand how important the right coverage is. We take pride in getting our policyholders the right coverage for their needs.

Does Home Insurance Cover Short Term Rentals?

Generally speaking, your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover short term rentals. Short term rentals are considered a commercial venture, and that’s not what homeowners insurance is designed to cover. Many policies will cover "occasional" short term rentals, but you will need to call the company and discuss the meaning of "occasional" with them. Some companies also require notice before you rent your home to provide coverage. 

Can I Get Short Term Rentals Insurance?

You can likely get short term rentals insurance if you are following all the laws and regulations regarding short term rentals. If your area doesn’t allow short term rentals, no insurance policy is obligated to cover you. If there are licensing requirements or limits on how often you can rent, you will need to be in compliance with these as well. 

Do I Really Need a Separate Policy?

Some homeowners or renter’s policies may offer a rider to provide short term rentals coverage. However, if you plan on frequently providing short term rentals, you may want a policy designed specifically for them. Be sure to check coverage limits, exclusions, and limitations before you choose a policy. 

Providing short term rentals can be lucrative, but uncovered damages could quickly add up to more than your profits. It’s important to be sure that you are properly insured before offering short term rentals in Opelika, AL. Contact Elliott & Associates Insurance today, and we will help you determine the best policy for your needs.